The Iris
Robata Grill
There are many unique attributes of The Iris but one that particularly stands out is the use of the Robata grill while cooking. The use of ‘robatayaki’ is a longstanding Japanese cooking technique in which the food is cooked over hot charcoal on a wide and flat open fireplace.
In the olden times, the Japanese put the charcoal in small pits in their home to heat tea. Eventually the fishermen hailing from Hookiado, a northern Japanese island, found a way to secure the charcoal in stone boxes and used it on their boats to cook the fish they caught. Little did they know that they had created a global cooking phenomenon.
The challenge of this style of cooking lies in the fact that the temperature of the grill cannot be controlled. The temperature goes up to 1000 degrees and chefs must expertly adjust the height of the food and the time that is it cooked over the charcoal to create the perfect cooking conditions. Chef Pierre Balthazar, the executive chef at The Iris, has perfected this fine art and skilfully uses the Robata grill to introduce his modern twist to this traditional cooking technique.
Mostly, meat, seafood and vegetables are cooked on a Robata grill. The food is succulent and soft on the inside with a crisp and smokey exterior. This contrast of textures and unique flavours always delights and dazzles.
Drinks
Another phenomenal aspect of The Iris is the drinks menu. The strong focus on quality over quantity makes guests feel less like they are having a drink and more like they are sipping art.
Our talented bartender, Mr. Fabian Van Roy, created our signature cocktail - the Smokey Barbade. This drink effectively captivates our guests with its robust flavours of fresh ingredients coupled with a smokey taste.
The drinks on the menu perfectly complement the food served. Be sure to ask our staff for recommendations!
Interior Design
The Iris was recently renovated to reinstate and highlight the warm and welcoming ambience. The updated renovations by SCAPA Home have enabled The Iris to achieve the perfect blend of chic minimalism and comfort.
The design also strives to bring the outdoors into the restaurant. The colourful drinks, tropical plants and gorgeous views of Parc d’Egmont can make anyone forget that they are in the centre of a bustling city. The interiors truly offer respite from the hubbub of everyday life.
