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Rioja, Denver, CO
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Rioja

$31 to $50
Mediterranean

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2 people
22:30
Booked 35 times today
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Innovative
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

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Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 10,400 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

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

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

Noise • Moderate

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Rioja is a Denver gem that consistently delivers exceptional dining experiences. With "amazing" food and "attentive" service, it's a favorite for both locals and visitors. The artichoke tortellini and octopus are standout dishes. Perfect for special occasions, this restaurant's creative menu and cozy atmosphere make it a must-visit.

10,400 Reviews

  1. betsy

    Denver

    27 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing first experience at Rioja last night!!! Justin & team delivered incredible service and knowledge as well as the fabulous foods!!! Everything we tried was uniquely presented as well as delicious!!! Thank you Rioja!!! We will be back!!

    Is this helpful?

  2. Laura

    Denver

    79 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    79 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Our waitress was attentive and intuitive. Starters (smoked trout, tuna sashimi with black truffles and house salad) were delicious but very rich for starters. Octopus was excellent and worth every penny, as was the bone-in pork chop entree. Squid ink pasta was good but small portion for the price. Excellent sangria and other cocktail choices. Good beer selection as well.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Scott

    Hawaii

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding choice for our special occasion - great food, attentive aervice, beautiful setting

    Is this helpful?

  4. Elizabeth

    Denver

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Rioja is a wonderful restaurant. Food and service are exemplary.

    Is this helpful?

  5. JBHal

    Vancouver

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Dining at Rioja was nothing short of extraordinary. Nestled in the heart of Denver, this gem offers a perfect blend of ambiance, attentive service, and mouthwatering cuisine. The menu was a culinary adventure, featuring a well-curated selection of dishes that cater to a variety of palates. I chose the vegetarian four square main course, a masterpiece that was as beautiful to look at as it was to eat. Each bite was bursting with fresh, vibrant ingredients, and the portion size was perfect. The dessert was the cherry on top—literally! The was the best I’ve had in years: light, decadent, and not overly sweet. The service was impeccable throughout the evening. Our server was knowledgeable, attentive, and perfectly timed in their approach, making sure our glasses were never empty and our questions were answered with enthusiasm. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply looking to enjoy a fantastic meal, this is the place to be. I can’t recommend it highly enough. Five stars, without hesitation!

    Is this helpful?

  6. Kyle

    Los Angeles

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The combination of the wonderful atmosphere, great food and drink menu along with the delightful and knowledgeable staff make this place amazing. Definitely recommend!

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  7. casey

    Denver

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We’ve long been fans of Rioja but the dinner we had tonight was, perhaps, the best ever. The bacon-wrapped cod was perfect. The service, as always, was impeccable, and the ambiance was friendly, comfortable, inviting.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Jeff

    Chicago

    12 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on 18 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food; we had the bean soup, pappardelle pasta, octopus & finished with fig beignets! Will be back on our next trip to Denver!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Patrick

    Denver

    10 reviews

    3.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on 17 November 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 3
    it’s been a while since dining at Rioja. this time the food was just ok. service was great. We were seated in a different part of the restaurant than in the past. seating was pretty densely configured giving a crowded feeling - not great for a date night. just so so, won’t hurry to go back

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  10. Dennis

    Denver

    49 reviews

    5.0

    49 reviews

    Dined on 15 November 2024

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Just elevated my exper to expectations of what a midday meal can be. Beautiful Tempranillo Rioja and their short rib bowl. Oh my.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Rioja is rated 4.8 stars by 10400 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a booking

2 people
22:30
Booked 35 times today
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.

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