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  5. Downtown / LoDo
Rioja, Denver, CO
This restaurant now offers Takeout

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Bring the restaurant to you. Order and pay for food directly on OpenTable.

Rioja

4.7
4.7
9445 Reviews
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 62 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • Cuisines

    Mediterranean, Fusion / Eclectic

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:30 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • Phone number

    (303) 820-2282

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Jennifer Jasinski

  • 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.

  • Private party contact

    Crafted Concepts Events Team: (855) 396-3998

  • Neighborhood

    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, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 9,445 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
  • 4.8Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

NoiseModerate

Sort by

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  1. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    5 reviews

    3.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall3food3service3ambience5
    Came here for the first time with high expectations knowing the accolades of the chefs/ team and menu. We decided on the tasting menu and added an extra coarse. The dishes were good, but I do not think reflective of the cost and the prestigious name of Rioja. The service was fine, but not top notch. The attention to detail was missing. Our table was never crumbed and our table was a complete mess by the end of the meal. As each plate was dropped nothing was explained or described as usually accustomed to tasting menus. Passion was missing from the staff. Not sure if it was because we were a late table or if this is standard practice. These details are something you expect when paying a premium price for an experience and product. Cocktails did taste great and ambiance was nice.
  2. RachelI

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Rioja is my go to for special occasions. Always delicious food, delightful and thoughtful service. Very, very consistent. Highly recommend.
  3. AndyS

    Denver

    39 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    39 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service4ambience5
    Rioja is a reliable gem on the Denver restaurant scene! Fresh, everchanging menu and delightful interior.
  4. AndyH

    Denver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food5service1ambience4
    Service was an issue. Was there for lunch. Not very busy. 45 minutes from the time were ordered till the food arrived. After 25 minutes server assured us the food would be right out. 20 minutes later it came. He did not apologize or make any mention of the issue. I don’t expect discounts, but an apology or some form of acknowledgement would have shown me they at least cared. All i got was the bill… Positive note, the food is great.
  5. sunnysue

    Denver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service3ambience4
    We were there for Sunday brunch. Staff was friendly and relaxed. Service was quite slow, but we were not in a hurry. The food was all very tasty and well prepared. Sukiyaki was especially good, though beef was chewy and I would have preferred it was just left out. We ate in the sunny front window of the bar, which we prefer for brunch. A reliable restaurant.
  6. LizE

    Hawaii

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We enjoyed everything about our evening. Each dish was fantastic and the wait staff was attentive and kind. We will be back.
  7. MarqetaJIm

    Denver

    54 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    54 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed another dinner experience @ Rioja with out-of-town friends from Chicago. Dining room service continues to be excellent. Shout out to Caesar for his skills and talent in serving our table. The chefs keep the menu interesting and worth the $$$. We'll be returning soon.
  8. RichardS

    Chicago

    51 reviews

    5.0

    51 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A superb meal, excellent in every way. Attentive and knowledgeable service. Truly a fine dining experience.
  9. OpenTable Diner

    Washington DC

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Scott the waiter was on point. The ambiance is fun. The food was incredible. Looking forward to the next opportunity to visit.
  10. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This is an amazing restaurant! I have eaten here several times and have never had a bad experience. The best part is you can get half portions of certain items so you can try more food and enjoy the different styles. I will definitely be back!
  11. Minnz

    St. Louis

    31 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    31 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    You can see why they have wont a James Beard Award. The duck breast entrée was perfect. Cooked perfect and tasted amazing. Their craft cocktails are tasty, try the Boss Hog. Service was some of the best in Denver.
  12. KarenL

    Phoenix

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was my first time at Riojas. Met a friend for lunch. We each had salads which were delicious!
  13. Lovefoodandwine

    Denver

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on March 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server Diana was excellent. She made suggestions for each course that went together beautifully and we’re perfectly timed. The food was amazing as was the entire experience. Highly recommend this Denver staple.
  14. TomR

    New York Area

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 20, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Extremely attentive service made this event special. The food was excellent as were cocktails, wine and after-dinner whiskey. Duck breast (being taken off the menu soon) was delicious but a bit tough. Considering the name, we were all surprised that this was not a Spanish restaurant.
  15. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Anniversary
  16. luv2eat

    Boise

    78 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    78 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server did a great job, explaining the menu and answering our questions. He was very attentive, got everything in our order, correct and was very pleasant. The portions were a little small, but they were yummy! We had the artichoke hearts for an appetizer, there were four of us, and didn’t realize it was only two per dish so two of us did not try them, but they were delicious. We all had the arugula salad, which was fabulous, two different ravioli dishes, the Bass and the chicken. We all decided that we would order those same dishes again they were that good! We left still a little hungry, probably should have had dessert.
  17. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 19, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience5
    Super enthusiastic and nicely attentive service. Always interesting but also delicious food. Comfortable atmosphere. Staff works so hard! Bathrooms could use a refresh.
  18. SharonS

    Denver

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    Very disappointed. I have enjoyed dining here for years but last night was disappointing. The service was slow, our server wasn’t friendly and my entree was over salted and my friends was overdone.
  19. skubi

    Denver

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is alway incredible! We love trying as many dishes as we can. A favorite spot in Denver that you’ll sure be pleased with!
  20. LaurieJ

    Denver

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on March 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The food is consistently amazing and the service exemplary. We always feel pampered here and it remains one of our top 10 restaurants on the planet!!
  21. Katie

    Washington DC

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love Rioja! It's always a wonderful experience and the food is amazing.b
  22. coloradosteve

    Denver

    121 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    121 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Rioja has become a legacy gem in the Denver hospitality world. Great food that is creatively prepared, Top notch service and a great place To gather with those you love.
  23. Foodlover

    San Diego

    69 reviews

    5.0

    69 reviews

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Loved our happy hour dinner at Rioja. Mix of white tablecloths and friendly service. Value priced wine and 1/2 pasta orders allowed taste without o early filling. Excellent homemade bread service included
  24. Allison

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 17, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    One of the best restaurants in Denver. The Amish Chicken is epic! I crave it at least once a week. That and the Rosemary Goat Cheese Biscuits...Service as excellent as the food. A must for anyone who likes good food.
  25. Km1982

    Denver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 16, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    Food was great but super small portions for the price$$$ I am also GF and understand going to a Italian restaurant is probably not the best option for me…but I do feel that with how many people are GF these days they should at least have a GF bread option. They did accommodate for the main course which was nice.
  26. SteveS

    Philadelphia

    61 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    61 reviews

    Dined on March 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was excellent. In particular the chicken salad - unlike any other I've ever had. It was spectacular! And the beignets - delicious.
  27. OpenTable Diner

    Oklahoma City

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Outstanding service and meal. Our waiter was sensitive to a food intolerance with great kindness as well. Fantastic experience and we will be back.
  28. OpenTable Diner

    Dallas

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our favorite restaurant in the Denver area. The food is consistently wonderful with a rotating seasonal menu, the wine selection is comprehensive, and the service is always phenomenal. What more can you ask for?
  29. MichaelS

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Rioja is becoming our restaurant of choice for special occasions.
  30. LaurieS

    Denver

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall3food3service4ambience5
    HH menu: amazing artichoke tempura (sad there wasn’t more); sweet/salty nuts were hazelnut/yum and almonds/meh. Had two pasta (saffron fettuccine and ricotta gnocchi) dishes that were fine but didn’t knock our socks off.
  31. Chris

    Denver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall4food5service4ambience4
    The food was very good the prices were fair and the service was moderate but overall great experience and would definitely recommend.
  32. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food! Great service! The vegetarian four square entree was tremendous. The picnic platter was excellent.
  33. Erika

    Austin

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall4food3service5ambience3
    Came during late brunch, the bloody mary (Rijoa Mary) was not great, kind of bland. Whe we ordered food it had switched to the HH menu which worked great for us. The picnic board was great and beautiful presentation and the tempura shishito peppers some of the best shishito pepper Ive had. Also had a glass of the house sangria wich was very well balanced (not overly sweet) and delicious.
  34. JorgeA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A must in Denver the food, the ambiance, the team. A nice experience
  35. RussC

    Denver

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We always enjoy Rioja and last night was no exception! Great service, amazing food and an overall terrific experience.
  36. KatieL

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    We came here a few years ago and had an amazing dinner that I never forgot. I was so excited to come back. However it was terrible. The food was subpar, the service was less than stellar. There are too many amazing restaurants in Denver to waste your time in places that are not meeting the mark anymore.
  37. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to celebrate my wife’s 60th Birthday! Server brought of special ice cream with candles!
  38. RaeR

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    I had the artichoke tortellini which is one of Rioja's signature dishes and it was excellent. (The portion might not have been enough for a big appetite, but perfect for mine.) What made the evening so wonderful was the staff. My dinner companion was late in arriving. The staff was so kind and let me wait at our quiet table. Many of the other diners were on the way to the theater, and the staff seemed very focused on getting them served and to the DCPA in a timely way.
  39. BeverlyF

    Denver

    9 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on March 11, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    We've eaten at Rioja several times. It's so convenient to walk from there to the Performing Arts venues. But, it's not the convenience that brings us back. The food and service are excellent. I enjoyed the striped bass which I hadn't tried before. So flavorful!
  40. Anna

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on March 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great European vibe place with amazing food and good wine cart!

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Rioja offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (303) 820-2282.

Rioja is rated 4.7 stars by 9445 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 62 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Rioja

1431 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross street

    15th St; Larimer St

  • Neighborhood

    Downtown / LoDo

  • Hours of operation

    Brunch Sat, Sun 10:00 am–2:30 pm Lunch Mon–Fri 11:00 am–2:30 pm Dinner Daily 4:00 pm–10:00 pm

  • 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

  • Executive chef

    Jennifer Jasinski

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • 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.

  • Private party contact

    Crafted Concepts Events Team: (855) 396-3998

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