Riserva was the restaurant I needed to restore my faith in the food industry. So many restaurants open and it's like, meh, been there, eaten that somewhere better.
My husband and I unintentionally visited Riserva on Cinco de Mayo of all days. I had a rough day and the fix is always going out to eat. We opted to sit outside, primarily because indoors was full of reservations and secondly, it was a beautiful evening in OKC.
The patio is on the east side of the restaurant, looking out into the Chisholm Creek water feature---water features immediately bump any restaurant up by at least 5 stars. The patio also features a trendy fire pit and had a nice, sufficient roof so you're not totally open to the elements.
Our server was upbeat, engaging, and quick to answer menu questions. You could tell he was well-versed on the restaurant and his recommendations did not lead us astray.
We ordered two orders of the Sticky Ribs (citrus harissa glazed pork ribs / almond dukkah / cilantro), a Grilled Watermelon Salad (seasonal greens / poblano whipped feta / red onion / olive oil / crispy quinoa), a bottle of the Scaia Paridiso Rosso, a Dama Blanca (hibiscus arette tequila blanco / house lavender syrup / hibiscus foam / rose dust), an Old Fashion, and of course had to entertain a to-go dessert. We went with the Cardamom Date Cake (toasted walnut / tart cherry whip / butterscotch caramel).
Sticky Ribs - $21/each
Grilled Watermelon Salad - $16
Cardamom Date Cake - $13
Scaia Paridiso Rosso - $48/bottle
Dama Blanca - $13
Old Fancy Fashioned - $15 = $147 pre-tip
Let's talk about the food. The sticky ribs were one of those foods that make you close your eyes when you take a bite because they were so good. I have never tasted ribs with this flavor. They fell off the bones and were HUGE. I hear tapas and immediately think "tiny," but our server did inform us that their tapas are not small portions---can I get an "AMEN?"
The grilled watermelon salad---I didn't know what to expect and the crispy quinoa really stood out to me. Every element complimented each other in this mix.
The Cardamom Date Cake---I'm not a big date gal, but I guess maybe now I am thanks to Riserva. It may be the butterscotch caramel. If I could get a jar of this with a straw, I think that's all I'd need in life to find true happiness.
The Dama Blanca was tasty as well and presented beautifully with the "rose dust."
The vibe and energy can best be described as "island resort." I momentarily thought I'd look over my shoulder to see a wave crashing along the shore. We went when it was still plenty light outside, but I bet the romance amps up when the sun sets.
My only hope for their future is that they develop a happy hour menu. Regardless, I'll be back. On Mother's Day to be exact.
Bravo, Riserva
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