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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
(278 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 (278)

4.9 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 5.0
Value 4.8
Service 5.0
Ambience 4.8
  • Annarette B. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 19 Dec 24
    We had an amazing culinary experience. The staff were friendly and the food was excellent.

  • Albert P. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Johan B. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 14 Dec 24
    Mercia was a very special experience. The food was very creative but with wonderful exceptional taste. The chef is capable to stimulate your tastebuds in wonderful ways. The service was very attentive and friendly without being overpowering

  • Mpho M. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sat 14 Dec 24
    a great experience! Definitely coming back

  • Hans G. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 12 Dec 24
    Keep up the good work. Really 10 out of 10 Excellent service

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

    Reviewed on: Thu 12 Dec 24
    So proud to have young actors on the Stellenbosch scene who are passionate about what they do… and it works! Thank you for a memorable experience

  • Tonia H. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 08 Dec 24
    Thank you Inside Guide for directing us to Mertia! We had a lovely evening with outstanding service and food. Every course was a work of art, not only visually but also tastewise. We were started off with a complimentary glass of bubbly, and then taken through 12 courses. Our glasses were always refilled, new cutlery after every course, napkins folded: everyone was very attentive and friendly. Marais recommended a very good bottle of wine. We ended the evening in the bar with a coffee and a chat with Marais. Diners, you are in for a real treat!! Marais told us about the upcoming new menu and I think it's going to be a real experience. Mertia is soon going to be a frequently mentioned and acclaimed restaurant!

  • Caroline F. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 05 Dec 24
    Nice experience with very attentive staff. The restaurant gets very loud and atmosphere is a bit cold

  • Rob K. Dined: 3 weeks ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 04 Dec 24
    Exceptional food, from an extremely creative Chef and team. The service was outstanding and consistent regardless of who was attending to the table: we had with engagement with front of house, the chef, the owner and servers throughout the meal. The food was extraordinary - the hen’s egg was the stand out! It’s expensive but for this experience it’s worth it!!

  • Gareth Dined: 3 weeks ago
    4.5
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 04 Dec 24
    The service really stood out for us and we had a wonderful evening. Wishing you all the best for your one year mark.

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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