If Ficks isn’t on your bucket list yet, here’s why it should be

Tucked into the cliffs of a tidal pool, this is THE Hermanus go-to

Last updated: 3 March 2025

Carved into the cliffs of a historic tidal pool is the place to go when you visit Hermanus. Glamorous women pose for their best picture of the year; kids splash in the cool tidal pool, while parents watch them with ease. A lazy day (or dinner) at Ficks is like a magical movie scene; something that you have to do at least once in your lifetime.

Ficks is set above a tidal pool that is safe for kids. Image: Ficks Restaurant 

LAZY DAY BY A TIDAL POOL

Ficks is a two-minute drive from the Hermanus Waterfront, its entrance only slightly visible from the road. There’s a broad stone staircase that leads down to a tidal pool with wooden decks that hug the cliff contours (there’s also a smooth ramp that runs from the carpark to the decks for those in wheelchairs).

The tidal pool was built in the 1920s, and 100 years later it’s one of the most-visited locations in the Overberg. It’s become an idyllic spot for a hot summer’s day: Sunbathing on the rocks with a drink in hand, sea salt still on the lips; kids swimming while parents lounge and chat over a bottle of wine and pinchos.

Fick’s Pool has been a popular spot among the youth of Hermanus since the twentieth century. Image: Ficks Restaurant

WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW IS…

While the idyllic setting in the cliffs is beautiful by day, it’s just as enchanting at night. As the sun slips below the horizon the fairy lights light up the rocks and all you can hear is the soft crashing of waves.

It’s magical on a balmy summer night with a glass of rosé in hand. The wine list is a mix of affordable brands that you can order by the glass, like Diemersdal and Spier sauvignon blanc, and more special bottles like La Motte Brut (delightful with oysters).

Ficks even hosts wine tastings from December to April. For more information on their next tasting, go to Ficks’ Instagram page.

Ficks is just as enchanting at night. Image: Ficks Restaurant

PINCHOS BY THE SEA

There’s just something special about seafood served at a restaurant open to the sky, where the air conditioning is a fresh sea breeze.

Ficks’s food is social, tapas-style dining designed for sharing. It takes inspiration from pinchos, the small-sized dishes typically served on a skewer that originated in the Basque region of northern Spain.

The crispy prawns, flash-fried calamari with romesco sauce and salmon ceviche are delightful.

Other favourites are the still-pink beef fillet served on ciabatta with shallot jam; lamb rack cutlets with kumquat chutney; and patatas bravas with homemade tomato sauce and aioli.

Pinchos are often served on bread, but there are plenty of gluten-free options. Image: Ficks Restaurant

PAELLA FLAMMKUCHEN, ANYONE?

Another dish great for sharing is the flammkuchen. Traditionally a German dish, it’s a light crispy flatbread with toppings. The el clasico is topped with creme fraiche, onion and bacon.

The secret gem on the menu is the la paella. A blend of Spanish flavours with toppings like chorizo sausage, mozzarella, baby marrow, tomato and onion, which pairs perfectly with a bottle of chardonnay or rosé.

Flammkuchen is light and easy to share. Image: Ficks Restaurant

COCKTAILS & BOOZY SHAKES

The fresh and light menu extends to the drinks. Ficks has cheeky cocktails named by the bartenders. Try a Balls To The Walls (Six Dogs gin and blue tonic water) or MILF (gin, lime juice, apple juice and sour mix).

A must-try is the boozy milkshakes. It’s like ice cream at the beach but for adults. The Save the Rhino has vanilla and coffee liqueur, and the Marshmallow Dream is a whimsical pink drink made with marshmallow cream liqueur.

Reminisce about summer days spent at the beach with a glass of wine. Image: Ficks Restaurant

IDEAL FOR WHALE WATCHING

Ficks is also a natural amphitheatre for the most dramatic marine performances. You could spot humpbacks or southern rights pass by from the deck during whale-watching season (August to November).

There’s also families of dassies hopping through the fynbos and trees, or relaxing on the surrounding rocks.

If Ficks isn’t on your bucket list yet, it should be.

If you’re lucky, you’ll also be able to watch dolphins from your table. Image: Ficks Restaurant

VISIT FICKS IN HERMANUS

Ficks is open: 
December to April: Daily, 11am - 9pm
May to November: Sunday to Thursday, 11am - 6pm. Friday to Saturday, 11am - 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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DISCOVER MORE MAGIC

Try Dutch foods at the seaside eatery Dutchies.

Or have waffles and sushi at Milk on the Beach.

Discover some sizzling beachfront cocktail spots.

Here’s 13 of the best tidal pools in Cape Town.

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