Hermanus’s tidal pool restaurant is even better at night

Twinkling fairy lights, ocean views and cocktails at sunset

Last updated: Tuesday, 17 February 2026

You might know Hermanus's historic tidal pool restaurant, Ficks, for its long, sunny lunches spent grazing on tapas with the waves crashing below. What most don’t know is that as the sun sets and the air cools, Ficks is just as beautiful. Wine by the glass starts at R55 and the view is priceless.

The tidal pool is a popular swimming spot too. Image: Ficks Restaurant 

DINNER BY A TIDAL POOL

When visitors from far and wide flock to Hermanus, Ficks is on their bucket list (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, and without bookings, the later hours make it easier to snag a table.

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 popular dishes are the beef fillet on ciabatta with shallot jam, and lamb rack cutlets with kumquat chutney.

And of course, the seafood, like salmon ceviche, crispy prawns, and calamari with romesco sauce, is 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 a variety of ranges from brands such as Diemersdal, Spier, and 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.

Bubbly is even better sipped by the sea. Image: Ficks Restaurant

VISIT FICKS IN HERMANUS

Ficks is open:

December to April: Daily, 11am to 9pm

May to November: Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 6pm. Friday to Saturday, 11am to 7pm

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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