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MERTIA

French Japanese South African
Location Pointer 20 Bird St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
4.9
(728 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

Technical, flavour-driven and nostalgic.

Named in honour of owner Marais Kirsten-Uys’s late grandmother, MERTIA has become a beloved fixture in Stellenbosch’s culinary scene. Set in a beautifully reimagined former banking hall, the space reflects the restaurant’s ethos: refined yet warm, sophisticated yet unpretentious. Chef Matt van den Berg brings precision, depth, and a touch of nostalgia, while Marais’ front-of-house finesse—honed in Michelin-starred restaurants—ensures an occasion that is both seamless and soul-stirring.

In early 2024, the pair set out to create a dining experience where elevated food feels relaxed, not rigid. “It’s accessible, interesting, and satisfying—something most South Africans will enjoy—and it won’t leave you hungry,” says Matt. That mission has clearly resonated with both locals and travellers, who return for the technical finesse and comforting familiarity woven into each dish.

Opening Hours

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

Reviews (728)

4.9 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.8
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.8
  • Carina G. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 09 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Thu 11 Jun 26:
    Dear Carina, thank you for your fantastic review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your time at Mertia. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon! Warmest regards, the MERTIA Team.

  • Mr Spiere Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 06 Jun 26
    We have been very fortunate to experience this art and orchestral performance by the ENTIRE team. My Wife has been there 4 times, and myself 3 times… the Novelty DOES NOT wear off. It feels like the menu keeps getting better and evolving, but maybe that is because every-time it has been absolutely perfect for the season? GO. DO IT. It is an experience of note.

    MERTIA responded on Mon 08 Jun 26:
    Dear Vayden, thank you so much for taking the time to leave this amazing review! We're delighted to hear that you have once again enjoyed your time with us so much. Your kind words truly mean the world to us, and we'll be sure to pass them on to the rest of the team. We look forward to welcoming you back again soon for your fourth visit and your wife for her fifth. Warmest regards, the MERTIA Team.

  • Brenda L. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 04 Jun 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Mon 08 Jun 26:
    Dear Brenda, thank you for your fantastic review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your time with us again. It was a delight to host you for another memorable experience, and we look forward to welcoming you back again soon! Warmest regards, the MERTIA Team.

  • Peter B. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 03 Jun 26
    A magical evening from start to finish. Attentive service, exceptional food and a story of love of the land and people of Stellenbosch Wonderful experience Thank you

    MERTIA responded on Mon 08 Jun 26:
    Dear Peter, thank you for your amazing review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience with us so much. Your kind words regarding our food, service, and story mean the world to us. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards, the MERTIA Team.

  • Harald M. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    4.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 02 Jun 26
    Food:Too much bread at the beginning Value:The two main courses could be a little more substantial. Ambiente:The table decoration could be better; it's very cold. Small lamps on the table would create a better atmosphere. Nevertheless, I booked twice again because the food is excellent.

    MERTIA responded on Mon 08 Jun 26:
    Dear Harald, thank you for taking the time to review your experience with us. We thrive off feedback and, as such, we value the thoughts you have provided us with very highly. We are delighted to hear that you will be joining us again later in the year, and we look forward to welcoming you back then for another memorable experience! Warmest regards, MERTIA Team

  • Brend S. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 31 May 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Thu 04 Jun 26:
    Dear Brend, thank you for your fantastic review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience and have passed your compliments to our team. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards MERTIA Team

  • Francois B. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 30 May 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Thu 04 Jun 26:
    Dear Francois, thank you for your fantastic review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience and have passed your compliments to our team. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards MERTIA Team

  • Aubrey N. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 27 May 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Thu 04 Jun 26:
    Dear Aubrey, thank you for your fantastic review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards MERTIA Team

  • Marisa T. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 25 May 26
    What a phenomenal experience! From the moment you enter, you are pampered and treated. The food ja exceptional and every single person working there is passionate about the food and the service.

    MERTIA responded on Thu 04 Jun 26:
    Dear Marisa, thank you for your fantastic review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience and have passed your compliments on to our team. Thank you for taking note of our team's passion for food and service. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards MERTIA Team

  • Catrin L. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 19 May 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Wed 20 May 26:
    Dear Catrin, thank you for your fantastic review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards MERTIA Team

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