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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
4.9
(705 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 (705)

4.9 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.8
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.8
  • Bert U. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Tamayo J. Dined: 1 day ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Thu 19 Feb 26
    Mertia Restaurant is an absolute standout. The food was simply incredible — the flavours, the balance, and the sheer creativity behind each dish were on another level. Every plate felt thoughtfully constructed and exciting, yet refined. Chef Matt’s hospitality made the experience even more special. He takes the time to explain each dish in detail, sharing the inspiration and elements behind it, which adds so much depth to the meal. A definite highlight is the way they incorporate caviar across many of the dishes — it elevates the experience beautifully. The Aquatir Caviar is an absolute must-try and truly complements the creativity coming out of the kitchen. An unforgettable dining experience. Highly recommended.

  • Angus M. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 18 Feb 26
    Brilliant experience all round

  • Matthias V. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 17 Feb 26
    It is always an amazing and extraordinary experience

  • Viktor S. Dined: 3 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 17 Feb 26
    We had a very pleasant evening at mertia. The 10-course-dinner has been individually presented by the very knowledgeable members of the team (including charming Chef Matt himself) to give us insights to each meal. We enjoyed every moment of the friendly attention given to us and intend to visit again.

  • Peter O. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Tue 17 Feb 26
    The food was outstanding, we enjoyed the evening very much. Our guest were very much impressed. Ambience only 4 stars because it was a little loud.

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

    Reviewed on: Mon 16 Feb 26
    Ons ervaring by Mertia het soos elke vorige keer alle verwagtinge oortref oortref!

  • Litta L. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 15 Feb 26
    We loved the food and the thoughtfulness behind each ingredient. We especially enjoyed the storytelling - that’s the experience of fine dining!

    MERTIA responded on Mon 16 Feb 26:
    Dear Litta, thank you for your lovely review! We're truly honoured by your kind words and we're absolutely delighted to hear you enjoyed our storytelling and the thoughtfulness behind the menu. We look forward to welcoming you back in the near future for another memorable experience! Kind regards MERTIA Team

  • Hendrik G. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 15 Feb 26 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Mon 16 Feb 26:
    Dear Hendrik, thank you for your review, we look forward to welcoming you back soon! Kind regards MERTIA Team

  • Jarryd E. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 15 Feb 26
    Incredible food, service, and overall experience. The mango dessert was unlike anything I’ve ever tasted — absolutely unforgettable. I can’t wait to come back.

    MERTIA responded on Mon 16 Feb 26:
    Dear Jarryd, thank you for your wonderful review! We're absolutely delighted to hear that you had a unforgettable experience and we will ensure to pass your compliments to our team! We eagerly await the pleasure of welcoming you back in the near future for another memorable experience! Kind regards MERTIA Team

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