The food came quickly and was incredible, the beef short rib was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The ambiance was pleasant with an open kitchen, although it is very warm in some sections. The staff were kind and respectful and the general manager came over to ask how everything was and to make conversation. Overall it was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone.
Rioja epitomizes fine dining with its exceptional service and creative cuisine. The attentive staff and inventive dishes create a memorable experience, perfect for any day, not just special occasions. The staff at Rioja make every visit an experience in the art of dining well.
PollyA
Had $20 salmon Benedict which looked pretty but didn't taste particularly good. The server never asked about my food nor did she bring a refill of ice tea. Amazing since 1 glass costs $4. I ate at Rioja a month ago for Sunday brunch and inquired about the bread service. I was told to request it next time which I did today and was told it wasn't available. I like Rioja however I'm going to try other places in the future. The cost cutting seems extreme.
RolandH
Have visited before. Outstanding once again. Food, Wine, Service, Ambience. Had a first time visitor with me so of couse we had to have the awesome Artichoke Tortelloni. Server recommended the pork chop. It was excellent. Had a bottle of Nascetta, and obscure wine from Italy. I actually knew it so I ordered it. Great to have a fun wine list!
SusanK
We dined with friends after a performance at DCPA. The server inquired about whether we needed to leave for a performance which was great. All of us had pasta dishes. They were good but not great. My fish was not very hot. The restaurant was noisy and I was glad to see many diners enjoying the restaurant but we had a hard time being heard.
Yano
Our server was absent for the first 15+ minutes we were there. Took drink orders. Someone else brought them out. But he walked by our table a good 10+ times before stopping by even though our menus were clearly closed and we were ready to order. Had heard of this place but never been before. He spent a good 5 minutes describing how the chef was using the seasons to come up with his sauces, blah, blah. Then said the food was so good, every single item on the menu, that he'd seen people cry over it. I doubt it. It's ridiculously overpriced. The food is mediocre at best. We had the grilled octopus. For $40, it should have been twice the size. The beans and escarole that accompanied it could not have been more bland. The grilled grapes and chorizo puree were the best thing about the dish. Had much higher expectations for this place based off of reviews from friends and Yelp. I don't get the hype, and for the price, would definitely not recommend going certainly won't be returning.
LujeanC
Our dining experience was excellent. Jeremiah was great and talked us through the menu. We were checking the place out to see if we wanted to do my 40th birthday party there. The food was DELICIOUS! We had a great experience.
BrynnB
Amazing food! Such unique dishes and we will totally be back! Definitely top 5 restaurants in Denver! Only issue we had was the back corner area of the restaurant was extremely hot, taking away from being comfortable in the restaurant. We can't wait to come back though!
BacchuV
1) table not ready at time of reservation. 2) waiter is double sat by front of house 3) was told kitchen is running behind when asked if we have any plans after dinner. We did not. It was 6pm, so it was quite confusing how they were running so late, so early in dinner service. 4) the table next to us, whom arrived 15 minutes after us, said they did have plans afterwards. Waiter decides to value their time over ours, and it's our anniversary, and the restaurant was aware of this. 5) my first course features burnt, crispy gnocchi. 6) I am then told I WILL NOT receive my first course. Literally! I was asked, "do you want some bacon? Because we can't get your first course out now." I woukd be tested better than thus at any other restaurant. Chili's has higher standards than this. 7) Brass tax: the executive chef here should be demoted to McDonald's. First off, is quality control part of your job? Because you sent out the worst pasta dish I have ever had, then let your table go hungry and denied them their meal for it. WOW who is trusting this person? Totally unprofessional, and really really really bad at your job. 8) Manager visits table and says, "Sorry about your dinner. We'll trest you netter next time you are here." Next time?!?!? Excuse me? Next time? Yeah, then he walked away. What a dope! 9) after an hour at the restaurant, I receive the only food I have been offered, my enteee. 10) waiter says, "Oh boy oh boy oh boy... you get free dessert!" Excuse me... I'm still hungry! I've been in your restaurant for 90min and all I have received is 6oz of seafood. Whatever.. impress me with dessert! 11) two extremely miniature ice cream cones arrive. Exactly one bite each, and another for the baby cone it's attached to. Oh, but there's more! Two glasses of their house cava. It's so exclusive! We make it ourselves!" This is the worst champagne I have ever had. It's not served in a flute, it has next to no bubbles, and it's disgusting. 12) $150 bill. RIPOFF. WORST MEAL
Calex
We go here quite a bit and always enjoy it. My only complaint is that we sat in the back room this time and it was stuffy and hot compared to the front room - I've noticed it before and wish they could fix it.
Rioja offers unique dishes attractively presented and with interesting flavor combinations. We truly appreciated how knowledgeable and personable our waiter was, which truly added to our enjoyment of the dinner.
LisaH
Food and service were excellent! Pork chop cooked perfectly and the veggies that accompanied it were divine. The four square vegetarian dish was delicious! Thanks for making our anniversary special ?
BetsyA
Delicious food in a great atmosphere. Will go again. I loved my salmon and the pork chop was delicious—and huge. My friend couldn't finish it. We were going to a play (which we told the server) but the waiter waited to put our order in so we could finish with apps. The food came out just 10 minutes before we needed to leave, and we had to rush to finish it. I would say if you need to be somewhere, make sure to ask the waiter to put everything in at once. (He said all the food at a large table beside us ended up coming out just before ours.)
Blush
Rioja has always been one of my favorite restaurants in Denver. So consistently good in every way. We've been on so many different occasions over the years from drop in bar seating for a spontaneous date night out with my husband; to a super special Christmas Eve dinner with my three adult kids; to lunch with my sister. Love trying new things and also having long standing favorites. I still miss however, your homemade mozzarella wrapped in pancetta with grilled bread and pesto. One of my favorite dishes I've ever had in Denver. My only ever disappointment with Rioja was writing years ago to request that dish again, and getting a snoody reply from the chef. Every time I go I remember that and am surprised by her reply. Still, I wish Rioja continued success.
Sean
My wife and I have been here 2 times, and it is one of our favorite places for a date night in Denver. The food is exceptionally good from entrees all the way to the bread. The cocktails are spot on, and the service is top notch. Definitely would recommend this to anyone who enjoys inventive food with fresh ingredients.
The food came quickly and was incredible, the beef short rib was melt-in-your-mouth delicious. The ambiance was pleasant with an open kitchen, although it is very warm in some sections. The staff were kind and respectful and the general manager came over to ask how everything was and to make conversation. Overall it was an amazing experience and I would recommend it to anyone.
Rioja epitomizes fine dining with its exceptional service and creative cuisine. The attentive staff and inventive dishes create a memorable experience, perfect for any day, not just special occasions. The staff at Rioja make every visit an experience in the art of dining well.
Had $20 salmon Benedict which looked pretty but didn't taste particularly good. The server never asked about my food nor did she bring a refill of ice tea. Amazing since 1 glass costs $4. I ate at Rioja a month ago for Sunday brunch and inquired about the bread service. I was told to request it next time which I did today and was told it wasn't available. I like Rioja however I'm going to try other places in the future. The cost cutting seems extreme.
Have visited before. Outstanding once again. Food, Wine, Service, Ambience. Had a first time visitor with me so of couse we had to have the awesome Artichoke Tortelloni. Server recommended the pork chop. It was excellent. Had a bottle of Nascetta, and obscure wine from Italy. I actually knew it so I ordered it. Great to have a fun wine list!
We dined with friends after a performance at DCPA. The server inquired about whether we needed to leave for a performance which was great. All of us had pasta dishes. They were good but not great. My fish was not very hot. The restaurant was noisy and I was glad to see many diners enjoying the restaurant but we had a hard time being heard.
Our server was absent for the first 15+ minutes we were there. Took drink orders. Someone else brought them out. But he walked by our table a good 10+ times before stopping by even though our menus were clearly closed and we were ready to order. Had heard of this place but never been before. He spent a good 5 minutes describing how the chef was using the seasons to come up with his sauces, blah, blah. Then said the food was so good, every single item on the menu, that he'd seen people cry over it. I doubt it. It's ridiculously overpriced. The food is mediocre at best. We had the grilled octopus. For $40, it should have been twice the size. The beans and escarole that accompanied it could not have been more bland. The grilled grapes and chorizo puree were the best thing about the dish. Had much higher expectations for this place based off of reviews from friends and Yelp. I don't get the hype, and for the price, would definitely not recommend going certainly won't be returning.
Our dining experience was excellent. Jeremiah was great and talked us through the menu. We were checking the place out to see if we wanted to do my 40th birthday party there. The food was DELICIOUS! We had a great experience.
Amazing food! Such unique dishes and we will totally be back! Definitely top 5 restaurants in Denver! Only issue we had was the back corner area of the restaurant was extremely hot, taking away from being comfortable in the restaurant. We can't wait to come back though!
1) table not ready at time of reservation. 2) waiter is double sat by front of house 3) was told kitchen is running behind when asked if we have any plans after dinner. We did not. It was 6pm, so it was quite confusing how they were running so late, so early in dinner service. 4) the table next to us, whom arrived 15 minutes after us, said they did have plans afterwards. Waiter decides to value their time over ours, and it's our anniversary, and the restaurant was aware of this. 5) my first course features burnt, crispy gnocchi. 6) I am then told I WILL NOT receive my first course. Literally! I was asked, "do you want some bacon? Because we can't get your first course out now." I woukd be tested better than thus at any other restaurant. Chili's has higher standards than this. 7) Brass tax: the executive chef here should be demoted to McDonald's. First off, is quality control part of your job? Because you sent out the worst pasta dish I have ever had, then let your table go hungry and denied them their meal for it. WOW who is trusting this person? Totally unprofessional, and really really really bad at your job. 8) Manager visits table and says, "Sorry about your dinner. We'll trest you netter next time you are here." Next time?!?!? Excuse me? Next time? Yeah, then he walked away. What a dope! 9) after an hour at the restaurant, I receive the only food I have been offered, my enteee. 10) waiter says, "Oh boy oh boy oh boy... you get free dessert!" Excuse me... I'm still hungry! I've been in your restaurant for 90min and all I have received is 6oz of seafood. Whatever.. impress me with dessert! 11) two extremely miniature ice cream cones arrive. Exactly one bite each, and another for the baby cone it's attached to. Oh, but there's more! Two glasses of their house cava. It's so exclusive! We make it ourselves!" This is the worst champagne I have ever had. It's not served in a flute, it has next to no bubbles, and it's disgusting. 12) $150 bill. RIPOFF. WORST MEAL
We go here quite a bit and always enjoy it. My only complaint is that we sat in the back room this time and it was stuffy and hot compared to the front room - I've noticed it before and wish they could fix it.
Restaurantji Recommends
Rioja offers unique dishes attractively presented and with interesting flavor combinations. We truly appreciated how knowledgeable and personable our waiter was, which truly added to our enjoyment of the dinner.
Food and service were excellent! Pork chop cooked perfectly and the veggies that accompanied it were divine. The four square vegetarian dish was delicious! Thanks for making our anniversary special ?
Delicious food in a great atmosphere. Will go again. I loved my salmon and the pork chop was delicious—and huge. My friend couldn't finish it. We were going to a play (which we told the server) but the waiter waited to put our order in so we could finish with apps. The food came out just 10 minutes before we needed to leave, and we had to rush to finish it. I would say if you need to be somewhere, make sure to ask the waiter to put everything in at once. (He said all the food at a large table beside us ended up coming out just before ours.)
Rioja has always been one of my favorite restaurants in Denver. So consistently good in every way. We've been on so many different occasions over the years from drop in bar seating for a spontaneous date night out with my husband; to a super special Christmas Eve dinner with my three adult kids; to lunch with my sister. Love trying new things and also having long standing favorites. I still miss however, your homemade mozzarella wrapped in pancetta with grilled bread and pesto. One of my favorite dishes I've ever had in Denver. My only ever disappointment with Rioja was writing years ago to request that dish again, and getting a snoody reply from the chef. Every time I go I remember that and am surprised by her reply. Still, I wish Rioja continued success.
My wife and I have been here 2 times, and it is one of our favorite places for a date night in Denver. The food is exceptionally good from entrees all the way to the bread. The cocktails are spot on, and the service is top notch. Definitely would recommend this to anyone who enjoys inventive food with fresh ingredients.