Rioja

Sort by

Filters

1. DD

   DiningDinks

   Denver

   111 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   111 reviews

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall4food4service5ambience4

   The portions seemed to have shrunk as with a lot of restaurants. We are getting tired of these extra pandemic charges and is why we do not go out to eat as often. But overall, still a wonderful pre-theater experience. Rioja still rocks on Larimar Street!

   Report
2. CB

   CarieB

   San Francisco

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   What a great dining experience. The food was outstanding as well as the wait staff. We can see why the chef was recognized by the James Beard Foundation. Great ambiance and did I say the food was outstanding! If you’re in Denver this is a must. In the trendy Larimer Square and quite an experience. Loved it.

   Report
3. j

   j123

   San Francisco

   11 reviews

   5.0

   11 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Delicious food and great service!

   Report
4. KS

   KathrinS

   Denver

   12 reviews

   5.0

   12 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   Fabulous food and service. Their homemade bread is the best made in-house.

   Report
5. V

   Vivi

   Washington DC

   7 reviews

   vip
   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   The food is AMAZING and the wine selection is as well. Order the gnocchi and the tortellini for sure! Service was 5 star! :)

   Report
6. VM

   VickiM

   Denver

   6 reviews

   5.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience4

   The food is insanely good! Although the menu is not extensive, there is something for everyone, and they obviously focus on doing what they do exquisitely well. Our server, Diana, was amazing with service and recommendations, and the other workers were Johnny on the spot with drinks. Unfortunately, the three of us were seated next to a table of 8 or so very loud men, so until their food came, it was loud. I wish restaurants would do a better job of isolating large groups.

   Report
7. M

   Mike

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall4food4service4ambience3

   Good food, great service. Portions are a little on the smaller side for the price - even for an upscale restaurant. Bathroom was very dirty. Scallops were a bit on the gritty side.

   Report
8. W

   Walido

   San Francisco

   2 reviews

   3.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall3food3service2ambience3

   Disappointing service … quite slow; they miss checking on the table. Over priced.

   Report
9. t

   terim

   San Francisco

   10 reviews

   5.0

   10 reviews

   Dined 5 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   What a fantastic summer evening on the patio. From the second we walked in the door - every interaction with a staff member was friendly , professional and enthusiastic. Our waiter was a champion for his job - he made us want to try everything on the menu! Ritchie was exceptional. One of my favorite things at Rioja are the variations of fresh bread and amazing butter. We tried Several things on the menu - can’t wait to go back and try more. So happy that we have such a beautiful local establishment that is well staffed with people that love their jobs and are very good at it It made the whole dining experience very memorable

   Report
10. l

    lionheartkc

    Kansas City

    75 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    75 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The food was excellent and our waiter was top notch. It is a little pricey but worth it.

    Report
11. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Nich was an amazing waiter! Great food and drinks, never felt rushed and they know how to cook a steak.

    Report
12. WF

    WinterF

    Phoenix

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We dined outside and everything including service was top notch!

    Report
13. C

    Chris

    Hawaii

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fabulous food and drinks, can’t wait to go back!

    Report
14. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was simply delicious. Loved the artichoke tortellini and the chicken salad sandwich. Great flavors. Perfectly crafted.

    Report
15. JF

    JulieF

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall2food2service5ambience4

    Completetly underwhelmed by the food. I like fine dining and all hailing from Chicago have had my share of fine dining meals. But I've had way better food than this restaurant. Too overpriced for the poor quality of food. On the positive service and ambience were both nice but not one dish (and we ordered 5) was impressive. Dishes lacked flavor and were not complex... No way I'd eat here again. Had a better meal the night before at The Cheesecake Factory!

    Report
16. s

    steved

    Denver

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Rioja has a great lunch menu and got everything right. Thank you!

    Report
17. SK

    SanaK

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 14, 2022

    overall3food2service1ambience2

    Heard so much about this James Beard restaurant. Our server had a huge chip on his shoulder and attitude which was unexpected. Drink ordered was forgotten, the gnocchi was burnt and overall experience was less than at par. Dessert (beignets were fabulous as was the Halibut entree. Restaurant was extremely hot with no airflow which also made it difficult to relax and enjoy our evening.

    Report
18. J

    Jmmj

    Denver

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience2

    Wonderful selection of the talents of E Chef Jennifer Jasinski, the ambience of a Downtown Bar, with signature cuisine (James Beard: Best Chef, and Semi-Finalist('13, '16, resp.) this is a destination affair to reserve early in your Denver Gastro-Journey. Wide selection of White and Red, with appropriate Malt and Hops Brews. From the greeter at the door, to the above average service team, you will enjoy a memorable serendipitous celebration of culinary delight. The Waiters will make or break your full experience. With proper coordination and strategy of all in your party, you will be immediately first-bite transformed to the deliberate delectable discipline of slow, appetizing enjoyment and the natural urge to share the flavors with the rest or your companions. To ensure that should your words fail, they can experience your exquisite moments, fork-fulls, or spoon fulls are soon exchanged. May You Enjoy Your Meal!

    Report
19. MM

    MargaritaM

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Would go back in a heart beat, great food and service

    Report
20. AR

    AndrewR

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our meal was fantastic. A great way to celebrate our engagement.

    Report
21. TF

    TaniaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The perfect place to celebrate any milestone! Every member of my party of six, some with food challenges, found their meals divine.

    Report
22. MH

    MikeH

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Rioja was our choice for celebrating our daughter's college graduation. I had read reviews and yelp reviews, but our evening far surpassed my expectations in every way. First of all, our server, Tarius, had the perfect level of professionalism and friendliness. He spotted things, such as my dropped napkin, and rectified the situation before I even knew I had dropped it. He was very helpful with our questions and he checked in on us enough to know he would be by if we needed him, but not too often. We each ordered a cocktail or mocktail as they also have a nice selection of non-alcoholic drinks that are very enticing. They all were amazing. We weren't sure how much food was going to come on each plate so we were a bit too conservative on our appetizer as we shared the smoked burrata salad, which I easily could have eaten myself just because it was so unusual and delicious. We split it 4 ways so it was a few bites each, but it was a wonderful way to start our meal. The entrees we ordered were the ricotta gnocchi, the spring green risotto, the artichoke tortelloni and my husband had the wagyu beef with mushroom and black garlic topping and came with a kebab of mushrooms and cabbage. My husband hates mushrooms, but he doesn't get a chance to eat meat very often as I'm vegetarian. I told him I'd eat his mushrooms and that the topping probably wouldn't be a problem for him. When it arrived and he tried it, he was stunned at how good it all was. This is the best cabbage I have ever had and even he was surprised at how good the mushrooms were, especially the topping which was amazing. The ricotta gnocchi was delicious and the risotto also was one of the best ever. However, everyone voted the artichoke tortelloni as the favorite entree of the evening as it comes in a broth and has so many subtle flavors including that of truffle. We all loved it so much that we ordered a second one to split among the table. Excellent evening!!!

    Report
23. AL

    AliceL

    Dallas

    30 reviews

    3.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    We felt disappointed as expectations were based on what server explained but dishes weren’t as expected. Poke crepe had no poke - was offered tuna and then charged $10.50 for a small portion. Doughnuts were raw inside but tasted very good. They were room temp and should have been hot. A big concern is food is prepped right across from toilets????? How is this allowed???

    Report
24. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Pittsburgh

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall2food1service3ambience4

    The food was really bad. We saw good reviews and were hopeful but wasn’t even close to meeting expectations. Would never waste my money here again.

    Report
25. AH

    AustinH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I always come to Rioja when I am in Denver and it NEVER disappoints!

    Report
26. KA

    KeithA

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 10, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Servers and staff were outstanding. Food choices were quire unique. Preparation and presentation very good. Food quality - excellent. Prices were in line with location. We will return.

    Report
27. R

    Roca

    Las Vegas

    21 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    21 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great service and food. Thank you

    Report
28. A

    Anna

    Houston

    4 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 9, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Great! Book a table in the patio.

    Report
29. JC

    JanC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    This was a wonderful dining experience. Our server was knowledgeable and professional and courteous and just the right amount and tone of friendliness! He was always there with the next thing we wanted or needed. The food was great and we found the menu just right for us. Being outside was fantastic... a nice lively pedestrian street scene. It was just great. They surprised us with complimentary champagne to enjoy before the meal because I had mentioned we were in Denver to celebrate our 40th wedding anniversary.

    Report
30. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 7, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Today was my birthday and I was to have dined with my young niece at 6:00pm. She didn’t show up. My waiter (forgive me, I didn’t get his name-he’s tall and real movie star handsome) picked up on my disappointment and was very attentive, professional, and really helped me to have dinner alone and not feel alone. It was a gift. Thank you, dear one, you made my evening. Oh, and the food was fabulous! The scallops are to die for. Next time I come in I’m going to order three orders of the scallops! Total satiationsatiation, my compliments to the chef. Kudos to everyone, you guys are rockin it! Great team work.

    Report
31. TT

    TomT

    New York Area

    7 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall2food1service4ambience4

    The most expensive meal on our Denver trip and the one where we liked the food the least. Very friendly service and nice atmosphere. There is actually a charge to help bring workers up to minimum wage if they do not earn it. Maybe common in Denver? But in a week of eating out, this was the only restaurant to charge for that.

    Report
32. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    One of my favorite restaurants. Food is consistently great and the service is exceptional!! Thanks for making my husband's birthday dinner so wonderful!

    Report
33. BC

    BCRNC

    Greensboro

    13 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on June 6, 2022

    overall3food3service3ambience3

    Disappointing. Undercooked, almost cold halibut. Drinks, on the other hand, we’re not cold enough (cava and even the water). I was very much looking forward to eating there, but would not return.

    Report
34. a

    abindenver

    Denver

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Really enjoyed brunch in the patio in a great Spring day. The avocado toast was yummy!

    Report
35. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall4food5service5ambience4

    Rioja is one of our all-time favorites, this was our third time and as always, the food was amazing and the service was great. Our only disappointment this time is that we didn’t get to try any bread as we had been offered in the pas. Our entre’s made it out before anyone offered. Also on the back right side of the restaurant, the light flickers quite a bit which was a little annoying. Aside from that, the our cocktails and the food were amazing and we’ll be coming back again soon

    Report
36. J

    Jbarry

    Las Vegas

    34 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    34 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Just a little disappointed in the menu.

    Report
37. EF

    EmilyF

    Denver

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 4, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I can't count the number of times I've been sorely disappointed by a "nice" restaurant's terrible vegetarian offering, but this was absolutely not the case at Rioja. The Vegetarian 4-Square was creative, satisfying, and filling, and each element of it was perfectly prepared. But not so filling that I didn't have room for dessert!

    Report
38. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 3, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious food and excellent service.

    Report
39. KV

    KevinV

    Chicago

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 2, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience5

    Excellent food - some dishes mind blowing (gnocchi), some very good, but maybe not as good as I expected (halibut). Service is excellent, though sometimes less attentive than I was expecting.

    Report
40. LG

    LloydG

    Tampa

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Just outstanding!!

    Report