Plated R

Part James Bond, part James Beard, Downtown’s Rivera delivers high-concept Latin flavors in a chilled-out, ultramodern atmosphere.

Masculine club chairs shaped like the eatery’s iconic “R” logo face a bar stocked with sipping tequilas and boutique liquors. Request a table at the long, back-lit banquette near the open kitchen and watch sous chefs whip up bite-sized snacks and brand floral patterns onto homemade tortillas.

Along with an adventurous spirit, you’ll need a waiter to translate the menu's more cryptic ingredients, like “dog snout” xnipek and “Indian butter,” inspired by the chef’s travels to Spain and Latin America.

Start off with a few plates of shareable apps, like the earthy mushroom tamale, a buttery ahi tuna ceviche, and the flavorful, falling-off-the-bone duck confit. For entrees, it's all about the braised pork shoulder: thick and juicy marinated slices served on a thin shingle of crisp Peruvian potatoes.

Wines from Spain, Portugal, Chile and Argentina enhance the menu’s theme, but the cocktails are truly exceptional. Blood Sugar Sex Magic lives up to its name (rye, red pepper, agave nectar, basil), while the Anejo Honey Sour is served with a specially made ice cube that stays frozen for 45 minutes.