Iris Is the Soon-to-Open New Rooftop Bar and Restaurant That'll Peer Over Brunswick Street

No longer just an empty old Blockbuster store or a vacant lot where said video shop used to be, the patch of land at 458 Brunswick Street is giving Brisbanites plenty of reasons to drop by. First, Hotel X opened its doors and treated the city to a new staycation spot. Then, the building welcomed lavish restaurant Bisou Bisou, complete with an oyster and caviar bar. Next, come Friday, April 30, rooftop bar and restaurant Iris will join the party.

The latest venture from the Ghanem Group — which already has Bisou Bisou, Boom Boom Room Izakaya, Donna Chang, Byblos Bar and Restaurant, Blackbird Bar and Grill, and Lord of the Wings to its name — Iris sits alongside Hotel X's pool in its sky-high location. Yes, that means that you'll have quite the view while you're sipping and eating, including of the adjacent water, Fortitude Valley, New Farm, the Story Bridge and the city skyline.

While its downstairs sibling has opted for a French theme, Iris is taking its cues from the Mediterranean coast, including everywhere from Beirut to Barcelona. Design-wise, that translates through the exposed stonework entranceway, the rooftop wisteria and olive trees, and the fairy lights twinkling above. You'll also be surrounded by plum, rose and indigo hues accented with gold finishings, plus marble touches.

While the full food and drink menu is yet to be revealed, diners can expect Greek and Spanish-style share plate dishes that bring European summers to mind, and have also been made to suit Brisbane's warm climate. Think: barbecue pork rib pinchos, red claw crayfish tails with smoked chorizo butter and spiced toothfish tacos, as well as sangria to wash it all down. Doing the honours in the kitchen is Head Chef Lloyd Evans, who makes the move from Blackbird's private event space.

Expect to have company if you're keen to head up — literally — from 11am daily, with Iris seating 200 people in its restaurant space and also featuring a private dining area for 14 people. Poolside bungalows are a feature, too, as is an evening dance floor that'll get patrons cutting shapes to DJs as the sun sets.

Find Iris atop Hotel X at 458 Brunswick Street, Fortitude Valley — open from 11am–late daily from Friday, April 30.