The Old Bank Dungarvan — Restaurant in The Municipal District of Dungarvan — Lismore

The receptionist walked us to about 12 feet from a choice of tables, waved her arm, didn't appear to say anything & we assumed this meant we could sit anywhere.

It was a noticeable contrast when, minutes later, she walked a couple directly to their table, laughted with & chatted to them for 5 minutes.

There was loud boom boom nightclub type music dominating the dining room. We asked if perhaps the volume might be lowered or indeed a genre more age appropriate might be available. Most people seemed to be 40-60. It was turned down.

My friend had ceaser salad starter. He said it was ok. I had ham hock terrine. I found it bland and uninteresting. His main was chicken supreme. It certainly didn't look supreme in any sense. My main was seafood pasta. A child's portion of pasta with a tomato based sauce, 8 mussels, 3 prawns and maybe 10 clams . It was very ordinary & not very filling. We has 2 bland deserts.

The positive was the young man, a leaving cert student who served us with a smile. He was very helpful.

The experience cost €106. We gave a tip of €10 hoping it would go to the young man who did his solitary best to make it a pleasant evening.

We left the restaurant, dissatisfied with the overall experience & certainly not full. It was an expensive occasion. It wasnt as if it was fine dining with small portions. It was modest food with small portions. We wondered if we might go to the chipper but instead went to abbeyside for a 99.

This I copied from the old bank website...

"Each visit promises an experience of understated elegance combined with comfortable styling, ensuring a welcoming environment for families, couples, and friends alike. Join us at The Bistro for a taste of local excellence, where every meal is a moment to cherish."

On this occasion, I don't think you lived up to your lofty expectations. It wasn't, for us, a moment to...

The old Building is lovely renovated and just looks amazing inside and outside. Interior is classic and sleek. On arrival we were greeted warmly and led straight to the table. For a Starter we ordered Harty's Oysters on Ice and rare Tuna in Sesame. The food arrived half hour later, was well presented and tasted absolutely amazing. We chose Spiced Saddle of Venison and Wild Atlantic Halibut for the Main Course. Again , the food was very good and full of flavour. Only the fish was slightly overcooked, the Beetroot was way undercooked and there was something on top of the Venison that was 'inedible' and shouldn't be there. The Dessert however was outstanding. Zabaglione and a Tiramisu that was so creamy and tasty, I could it it all over again. The Staff was very friendly, always helpful but never in your face. But I would recommend your Waiter to not smoke before they enter the Guestroom, the smell is very unpleasent. Overall we had a great evening in the Restaurant, awesome Food and Wine and will definitely come...

Martin was very welcoming at front of house, and it’s always nice to see a familiar face. The setting is lovely, with a local art exhibition all over the various rooms, and we had a nice private corner. Service was attentive and friendly, but the food is overrated. My curry was unpleasantly spicy and could barely eat half of it, and my friend commented on his flavourless starter. The thing that bugged me most was on the bill at the end, two different VAT rates were added to our bill. I’ve never encountered this in any other restaurant in Ireland, so the advertised prices outside are not what you’ll actually pay (usually VAT is built into the cost). The drinks were probably the nicest part of the meal, which we had served in one of the lovely cubby holes in the bar area. I think it’s unwise having a curry on a menu when there is an Indian restaurant down the road who will...