Review: Iris Dubai

First impression?
On the 27th floor of The Oberoi Dubai, Iris is a narrow glass-encased space with low-slung sofas. The prime city views, including a direct vantage out to the Burj Khalifa, make it a prime destination to party above the emirate.

Cool. So who’s there?
On weekend nights, it's packed with well-heeled patrons, many of whom are familiar with its storied sister outpost in Beirut.

How are the drinks?
Far from basic, cocktails here are interesting and appetizing. Take the Black Pearl, a blend of Bacardi black, cardamom, rose, and lime cordial offset by sugar cane and caramelized lime zest, or the Desert Rain, a mix of Vida Mezcal, aperol, mandarin citrus and pink grapefruit. Less-complex wine, spirits, and sake are also available.

Worth ordering something to eat, too?
A raw bar with shimmering slabs of salmon, tuna, and hashimi makes seafood and sushi the star here. For small plates, go for the thinly sliced yellowtail splashed with lime. As far as mains go, the creamy artichoke risotto and grilled corn-fed chicken are both comforting. For dessert, kit kat tiramisu.