Black Iris: A Brooklyn Destination for Authentic Mediterranean Cuisine

Black Iris Introduce

Located in the vibrant borough of Brooklyn, Black Iris stands out as a top destination for authentic Mediterranean cuisine. This restaurant, situated on Lafayette Avenue, offers a diverse and flavorful menu that caters to a wide range of tastes, from traditional kebabs and falafel to unique pita-based pizzas. More than just a place to eat, Black Iris is an experience. It’s a venue that combines delicious food with a welcoming and cozy atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for any occasion, whether it's a casual breakfast, a business lunch, or a lively dinner with friends. The restaurant’s commitment to providing a comprehensive dining experience is evident in its thoughtful service options and its broad appeal.

Black Iris is not only a go-to for dine-in patrons but also a popular choice for takeout and delivery, making its delicious food accessible to a wider New York audience. The menu is a journey through Mediterranean flavors, with a focus on healthy and halal options. From hot and cold appetizers to a variety of main courses and sandwiches, every dish is crafted to provide a taste of the region. The addition of live music on occasion, and a trendy yet casual atmosphere, makes it a unique find in the city's bustling food scene. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a full meal, Black Iris promises a satisfying experience that captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking.

Location and Accessibility

Black Iris is conveniently located at 120 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238. This address places it in a prime spot within a lively and accessible Brooklyn neighborhood. Its location is easily reachable from various parts of New York City, thanks to the extensive network of public transportation in the area. The restaurant is a short walk from several subway stations, making it a great option for New Yorkers traveling from different boroughs.

For those with accessibility needs, Black Iris has made significant efforts to ensure a comfortable visit for everyone. The establishment features a wheelchair-accessible entrance, allowing for easy access. The thoughtful amenities extend to a wheelchair-accessible parking lot, restroom, and seating, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity. This makes Black Iris a welcoming and hassle-free choice for diners with mobility challenges. Additionally, the restaurant offers both free street parking and on-site parking, providing practical solutions for guests who choose to drive. The location and comprehensive accessibility features underscore Black Iris's dedication to serving a broad and diverse clientele.

Services Offered

Black Iris provides a variety of services to meet the needs of its diverse customer base, ensuring a convenient and enjoyable dining experience.

Dine-in: The restaurant offers a comfortable and cozy setting for guests who wish to enjoy their meal on-site, complete with table service and a bar.
Takeout and Delivery: For maximum convenience, Black Iris provides both takeout and delivery services, including a "no-contact" delivery option, allowing customers to enjoy their food at home.
Outdoor Seating: The availability of outdoor seating provides a pleasant option for dining al fresco, especially during warmer months. It's also a pet-friendly feature, as dogs are allowed in the outdoor area.
Comprehensive Dining Times: Black Iris is a great option for any meal of the day, with dining options available for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. It is also a popular spot for solo dining.
Catering: The restaurant offers catering services, making it a great choice for events and large gatherings where a spread of authentic Mediterranean food is desired.
Reservations: Guests can make reservations, which is particularly useful for planning group dinners or ensuring a table during busy hours.

Features / Highlights

Black Iris stands out for several key features that enhance the dining experience beyond just the food.

Live Music: A major highlight is the presence of live music, which adds a vibrant and engaging element to the atmosphere, creating a memorable evening for patrons.
Authentic and Diverse Menu: The restaurant serves local specialty dishes and offers a wide range of options, from comfort food to healthy choices, including halal and vegetarian options. This variety caters to many dietary preferences.
Fast Service: Black Iris is known for its fast service, ensuring that guests, especially those on a lunch break or in a hurry, get their food in a timely manner.
Welcoming Atmosphere: The ambiance is described as casual, cozy, and trendy, making it a great spot for various crowds, including families, groups, and tourists. It's also noted as being LGBTQ+ friendly.
Extensive Drink Menu: The bar onsite offers a variety of beverages, including cocktails, beer, hard liquor, and wine, complementing the food menu perfectly.
Comprehensive Accessibility: The restaurant’s commitment to accessibility, with wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking, restrooms, and seating, is a significant highlight.

Contact Information

For those interested in visiting or making a reservation at Black Iris, here is the essential contact information.

Address: 120 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238

Phone: (718) 852-9800

It's always a good idea to call ahead for reservations, especially if you plan to visit with a large group or during a weekend.

What Is Worth Choosing

Choosing Black Iris for your next meal is an excellent decision for anyone in New York looking for a comprehensive and satisfying dining experience. The restaurant's appeal lies in its ability to deliver authentic Mediterranean flavors in an environment that is both comfortable and engaging. What makes it particularly worth choosing is the combination of its diverse and inclusive offerings. The menu is a major draw, providing a wealth of options from appetizers like hummus and babaganouj to hearty main courses like the Mixed Grill and Salmon Kebab. The availability of healthy, vegetarian, and halal options makes it an accommodating choice for various dietary needs and preferences.

Beyond the food, the atmosphere at Black Iris is a key reason to visit. The cozy, trendy, and casual vibe creates a welcoming space for everyone, from couples on a date to families with children. The live music is a standout feature that sets it apart from other restaurants, adding a layer of entertainment to your dining experience. The reviews, despite some critiques on service, consistently praise the food for being "SO DELICIOUS" and "perfect," which is the most crucial element for any restaurant. The a la carte menu allows for a curated dining experience, perfect for sharing small plates with a group. The comprehensive accessibility features and a pet-friendly outdoor space further highlight the restaurant's commitment to hospitality. For a meal that combines authentic cuisine, a great atmosphere, and a broad range of convenient services, Black Iris is a top choice in Brooklyn.

Black Iris Menu

Lunch Menu - Hot Appetizers
Garlic Bread $11.99
Pita topped with olive oil, fresh garlic and parsley. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed in to salad.
Cheese Parsley Rolls $11.99
Phyllo scrolls stuffed with Feta cheese, eggs and parsley, served with yogurt sauce. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed in to salad.
Spinach & Cheese Pie $11.99
Spinach, onion and spices with light Mozzarella cheese, baked calzone style. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed in to salad.
Pita Bread $1.75
Baked fresh to order.
Lentil Soup $9.99
Made fresh daily and served with fresh pita. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed in to salad.
Zaater Bread $11.99
Pita topped with olive oil, sesame and thyme. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed in to salad.

Lunch Menu - Main Courses
Vegetable Kebab $16.99
Grilled mushrooms, tomatoes, onions and peppers. Served with green salad and your choice of rice, hummus or babaganouj.
Falafel $16.99
Croquette of chickpeas mixed with garlic, onion, parsley and spices then deep fried. Served with green salad and your choice of rice, hummus or babaganouj.
Chicken Gyro $23.99
Marinated halal chicken breast, wrapped around rotisserie and cooked to perfection. Served with green salad and your choice of rice, hummus or babaganouj.
Shrimp Kebab $28.99
Skewers of Shrimp marinated with our house spices grilled over charcoal.
Mixed Grill $38.99
A combination plate with a choice of three halal meats. Served with green salad and your choice of rice, hummus or babaganouj.
Salmon Kebab $28.99
Skewers of salmon marinated with our house spices grilled over charcoal.
Shish Kebab $26.99
Chunks of halal lamb marinated and seasoned with our special spices, grilled over charcoal. Served with green salad and your choice of rice, hummus or babaganouj.
Merguez $22.99
Spicy halal lamb sausage, with onion, garlic and special seasoning. Served with green salad and your choice of rice, hummus or babaganouj.
Chicken Kebab $24.99
Chunks of boneless halal chicken breast marinated and seasoned with our special spices, grilled over charcoal on skewers. Served with green salad and your choice of rice, hummus or babaganouj.

Lunch Menu - Lunch Special
Clinton $13.99
Zaater Bread and a choice between a Lentil Soup or a Black Iris salad.
Cumberland $13.99
Spinach and Cheese pie and a choice between a Lentil Soup or a Black Iris salad.
Dekalb $15.99
Mergues Sandwich and a choice between a Lentil Soup or a Black Iris salad.
Lafayette $13.99
Falafel sandwich and a choice between a Lentil Soup or a Black Iris salad.
Pratt $15.99
Assorted Plate with 5 Cold Appetizers: Humus, Babaghanouj, Labana, Spinach and Chickpea, and Beets.
Fortgreene $15.99
Chicken Gyro sandwich and a choice between a Lentil Soup or a Black Iris salad.
Washington $15.99
Lambajin Pizza and a choice between a Lentil Soup or a Black Iris salad.

Lunch Menu - Cold Appetizers
Lentil & Bulgur $11.99
Cracked wheat and green lentil beans sauteed with fried onions, served with cucumber yogurt.
Tabouleh $11.99
Fresh chopped parsley with tomato, scallion, bulgur and lemon juice. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Fava Beans $11.99
Fava beans with tomato, parsley, onions, garlic and lemon juice. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Lettuce & Tomato $11.99
Lettuce, tomato, olive and parsley with lemon juice and olive oil. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Garden Salad $16.99
Lettuce, tomatoes, capers, mushrooms, peppers, cucumber, artichokes, olives, parsley and Feta cheese. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed into salad.
Humus $11.99
Chickpeas mashed with tahini, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Beet Salad $11.99
Beets, garlic, parsley, olive oil, vinegar and spices. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed into salad.
Black Iris Salad $11.99
A mix of fresh plum tomato, cucumber and red onions topped with olives. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed into salad.
Potato $11.99
Potatoes, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley and spices. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Spinach & Chickpea $11.99
Fresh spinach, tomato sauce and fried onions with lemon juice. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Babaganouj $11.99
Baked eggplant blended with tahini sauce and garlic. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Labana $11.99
Cured yogurt spread with olive and spices. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Assorted Plate $23.99
A combination with a choice of five salads. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed into salad.

Lunch Menu - Sandwiches
Merquez Sandwich $15.99
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion and tahini sauce in a fresh baked pita.
Chicken Gyro Sandwich $12.99
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion and tahini sauce in a fresh baked pita. Halal.
Falafel Sandwich $10.99
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion and tahini sauce in a fresh baked pita.
Vegetable Kebab Sandwich $10.99
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion and tahini sauce in a fresh baked pita.
Leg Of Lamb Sandwich $15.99
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion and tahini sauce in a fresh baked pita. Halal.
Chicken Kebab Sandwich $12.99
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion and tahini sauce in a fresh baked pita. Halal.

Lunch Menu - Black Iris Special
Chicken Ouzi Special $28.99
A wrapped phyllo, stuffed with grilled Halal chicken breast, basmati rice, carrots, peas, almonds and raisins, cooked to perfection, served with green salad and yogurt sauce. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed into salad.
Lamb Chops Special $39.99
Marinated halal baby lamb chops, grilled to your taste, served with rice, green salad and yogurt sauce. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed into salad.
Leg Of Lamb Special $27.99
Boneless, roasted halal leg of lamb served with rice, salad and homemade lemon mint mayonnaise. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed into salad.

Lunch Menu - Pizza | Individual 10"
Vegetable Pitzaa $20.99
Fresh tomato, green pepper, black olives, thyme and fresh Mozzarella cheese.
Chicken Pitzaa $22.99
Lemon marinated chicken cutlet with red pepper, scallion, garlic, parsley and spices.
Tomato & Cheese Pitzaa $13.99
Sundried Pitzaa $20.99
Sun-Dried Tomatoes, sliced with fresh mozzarella and herbs.
Black Iris Pitzaa $22.99
Grilled eggplant, zucchini, spinach, fresh Mozzarella and herbs.
Shrimp Pitzaa $22.99
With Mozzarella cheese in garlic and parsley sauce.
Lambajin Pitzaa $20.99
Middle Eastern pitza, with lamb, onions, tomato sauce, parsley and spices.
Green Pitzaa $19.99
Leeks, scallions, fenugreek, with olive oil and light Mozzarella.

Lunch Menu - Drinks
Moussy $3.99
Non alcoholic malt beverage apple flavor.
Ayran $4.99
Middle eastern yogurt drink.
Soda $2.99
Hot Mint Tea $3.99
Turkish Coffee $5.99

Lunch Menu - Desert
Rice Pudding $6.99

All Day Menu - Brooklyn - Hot Appetizers
Garlic Bread $11.99
Pita topped with olive oil, fresh garlic and parsley. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed in to salad.
Cheese Parsley Rolls $11.99
Phyllo scrolls stuffed with Feta cheese, eggs and parsley, served with yogurt sauce. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed in to salad.
Spinach & Cheese Pie $11.99
Spinach, onion and spices with light Mozzarella cheese, baked calzone style. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed in to salad.
Pita Bread $1.75
Baked fresh to order.
Lentil Soup $9.99
Made fresh daily and served with fresh pita. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed in to salad.
Zaater Bread $11.99
Pita topped with olive oil, sesame and thyme. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed in to salad.

All Day Menu - Brooklyn - Main Courses
Vegetable Kebab $16.99
Grilled mushrooms, tomatoes, onions and peppers. Served with green salad and your choice of rice, hummus or babaganouj.
Falafel $16.99
Croquette of chickpeas mixed with garlic, onion, parsley and spices then deep fried. Served with green salad and your choice of rice, hummus or babaganouj.
Chicken Gyro $23.99
Marinated halal chicken breast, wrapped around rotisserie and cooked to perfection. Served with green salad and your choice of rice, hummus or babaganouj.
Shrimp Kebab $28.99
Skewers of Shrimp marinated with our house spices grilled over charcoal.
Mixed Grill $38.99
A combination plate with a choice of three halal meats. Served with green salad and your choice of rice, hummus or babaganouj.
Salmon Kebab $28.99
Skewers of salmon marinated with our house spices grilled over charcoal.
Shish Kebab $26.99
Chunks of halal lamb marinated and seasoned with our special spices, grilled over charcoal. Served with green salad and your choice of rice, hummus or babaganouj.
Merguez $22.99
Spicy halal lamb sausage, with onion, garlic and special seasoning. Served with green salad and your choice of rice, hummus or babaganouj.
Chicken Kebab $24.99
Chunks of boneless halal chicken breast marinated and seasoned with our special spices, grilled over charcoal on skewers. Served with green salad and your choice of rice, hummus or babaganouj.

All Day Menu - Brooklyn - Cold Appetizers
Lentil & Bulgur $11.99
Cracked wheat and green lentil beans sauteed with fried onions, served with cucumber yogurt.
Tabouleh $11.99
Fresh chopped parsley with tomato, scallion, bulgur and lemon juice. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Fava Beans $11.99
Fava beans with tomato, parsley, onions, garlic and lemon juice. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Lettuce & Tomato $11.99
Lettuce, tomato, olive and parsley with lemon juice and olive oil. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Garden Salad $16.99
Lettuce, tomatoes, capers, mushrooms, peppers, cucumber, artichokes, olives, parsley and Feta cheese. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed into salad.
Humus $11.99
Chickpeas mashed with tahini, garlic, lemon juice and olive oil. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Beet Salad $11.99
Beets, garlic, parsley, olive oil, vinegar and spices. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed into salad.
Black Iris Salad $11.99
A mix of fresh plum tomato, cucumber and red onions topped with olives. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed into salad.
Potato $11.99
Potatoes, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, parsley and spices. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Spinach & Chickpea $11.99
Fresh spinach, tomato sauce and fried onions with lemon juice. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Babaganouj $11.99
Baked eggplant blended with tahini sauce and garlic. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Labana $11.99
Cured yogurt spread with olive and spices. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles.
Assorted Plate $23.99
A combination with a choice of five salads. Served with fresh baked pita, olives and pickles. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed into salad.

All Day Menu - Brooklyn - Sandwiches
Merquez Sandwich $15.99
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion and tahini sauce in a fresh baked pita.
Chicken Gyro Sandwich $12.99
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion and tahini sauce in a fresh baked pita. Halal.
Falafel Sandwich $10.99
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion and tahini sauce in a fresh baked pita.
Vegetable Kebab Sandwich $10.99
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion and tahini sauce in a fresh baked pita.
Leg Of Lamb Sandwich $15.99
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion and tahini sauce in a fresh baked pita. Halal.
Chicken Kebab Sandwich $12.99
Served with lettuce, tomato, onion and tahini sauce in a fresh baked pita. Halal.

All Day Menu - Brooklyn - Black Iris Special
Chicken Ouzi Special $28.99
A wrapped phyllo, stuffed with grilled Halal chicken breast, basmati rice, carrots, peas, almonds and raisins, cooked to perfection, served with green salad and yogurt sauce. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed into salad.
Lamb Chops Special $39.99
Marinated halal baby lamb chops, grilled to your taste, served with rice, green salad and yogurt sauce. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed into salad.
Leg Of Lamb Special $27.99
Boneless, roasted halal leg of lamb served with rice, salad and homemade lemon mint mayonnaise. Served with lemon juice and olive oil mixed into salad.

All Day Menu - Brooklyn - Pizza | Individual 10"
Vegetable Pitzaa $20.99
Fresh tomato, green pepper, black olives, thyme and fresh Mozzarella cheese.
Chicken Pitzaa $22.99
Lemon marinated chicken cutlet with red pepper, scallion, garlic, parsley and spices.
Tomato & Cheese Pitzaa $13.99
Sundried Pitzaa $20.99
Sun-Dried Tomatoes, sliced with fresh mozzarella and herbs.
Black Iris Pitzaa $22.99
Grilled eggplant, zucchini, spinach, fresh Mozzarella and herbs.
Shrimp Pitzaa $22.99
With Mozzarella cheese in garlic and parsley sauce.
Lambajin Pitzaa $20.99
Middle Eastern pitza, with lamb, onions, tomato sauce, parsley and spices.
Green Pitzaa $19.99
Leeks, scallions, fenugreek, with olive oil and light Mozzarella.

All Day Menu - Brooklyn - Drinks
Moussy $3.99
Non alcoholic malt beverage apple flavor.
Ayran $4.99
Middle eastern yogurt drink.
Soda $2.99
Hot Mint Tea $3.99
Turkish Coffee $5.99

All Day Menu - Brooklyn - Desert
Rice Pudding $6.99

Black Iris Details

Service options
Outdoor seating
No-contact delivery
Delivery
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Live music
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Cocktails
Coffee
Comfort food
Halal food
Hard liquor
Healthy options
Quick bite
Small plates
Vegetarian options
Wine

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Catering
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Bar onsite
Gender-neutral restroom
Restroom
Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi

Atmosphere
Casual
Cozy
Quiet
Trendy

Crowd
Family-friendly
Groups
LGBTQ+ friendly
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs

Parking
Free street parking
On-site parking

Pets
Dogs allowed outside

Black Iris Photos

Black Iris Location

Black Iris

New York Kings County Fort Greene Lafayette Avenue

120 Lafayette Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11238, USA

Black Iris Reviews

An average rating of ★4.6 from 1238 user reviews.

mezze platebrunchBYOBchicken souvlakiturkish eggsbaklava cheesecakesalmon skewerszaatar breadbeet saladquzi

★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Wouldn’t recommend this place. We decided to try it because of the 4.6-star reviews and thought it was going to be good, but it was really disappointing. We ordered the mixed grill, the meat was oddly dry with a strange texture, and the rice tasted like it was a few days old. The soup wasn’t even warm, and the waiter had an unwelcoming attitude. I thought it was very humiliating to come all the way from New Rochelle and have this kind of experience. The owner really needs to monitor the quality and service more closely.
June 17 · Imad Merve Saleem
TLDR great food, inattentive service, mixed atmosphere.Got the three meat & a mezze platter for 3 people and that was more than enough food, no room for dessert (although it looked so good 🤤). SO DELICIOUS!! But the wait staff never came back around the whole time we were dining, which was strange especially since we kept a menu at the table to browse other offerings. Thankfully the mezze came out first, because there was not enough pita served with that and idk how we would've gotten to order more without getting up to track down a waiter.The music was bad. Idk what is with restaurants these days, everyone is always playing bad pop or house music. As you can see in one of my photos there were a bunch of vinyl albums set on the console next to our table - why not play these artists?? I don't want to sit in a nice restaurant and listen to David Guetta lol. And the paper bags over the lights took me out 😂 what is thaaatt!! The diffused light effect is nice but c'mon y'all.. $25 plates and paper bags taped to the ceiling? I had to laugh.Anyway I'd definitely come back because the food was perfect (:
March 27 · Anna Lanza
The vibes were flawless, food was delicious (highly recommend the lamb kebab) and staff was so friendly. Beautiful location if you can sit in the outdoor dining area too.
July 04 · Martin Sharpe
We had dinner here and shared a couple of items. The Mezze platter was nice to split and all the food we had was good. The protein platter we split was also plentiful for a reasonable price.
August 31 · Cameron Weeks
Drove by on my bike one day and decided to stop in for dinner! We got the grape leaves, cheese spanakopita & the chicken souvlaki. The chicken was so juicy!
August 18 · Emma Francullo
Very stylish restaurant with incredible food - definitely get the za’atar bread to start! Our talented server was able to remember the orders for our table of eight by heart, and made excellent menu recommendations since it was our first time. Would love to return next time we are in NY again!
September 20 · Victoria
All around excellent dining spot. Service, atmosphere, and the food.Big hearty portions with robust flavor and flavors a lot of Mediterranean restaurants miss.
September 21 · Jasraj Singh
Lovely little indoor/ outdoor space in Fort Greene. We came here for a late drink and then heard about the weekly $13 lunch specials. Delicious Mediterranean options with lentil soup house salad. We will be back.
September 26 · Bonnie Savage