Georgina Campbell
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In a prime location overlooking Dungarvan harbour, The Old Bank is an impressive 19th century building that has been restored by the current owners and smartly re-invented as a restaurant and cocktail bar.
It's now a multi-purpose venue for all-year socialising, with stylish outdoor dining on The Terrace in summer, an atmospheric vault where private events can be held and The Bistro restaurant, which offers dining over two floors, with the best harbour views from upstairs tables.
Chef David Larkin’s seasonal menus are designed to showcase produce from the local area (helped along a little in places by their exclusively sourced organic virgin olive oil...) and, especially, the seasonal ingredients supplied by their own sustainably operated farm, At Eile, which is just a few kilometres from the restaurant. Other nearby suppliers that are proudly credited include Comeragh Mountain Farm (lamb and chicken), Newbard Farm (pork), Harty's oysters and Knockalara cheese, among other respected names.
While high standards apply, the style is informal and, whether you're out for a date night or having a get-together of family and friends, the friendly staff will ensure that everyone can relax and enjoy themselves.
Wide ranging menus offer everything from authentic Italian pizza to a classy steak - a juicy Ribeye with Roast Shallot, Confit Portobello Mushroom, Salad, Chips and a choice of sauces, perhaps - or a handsome fish dish such as Monkfish with Leeks, Purple Sprouting Broccoli, Baby Potatoes and White Wine Sauce.
Vegetarians and vegans are well catered for and you don't need to be vegetarian to enjoy imaginative dishes like Organic Beetroot Salad with Roast Hazelnuts & Goats Cheese, or flavour-packed Potato Gnocchi, Celeriac Puree, Crisp Kale and shaved Parmesan.
Eye-catching desserts take the classic route - Dark Chocolate & Guinness Cake, with Warm Chocolate Sauce & Ice Cream (from the local 'Freezin’ Friesian' range) is a sure-fire winner, for example.
Service by a friendly team is knowledgeable and helpful - and you could be glad of some guidance with the extensive wine list, which covers some 22 countries and many varieties. There are some exclusive choices too - check out the Italian wines from Cantine Teanum (Puglia) as The Old Bank has an exclusive supply and you won’t find them elsewhere. A few non alcoholic choices are also offered - including a Vallformosa Cava, made with Macabeo, Xarel-lo and Parellada grapes, as used in regular Cava - and some Irish craft beers and cider too.
The Old Bank is an impressive destination that offers genuinely local food and a range of experiences for different times and occasions - and does them all well. A great place to know about in a lovely harbourside location.
