Review
Indian Ocean in Dungarvan is set in a stunning location overlooking the harbour and they have taken full advantage of the view by putting in picture windows the full length of the premises.
The interior of the restaurant has been totally transformed since our last visit, with one addition being a fabulous bronze mirror on the back wall so on entering the room you are immediately drawn to the dramatic views of the harbour reflected from both sides, giving a real sense of space.
They have also installed a new walnut bar and fabulous lavish cream curtains in true Indian style to set off the new red & gold seating. There is also the outdoor dining area, which had been developed over the past couple of years, and I am told that on a summers evening diners queue for one of these tables.
Every time we have visited the restaurant has been full with a mix of groups of friends, families and couples all enjoying the great cuisine and chilled vibe. This is a family run business with a reputation spanning 14 years plus for old fashioned hospitality, friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere.
Dungarvan has become synonymous with great food with some of Waterfords’ top restaurants on the doorstep - including The Tannery, 360 Cookhouse and excellent Italian food in An Seanachai out the road.
While browsing the menus we were presented with a plate of poppadoms and a choice of dips including onion chutney, chilli sauce, mint sauce and my favourite mango pickle plus a large jug of iced water with mint. Having a full licence we opted for a gin & slimline tonic for myself and Fred had a pint of Heineken.
The wine list is extensive with a lot of old favourites, and we went with Libby’s recommendation of a glass of the house Urmeneta Chilean Sauvignon Blanc for myself and Fred had a glass of the house Urmeneta Cabernet, refreshing choice which I thought would complement the strong flavours from the food.
I started with the chicken chaat, a delicious serving of pulled chicken coated in a rich mango sauce and presented on a bed of shredded iceberg lettuce. It was a lovely combination.
Keisha went with a prawns on puri which is prawns cooked in a mild vegetable sauce and served on puri bread, really light in spite of the bread. Fred went with the tandoori mixed meat platter, which was a meal in itself, but we all dipped in and thoroughly enjoyed it.
For mains I went with tandoori king prawns, a generous serving of succulent prawns cooked in the clay oven and served with a special makhani sauce. Keisha had the chicken tikka masala, her favourite while Fred opted for the tandoori mixed grill which he loved but had to give in defeated. The mains were served with a boiled rice and pilau rice and I had my favourite Peshwari naan, it is simply delicious, topped with sultana and almond it has a lovely sweet flavour that complements the heat and flavour of the spices.
Indian Ocean prepare fresh food using authentic Indian and local produce, the views are stunning and the service is excellent. We highly recommend you visit next time you are in the Sunny South East, you won't be disappointed. Just tell them Catherine from Taste of Ireland sent you!