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MERTIA

Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Newcomer
Fine Dining French Japanese South African Vegan Friendly Vegetarian Friendly
20 Bird St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
(322 reviews)
RRR

Attributes

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

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 six-course menu, which evolves seasonally.

As you sip on a glass of bubbles, you’ll be offered sourdough bread with Stanford cheese butter and a delectable strawberry and black garlic jam. The hen’s egg with potato, truffle, and Parmesan is accompanied by a baby burger, an indication that Matt enjoys cooking what he and the locals want to eat, but with a ‘special occasion’ twist. The emphasis is on local and sustainable ingredients.

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.

Reviews (322)

4.9 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.8
Service 5.0
Ambience 4.8
  • Michael R. Dined: 2 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Gerhard T. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 23 Jan 25
    Top Restaurant

  • Hermann O. Dined: 4 days ago
    3
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 2.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 22 Jan 25
    Food was excellent the noice in the Restaurant is not very nice

  • Yacine B. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 22 Jan 25
    Review for Mertia: An Unforgettable Fine Dining Experience It is incredibly difficult to put into words the experience I had at Mertia – it truly must be experienced to be fully appreciated. From the moment you are warmly and graciously greeted at the entrance, every detail feels meticulously crafted. You’re escorted to the bar, where a relaxing welcome drink and delightful amuse-bouches set the tone for what’s to come. Once seated at your table, the official 7-course tasting menu begins, showcasing the remarkable talent of the kitchen and the chef’s vision. A perfect balance of modern and classic European cuisine infused with Indian and Oriental spice notes demonstrates the chef’s intent to interpret South Africa’s diverse culinary landscape on the plate. Each course at Mertia evoked emotions, surprising and delighting my palate, without overshadowing the previous one. The progression of the menu was incredibly well thought-out, with every dish perfectly placed, building momentum until the centerpiece courses truly stood out. The pairing of the zucchini dish and the egg course was particularly memorable and demonstrated the creativity and mastery of the kitchen. This culinary artistry was further elevated by one of the finest wine pairings I’ve ever experienced globally. Rather than showcasing well-known wines often found in Stellenbosch restaurants, the sommelier curated selections from smaller, lesser-known vineyards, crafting a thoughtful and cohesive pairing that complemented each dish to perfection. My visit to Mertia was a true highlight, surpassing many other fine dining establishments in Stellenbosch and the surrounding area. While it may deviate slightly from the pure French or classical cuisine that Michelin typically emphasizes for three-star recognition, I would confidently award this restaurant at least two stars and an additional sustainability star for its innovative approach and dedication to showcasing local producers. A heartfelt thank you to the entire team at Mertia for creating such an extraordinary evening. This was a dining experience I will never forget.

  • Magda D. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 19 Jan 25
    Mertia is way up there as far as fine dining establishments are concerned. Eack dish is a masterpiece, beautiful and delicious. This was our second visit and we will certainly return...and rave about it in the mean time! Congratulations and thank you!

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

    Reviewed on: Fri 17 Jan 25
    extraordinary food with very professional and warm service. Best restaurant we did in South Africa.

  • Jessica H. Dined: 1 week ago
    3.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 3.0
  • Paulo D. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 13 Jan 25
    Wow!!.....Don't take my word for it, TRY IT, before the secret is out!. Exceptional food and flavour profiles, incredible levels of service in a private and "cool" yet sophisticated setting. This isn't a tick box in the myriad of "fine-dining" experiences in Cape Town - its a possible regular go to! Well done Team!

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Opening Hours

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