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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
4.8
(650 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 (650)

4.8 out of 5.0
Based on the past 12 months
Food 4.9
Value 4.8
Service 4.9
Ambience 4.7
  • Ayabulela M. Dined: 1 week ago
    3.5
    Food 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 3.0

    Reviewed on: Wed 31 Dec 25
    The food was decent but not exceptional. You can definitely appreciate the craftsmanship however we weren’t really impressed by all the dishes that come after the line fish which one can describe as acquired taste. A raw egg, 2 back to back game dishes (duck and ostrich) as well as sorghum in one of the dishes were all quite overwhelming. The location is central Stellenbosch, not very CBD but also not very ambient, the exterior is visually and audibly loud, but that does all shut down when you enter the restaurant which is beautiful inside and well styled. The staff at the restaurant are good and very professional, could be more audible but they do a good job servicing customers. On arrival you will be offered the MERTIA snackbox and a choice of a brut or brut rose sparkling wine. The staff do not mention this but it’s important to note that the wine on arrival is not complementary. This left us blindsided. The venue does allow you to bring your own wine which is great if you have something specific you want to enjoy and they also had a birthday gift ready for my wife which made it really special. Overall the experience cost around R6k and with highs and lows highlighted above I would say it’s lacking in value but still worth an experience if you have the money to spend.

  • Gary J. Dined: 3 days ago
    4.3
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 4.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Henri H. Dined: 5 days ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0
  • Lindsey S. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 28 Dec 25
    Every single dish was spectacular. The only dish I would change would be the white fish. If they had replaced that with more of the tortellini and left out the white fish, it would’ve been my top tasting menu of the trip. Happily will go back!

  • Jonathan S. Dined: 6 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0
  • Alain G. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 28 Dec 25
    Aka ways and forever the best, what a treat and a completely new menu since our last visit! Loved it

  • Daniela D. Dined: 5 days ago
    5
    Food 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 5.0

    Reviewed on: Sun 28 Dec 25
    It's a shame we had to pay the deposit from our friends, even though they couldn't be there due to illness.

  • Kees V. Dined: 1 week ago
    4.5
    Food 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Service 5.0
    Ambience 4.0

    Reviewed on: Fri 26 Dec 25
    Nice and very good. The first start was a little bit to much bread. But overal it was top. We enjoy en liked it very much. Thanks. After vacation we are give you a good review on TripAdvisor 👍

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