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MERTIA

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
4.8
(476 reviews)
RRR
Favourite

Attributes

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

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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 CLOSED
  • Tuesday 17h00 - 23h00
  • Wednesday 12h00 - 23h00
  • Thursday 12h00 - 23h00
  • Friday 12h00 - 23h00
  • Saturday 12h00 - 23h00
  • Sunday CLOSED

Reviews (476)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.8
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.7
  • Rudi S. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 14 Jun 25
    My second visit to this exceptional resteraunt and a fantastic experience one again

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

    Reviewed on: Sat 14 Jun 25
    This was wonderful. We celebrated our anniversary with the Autumn 8 plate! Wow wow wow. No it's not cheap, but it was worth every cent!

  • Elsmari V. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 13 Jun 25
    What an amazing experience at MERTIA! The food was absolutely fantastic and truly out of this world. Every moment was five stars! Thank you for having us, we loved every moment of it. Could definitely suggest MERTIA to anyone who appreciates sophisticated food, good wine, friendly staff and the absolute best ambience for a dinner.

  • Sean H. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 06 Jun 25 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Sat 14 Jun 25:
    Thank you for your review, we look forward to welcoming you back soon! Kind regards MERTIA Team

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

    Reviewed on: Thu 05 Jun 25
    MERTIA is in its own class. The personal touch, incredible service and attention to detail with presentation and taste is unmatched. Definitely a top Stellenbosch restaurant!

    MERTIA responded on Sat 14 Jun 25:
    Dear Janina, thank you for your wonderful review and kind words! We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future. Kind regards MERTIA Team

  • Craig B. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 05 Jun 25
    A World-Class Dining Experience at MERTIA From the moment we arrived at MERTIA in the heart of Stellenbosch, we were met with refined elegance and warm, genuine hospitality. Owner Marais Kirsten-Uys brings exceptional professionalism and warmth to the front-of-house, and along with sommelier Jennifer and the attentive team, ensures every guest feels truly cared for. Chef Matt van den Berg’s seasonal tasting menu is a masterclass in flavour and presentation. Drawing on experience from top restaurants like The Test Kitchen and La Colombe, he creates beautifully composed dishes using fresh, local ingredients—many from Marais’s own family farm. Standouts included the Hen’s Egg with truffle and soubise, and the Grass-Fed Beef Fillet with Jerusalem artichoke and MotherBud mushroom. The wine pairing, expertly curated by Jennifer, elevates the experience even further, showcasing the diversity and richness of the Cape Winelands with perfectly matched selections. MERTIA is more than a meal—it’s a celebration of culinary excellence, thoughtful service, and the vibrant spirit of Stellenbosch. A truly unforgettable experience we can’t wait to repeat. Unreal!

    MERTIA responded on Sat 14 Jun 25:
    Dear Craig Thank you for your incredibly generous words and for sharing such a beautifully written reflection of your time with us at MERTIA. It brings us great joy to know that every element of your experience made such a lasting impression. We’re honoured to be part of your culinary memories and can’t wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable evening in Stellenbosch. Kind regards MERTIA Team

  • Fred W. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 01 Jun 25
    We had a wonderful time at Mertia.The food and Wine pairing was sublime.Jennifer the Sommelier,Chanel who looked after us,Jasmin amd Ismail,the chefs on duty were all excellent at explaining the dishes and made the whole experience top notch!We will be back for the Winter menu for sure.An exceptional dining experience!!

    MERTIA responded on Sat 14 Jun 25:
    Dear Fred, thank you for your wonderful review! We're thrilled to hear that you had such an incredible experience. The MERTIA team appreciate your kind words and your feedback motivates us to keep delivering exceptional dining experiences. We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Kind regards MERTIA Team

  • JM D. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 29 May 25
    Last night, we had the pleasure of indulging in the Eight-Course Food and Wine Experience at Mercia, and from the warm welcome at the door to the final farewell, every moment was exceptional. Each course was a work of art — beautifully plated, expertly paired, and bursting with flavor. It’s rare, but I genuinely can’t pick a favorite dish; every bite brought something unique and unforgettable. A standout moment was the personalized art dish — an unexpected and delightful surprise that added a creative, personal touch to the evening. Service was flawless, and Chef Matt is nothing short of a culinary artist. His creativity and meticulous attention to detail shine in every course, creating an experience that felt both intimate and inspired. It was a culinary journey we’ll remember for a long time.

    MERTIA responded on Sat 14 Jun 25:
    Thank you so much for your heartfelt and thoughtful review. We are truly delighted to hear that your experience at MERTIA was so memorable. The entire team pour their passion into every element of the experience, and your words are a wonderful affirmation of that effort. We’re so pleased to have shared this culinary journey with you, and we look forward to welcoming you back for more unforgettable moments. Warm regards The MERTIA Team

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