Riserva Del Grande — Restaurant in Brescia

The cocktails were exceptional, the food was great, and the staff was amazing. Ampelio, Andrea, and Paula felts like friends after only two visits. I was alone in the city on a business trip, and they provided not only great service, but hours of great conversation. Ampelio, the owner, shared a very rare 50-year-old bottle of Carpano Antica with me. That sums up the entire atmosphere: welcoming, friendly, and generous.

When I first saw and heard about the featured cocktails, I was a little skeptical. In my experience, complicated recipes with infusions and lots of substitutions often yield muddled results in the hands of average mixologists. I can happily report that was not the case here. The creations were unique, delicious, and often only got better throughout the life of the drink. Andrea was more than capable of bringing out their best.

Also, if you're from the USA, you'll be used to paying $20+ for cocktails of this calibre. Here, they are only 10 or 12 euros. Hard to...

One of the best spots in Brescia, wedged between Teatro Grande and piazza Duomo, Riserva del Grande feels like a hidden gem or a secret among friends even though I've never seen a quiet night there.

Their service is amazing and their bartenders even better, willing to make the cocktail you want. It's clear the management is passionate about what they've created.

Aside from cocktails, we tried the horse tartare and hummus, both of which were top tier. And, to finish it all off, we were able to walk away with a selection of my favourite beer from Curtense.

This place is definitely worth the short detour!

Update September 2022: still amazing! They're constantly updating and playing around with their menu and trying new things in the space they have so it never stagnates and they consistently offer a wonderful experience! Unless you're really early or really late you should call...

Riserva del Grande in Brescia delivers inventive, well-crafted cocktails with a creative twist - cocktails matching 20 ‘regions’, from cocktails leaning into nordic flavor combinations (with pine syrups) to middle eastern delights (honey and saffron) - all drinks had bold, balanced flavors. The menu surprises with cool twists and the classics without getting ‘too creative’

Outside, the relaxed atmosphere in a back alley provides an intimate setting perfect for unwinding, and the staff elevate the experience with their warmth and deep knowledge. It’s a spot that feels special but unpretentious, and I’ll make sure to return next time...