John Fraser’s new Aegean-cuisine Iris was on my ever-growing to-try list. I started chatting with the manager when we both realized we had recently met (and exchanged cards!) at the Terrace at the Edition Hotel, another of JF Restaurant’s locations. 

It became more of a drinking lunch as we were outside at this location near Carnegie Hall enjoying one of spring’s perfect days.

I first sampled the Iris Manhattan ($19) made with Makers Mark and served with a mini-spoon containing a Luxardo cherry, my more adventurous dining partner ordered the Son of Aphrodite ($21) that blended saffron-infused Del Maguey Vida Mezcal, passion fruit and yellow chartreuse. I moved on to that refreshing perfectly balanced drink next. Yes, that good and recommended.

With our cocktails, we ordered their Pikilia platter ($18) with teaspoon-sized servings of their spring tzatziki, hummus, roasted eggplant and whipped feta with endive leaves and warm puffy pita. A bit more substantial and recommended is their spiced lamb flatbread flavored with chili and sumac ($16).

I recommend a try!

Iris
Midtown
1740 Broadway (at 55th)
New York, NY 10019
(212) 970-1740
irisrestaurant.nyc
(212) 970-1740