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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
(708 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 17h30 - 22h00
  • Saturday 12h00 - 22h00
  • Sunday CLOSED

Reviews (708)

4.9 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 5.0
Value 4.8
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.8
  • Nicky MTC S. Dined: 1 day ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 07 May 26
    Michelin has to come by and give this restaurant at least one star

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

    Reviewed on: Sun 03 May 26
    Mertia is a beautifully styled restaurant with an elegant, understated interior that immediately sets the tone for the evening. The food is warm, refined, and thoughtfully composed, each dish not only visually appealing but also full of surprising and well-balanced flavors. It’s clear that great care goes into every detail, from presentation to taste. We left feeling genuinely happy to have experienced it, a memorable and well-executed dining experience. Thanks so much Annemarijn Schnetz The Netherlands

  • Alex Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 02 May 26
    From the moment you find Mertia's door you can tell that the evening will be a unique experience that will remembered for years to come. Every twist & turn through the drink & dinner pairing surpasses expectations. To place a simple Vetkoek front and centre as the star dish just shows what can be achieved with local & fresh ingredients and creative ingenuity. Every staff member contributed with individual areas of knowledge & expertise. All in all a world class dining experience. Thank you Mertia!

  • Caroline A. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 01 May 26
    Amazing

  • Paul A. Dined: 1 week ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 26 Apr 26
    Amazing experience! Great food and service! Will definitely be back for the menu change..

    MERTIA responded on Wed 29 Apr 26:
    Dear Paul, thank you for your lovely review! Your kind words truly mean the world to us. We are absolutely delighted to hear you had an amazing experience and have passed your compliments to our team. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards MERTIA Team

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

    Reviewed on: Sun 26 Apr 26
    World class dinning experience. Exceptional food and service! Deserving of all their awards and continued success. Well done Marais and Matt.

    MERTIA responded on Wed 29 Apr 26:
    Dear Phil, thank you for your wonderful and generous review! Your words truly mean the world to us and your your recognition of the team is deeply appreciated. We are so grateful for your well wishes and look forward to welcoming you back again soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards MERTIA Team

  • Sune V. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 25 Apr 26
    We celebrated a birthday with a special dinner at Mertia. From beginning to end we were blown away by the food, wine and service. The Mertia team went above and beyond to add personal touches to our evening to make it feel like a celebration. Food is outstanding, creative, delicious - hard to believe Chef Matt is as young as he is and the team executed everything with so much care & detail. Loved to hear the stories behind every dish. Thank you Mertia team! Highly recommend!

    MERTIA responded on Wed 29 Apr 26:
    Dear Sune, thank you for your wonderful review and kind words! Your kind words about the food, wine, and service mean so much to the entire team. It’s especially wonderful to hear that the personal touches and storytelling added to your experience. Thank you very much for your recommendation it truly means the world to us. Thank you for choosing MERTIA to celebrate your special birthday. We look forward to welcoming you back soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards MERTIA Team

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

    Reviewed on: Sat 25 Apr 26
    Incredible food and service - thank you for an unforgettable evening and dinning experience

    MERTIA responded on Wed 29 Apr 26:
    Dear Michael, thank you for your wonderful review and kind words! We're absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed an unforgettable experience and look forward to welcoming you back soon for another memorable experience! Warmest regards MERTIA Team

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