Ficks, Hermanus’s tidal pool restaurant with a sea view

Just as wonderful at night & during the cooler months

Last updated: Tuesday, 1 April 2025

Hermanus’s tidal pool restaurant is famous for tapas and cocktails on a hot summer’s day. What most don’t know is that Ficks, which looks over crashing waves and sunsets, is just as enchanting at nighttime (and during the cooler months). Wine by the glass starts at R55 and the view is priceless.

Ficks is carved into the cliffs of a historic tidal pool. Image: Ficks Restaurant 

DINNER BY A TIDAL POOL

When visitors from far and wide flock to Hermanus, Ficks is the highlight of their visit (no booking needed, it’s first-come first-served). The wooden decks that hug the cliff contours are the spot for a cocktail or lunch after a dip in the tidal pool. 

Dinners are just as special. You'll be in time for sunset if you visit at 4pm. When the sun slips below the horizon, the fairy lights twinkle against the rocks and all you can hear is the soft crashing of waves. Just remember a warm jacket as the restaurant is completely outdoors.

A sunset dinner at Ficks is like a magical movie scene. Image: Ficks Restaurant

PINCHOS, SEAFOOD BY THE SEA

The menu is a diverse mix of flammkuchen (German “pizza”) and pinchos (small plates from northern Spain). Some of their most popular dishes are the beef fillet on ciabatta with shallot jam, and lamb rack cutlets with kumquat chutney.

And the seafood is not to be missed. The salmon ceviche, crispy prawns, and calamari with romesco sauce are wonderful.

Pinchos are best experienced when you order a few to share. Image: Ficks Restaurant

AFFORDABLE WINES & CRAFT COCKTAILS

Fresh seafood is best paired with wine, and the wine list has some affordable brands from Diemersdal and Spier, as well as more premium bottles like La Motte Brut.

The craft cocktails list is impressive too. Try the cheekily-named ones like Balls To The Walls (Six Dogs gin and blue tonic water) or MILF (gin, lime juice, apple juice and sour mix). Sunset cocktails are meant to be sipped seaside, looking over one of the province’s most historic tidal pools, at Ficks.

Cocktails are meant to be sipped by the sea. Image: Ficks Restaurant

VISIT FICKS IN HERMANUS

Ficks is open: Daily, 11am - 9pm (closed in July)
Find it: 8 Marine Drive, Westcliff, Hermanus
Book: No bookings, first come first serve
Contact on: 028 312 4082, @ficksrestaurant

By Julia Rowley

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EXPLORE THE PROVINCE

Dutch cuisine is first order at the seaside eatery Dutchies. 

Try croissant waffles and sushi at Milk on the Beach.

Our roundup of the best tidal pools in Cape Town.

Plan your weekend with our 7+ Things to Do This Weekend.

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