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Rioja, Denver, CO
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Rioja

$31 to $50
Mediterranean

Make a reservation

2 people
7:00 PM
Booked 38 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Romantic
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 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
  • 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
  • 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, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • Lunar New Year 2025

    $95.00 per person

    Prepaid

    Jan 22, 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 10,448 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
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 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."

10,448 Reviews

  1. Lisa

    Denver

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    High quality food & service. You can’t go wrong with Rioja.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Michael

    Denver

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 3
    4. Ambience 3
    Our experience was only average. There were very few guest and the staff was noisy and disruptive. The artichoke torteloni was exceptional, unlike the rest of the meal.

    Is this helpful?

  3. celeste

    Dallas

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    I will be thinking about that raviola for a very long time. Everything was delicious! The service was great. We will be back.

    Is this helpful?

  4. Jeff

    Denver

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 5
    We've been eating at Rioja since they opened... many years ago. The food is just as good or even better, which is excellent. We were disappointed in the service, however. It wasn't bad, but they were not as attentive as they have been in the past. Also, remember the artisan breads? There aren't as many choices as in the past, nor does the "bread person" come around as often as they used to. Overall, it's still a great place for dinner. Maybe is was must an off night.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Rich

    VIP

    Denver

    18 reviews

    5.0

    18 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The restaurant staff helped to make our anniversary special with their friendliness, expertise, and service. The food was amazing from breads to salads to entrees to dessert.

    Is this helpful?

  6. Jay

    New Orleans

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 2
    4. Ambience 5
    The atmosphere was great and the food was tasty. The squash soup was amazing. However, the squid ink tagliatelle, though tasty, contained only small bits of the halibut advertised in the menu. The big hiccup was being overcharged for a cocktail and a glass of wine. It was noticed by my wife after we had left the restaurant. I went back the next day and the manager, Rich, could not have been nicer. He comped both items and gave me an immediate refund. This was our 4th or 5th time at Rioja and we will not let this one incident deter us from going back.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Annette

    Denver

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful meal wonderful server Sam and fab wine wonderful Xmas celebration

    Is this helpful?

  8. Amanda

    Chicago

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing service. Britain was our server and was incredibly kind to us and our children. Food was amazing as usual. Highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Lynne

    VIP

    Denver

    65 reviews

    5.0

    65 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Outstanding food and service. We had a terrific Christmas Eve dinner there.

    Is this helpful?

  10. TRACY

    VIP

    Denver

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Every single bite was exquisite. The attentive service was perfectly timed. This restaurant is in my top three favorites in the world.

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Rioja is rated 4.7 stars by 10448 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 38 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Rioja

1431 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202

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
  • 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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