The Haffner family have been at this delightful place for over 25 years, and the complex - which began as a holiday hostel and is now styled ‘country house’ - has been extensively upgraded.
Now, in addition to self-catering accommodation with character and the popular restaurant and wine bar, all of their guest rooms are en-suite. Although not a country house in the conventional sense, it certainly has a great deal to offer, including a lovely garden terrace with a sea view, which is available for fine weather.
The café is open during the day, from breakfast onwards. It serves an interesting à la carte lunch, with a more extensive dinner menu offered in the Restaurant ‘Café Art’, which has a dedicated local following and delights visitors with its great food and atmosphere.
Euro-Toques chef-owner Johannes Haffner uses as much home-grown, organic and local produce as possible - and, refreshingly, alongside popular specialities like loin of Slaney Valley lamb and free range supreme of chicken, his wide-ranging menus include quite a few classics and retro dishes (beef stroganoff made with vodka is a speciality, also scallops flambé). All baked goods and desserts are home-made and very delicious they are too, adding an extra dimension to the experience in both café and restaurant.
A well-chosen wine list includes a range of champagne cocktails and aperitifs, and many treats among the main listing including an unusually good choice of half bottles - and many wines not listed are available by the glass in the Wine Bar.
It is a bit of a climb up from the village to Rolf's, but well worth the effort for the wholesome food, friendliness and relaxed, leafy surroundings away from the busy harbour area. For the same reasons, it would make an excellent base for a family holiday.
Rolfs : Accommodation: Rooms 14 (all en-suite, all shower only, all no smoking); B&B €40-50 pps; ss €10-20; children welcome (cot available free of charge). Free broadband wifi. Pets permitted by arrangement (stay in bedroom, no charge); garden; walking. Restaurant: Seats 60 (also outdoor 40). B 8.30-11, L 12-2.30, D 6-9.30 (to 9 off-season). A la carte. House wine from €20. Toilets wheelchair accessible. Open all week. Reservations advised. Closed 24-26 Dec. MasterCard, Visa, Laser. * Self catering holiday cottages also available.
