Food and service were amazing! We're visiting from out of town, but we definitely want to go back next time. We're here.
Nick
Awesome spot. Fantastic tortellini and octopus. Only downside is the lighting for pictures is bad. Otherwise, 10/10!
Mackensie
We have eaten at Rioja for over ten years. It's where we love to celebrate big milestones. We've always had exceptional food and service, but this last experience was not so great. The food was exceptional as always, but the service was very sub par..... we were very disappointed.
Rhonda
such a great meal. This will be our go to when coming to shows at the Denver Center. The Purple Haze cocktail, fresh bacon, daily donuts and the chef's crepe did not disappoint. My husband had the lamb burger and really enjoyed it too. YUMMY!
Kate
The pork belly is OUT OF THIS WORLD. The broth with the artichoke tortellini was like the nectar of the gods. No notes.
Elizabeth
Came in to have a lunch meeting on a hot day. Rioja was the perfect answer! Loved the atmosphere, the attentiveness of the wait staff, we had the special which was SO yummy and creative. The tables were beautifully set, the dining spaces all welcoming, nice view of open kitchen. A top-notch answer if you want a worry-free professional and enjoyable dining experience. There is no valet, so plan ahead for parking if you are getting yourself there. Was a little surprise to me. 🤓
Kim
The food and service were outstanding! I guess they don't give out awards to chefs to just anyone. Our meals were inventive, delicious and award winning! I thought the price for a glass of wine was high, but even my daughter's mocktail was delightful! I'd go there again for a special occasion.
Kathleen
First time at Rioja, but we'll be back. The service was attentive but not intrusive, the food was some of the best we've had in Denver--inventive cuisine but not pretentious. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and quiet enough that we could have a dinner conversation without having to shout. We were hosting an out of town guest and we had a delightful evening.
Rebecca
Rioja is always a winner for a special occasion or a night out in downtown Denver. Great food! And owners, Jen Jasinski and Beth Gruitch, place value on providing a living wage for their employees.
cindy
Rioja has been one of my favorite restaurants in Denver!! The food is outstanding every time!! The service is phenomenal. Justin, our server, was extremely attentive and so nice!! Everything was perfect. As always the artichoke tortellini was my favorite. The chicken was also out of this world.
We always enjoy Rioja for special occasions. The food was outstanding. The octopus was delicious, and my artichoke tortellini was amazing as always. John, our waiter was excellent. Very personable and very knowledgeable. Dessert with the lemon, blueberry bobino with amaro Averna was a perfect ending. We will be back!
eva
Fantastic food and impeccable service. Our dinner was a team meeting and celebration of accomplishments, and Rioja was perfect. Highly recommend.
Tim
Excellent service, nice window table, great cocktails and the artichoke tortellini was as good as ever. But both our Thai chili pork and Amish chicken were bland and obviously not properly seasoned prior to cooking. And the wine by the glass list was just pathetic, with mostly 3.8 or less Vivino ratings at ripoff prices. Been here many times but no longer worth the trip and hassle of downtown Denver.
Robert
Although listed as Mediterranean, the menu borrows from both Eastern and Western ends of the sea. The ambiance is well appointed with white table cloths, comfortable chairs and low music volume, so you can have a conversation. Waiter was knowledgeable about the menu which included some long time menu offerings. We started with scallop crudo and grilled prawns which both were beautifully accompanied and presented. On then to grilled octopus and bavette main courses which lived up to the appetizers. Finished with strawberry and sumac tart with pistachio ice cream, another great pairing. The offerings were such that we already have picked out what we want to try “the next time” we are in town. Larimer Square is a buzzy pedestrian area full of offerings, but you should not pass by Rioja.
Andrea
This was our first visit to the city of Denver when I found this gem for dinner! Service was great, beautiful place and the food was perfection! They even brought a little dessert so we can celebrate my sister on her birthday! Thanks Rioja!
Food and service were amazing! We're visiting from out of town, but we definitely want to go back next time. We're here.
Awesome spot. Fantastic tortellini and octopus. Only downside is the lighting for pictures is bad. Otherwise, 10/10!
We have eaten at Rioja for over ten years. It's where we love to celebrate big milestones. We've always had exceptional food and service, but this last experience was not so great. The food was exceptional as always, but the service was very sub par..... we were very disappointed.
such a great meal. This will be our go to when coming to shows at the Denver Center. The Purple Haze cocktail, fresh bacon, daily donuts and the chef's crepe did not disappoint. My husband had the lamb burger and really enjoyed it too. YUMMY!
The pork belly is OUT OF THIS WORLD. The broth with the artichoke tortellini was like the nectar of the gods. No notes.
Came in to have a lunch meeting on a hot day. Rioja was the perfect answer! Loved the atmosphere, the attentiveness of the wait staff, we had the special which was SO yummy and creative. The tables were beautifully set, the dining spaces all welcoming, nice view of open kitchen. A top-notch answer if you want a worry-free professional and enjoyable dining experience. There is no valet, so plan ahead for parking if you are getting yourself there. Was a little surprise to me. 🤓
The food and service were outstanding! I guess they don't give out awards to chefs to just anyone. Our meals were inventive, delicious and award winning! I thought the price for a glass of wine was high, but even my daughter's mocktail was delightful! I'd go there again for a special occasion.
First time at Rioja, but we'll be back. The service was attentive but not intrusive, the food was some of the best we've had in Denver--inventive cuisine but not pretentious. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and quiet enough that we could have a dinner conversation without having to shout. We were hosting an out of town guest and we had a delightful evening.
Rioja is always a winner for a special occasion or a night out in downtown Denver. Great food! And owners, Jen Jasinski and Beth Gruitch, place value on providing a living wage for their employees.
Rioja has been one of my favorite restaurants in Denver!! The food is outstanding every time!! The service is phenomenal. Justin, our server, was extremely attentive and so nice!! Everything was perfect. As always the artichoke tortellini was my favorite. The chicken was also out of this world.
Restaurantji Recommends
We always enjoy Rioja for special occasions. The food was outstanding. The octopus was delicious, and my artichoke tortellini was amazing as always. John, our waiter was excellent. Very personable and very knowledgeable. Dessert with the lemon, blueberry bobino with amaro Averna was a perfect ending. We will be back!
Fantastic food and impeccable service. Our dinner was a team meeting and celebration of accomplishments, and Rioja was perfect. Highly recommend.
Excellent service, nice window table, great cocktails and the artichoke tortellini was as good as ever. But both our Thai chili pork and Amish chicken were bland and obviously not properly seasoned prior to cooking. And the wine by the glass list was just pathetic, with mostly 3.8 or less Vivino ratings at ripoff prices. Been here many times but no longer worth the trip and hassle of downtown Denver.
Although listed as Mediterranean, the menu borrows from both Eastern and Western ends of the sea. The ambiance is well appointed with white table cloths, comfortable chairs and low music volume, so you can have a conversation. Waiter was knowledgeable about the menu which included some long time menu offerings. We started with scallop crudo and grilled prawns which both were beautifully accompanied and presented. On then to grilled octopus and bavette main courses which lived up to the appetizers. Finished with strawberry and sumac tart with pistachio ice cream, another great pairing. The offerings were such that we already have picked out what we want to try “the next time” we are in town. Larimer Square is a buzzy pedestrian area full of offerings, but you should not pass by Rioja.
This was our first visit to the city of Denver when I found this gem for dinner! Service was great, beautiful place and the food was perfection! They even brought a little dessert so we can celebrate my sister on her birthday! Thanks Rioja!
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