The Oak Room Bistro

Norbert Neylon's popular town centre restaurant is now well established in the current premises, just across the road ifrom the original restaurant. A door from the street leads up to a spacious and inviting first floor room which, although long and narrow, is effectively subdivided.

Polished wooden floorboards, bare topped darkwood tables with minimal settings and comfortable cream-seated carver chairs create a smart impression, and a carpeted area has small tables at windows overlooking the street. Agreeably lit and decorated in soft colours, with candles and lanterns adding a further atmospheric touch, the sympathetic decor makes it a pleasant place to dine. 

Norbert's background is in fine dining - he was Baileys Euro-Toques Young Chef of the Year in 1997 and experience at establishments like Dromoland Castle and Thorntons features on his CV - but, although there is still a commitment to seasonal local produce, the emphasis at the moment seems (very sensibly) to be on offering value for money.

This is most notable with the Value 4 Menu, which offers an eclectic range of dishes with all starters at €6, mains at €16 and desserts at €5, or all three courses for €27 including a glass of wine or soft drink.

There may be one or two supplements - sirloin steak, for example, is €4 extra, and there may be daily specials too - but the flat rate across all five or six dishes on each course is pretty fairly applied and, together with the conveniently early opening time, the system seems to work well to encourage people to dine out midweek. Especially commendable, however, is a children’s menu offering ‘real’ food choices such as chicken pasta carbonara, homemade steak burger an homemade chocolate brownies.

This is a pleasant, inviting restaurant and it certainly delivers on value.The food is plentiful and tasty, and knowledgeable staff provide efficient, pleasant and discreet service that is well timed between courses.

A useful place to know about when visiting Cavan Town.