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MERTIA

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
4.8
(540 reviews)
RRR
Favourite

Attributes

  • Romantic
  • Wheelchair Friendly
  • WiFi
  • Gourmet Guide Plated
  • Reviewers' Choice 2024 - Newcomer

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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 CLOSED
  • Tuesday 17h30 - 22h00
  • Wednesday 17h30 - 22h00
  • Thursday 17h30 - 22h00
  • Friday 12h00 - 22h00
  • Saturday 12h00 - 22h00
  • Sunday CLOSED

Reviews (540)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.8
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.7
  • Wolfgang J. Dined: 1 day ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 17 Sep 25
    I recently dined at this restaurant and was genuinely impressed by many aspects of the experience. The service was excellent — attentive and professional — and the food was outstanding, both in flavor and presentation. It's clear the kitchen takes great pride in what they serve. However, the wine pairing was a major letdown. Despite being quite expensive, the portions were more like tastings or sips rather than proper pairings to complement the dishes. It felt underwhelming and didn't live up to the standard set by the rest of the meal. Overall, it's a fantastic place for great food and service, but I’d recommend skipping the wine pairing unless they make some improvements.

  • Walk-in Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Johan K. Dined: 1 day ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Juergen D. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 14 Sep 25 (Guest left no comment)

    MERTIA responded on Tue 16 Sep 25:
    Thank you for your review, we look forward to welcoming you back soon! Kind regards MERTIA Team

    Edited the review on: Tue 16 Sep 25
    First time at Mertia but certainly not the last time! Delicious food, super friendly service all in a stylish elegant environment.

  • Noluthando M. Dined: 6 days ago
    4
    Food 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Maurette W. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 14 Sep 25
    Again I were totally stunned by the menu, the presentation, the ambience and the absolute enjoyment of the flavours presented to me and my friend. She said that this was fine dining (lunch) at the next level. She never experienced such quality. Totally out of this world. Thank you, Marais, Matt and your wonderful team. See you again.

  • Cherry J. Dined: 4 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 14 Sep 25
    We couldn’t fault this place, the excellent service, the incredible and quite frankly exhilarating food , the presentation, the attention to detail, the flavours, the interesting combinations…it was above our expectations and deserves every 5 star review it gets and more. And as an Australian, the price was mind bogglingly reasonable. I can’t recommend Mertia highly enough .

  • Tania T. Dined: 6 days ago
    4.8
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 12 Sep 25
    The food was out of this world!! The owner adds a very special touch to the whole experience. Definitely one of our top rated experiences!!

  • Alex C. Dined: 1 week ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Cheri G. Dined: 2 weeks ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 10 Sep 25
    The service was slick and friendly. Flavours were amazing ....next level food. We had the four course tasting menu and added the signature egg dish. A must for any foodie specialist. Our son did the food and wine pairing and we shared a bottle of white wine. All wines were great but if you are not into sweet or red wines just order a bottle of your choice. Great special occasion restaurant. Thanks for a super evening Chef Matt and team

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