If your favourite weekend activity involves sipping cocktails while enjoying sunset views from the edge of a soaring rooftop bar then we have news for you. This weekend you could be doing just that from the latest venue to hit the Valley, Iris Rooftop, the Mediterranean-inspired restaurant and bar that’s taken over the top level of Hotel X on Brunswick Street.
Officially opening on Wednesday 5 May, Iris is another newbie from the Ghanem Group, who are also behind Bisou Bisou just downstairs, Donna Chang, Boom Boom Izakaya and Blackbird Bar & Grill, among others. With Byblos Bar & Grill also under their belt, you know these guys have the Mediterranean feasting thing downpat, so you can expect even better things from their latest joint.
Just as important as the food though is the vibe, and let us tell you, Iris has Mediterranean vibes in spades. From the canopy of wisteria above the entrance to the dreamy, curtained booths lining one side of the rooftop, this spot will whisk you far away from the Valley streets. There’s plenty of choices for where to sit, including a sophisticated dining room, but you’ll find the best views from the high tables which overlook the Story Bridge—put a cocktail in front of that vista for the ultimate Instagram fodder.
Now you could just come up to the rooftop for cocktails, but then you’d be missing out on the chance to sample the menu. Designed to nibble and share, like any good Mediterranean feast, the line-up of eats includes the likes of smashed pumpkin guacamole with tortilla chips, red claw crayfish tails with guanciale and ajo blanco, BBQ pork rib pinchos with macadamia honey glaze and grilled gem lettuce with spanner crab and avocado mojo verde. Be a little adventurous and order one of everything—you know you want to.
Best leave room for a sweet finish though, because you’ll want to dig a spoon into the decadently creamy tiramisu, delicate baklava topped with ice cream and warm apple tart with a fudgy centre. Who said a rooftop cocktail session shouldn’t include dessert?
As for the drinks, we hear cocktail ‘sodas’ are the hot new trend in the mixology world, and you can sample them first here—think your favourite classic cocktail in soda form, like an Aperol spritz soda. Or you can just get regular cocktails of course—our pick is the pretty-in-pink pina colada, or a jug of rose sangria. If you’re feeling really baller, you can opt for bottle service—bottle of Herradura Reposado Tequila, anyone?
Bookings for Iris Rooftop are open now, and you can find out everything you need to know right here.
Here's where you'll find the rest of Brisbane's best rooftop bars.
Image credit: Nira Creative