Recent social media posts
02/06/2026
A thoughtfully set table is where every MERTIA experience begins.
Before the first course is served, before the first glass is poured — there’s a quiet rhythm to preparing the room for the evening ahead.
29/05/2026
Behind every service, every course, and every carefully poured glass is a team that pours their heart into what we do.
Today, we are incredibly proud to share that MERTIA has been recognised in the 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards for:
— Best Fine Dining Experience in Africa
— Best Head Chef in Africa
— Best Food & Wine Pairing Experience in Africa
What makes this recognition so special is the people behind it — the team who arrive every day with passion, care, and an unwavering commitment to creating meaningful experiences around our table.
To our guests, our team, our friends, and everyone who continues to support this journey with us — thank you. We are deeply grateful.
Discover more through our Haute Grandeur profile via the link in our bio.
25/05/2026
An evening where MERTIA’s menu and Thelema’s wines come together in the heart of the vineyards.
Join MERTIA × Thelema Mountain Vineyards for an intimate roaming dining experience across the estate — a journey of exceptional wines, refined flavours and breathtaking vineyard views, ending with a seated finale in Thelema’s dining room.
The evening begins with four roaming snack stations set across the estate, each paired with beautifully selected wines and standout vintages along the way. From MERTIA’s signature Hens Egg to delicate tuna ci**rs and other refined bites, every stop offers a new flavour and experience.
Guests are then welcomed into the main dining room for the final two courses of the evening.
MAIN COURSE
Springbok, burnt sage, Bordelaise sauce
paired with Thelema Cabernet Sauvignon 2016
DESSERT
Chocolate, pistachio, malt
paired with Thelema Gargantua NV
Hosted at Thelema Mountain Vineyards
21 • 22 • 23 July
R1500 per person
Book now:
https://book.withnovel.com/mertia-thelema
21/05/2026
As autumn draws to a close, so does this season’s menu.
Our winter menu arrives in June — book your table before the season changes.
19/05/2026
An experience shaped by season, story, and the moments in between
14/05/2026
Meet Lukanyo! Calm, attentive, and endlessly dependable, she brings a quiet confidence to every service and never misses a beat. With a sharp eye for detail and a willingness to step in wherever needed, she helps create the seamless experience our guests know and love.
Her steady presence makes her an invaluable part of the MERTIA family.
05/05/2026
Bread Course
Klapmuts Wheat. Milled in-house.
Ours, from start to finish.
28/04/2026
A delicate tartlet layered with celeriac chutney, tender chicken, chutney emulsion, crisp chicken skin, silky celeriac purée and shiitake hoisin — served alongside the main dish as a thoughtful accompaniment, where every element has its place.
22/04/2026
Saffron & Smoke
Istanbul | 14–21 June 2026
An immersive MERTIA journey through one of the world’s most layered cities.
Enquire to join:
[email protected]
21/04/2026
From the MERTIA snack box- Duck King Cone
A quiet start, setting the tone for the journey ahead.
14/04/2026
Meet Joe!
If you’ve dined with us, you’ve likely felt his presence — calm, considered, and effortlessly confident. Joe has a beautiful way with wine; not just in his knowledge, but in how he reads a table, listens closely, and guides each guest with quiet intention.
He doesn’t just pair wines to dishes — he pairs them to people, to moments, to the mood of the evening. It’s thoughtful, intuitive, and always leaves a lasting impression.
Joe brings a sense of ease to the floor that can’t be taught, only felt. His genuine passion and warm nature make him not just a sommelier, but a truly special part of the MERTIA family.
07/04/2026
Saffron & Smoke
14-21 June 2026
Istanbul
A city of contrast.
Spice, depth, and layered flavour.
We’re returning — this time, with you.
To join us, enquire at:
[email protected]
02/04/2026
Kimchi & Crayfish
From the West Coast to the table.
Fire, fermentation, and a final pour.
30/03/2026
A new season in the kitchen.
The first moments of the new menu taking shape.
Our Autumn 4-course and 8-course menus are now live, and available to view on our website.
24/03/2026
Three stars and Service Excellence at the Woolworths Eat Out Restaurant Awards 2026 ⭐⭐⭐
Made possible by this team.
Just two years in — still young, still learning, and working hard every day to refine what we do.
Alongside our Service Excellence Award, received for the second year in a row.
Every plate, every service, every detail — shaped by people who care deeply about the craft.
This recognition belongs to each and every one of you.
Thank you for showing up, every day, with intention.
19/03/2026
A moment from the MERTIA Snack Box.
The first taste of what’s to come
17/03/2026
The work before the plates reach the table.
Precision, patience and a team moving with the same purpose.
Everything worth doing is worth doing well.
12/03/2026
Our linefish is paired with mussel, grape, sauerkraut and dill, creating a dish that’s beautiful from every angle
10/03/2026
New season.
New menu.
Launching at the end of March.
Ingredient-led.
Seasonal.
Ever evolving
Bookings open via Dineplan
02/03/2026
It’s been a week since we were named Restaurant of the Year at the 2026 Luxe Restaurant Awards, along with receiving Three Luxe Stars.
A moment like this can’t pass without recognising the individuals who made it all possible.
The early mornings. The late nights. The relentless standards. This has always been, and will always be, a team effort.
02/03/2026
We are incredibly proud to share that MERTIA is a Star Nominee at the upcoming Eat Out Awards, taking place on 23 March.
To be recognised on a national stage among South Africa’s finest restaurants is an honour beyond words.
Thank you to our extraordinary team whose dedication and precision make this possible, and to our guests who continue to support and celebrate what we do.
We are deeply grateful.
23/02/2026
Restaurant of the Year at the Luxe Restaurant Awards 2026!
From Best New Restaurant (2024), to Two Luxe Stars and the Service Excellence Award (2025), to this!
This award belongs to our entire team. The early mornings, late nights, relentless standards and the quiet dedication behind every service. To Chef Matt and Marais, whose vision continues to shape who we are. And to every guest who has chosen our space to celebrate life’s most meaningful moments.
To be recognised on a platform that celebrates excellence across South Africa is an honour we don’t take lightly.
Thank you to our team, our family, our friends, and every single guest who has walked through our doors. You are part of this story
20/02/2026
The official MERTIA Cabernet Franc, handpicked by our team and guided from vineyard to cellar with the same intent that defines everything we do.
We can’t wait to bring this wine to our tables, sharing the fruits of our labour with you. 🍷
12/02/2026
Thanks to your Valentine, we’re fully booked! A special thank you to everyone who has reserved a table with us this weekend. We can’t wait to welcome you.
10/02/2026
Sit down with us as Marais and Chef Matt unpack MERTIA’s very first wine, a Cab Franc newly barrelled and entering its maturation phase, marking a major milestone before its release to our floor.
Address
20 Bird Street
Stellenbosch
7600
To get to Bird Street in Stellenbosch, you can take the following options:
Public Transport:
1. From Stellenbosch Station: Walk south on Plein Street towards Bird Street. The journey should take around 10 minutes.
2. Bus: Take the local bus route that stops near Bird Street in Stellenbosch.
Driving/Parking:
1. From Cape Town: Take the N2 highway towards Stellenbosch. Take exit 33 for Baden Powell Drive/R310 and continue onto Adam Tas Road. Turn left onto Bird Street.
2. Parking: There are parking facilities available along Bird Street or nearby parking lots for visitors.
Remember to check for any road closures or public transport schedule changes before your journey.
Opening Hours
| Tuesday |
16:00 - 23:00 |
| Wednesday |
12:00 - 14:00 |
|
16:00 - 11:00 |
| Thursday |
12:00 - 14:00 |
|
16:00 - 23:00 |
| Friday |
12:00 - 14:00 |
|
16:00 - 23:00 |
| Saturday |
12:00 - 14:00 |
|
16:00 - 23:00 |
Alerts
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What people say
Mertia, located on Bird Street in Stellenbosch, is a true gem for those seeking refined dining experiences. This restaurant has quickly made a name for itself since its opening, offering a delightful culinary journey that leaves guests coming back for more.
The ambiance at Mertia is elegant and inviting, setting the stage for a memorable dining experience. The attention to detail in both the decor and presentation of dishes reflects the dedication of the team behind this establishment.
One of the standout features of Mertia is their commitment to celebrating special moments with their patrons. Whether it's marking milestones like anniversaries or birthdays, or honoring important events like elections or Father's Day, Mertia goes above and beyond to create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for all who walk through their doors.
The menu at Mertia is a testament to creativity and skill, with each dish crafted to perfection by Chef Matt and his talented team. From innovative flavor combinations to exquisite plating, every bite at Mertia is a delight for the senses.
Overall, Mertia offers not just a meal but an experience that lingers in your memory long after you've left the table. For those looking to indulge in exceptional cuisine in a sophisticated setting, Mertia is a must-visit destination in Stellenbosch.
