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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
(318 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 (318)

4.9 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.8
Service 5.0
Ambience 4.8
  • Magda D. Dined: 4 days 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: 6 days 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: 6 days ago
    3.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 3.0
    Ambience 3.0
  • Paulo D. Dined: 1 week 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!

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

    Reviewed on: Sun 12 Jan 25
    Great effort is made with service and the overall experience is exceptional. One to remember! Thank you to all the staff for making our evening special.

  • Markus S. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Reimer H. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 0.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 12 Jan 25
    A place filled with passion for amazing food, incredibly warm and knowledgeable staff. We had an excellent 7 course lunch and opted for the wine pairing, highly recommended. The elegant interior and spacious layout are maybe a bit more „evening“ but also a refreshing haven on a hot summer day. We will be back!

  • Helene N. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
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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