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MERTIA

Reviewers' Choice 2025 - Top 50 Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Newcomer
French Japanese South African
Location Pointer 20 Bird St, Stellenbosch Central, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
4.9
(748 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 (748)

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

    Reviewed on: Sun 19 Jul 26
    MERTIA is a culinary gem! A must-visit for every food lover. Highly enjoyable four-course lunch! We most definitely will be back for the spring menu

  • MARKO S. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 18 Jul 26
    great evening

  • Andrew M. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Jessica Leigh O. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 13 Jul 26
    Absolutely amazing experience from start to finish 🥂

  • Parikshat T. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 10 Jul 26
    Probably the best dining experience ever and across continents! Thanks to Chef Matt and his team!

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

    Reviewed on: Wed 08 Jul 26
    We had a wonderful evening at Mertia with an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. The thoughtfully curated menu showcased creativity and attention to detail, with every dish beautifully presented. The staff were warm, attentive, and enhanced the experience by sharing the stories behind both the food and the wine pairings. I would highly recommend Mertia to anyone looking for a memorable dining experience.

  • Brenda L. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 05 Jul 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Wed 08 Jul 26:
    Dear Brenda Li, thank you for your wonderful review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your time at Mertia again. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards, The MERTIA Team.

  • Leigh T. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 04 Jul 26
    Exceptional, as always! Thank you Matt, Marais and team.

    MERTIA responded on Wed 08 Jul 26:
    Dear Leigh, thank you for your amazing review! We are absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed your experience with us, and we'll be sure to pass on your kind words to Chef Matt, Marais, and the rest of the team. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards, The MERTIA Team.

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