MERTIA — Restaurant in Stellenbosch Local Municipality

Nestled in the heart of Stellenbosch, MERTIA stands as a beacon of culinary excellence, redefining the gourmet dining experience in South Africa. With its recent opening, this sophisticated eatery has swiftly captured the hearts of epicureans and wine aficionados alike, offering a dining adventure that is nothing short of a sensory spectacle.

Upon entering MERTIA, guests are greeted by an ambiance that seamlessly blends modern elegance with warm hospitality. The carefully designed interior, adorned with Marco Olivier's signature sculptures, sets the stage for an unforgettable dining experience. The atmosphere is inviting yet refined, creating the perfect backdrop for the culinary journey ahead.

The star of MERTIA is undoubtedly Chef Matt, a rising star in the culinary world recognized by the prestigious Luxe Awards. Chef Matt’s creations are a testament to his extraordinary talent and passion for innovative cuisine. Each dish is a masterpiece, meticulously crafted to delight the palate and enchant the senses.

The tasting menu at MERTIA is an experiential gourmet spectacle, where every course is a harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and presentations. The journey begins with an amuse-bouche that sets the tone for the evening—an exquisite bite that tantalizes the taste buds and hints at the culinary marvels to come.

From the delicate seafood starters to the robust and hearty mains, each dish showcases Chef Matt’s skillful use of local ingredients, bringing out the true essence of South African cuisine. The presentation is nothing short of artful, with plates that are visually stunning and thoughtfully composed. The attention to detail is evident in every element, from the vibrant colors to the intricate garnishes.

Complementing Chef Matt’s creations is MERTIA’s carefully curated selection of South African wines. Each wine is chosen to enhance the flavors of the dishes, creating perfect pairings that elevate the dining experience to new heights. The sommelier’s expertise is apparent in the seamless harmony between food and wine, ensuring that every sip and bite are in perfect synchrony.

Highlights from the tasting menu include a succulent Karoo lamb dish, slow-cooked to perfection and served with a rich, velvety jus, and a refreshing dessert featuring seasonal fruits and a delicate honeybush-infused sorbet. Each course is a celebration of South Africa’s rich culinary heritage, reimagined with contemporary flair.

The service at MERTIA is impeccable, with a team that is attentive, knowledgeable, and passionate about delivering an exceptional dining experience. Their dedication to ensuring guests feel welcomed and well-cared-for adds a personal touch that enhances the overall enjoyment of the evening.

MERTIA is more than just a restaurant; it is a destination for those seeking an unparalleled gourmet experience. Chef Matt’s visionary approach to cuisine, combined with the restaurant’s exquisite wines and inviting ambiance, makes MERTIA a must-visit for anyone in Stellenbosch. Whether you are a local or an international traveler, a meal at MERTIA promises to be an unforgettable journey through the flavors and artistry of South African gastronomy.

In a region renowned for its culinary prowess, MERTIA stands out as a shining star, offering a dining experience that is truly extraordinary. It is a celebration of taste, creativity, and the joy of fine dining, leaving every guest with memories to savor long after the last bite. Time to go back again and again and...

It is incredibly difficult to put into words the experience I had at Mertia – it truly must be experienced to be fully appreciated. From the moment you are warmly and graciously greeted at the entrance, every detail feels meticulously crafted. You’re escorted to the bar, where a relaxing welcome drink and delightful amuse-bouches set the tone for what’s to come.

Once seated at your table, the official 7-course tasting menu begins, showcasing the remarkable talent of the kitchen and the chef’s vision. A perfect balance of modern and classic European cuisine infused with Indian and Oriental spice notes demonstrates the chef’s intent to interpret South Africa’s diverse culinary landscape on the plate.

Each course at Mertia evoked emotions, surprising and delighting my palate, without overshadowing the previous one. The progression of the menu was incredibly well thought-out, with every dish perfectly placed, building momentum until the centerpiece courses truly stood out. The pairing of the zucchini dish and the egg course was particularly memorable and demonstrated the creativity and mastery of the kitchen.

This culinary artistry was further elevated by one of the finest wine pairings I’ve ever experienced globally. Rather than showcasing well-known wines often found in Stellenbosch restaurants, the sommelier curated selections from smaller, lesser-known vineyards, crafting a thoughtful and cohesive pairing that complemented each dish to perfection.

My visit to Mertia was a true highlight, surpassing many other fine dining establishments in Stellenbosch and the surrounding area. While it may deviate slightly from the pure French or classical cuisine that Michelin typically emphasizes for three-star recognition, I would confidently award this restaurant at least two stars and an additional sustainability star for its innovative approach and dedication to showcasing local producers.

A heartfelt thank you to the entire team at Mertia for creating such an extraordinary evening. This was a dining experience I will...

What do you get when you’re greeted with comforting smiles leading you upstairs to sit at the bar where a bubbly sommelier pours for you a heck of a tasty MCC, while a warm bartender ready’s herself for the night & a humorous manager brings you an amuse-boche made by a talented chef? Do you know what you get? You get the heart of MERTIA.

I’m a tough critic of food, esp. from fine dining eateries; & I never thought I’d ever come across a dining experience that warrants 5-stars. Apparently I was wrong. You truly have to visit MERTIA to fully understand my summary attempt of the experience I had over there.

Food: Matt & his pastry chef (including the entire cooking staff) invoked a 17 year old memory I had no idea still existed through their use of flavour, texture, balance of ingredients that don’t usually mix with each other but worked perfectly. Matt’s skills aren’t from this world. There was soul in each dish I ate & I could describe every little detail but my review would be too long. Also, they created a cocktail special for me🥺, Jennifer & Chanelle, you guys rock!

Service & atmosphere: from where I was sitting, I had the vantage point of seeing people’s expressions after a bite or how the entire staff worked in sync with each other with such elegance to clear tables, top up water/drink of choice, bring the next course, checking in on how each diner is doing visits from Matt (the chef). I didn’t want to leave! Vania, Marais, Chantelle, you guys ROCK!

Delicious food alone doesn’t guarantee that diners will enjoy their time at a restaurant, service matters & has to match the level of food served for a diner to leave wanting more, or in my case, not wanting to leave. Marais & his entire team have created a safe haven for tastebuds that want fresh, flavourful, experimental, hearty, emotional bites & comfort for diners wanting to wile...