Iris

47a Thistle Street, Edinburgh, EH2 1DY

Telephone 0131 220 2111
Food served Mon–Sun noon–10.30pm
Pre-theatre times Mon–Sun up to 6.30pm
Average price £13.95 (set lunch); £19 (evening meal)
Pre-theatre price £12.95
Email
Website www.irisedinburgh.co.uk

The 2013 edition of The List's Eating & Drinking Guide is out now – only £5.95 (+p&p).

This review is taken from the current (2013) edition.

The central section of Thistle Street does not want for quality restaurants, so competition is fierce, which is to the diner’s benefit as each establishment works hard to impress. For six years Iris has been a draw for good food in stylish but not overly formal city-centre surroundings. Inside, wood panels, mirrors and retro-patterned wallpaper create a cool vibe with staff bustling about calmly no matter how busy they are. An interesting menu puts little twists on bistro classics – think swordfish with hot pineapple salsa or baked salmon with a creamy leek and pink peppercorn sauce. Side dishes are required and cost extra but include enticing options like garlic fries or sweet potato wedges. Desserts don't stray far from the familiar, with sticky toffee pudding being a particularly good example of how Iris does favourite dishes really well. Busy for lunch and dinner throughout the week, there is an extra buzz about the place at weekends, so you might need to book ahead to be part of it.

High point: Casual dining with a great atmosphere
Low point: The menu doesn't seem to change very often

Number of wines sold by the glass: 15
Private dining: Up to 20 covers
Provides: Gluten-free options, Children's portions, Pre-theatre menu
Music on stereo: R&B
Capacity: 64
Largest group: 64
Open since: 2007
House wine: £14.90 per bottle

Comments & ratings

4. ecopressure – 7 Apr 2011, 8:18pm Iris Report: Used our List Card at Iris yesterday for a great pre theatre meal. The decor was modern and tasteful, the inside was much bigger than I had expected.
Our menu was varied, exciting and to be honest we could have happily eaten any of the choices. Service was prompt, friendly but not overbearing.
We will be back at full price! as we felt very welcome.

3. Murmarjan – 8 Mar 2010, 4:22pm Iris Report: We enjoyed our lunch at Iris and found the food to be excellent. It was just a pity that we found the premises rather cold. On speaking to others who have visited Iris it would seem this is a common complaint. Surely the comfort of your diners should be part of the dining out experience!

2. portygal – 29 Sep 2009, 9:42pm Iris Report: I really like Iris - the food is excellent and the staff very friendly and attentive. I've recommended this to friends for both special occasions and business dinners, and they've not been disappointed.

1. McAllister/Kwek – 18 May 2009, 8:26pm Iris Report: Early Monday evening visit. Only one other table so very attentive waiter. White bread and butter on arrival. Would have preferred brown but we are struggling to fault this place! Starters excellent. Mussels huge with a generous helping of bacon and pinenuts in creamy sauce. Deep fried squid rings light and tasty with a zingy lemon garlic mayonnaise. Mains of steak in a lemony pepper sauce and chicken supreme stuffed with languistines. Both delicious but did have to add sides of green beans and sweet and sour tomatoes (unusual and well worth tasting). Desserts of chocolate truffle torte and lemon tart with berry coulis finished it off nicely. Exciting start to our List card experience. Certainly didn't feel like we were treated half as well as we were paying half the price.

Average rating 4.5/5 from 4 reviews of Iris.

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Iris

Comments & ratings

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