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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
4.8
(675 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 (675)

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

    Reviewed on: Sun 18 Jan 26
    Simply top of the top! An incredible menu – unique in both consistency and composition. The crayfish in particular deserves special mention: an absolute highlight. Many thanks as well to the outstanding, attentive service team, especially Ottilia and Joe. For foodies, this restaurant comes highly and wholeheartedly recommended. Will come again!

  • Peter K. Dined: 1 day ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 18 Jan 26
    Once again high level with fair p/v (although mor than 6k R per couple, because wines relatively high priced for SA). 10 courses as only option maybe too much for elder people in the evening (although amuse bouche, bread and petits fours incl within 10‘s). Only some slight faults: sparkling water not cold and no bubbles, mcc at beginning rest of bottle with nearly no bubbies and my glass half portion with no refill from newly opened bottle (although announced by sommelier, would be fair for 200R per glass). In total 9/10 points, my last yr‘s remarks and photos on google maps caught so far nearly 500k clicks, obviously good ad for you. Hope for your success also for future visits.

  • Matt Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 18 Jan 26
    Incredible experience with a truly personal touch and outstanding food that rivals the best of the best. The menu changes periodically, so I’ll be back again and again.

  • PIERRE J. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 16 Jan 26
    Very good, star dish was crayfish Skip wine pairing they have a great wine list (bottles)

    MERTIA responded on Fri 16 Jan 26:
    Dear Pierre, thank you for your lovely review and kind words! We also appreciate your mention of our wine list as we take great pride in curating a selection that offers something special by the bottle. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future for another memorable experience! Kind regards MERTIA Team

  • Fredy B. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 16 Jan 26
    It’s not the cheapest way to have a lovely dinner but it’s amazing and so try it and you will be totally happy 😃

    MERTIA responded on Fri 16 Jan 26:
    Dear Fredy, thank you for your lovely review! Your recommendation means the world to us! We can't wait to welcome you back for another memorable experience! Kind regards MERTIA Team

  • Marianne Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 0.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 15 Jan 26
    we just loved it

    MERTIA responded on Fri 16 Jan 26:
    Dear Marianne, thank you for your lovely review! We're so delighted to hear you loved every moment of your experience at MERTIA and we can't wait to welcome you back for another memorable experience! Kind regards MERTIA Team

  • Mariza P. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 12 Jan 26
    This was an EXCELLENT experience..... the food was exceptional and the wine list extremely well thought out....... Thank you.

    MERTIA responded on Tue 13 Jan 26:
    Dear Mariza, thank you for your lovely review! We are truly honoured by your kind words! We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another amazing experience! Kind regards MERTIA Team

  • Robert M. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 11 Jan 26
    Very good

    MERTIA responded on Tue 13 Jan 26:
    Dear Robert, thank you for your lovely review! We look forward to welcoming you back soon! Kind regards MERTIA Team

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