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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
(440 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 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.

Reviews (440)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.8
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.7
  • Kjell H. Dined: 2 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Volkmar H. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 16 Apr 25
    Thank you for your great service and the excellent food. We look forward to hopefully many more experiences with you.

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

    Reviewed on: Wed 16 Apr 25
    We had an amazing experience at Mertias. We enjoyed everything about our visit. The staff were welcoming and most attentive. The food was impeccable and beautifully presented down the last detail. The ambiance was perfect although I found the background music a bit too loud. We felt so special from the moment we were greeted at the entrance to being accompanied right to our car by the lovely Vania. The great team work is outstanding. Thank you to each and every one for a lovely evening.

  • Michael W. Dined: 1 week ago
    3.3
    Food 4.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 2.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 14 Apr 25
    The setting is very open, so it can be rather noisy and you feel like you are looking at the other guests - the room could use something to break it up a bit. The food, while excellent in the technical components, felt very busy. The main element of some of the dishes are lost in the multiple elements and flavors so they hide instead of highlight. The old fashion cocktail was disappointing. The wine selection was enjoyable! Overall it was a lovely night, but felt like a restaurant still very much finding its feet.

  • Adri v. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Mon 14 Apr 25
    Was the most fantastic experience! Every bite of food was excellent, the staff are friendly, attentive and knowledgeable and the restaurant is not over crowded so the service is quick and efficient. Will hopefully get to visit this fine establishment again in future

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

    Reviewed on: Sun 13 Apr 25
    Eating at MERTIA is a superlative fine dining experience. The food, the wine, the service... everything is absolutely outstanding! And so personable and accessible too. I love that both the trainee chef and chef Matt come to the table to cook part of the meal! The wine pairing is phenomenal. Truly the best fine dining experience you will ever have!

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

    Reviewed on: Sun 13 Apr 25
    We don't have too many opportunities to visit this Gourmet Temple (wish we could come more often), but we are always bowled over by the whole package offered there. The cuisine is on outstanding quality and finesse and would deserve at least a Michelin Star if this would be awarded in South Africa. A nice feature is the 'Baker-Lady' comes to the table explaining how she's "grinding wheat in a little historic coffee mill" and making Sour Dough Bread out of it. And then Maestro himself doing some show cooking with a special and very exquisite prawn dish. These 'little stories' are making the difference and making the whole affair so much more personal. We had an outstanding and memorable evening at 'Mertia' and contemplating to come back soon.

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

    Reviewed on: Sat 12 Apr 25
    Well thanks to Dine Plan we found this absolute gem. Food was exquisite, wine delicious, lots of space between tables, and a service team that obviously loves their jobs as no detail was missed. Fine dining at its best ❤️🇨🇦

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

    Reviewed on: Sat 12 Apr 25
    We had a beautiful evening at Mertia, every course and every member of staff was an absolute delight. A treat for sure. We look forward to returning.

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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