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MERTIA

Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 50 Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Newcomer
Fine Dining French Japanese South African Vegan Friendly Vegetarian Friendly
Location Pointer 20 Bird St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
4.9
(678 reviews)
RRR
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Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Wheelchair Friendly
  • WiFi
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Newcomer
  • Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 50

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At MERTIA, our values are at the heart and soul of everything we do. We prioritise sustainability, showcase South African heritage through global flavours, build communities and connections, and celebrate culinary craftsmanship - all while continuously evolving. We invite you to join us on this journey.

Gourmet Guide™ Description

It’s in what was once a bank that chef Matt van den Berg and front-of-house master Marais Kirsten-Uys realised their dream. Opening Mertia in their late twenties, they sought to define special moments and evoke memories with food. Stylish and elegant, the restaurant’s upper floor features wooden floors, well-spaced tables, and a private dining room that serves as the blank canvas on which they create their respective arts. The restaurant’s primary nod is to Marais’s grandmother, after whom it is named. The second nod is to the team, individually acknowledged on the back of the menu, which evolves seasonally.

A professional sommelier carefully pairs the wines, and like the rest of the team, exudes the passion that underpins every element of the dining experience.

Opening Hours

  • Monday 17h30 - 22h00
  • Tuesday 17h30 - 22h00
  • Wednesday 17h30 - 22h00
  • Thursday 17h30 - 22h00
  • Friday 12h00 - 22h00
  • Saturday 12h00 - 22h00
  • Sunday CLOSED

Reviews (678)

4.9 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.8
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.8
  • Schalk R. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 23 Mar 26
    We visited Mertia for the second time, and Marias and his team impressed us just as much as they did the first time. Our initial visit was only a few weeks after they opened, and I remember telling my husband that they were definitely going to win awards—we even called their first one months before they received it! We returned this past Saturday, and it’s clear why they’ve earned the prestigious Luxe award. Congratulations to the entire Mertia team—well deserved. As people who love dining out across Cape Town and the Winelands, it makes me incredibly proud to say that our hometown, Stellenbosch, is home to one of the best restaurants in South Africa—if not the world. It was also lovely to see a few new faces on the team. Thank you to everyone for making the evening so memorable. Some highlights: The lobster dish was the first time I truly felt like I was tasting lobster—absolutely amazing. The hen’s egg is still a firm favourite. We loved all the seafood dishes, and the dessert was both delicious and beautifully presented. And a special thank you for the beautiful printed desert box at the end—it made an already exceptional evening even more special. Till we meet again!

  • Bridget W. Dined: 3 days ago
    2.5
    Food 3.0
    Value 2.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 1.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 22 Mar 26
    I found the setting sterile, almost office like. Loved the Sea Bass, Duck Egg. The desserts were sensational. The appetisers were disappointing, bread course average and duck, cold. I love the concept of chef interaction, but not at the expense of lukewarm warm food. I found the flavours and innovation disappointing for the level and hype.

  • Juergen D. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 22 Mar 26
    Wonderful culinary experience in a stylish modern setting.

  • Ruth V. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 22 Mar 26
    This was my second time at Mertia and it didn’t disappoint again! Everything was wonderful - atmosphere, fantastically attentive and knowledgeable staff and intricate food out of this world with SO much attention to detail and drama! The personal and unique touches and story-telling make this a unique experience and a must go to for a special occasion. Thank you again to all the team for a wonderful evening and memorable food.

  • Heidi D. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 22 Mar 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Mon 23 Mar 26:
    Dear Heidi, thank you for your lovely review! We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Kind regards MERTIA Team

  • Patricia K. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 21 Mar 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Mon 23 Mar 26:
    Dear Patricia, thank you for your lovely review! We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Kind regards MERTIA Team

  • Dean Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 21 Mar 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Mon 23 Mar 26:
    Dear Dean, thank you for your lovely review! We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Kind regards MERTIA Team

  • Lyle M. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience N/A

    Reviewed on: Wed 18 Mar 26
    We celebrated a special occasion at Mertia last night, and they really went over and above to make the evening extremely special. The experience was amazing, the food exceptional and the staff was the best. We will be back for sure.

    MERTIA responded on Sat 21 Mar 26:
    Dear Lyle, thank you for your lovely review! We are truly honoured by your kind words and will be sure to pass your compliments to our team. Creating special, memorable evenings for our guests is exactly why we do what we do, and your words are the greatest reward and truly mean the world to us. We are truly delighted to hear you had an amazing experience and chose MERTIA to celebrate your special occasion. We eagerly await the pleasure of welcoming you back soon for another memorable experience! Kind regards MERTIA Team

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