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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
  • Neighborhood 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 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 10,428 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."

10,428 Reviews

  1. Terry

    VIP

    Edinburgh

    27 reviews

    5.0

    27 reviews

    Dined today

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Great pre-theatre dinner! Excellent service, food, and ambiance

    Is this helpful?

  2. Sally

    Denver

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    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?

  3. Mari

    Austin

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    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?

  4. Andy

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 3 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

    Is this helpful?

  5. Taylor

    Dallas

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 4 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?

  6. Caroline

    Denver

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 4 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?

  7. Kelly

    VIP

    Denver

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined 7 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?

  8. Clair

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 7 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!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Barbara

    Denver

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 7 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?

  10. Ken

    VIP

    Indiana

    13 reviews

    4.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on December 13, 2024

    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?

FAQs

Rioja is rated 4.7 stars by 10428 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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