Stellenbosch, South Africa – 2026 – MERTIA is delighted to announce its remarkable success at the prestigious 2026 Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards, having received three distinguished continental accolades:
- Best Fine Dining Experience in Africa
- Best Head Chef in Africa – Chef Matt van den Berg
- Best Food and Wine Pairing Experience in Africa
These awards recognise MERTIA’s dedication to delivering an exceptional luxury dining experience, where refined hospitality, innovative cuisine, and meticulous attention to detail come together in perfect harmony.
Situated in the heart of Stellenbosch, MERTIA has established itself as one of South Africa’s most sought-after culinary destinations. Celebrated for its elegant atmosphere, polished service, and thoughtfully curated tasting menus, the restaurant offers guests an immersive fine dining journey inspired by seasonality, craftsmanship, and a deep respect for premium local ingredients.
At the helm of the kitchen, Chef Matt van den Berg has been honoured with the title of Best Head Chef in Africa, recognising his exceptional leadership, creativity, and commitment to culinary excellence. His contemporary approach to fine dining has played a defining role in shaping the MERTIA experience and elevating the restaurant’s reputation on the African culinary stage.
The award for Best Food and Wine Pairing Experience in Africa further reflects MERTIA’s dedication to delivering a complete gastronomic experience. Each pairing has been carefully designed to complement and elevate every course, creating a seamless dialogue between cuisine and wine.
“We are deeply honoured to receive these recognitions from Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards,” said Marais Kirsten-Uys, Owner of MERTIA. “These awards are a celebration of our entire team’s passion, discipline, and commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud of Chef Matt and every member of the MERTIA team who contributes to creating unforgettable experiences for our guests.”
This latest achievement reinforces MERTIA’s position as a leader in luxury fine dining and highlights its continued commitment to setting new benchmarks in hospitality and culinary excellence across Africa.
About MERTIA
MERTIA is a refined dining restaurant located in Stellenbosch, South Africa. Renowned for its sophisticated dining experience, exceptional service, and contemporary cuisine, MERTIA offers guests an elegant journey through taste, craftsmanship, and hospitality. With a focus on premium ingredients, precision, and expertly curated wine pairings, MERTIA continues to redefine modern fine dining in Africa.
About Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards
In the realm of award initiatives, Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards stands unmatched. Excellence is recognized through guest feedback rather than votes from the
general public or a panel of judges. This fair and transparent process guarantees unbiased results—a concept exclusive to this brand.
The Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards honour establishments that continuously excel through remarkable hospitality experiences. The Awards recognize exceptional contributions by hotels, lodges, villas, resorts, retreats, spas and restaurants worldwide.
Association with Haute Grandeur Global Excellence Awards guarantees global recognition, distinction, credibility, and influence. The awards are revered as the highest accolade in hospitality worldwide—a promise of unparalleled service excellence.
For media enquiries, please contact:
tammy@mertia.co.za | +27 (0)76 644 8448
www.mertia.co.za
Instagram: @mertia_restaurant
