The talented and dynamic duo behind multi-award-winning restaurant MERTIA, restaurateur Marais Kirsten-Uys and chef Matt Van Den Berg, have teamed up to open a new restaurant in the heart of the winelands, Stellenbosch.
Opening its doors earlier this month, TERRA is an all-day eatery that draws inspiration from nature and earth, focusing on providing a casual dining experience with thoughtfully curated dishes.
In an interview with Time Out, Marais summarises the core essence of the restaurant, "TERRA is a place to gather, connect, and enjoy honest food from morning to night."
Shared plates and grounding flavour
With Executive Chef Matt Van Den Berg, co-founder of popular bao spot How Bao Now, shaping TERRA’s culinary vision, and Head Chef Jarryd Morris, whose experience includes Chef’s Warehouse Tintswalo Atlantic and Restaurant Klein Jan, leading the kitchen, diners can expect a refined yet approachable culinary journey.
Providing breakfast, lunch and dinner service, the menu features a variety of cuisines and flavour profiles. Rather than being confined to a signature style or specific cuisine, each dish emphasises considered flavour.
At the core of the restaurant is a space and experience that is 'the perfect refuge for sout-van-die-aarde, lekkermense', which transcends into their menu.
Offering small plates, snacks and shared dishes, the menu emulates its ethos of 'family-style' dining.
The breakfast section includes notable signatures such as the French toast served with hazelnut praline, brûléed banana and sweet lime creme, alongside tuna avo toast with Yuzu guac on sourdough, showcasing the chef's attention to flavour experimentation and creativity.
When asked what three must-try dishes are at TERRA, Marais shared, "It has to be the Prawn toast, Pani Puri and Crayfish Orzo."
The lunch and dinner main menu offers dishes that are hearty and comforting, showcasing rich and umami-forward flavours. Expect dishes such as the charred cabbage, sesame butter, chicken skin with dashi beurre blanc, alongside crayfish orzo, and a bisque reduction served with lemon and chives.
For dessert, there are only two options: dark chocolate, hazelnuts, caramel treat with olive oil and sea salt, along with sticky coconut rice, mango, mint and pineapple.
Located in 'wine country', TERRA's wine list features exceptional vinos such as the award-winning Longridge Merlot, Sutherland Cabernet Sauvignon and more.
Signature cocktails on offer include the Cape Chamomile Martini, a delicate and aromatic drink with floral notes.
Nature imbued
The interiors of the restaurant have been carefully curated to reflect a connection to nature, from textures to tones. Browns and sandy hues, paired with alfresco outdoor seating create a space that is both warm and inviting.
Time Out Insider Info: The restaurant is perfect for the whole family, and even your four-legged furry best friends are welcome.
Need to know details:
- Address: 107 Dorp Street, Stellenbosch.
- Opening times: Monday to Saturday from 7am to 9pm and Sunday from 7am to 2pm.
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