In a dream riverside location, this restored end of block Art Deco building was formerly a bank and it makes an impressive backdrop for one of the most exciting developments Cork has seen in recent times.
With views up river to St Fin Barre’s Cathedral and down river along Georges Quay it’s a lovely setting at any time, but especially in summer when customers can spill out onto the paved area around the WW1 memorial (effectively a small park) and a large first floor balcony on the river side of the building – and at weekends there may be live music outside, adding to the atmosphere.
The interior is bright and very appealing, with bags of style; there’s lots of rich wood and well designed lighting – and windows on three sides not only bring plenty of light but they create an outward looking mindset which is key to the ambience.
The ground floor is given over to the main bar area and, upstairs, the very attractive first floor restaurant has a big balcony with a retractable cover overlooking the river. But the best thing about Electric is the friendly, buzzy atmosphere – there really is energy in the air here - and the stylish, value-conscious food.
A Cork favourite since it was opened in 2010 by Tastefest Cork founder Ernest Cantillon (and originally in partnership with Denis O’Mullane, owner of the excellent Café Gusto and Liberty Grill see entries), this was a place with a commitment to local, or at least Irish, produce, with most of it coming from the English Market, and with good cooking in the modern bistro style.
Then it was all change in 2022, with Electric’s move to Asian, which came about when the Covid closures allowed time to think more about the future. With the staff trained by London experts, it is now Asian all the way. As well as the main restaurant, the bar downstairs is busy every evening and the food here also has that Asian touch. Even the former Fish Bar upstairs, with its river and cathedral views, is now a cocktail corner named Ohm and serves (mostly) Asian cocktails.
The menus are very different and you may notice some unfamiliar words. Gyoza, for instance, which are deep fried chicken, duck, or vegetable dumplings with a dipping sauce; or Okonomiyaki, a popular Japanese pancake with sake, lime, mayo, spiced bbq sauce and deep fried noodles. Eye-catching and palate pleasing, it can be served with a variety of toppings.
Soba noodles are now a favourite with Irish diners - you might try the (slightly addictive) Hake Soba with Thai basil, chilli, and lemongrass. Or, reflecting the high regard shown to the humble cabbage in Eastern cuisines, another popular dish is Grilled Napa Cabbage wedge with Apple, chili and tamarind dressing and a scattering of walnuts.
Typical desserts might include Lemongrass and Ginger Pudding with orange and cashew crumb and pomegranate, or a Rich Chai Blondie with toffee, Kafir lime crème anglaise, featuring Indian chai tea, made with added spices; Chai Blondies are like brownies without the chocolate and Electric’s square, with toffee and custard, is a more-ish dessert.
Electric is a great spot and, although the clientèle tends to be mostly youngish, it appeals to all ages.
