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Rioja, Denver, CO
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Rioja

$31 to $50
Mediterranean

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2 people
19:00
Booked 35 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Neighbourhood gem
Chef Jennifer Jasinski's creatively inspired food is influenced by local seasonal products. Rioja is simple, pure food that emphasizes bright flavors and textures. The wines are a collection of fun interesting varietals that complement the cuisine.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Jennifer Jasinski

From the OpenTable editors: Rioja's Jennifer Jasinski is a trailblazer, being the first chef from Denver to win a James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest in 2013, along with many other accolades. The Larimer Square restaurant recently celebrated two decades, and the open kitchen still fires out rustic Mediterranean fare, from fresh handmade pasta to smoky grilled octopus.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean, Fusion / Eclectic
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–14:30 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–14:30 Dinner Daily 16:00–22:00
  • Phone number
    (303) 820-2282
  • Website
    http://www.riojadenver.com/
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Catering
    Whatever the occasion, Crafted Concepts has a venue and menu to exceed your expectations. We truly thrive on creating custom events and exciting experiences – the only limit is your imagination!
  • Private party facilities
    The culinary prowess of James Beard award winner, Jennifer Jasinski, is highlighted at every meal served by the talented Rioja staff. A Mediterranean menu with local, seasonal influences is served in semi-private or restaurant-wide events from 20 to 150 handled with Rioja’s award-winning expertise.
  • Location
    1431 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202
  • Area
    Downtown / LoDo
  • Cross Street
    15th St; Larimer St
  • Parking details
    Valet available on Larimer Square each night of the week for dinner, $10 off with Rioja validation.A parking garage is located directly behind the restaurant on Market Street. Street parking is available throughout Larimer Square.
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • Lunar New Year 2025

    US$95.00 per person

    Prepaid

    22 Jan 2025 only
    It's the Year of the Wood Snake and we're celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year with a four-course special menu paired with outstanding beverage selections from the Rioja bar team.

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 10,427 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.8Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Rioja in Denver offers "amazing food and cocktails" with standout Mediterranean cuisine. Guests rave about its "great service" and "wonderful ambiance." It's a top choice for special occasions, known for artfully presented dishes like artichoke tortellini and grilled octopus. Consistent excellence makes it a "Denver gem."

10,427 Reviews

  1. Sally

    Denver

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Delicious food - inspired flavors but not pretentious. Warm & friendly service. Great location for a pre-theater dinner. Easy walk to Denver Center for Performing Arts.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Mari

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Rioja was excellent. Menu choices large enough to be interesting, but not overwhelming. My house salad, pasta, and sorbet was outstanding. I highly recommend this restaurant. One of Denver’s best.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Andy

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Solid kitchen delivers at this now standard of Denver dining institution… Has gotten more crowded and more dense in seating area, but servers make it work. Menu is always interesting. Wine prices have climbed too much

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  4. Taylor

    Dallas

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    Love this place, and they have a great happy hour! Don't sleep on the chicken salad sandwich

    Is this helpful?

  5. Caroline

    Denver

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The ambiance and service at Rioja is always amazing. We shared the house salad which was delicious. My mom ordered the Thai chili pork entree which was bursting with flavor. I would come back just to get that. I had the short rib which was perfectly cooked, I wish it had more sauce and more of the carrot purée, but over all excellent.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Kelly

    VIP

    Denver

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    So delicious with excellent service, drinks and overall dining experience! We go every year when in Denver and love it each time!

    Is this helpful?

  7. Clair

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious food, kind staff and great ambiance. First time here, got the seared venison and the short rib both were to die for. We also loved their bread and their cheese and meats with house made parm crackers. Thank you!

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  8. Barbara

    Denver

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Delightful meal. Service a bit slower than usual

    Is this helpful?

  9. Ken

    VIP

    Indiana

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Great ambience and service with delicious food. The artichoke tortellini as an appetizer are highly recommended.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Dawn

    Denver

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on 12 December 2024

    1. Overall 1
    2. Food 1
    3. Service 1
    4. Ambience 5
    I've been to Rioja several times and each time was so special. I brought my staff for our Christmas party, truly just wanting an exceptional experience with lots of great wine, cheese, apps, full bellies, and great service. I called ahead to make sure we would have enough time to sit for a few hours. I was told that as long as we ordered on time from the kitchen, we could stay as long as we'd like, as the restaurant would still be open for happy hour. The service from our first waiter was what you'd expect at Subway, he should not be at a place like this. His wine suggestions were not great (I've always enjoyed the recommendations from the waiters here), and we felt like he was rushing us out the door. They cleaned up the appetizers before we were finished, brought the dessert at the same time as the entrées, and then took away our silverware before we could eat the dessert. We asked for an extra cheese plate for a table of 5, he brought two tiny cheese squares- we just had to laugh. The service from the second waiter (who ended up closing us out) was much better, but we still felt shooed out. All in all, it was not a special experience. We left laughing about how UNspecial it was.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Rioja is rated 4.7 stars by 10427 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
19:00
Booked 35 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Rioja

1431 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    15th St; Larimer St
  • Area
    Downtown / LoDo
  • Hours of Operation
    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00–14:30 Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00–14:30 Dinner Daily 16:00–22:00
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • Cuisines
    Mediterranean, Fusion / Eclectic
  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Dress code
    Casual Dress
  • Parking details
    Valet available on Larimer Square each night of the week for dinner, $10 off with Rioja validation.A parking garage is located directly behind the restaurant on Market Street. Street parking is available throughout Larimer Square.
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Website
    http://www.riojadenver.com/
  • Phone number
    (303) 820-2282
  • Catering
    Whatever the occasion, Crafted Concepts has a venue and menu to exceed your expectations. We truly thrive on creating custom events and exciting experiences – the only limit is your imagination!
  • Private party facilities
    The culinary prowess of James Beard award winner, Jennifer Jasinski, is highlighted at every meal served by the talented Rioja staff. A Mediterranean menu with local, seasonal influences is served in semi-private or restaurant-wide events from 20 to 150 handled with Rioja’s award-winning expertise.

Featured in

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