Set in the premises formerly occupied by the legendary Gaby’s seafood restaurant, Chef John O’Leary brought experience from some of Ireland's top kitchens - including Adare Manor, Pichet and the nearby Killarney Park Hotel - when he and his business partners, Veerpal Yadav and Johnny Buckley, opened Harrow here in 2022, so it was always going to be something special.
They've done a lovely job with the premises, which has been stylishly reinvented to become one of the most impressive - and comfortable - contemporary venues in town. And the smartly got up bar is just the spot to enjoy something from their imaginative cocktail menu, which includes plenty of the classics but also some of their own reflecting the name Harrow (which is called after the humble agricultural implement, rather than any grand family or residence), so it's no surprise to find original cocktails like The Plough, The Iron Harrow, The Hoe and The Scythe reflecting this down-to-earth connection.The extensive drinks offering also includes plenty of local as well as international spirits, locally produced beers and a wide-ranging wine offering that has a fair amount of choice by the glass and several natural alcohol-free options. Plenty of bubbles for celebrations too, and a private room upstairs for private parties.
Inviting seasonally-led menus that offer a taste of both home and abroad reflect this too, so you may expect to find everything from traditional Kerry Lamb and familiar Chicken Supreme to the less familiar, such as a speciality starter of Salt & Hay Baked Celeriac and mains of Pork Schnitzel and the rather grandly named Prawn Casarecce Pasta. with Langoustine Bouillon, Jerusalem Artichoke, Lemon & Rosemary Pangrattato...
Premium dishes on the à la carte command high prices, as would be expected - Pan Fried Wild Atlantic Monkfish, for example, or a winter treat of Wild Kerry Venison Wellington, both of which come in at around €35/€36, with a potato dish included and other sides available at individual prices. But there is also a very reasonably priced 3-course set menu, which is not just an early bird but available all evening - and a nice little à la carte for kids, which is priced by course.
The cooking standard is predictably high, with even the most familiar of dishes given some original little twist and everything tasting just as good as it looks. And this is a place where you will be very well looked after too, by staff who are friendly, chatty and very efficient - ensuring that a good time is had by all.
A special destination indeed.
