Restaurant Review: Iris Café, Riyadh

Riyadh's gastronomic landscape is evolving, with standout culinary hubs mushrooming across the capital.

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One such locale is Ramla Terraza, which made its debut in Al Sahafah neighbourhood and is now a highlighted feature of the Riyadh Calendar.

Contributing to the city's growing reputation as a hotspot for diverse dining experiences, it is where eateries like Brute, Clap Riyadh, Jones the Grocer, and Iris Café are introducing their unique culinary styles to the Saudi capital.

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Each restaurant in the hub has its own operating hours, but collectively they offer meals from breakfast to dinner – generally open from 12.30pm to 12.30am. This flexibility makes Ramla Terraza a convenient foodie hangout any time of the day.

Iris Café, originating from Beirut, skilfully merges Japanese and South American cuisines with a touch of Mediterranean flair. The modern lounge, which has already established a presence in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha, continues to uphold its brand ethos as a lively and inviting atmosphere.

In Riyadh, you’ll find a slightly more relaxed interpretation of the original concept, thanks to its casual feel. With its unique combination of international charm and local flavours, Iris Café truly stands out in the city’s culinary scene.

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Signature dishes include artisanal flatbreads and mouthwatering tartines, with fresh ingredients as the focus. All items on the menu are prepared with exceptional flavour, tempting you to mentally bookmark what to try on your next visit. We chose the rock shrimp tempura, truffle mini burgers, and chicken tacos from the selection of eclectic starters, adding Date Night and the Iris special as our refreshing salad picks.

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And as expected, our main courses, including the spicy aubergine rigatoni and popular tender slow- cooked lambshank, served with saffron risotto, came brimming with aromas.

The experience ends with desserts that are too divine to turn down – the airy pavlova and indulgent San Sebastian cheesecake are sweet masterpieces in their own right.

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Fashionably designed, this dining spot exudes a vibrant charm with its mix of modern decor and soothing earth tones, brightened by unexpected splashes of colour. This chic yet cosy setting enhances the enjoyment, making every dining experience, from large social gatherings to quiet meals, delightful.

@irisriyadh