Norbert Neylon's popular town centre restaurant relocated to more spacious new premises just across the road in 2010. A first floor room approached by stairs from the street, it is long and narrow but the space is effectively subdivided, allowing for flexibility of layout.
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 on the Value 4 Menu, which offers an eclectic range of dishes with all starters at €5, mains at €16 and desserts at €4, or all three courses for €25 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. The à la carte offers more choice at understandably higher prices - and includes a range of locally sourced steaks, from €22.95 for a 10oz sirloin rising to a chateaubriand for two at €54 which is likely to be seen as a weekend treat. 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.
The Oak Room Restaurant : Seats 70. D Tue-Sat, 5.30-9.30, Sun 5-9pm. 3 course value D €25 including a glass of wine; also à la carte. House wine from €21. SC discretionary. Reservations recommended; children welcome (children's menu); air conditioning. Closed Mon, 24-26 Dec. Amex, MasterCard, Visa Laser.
