welcome to iris food and spirits!
nestled across from the beautiful lagoon at torrey pines reserve in del mar, iris food and spirits matches the scenery with contemporary american updates to world food, a true 'melting pot' cuisine.
enjoy lunch or dinner served with casual professionalism on our covered patio or in our dining room, both with spectacular views of the lagoon. chose from our extensive lists of handcrafted beers and wines to complement your food, or just watch nature play out for you as the sun sets...
chef/owner tommy golden has been involved in the san diego dining scene since he moved here from boston almost 20 years ago, opening awardwinning restaurants parkhouse eatery in hillcrest, in 1995 and beachgrass cafe in solana beach in 2000.
deciding to move on to a new project, tommy sold his two restaurants, and along with his brother edd, found this fabulous spot for iris, in del mar in 2007.
our menus change often, retaining some favorites throughout the year. we use local ingredients and organics as much as possible, along with the best that the rest of the world has to offer.
- lunch served mon - fri, 11am - 2pm
- dinner served mon - sun, from 5pm
upcoming events
-iris is on the cooking channel !!!
- click here to join the iris email club
- patio seating with lagoon view
- full bar with inventive specialty cocktails
- great wine and beer list with tons of local brews
- special parties from 8 to 80 people
- gift certificates available
- reservations recommended
lunch menu
lunch starters
tommy’s pate
creamy smooth chicken liver, apple and pear pate w/ herbed crostini...8.5
crispy sweet potato spring rolls
sweet potato, pancetta and roasted serrano spring rolls, gingered beet sauce...8.5
baked goat cheese
basil pesto, roasted garlic, caramelized onions, and crostini...9.5
crispy calamari
panko crusted w/ soy wasabi dipping sauce...9.5
clam chowdah
tommy's award winning gluten free chowdah, made with whole carlsbad aqua farms' clams. ...cup 6...bowl 11.5
seasonal soups
changes daily. ...cup 5...bowl 9.5
sandwiches
served with fries, mixed greens or daily chef's salad
pan seared chicken sandwich
mildly spicy serrano/orange marmalade, goat cheese, organic baby arugula...12.5
grilled ahi sandwich
grilled rare, w/ grilled onion, baby lettuce, roasted red pepper aioli...16
iris mexitaliano wrap
kalua pork, tuscan beans, grilled onion, leeks, special buttermilk sauce and salsa fresco ...13
grilled angus cheddar burger
8 oz of prime angus, cheddar, lettuce, tomato and red onion...12
grilled chicken sandwich
grilled chicken breast, w/lettuce, tomato, onion and basil pesto...11.5
classic blt
awesome double smoked bacon, lettuce tomato and mayo...11
grilled salmon sandwich
arugula, lemon-caper aioli, red onion, mixed greens and tomato...16
iris grilled fish tacos
w/ shredded cabbage, buttermilk sauce, cheddar and salsa fresco on corn tortillas...12
blue crab cake sandwich
w/ sweet red pepper puree, lettuce, tomato, and onion...16.5
tommy’s meatloaf sandwich
made with angus beef, lettuce, tomato catsup and cheddar cheese...11.5
roasted turkey sandwich
w/ lettuce, tomato, mayo and sun dried cranberry relish...11
iris p.l.t.
tommy's favorite super crispy pepperoni, lettuce, tomato and may mmm...11.5
veggie sandwich
roasted red peppers, raw and caramelized red onion, avocado, mixed baby lettuce, tomato and goat cheese ...11
salads
all salads can be served as wraps, w/ fries, mixed greens or daily chef's salad.
buttermilk fried chicken salad
romaine, tomatoes, bacon and avocado w/ gorgonzola dressing...13.5
crispy calamari salad
mixed greens, crisp asian veggies, spicy wasabi aioli and lemon...14.5
southwest shrimp salad
mixed baby lettuce, bell peppers, grilled corn, tomatoes and avocado tossed with large sautéed shrimp and southwest vinaigrette...16
iris seafood salad
baby greens, lobster, shrimp, scallops and ahi sashimi tossed w/ sesame vinaigrette...19.5
grilled salmon salad
grilled or blackened w/ crisp lettuce, tomato, balsamic vinaigrette...16.5
grilled steak salad
prime flatiron steak, mixed greens w/ tomato and grilled onion, gorgonzola dressing...16
iris house salad
mixed greens, golden raisins, cucumber and sweet red pepper w/ warm walnut crusted brie and balsamic vinaigrettelarge ...11small ...6.5
classic caesar
romaine lettuce, killer croutons and parmesan, large...12 small...7
jerry's salad
organic baby arugula, chopped red onion and tomato, gorgonzola balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil large...12 small...7
an 18% gratuity will be added to all parties of 6 or more
there is a minimum $2.50 plate fee for split items.
tommy and edd welcome you to iris food and spirits
we use local organics whenever possible along with the best the rest of the world has to offer
starters
crispy calamari
panko crusted calamari, soy wasabi dipping sauce ...9.5
crispy sweet potato spring rolls
sweet potato, pancetta and serrano spring rolls, gingered local ruby beet sauce...8.5
braised pork tostadas
house made kalua pork on crispy corn tortillas, spicy buttermilk sauce, caramelized onion and cilantro ...9.5
asian bbq baby back lamb ribs
grilled lamb riblets, sweet and spicy asian bbq sauce...11
tommy's pate
creamy smooth chicken liver, apple and pear pate, grilled crostini...8.5
tempura firecracker shrimp
tempura shrimp, tossed with mildly spicy chili soy sauce ...10.5
baked goat cheese
warm california chevre with basil pesto, roasted garlic and caramelized onion, herbed crostini ...9.5
pan roasted carlsbad aqua farms black mussels
with a spicy tomato basil sauce, grilled bread ...12.5
grilled pizzetta
smoked grilled pizzetta topped with duck confit, pumpkin seed pesto, fig and gorgonzola cheese ...10.5
pan fried duck pot stickers
ginger, garlic, napa cabbage, shiitake mushrooms and leeks with soy, sweet chili, lemongrass dipping sauce ...10
soups and salads
iris organic baby greens
golden raisins, cucumber, sweet red pepper with warm walnut crusted brie, balsamic vinaigrette ...7.5
caesar salad
romaine, croutons and parmesan in a classic caesar dressing ...8
jerry’s salad
organic baby arugula, red onion, tomato and gorgonzola. balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil ...9
way back retro iceberg salad
iceberg wedge, seasonal tomatoes, blue cheese dressing and mmm.. bacon ...10
greens and berries
mixed organic greens and assorted fresh berries tossed with ruby grapefruit vinaigrette ...8
crispy blue crab cake salad
baby organic greens, green apple and caramelized onion tossed with blood orange vinaigrette ...16
ahi poke
killer ahi tossed with avocado, mango and cilantro, sesame and soy ...16.5
chef’s seasonal soups
soups of the season...cup ...5 bowl ...9.5
clam chowdah
tommy's award winning gluten free chowdah, made with whole Carlsbad aqua farms
...cup ...6 bowl ...11.5
entrees
iris cassoulet
chicken breast and italian sausage with tuscan beans, pancetta, pepperoncini, tomato and sage ...22
tommy's pork and beans
prime pork belly and grilled pork loin, crispy green beans and tommy's homemade boston baked beans...24
savory lamb meatloaf
mediterranean spiced w/garlic and feta cheese, veggies, mashed potatoes and homemade ketchup ...23.5
crispy skinned duck leg confit
with porcini mashed potatoes, blood orange sauce and seasonal veggies ...24.5
grilled semi-boneless game hen
pancetta and sage corn bread stuffing, local green beans, evoo and lemon...26
pan braised sea bass
white wine, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers and capers, crispy herbed potatoes and leeks, green beans ...28
boneless spicy crusted prime pork loin
with apple, pear and dried cranberry chutney, mashed potatoes and veggies ...24.5
chicken milanese
pan fried breaded chicken breast served with angel hair pasta, seasonal veggies and lemon caper beurre blanc ...20.5
grilled prime flatiron streak
wild mushroom demi-glace, iris au gratin potatoes with gorgonzola and parmesan, with sautéed veggies ...26.5
cabernet braised prime boneless beef short rib stew
roasted garlic, parsnip, local carrot and leeks, shiitake mushrooms, potatoes and baby spinach in pan juices ...27
grilled atlantic salmon
grilled asparagus, root vegetable risotto cake and sweet English pea purée ...23.5
penne with tomato braised boneless prime lamb shank
leeks, red onion, whole roasted garlic cloves, organic local baby spinach ...24.5
roasted veggie lasagna
tomato, roasted garlic and basil sauce, mild goat cheese ricotta, fresh mozzarella and asiago cheese ...21.5
18% gratuity will be added to all parties of 6 or more. $5.00 plate charge for all split entrees
cocktails menu
served up...
iris manhattan 10.5
a pre-prohibition style manhattan made in the original tradition of the cocktail. templeton 100% rye whiskey, al capone's drink of choice, stirred with breckenridge high proof artisanal bitters and carpano antica 1786 sweet italian vermouth. served up with a lemon twist and marachino cherry.
iris margarita 12
wicked awesome dude...maestro dobel diamond tequila, a blend of reposado, añejo, and extra añejo filtered to diamond clarity, tommy's spicy orange-serrano syrup and fresh lime juice, shaken and served with a salted rim.
lemon basil bomb 11.5
tru organic lemon vodka, a handcrafted carbon negative spirit shaken with tart lemon syrup, a squeeze of fresh local lemon and organic basil, served up with a twist. relax, kick back, and reduce your footprint!!
iris cosmopolitan 11
the classic cosmo reimagined for a new generation. tito's vodka, handmade in texas, paired with clear creek organic small batch cranberry liqeuer, cointreau and a squeeze of fresh lime.
gibby's ginger gem 11
sweet and sassy martini with absolut pear vodka, awesome local roasted ginger-beet puree, fresh lime juice and a splash of ginger beer. garnished with fresh pear and candied ginger.
iris petal 10
bombay dry gin infused with orange zest, shaken with a homemade blueberry essence and a touch of lemon juice. served with an orange twist and fresh blueberries.
served rocks...
cheyenne's cucumber daisy 9
muddled cucumber and mint, shaken with hendricks cucumber gin and a sweetened lime juice. served in a wicked steel mug and topped with soda.
fresh mango mojito 9.5
tangy house made mango puree, fresh mint, montanya sustainable light run, organic lime juice, and a touch of soda. served over ice with a lime sun and fresh mint spring.
kelly's sweet kentucky sun tea 9.5
a blend of black teas laced with woodford reserve bourbon, a touch of cariel vanilla spirit, simple syrup, and fresh lemon. served with a twist of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint.
chelsea's desert rose 11.5
montolobos joven mezcal, and paqui reposado tequila infused with rosemary and ghost chili bring a herbacious, smokey, fire that is balanced by a sweet strawberry puree and fresh pineapple juice. lightly sweet, perfectly spicy, and totally addictive.
cocktail socials!!!
transform any of our signature drinks into hand-crafted mini cocktails to share amongst your friends.
ask your server for details.
wine list
whites
half bottles
carmel road chardonnay monterey ...24
duckhorn migration chardonnay napa ...32
sparkling
mas fi brut rose cava spain ...28
tìamo prosecco veneto ...9/36
deutz classic nv champagne ...97
chardonnays
j. lohr arroyo secco ...8/32
joseph jewell un-oak russian river valley ...8.5/34
san simeon monterey ...9/36
tobin james radiance paso robles ...9.5/38
jenner sonoma coast ...10.5/40
hook and ladder russian river valley ...11/44
freemark abbey carneros ...13/52
chalk hill chalk hill ...86
other whites
dry creek dry chenin blanc clarksberg ...6/24
colomé torrontés argentina ...6.5/26
indaba chenin blanc south africa ...7/28
benvolio pinot grigio friuli ...7.5/30
graff hardegg gruner veltliner austria ...8/32
arona sauvignon blanc marlborough ...8.5/34
carmel road liberated reisling arroyo seco ...9/36
namorío alberiño rías baixas ...9.5/38
coeur de terre pinot gris oregon ...10/40
dobbes family estate viognier oregon ...12/48
tablas creek patalin paso robles ...13/52
rosè
iron horse rosè de pinot noir russian river valley ...7/28
chateau du rouët côtes de provence ...7.5/30
e. guigal côtes du rhône ...8.5/34
reds
half bottles
matanzas creek merlot bennett valley ...36
duckhorn paraduxx napa ...47
cabernet sauvignon
dark horse lodi ...7/28
maddalena paso robles ...8/32
j. lohr paso robles ...9/36
murphy-goode sonoma coast ...9.5/38
raymond sommelier selection napa ...12/48
silver stag 2005 napa ...85
cain concept 2008 napa ...115
justin isosceles 2005 paso robles ...125
nickel & nickel rock cairn vineyard 2007 oakville ...147
pinot noir
fire road marlborough ...8/32
san simeon monterey ...9/36
jovino oregon ...11/44
hook and ladder russian river valley ...14.5/58
duckhorn migration anderson valley ...72
duckhorn goldeneye anderson valley ...89
other reds
nino costa nebbiolo langhe ...7/28
llama malbec argentina ...7.5/30
volver tempranillo spain ...8/32
j. lohr merlot paso robles ...8.5/34
wine guerrilla zinfandel sonoma ...9.5/38
errazuriz syrah chile ...10/40
viña cerrada reserva tempranillo rioja ...10.5/42
tobin james rock and roll syrah paso robles ...11/44
cinnabar mercury rising paso robles ...11/44
cadenzia grenache/shiraz/mourvedre mclaren vale ...13/52
duckhorn decoy red blend napa ...64
justin justification 2007 paso robles ...79
duckhorn paraduxx napa ...93
rutherford hill reserve merlot 1999 napa ...115
cain five cabernet blend 2003 napa ...159
antinori tignanello super tuscan 2005 tuscany ...178
brews
safe and sound
mission heleweizen... san diego, california... 5.3% abv ...5.5
bavarian-style hefeweizen with notes of banana, clove, and pear.
great divide nomad pilsner... denver, colorado... 5.4% abv ...5.5
a spin on the classic bohemian pilsner style with a lively floral nose.
victory prima pils... downingtown, pa... 5.3% abv ...6
heaps of whole flower german and czech hops bring an herbal bite and a dry finish.
cucapá chupacabras pale ale... mexicali, mexico... 5.8% abv ...6.5
a rich creamy caramel with toasted nutty aromas, layers of citrus and earthy hops from mexico's first microbrewery.
great divide hoss rye lager... denver, colorado... 6.2% abv ...6.5
rich, layered malty notes with hints of cherry and dark fruits. hoss finishes crisp and dry with spice and earthy notes.
old speckled hen... suffolk, england... 5.2% abv ...7
toffee and malt combine with hoppy bitterness for superior balance.
crabbies ginger beer... glassgow, scotland... 16oz... 4.8% abv ...9
made from the secret family recipe that dates back to 1801 in the scottish port of leith, this deeply delicious alcoholic ginger beer speaks for itself.
st. peters sorghum beer... suffolk, england... 500ml... 4.3% abv ...10.5
this light bodied beer goes down smooth but with a touch of hop.
leprachaun golden apple cider... houston, tx... 22oz... 6.9% abv ...11.5
an american sweet cider made with champagne yeast, an effervescent, tart base with an apple sweet finish. think "sparkling apple moscato."
risky business
breckenridge vanilla porter... breckenridge, co... 4.7% abv ...5.5
paupau and madagascar vanilla beans give a smooth finish to the roasted chocolate undertones that permeate this light bodied porter
affligem belgian blonde... opwijk, belgium... 7.0% abv ...6
the classic clear blonde abbey ale, with a bit of gentle rowdiness.
stone india pale ale... escondido, california... 6.9% abv ...6.5
aromas of stone fruits and citrus, refreshingly bitter.
victory golden monkey... downingtown, pa... 9.5% abv ...7.5
hoppier, brighter version of a belgian style pilsner.
breckenridge 471 double ipa... breckenridge, co... 9.2% abv ...8.5
british ale yeasts mixed with a slew of malts and hops.
schneider aventinus... kelheim, germany... 8.2% abv ...9.5
wheat dopplebock with hints of caramel, fruit, and clove.
new english special brown... sorrento valley, ca... 22oz... 6.6% abv ...10
a robust bronze ale, deep and rich with a smooth malty finish.
no guts no glory
mission imperial russian stout... san diego, ca... 9.8% abv ...7.5
dastardly dark stout with a rich roasty aroma, notes of plum, port, chocolate, and espresso.
he'brew bittersweet lenny 's rye ipa... saratoga, ny... 10% abv ...8
a kosher double ipa with rye malt and obscene malt and hop.
napa smith hopageddon... napa, california... 9.2% abv ...8.5
floral and earthy with hops and sour notes. some caramel and sweet bready malt in the middle that fades to clove and citrus in the finish.
allagash curieux... portland, maine... 750ml... 11% abv ...29
tripel ale cold aged in jim beam barrels for 8 months, then blended back with a portion of fresh tripel. the resulting beer is soft and comfy with coconut and vanilla notes, and hints of bourbon.
there is a minimum plate charge of 5.00 for all split items.
an 18% gratuity will be added to all parties of 6 or more.
happy hour
lunch served mon-fri, 11am-2pm.
dinner served mon-sun from 5pm.
upcoming events
octoberfest at iris
every saturday and sunday evening in october all beers on our award winning beer list are 1/2 price, all night long so come on in and eat, drink and be merry!!
upcoming events
iris is on the cooking channel !!!
tommy will be on the cooking channel's "united tastes of america," showcasing and preparing our asian bbq lamb ribs. we are very excited they chose us for their "ribs" show. so check out the cooking channel and set your recorders!!!
upcoming events
iris wine tuesdays
all bottles of wine priced under $60 for half price during dinner hours. our new summer wine list has lots of delicious, interesting whites and reds for under $60.00 so come on down and enjoy !!
cannot be combined with any other offer, discount or promotion valid for parties of up to 8 people.
about us
nestled across from the beautiful lagoon at torrey pines reserve in del mar, iris food and spirits matches the scenery with contemporary american updates to world food, a true 'melting pot' cuisine.
enjoy lunch or dinner served with casual professionalism on our covered patio or in our dining room, both with spectacular views of the lagoon. chose from our extensive lists of handcrafted beers and wines to complement your food, or just watch nature play out for you as the sun sets...
chef/owner tommy golden has been involved in the san diego dining scene since he moved here from boston almost 20 years ago, opening awardwinning restaurants parkhouse eatery in hillcrest, in 1995 and beachgrass cafe in solana beach in 2000.
deciding to move on to a new project, tommy sold his two restaurants, and along with his brother edd, found this fabulous spot for iris, in del mar in 2007.
our menus change often, retaining some favorites throughout the year. we use local ingredients and organics as much as possible, along with the best that the rest of the world has to offer.
tolosa wine tasting
an assortment of up to 6 tastings of tolosa’s finest wines with the purchase of at least one starter per person. The event will be held july 23rd 2011 seating from 2:00pm till 4:30pm.
crispy calamari 9
panko crusted calamari, soy wasabi dipping sauce
crispy sweet potato spring rolls 8.50
sweet potato, pancetta and serrano chili, gingered local ruby beet sauce
braised pork tostadas 9
house made kalua pork on crispy corn tortillas, spicy buttermilk sauce, caramelized onion and cilantro
asian bbq baby back lamb ribs 11
grilled lamb riblets, sweet and spicy asian bbq sauce
tommy’s pate 8.50
creamy smooth chicken liver, apple and pear pate, grilled crostini
seasonal vegetable timballo 9
seasonal veggies layered with herbed ricotta with a raw tomato and basil salsa, crispy parmesan
cumin crusted chicken quesadilla 9.50
cotija and cheddar cheeses, grilled onions and roasted sweet red chilies, w/serrano orange marmalade
tempura firecracker shrimp 10.50
tempura shrimp, tossed with mildly spicy chili soy sauce
baked goat cheese 9.50
warm california chevre with basil pesto, roasted garlic and caramelized onion, herbed crostini
pan roasted carlsbad aqua farms black mussels 12.50
with a spicy tomato basil sauce, grilled bread
Iris presents: an evening with lightning brewery
thursday december 16th, 2010. $49.00 plus tax and gratuity
elemental pilsner
maine lobster and day boat scallop cake
spicy micro greens and killer tartar sauce
ionizer lager
penne with tomato braised lamb,
leeks and wild mushrooms, homemade aged ricotta
thunderweizen
tommy’s pork and beans
braised pork belly and grilled pork tenderloin,
port wine reduction, homemade baked beans and crispy green beans
old tempest ale
roasted pecan cheesecake
drunken figs and goats milk caramel
iris autumn wine dinner
6 pm, thursday october 1st
$59 plus tax and gratuity
heirloom tomato panzanella with grilled prawns
chilled basil brined prawns with local heirloom tomatoes, focaccia croutons, basil and evoo, crispy parmesan
albariño, rías baixas
black pepper and sugar cured salmon
with yukon gold and grilled corn mash, crispy green beans, mildly spicy red wine and concord grape reduction
villa antinori sangiovese blend, tuscany
iris cassoulet
pan seared chicken breast and sweet italian sausage stewed with tuscan beans, pancetta, roma tomato, pepperoncini, fresh sage and a hint of marsalla
la crema pinot noir, russian river
goat cheese carmel cheesecake
mild sonoma goat cheese blended with super rich caramel and a touch of black pepper, drizzled with apple cider syrup and smoked almonds
cambria tepusquet vineyard
late harvest viognier, santa maria valley
location...location...location...
reservations
for reservations please call us at 858.259.5878 or email us at irisfoodandspirits@gmail.com
2334 carmel valley road del mar, ca 92014
tel: 858-259-5878
irisfoodandspirits@gmail.com