Iris Black is a new tapas wine bar on the corner of Cleveland St and Bourke St in Surry Hills. The bar has a cool fascade with dark emerald green tiles and intriguing dark interior. It is extremely welcoming, with an open outlook to both Bourke and Cleveland St. You can also grab a table outside and listen to some blues, sip on a drink, share a bite to eat. The music was fitting with the stylish interior.
We visited on a Saturday afternoon and enjoyed a few cocktails, perfect for the hot afternoon. They were all very refreshing, with interesting names including the water buoy made with vodka, watermelon, cranberry and lime. We also tried the family tree, made with gin, bitters, blood orange liquor and lime and the Iris of the storm which was a rum based cocktail with gingerbread syrup, fresh lime and ginger beer. If cocktails aren’t your thing there are also a range of reasonably priced wine by the bottle or glass. The wine list is quite impressive for a small bar. There is also a range of beer and non alcoholic beverages on the menu.
The food sampled here was phenomenal. Everything was perfectly cooked and presented, especially considering the place was so busy. They have a great summer menu and are are suited to sharing with friends. All dishes were well balanced with good flavour combinations. The scallops with corn puree delicate sweet flavors, ideal with a nice glass of white.
The buffalo mozzarella was simple, Italian inspired, nice and light with fresh flavours provided by a medley of vibrant coloured heirloom tomatoes, confit tomatoes, basil and strawberries.
The heirloom carrots, a rustic dish served with dukka and Persian fetta was a favourite, accompanied with a creamy sauce. The Pork belly mistakenly arrived at our table but this turned out to be good fortune as not only did it look amazing, it was our favourite dish. Highly recommended you visit Iris Black for this dish alone. The pork belly, was melt in your mouth and not overly fatty, a good cut of meat! Even better, it was topped with perfect crackling seasoned with salt and vinegar this was served with some tasty roasted fennel and sauced with the sweet mostarda (sweet Italian relish with mustard flavour) This dish had us drooling we were literally fighting for the lions share.
Iris Black is a top neighbourhood bar to enjoy a drink or more whilst sharing a bite to eat. This joint has a good atmosphere, relax take in the cool tunes and soak up what Surry Hills has to offer.