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I went for the artichoke tortellini that is talked about. Excellent! Excellent, excellent. And I don't even like Italian food that much. Melt in the mouth, excellent broth, perfect portion of dough and cheese. The drinks wer very refreshing. The sandwiches were great and so was the cucumber gazpacho. Will be back.
My colleague and I had a nice brunch here. I ordered the chef's crepes that came with crab filling and she ordered a green breakfast bowl with grilled chicken added. We shared our dishes and they were a perfect combo. The food was excellent, but service was lacking. I had to ask multiple times for a second glass of grapefruit juice. We also had to wait quite a while for our check. It's worth noting that they were a James Beard Award Winner. The food was 5 solid stars, but I knocked off a star for the service. The inside of the restaurant looked cozy and tastefully decorated with white tablecloths, but it was a beautiful day so we sat outside facing the shared courtyard.
James beard tortellini truffle! I had a great time here at this restaurant. I used OpenTable to get me a reservation right before closing was like 30 minutes before and I arrived around 45 minutes before my before closing. Ordered a little bit. Greeted and checked in, got a seat right in the front. View was the beautiful street lights. Kyle was my server for the night and he gave me a great layout of whats were the good things to have. I already had the tortellini in mind since it was featured in James Beard awards so I got that it was really cheesy and the truffle was really powerful and then I packed a punch. It was a little bit underwhelming however, I really enjoyed the artichoke soup with chili sauce or chili and then I also really like the beignet. I think I didn't have to go with the seafood. I only had a little bit of the octopus and I was like I don't think I'm gonna get this next time but the next day it was a delicious left over for lunch. It look like a paella. Pretty elegant spot, and recommend for date night spot. Ps loved the starter bread with lavender fragrance. Also the rosemary bread was a majestic touch too!
The food and dining experience was superb. My party sat outside on the patio. The menu is very well planned. Our entrees were well portioned. Dessert was absolutely delicious and fantastic! If you are in Denver, I highly recommend Rioja!
I only have photos of my food and drinks, but I came here with two friends, and we had the grandest of times. This is a restaurant that exhibits superb service and phenomenal food. The restaurant is modern, sleek, open, and well lit. The service is out of this world. Everyone is falling over themselves to help you, though not in a gross way. I had two pastas (you could have either a full pasta dish or a half, and I chose to have two halves). I had the goat cheese gnudi (lamb ragu, fennel pollen, pecorino). Half portion was 14, whole 28. It was rich, meaty, and delish. I also had the mushroom pappardelle (pickled pearl onion, crispy maitake, sheep ricotta, dill). Half 18, full 29. Rich, filling, luxurious. My friend had the duck, which she loved. She can't eat red meat and it was prepared in such a way it almost made her feel like she was eating red meat again. My friend's husband had the scallops as an app (we tasted them too, they were decadent). Then he had the paella, again, a crowd pleaser. We ate every bite of all of it. We had several complex, amazing cocktails. Not the run of the mill. Ingredients that are more unique than the average spot for sure. A lot of gin and absinthe. We had one called Ecto cooler (rum, lychee, kiwi coriander shrub) that we all enjoyed immensely. It's not cheap. For all three of us, with our decadent entrees and multiple alcoholic drinks, as well as dessert and apps, was around 450 with the appropriate tip (I did tip heavy because the service was so spectacular). But I also appreciate this restaurant pays a living wage and charges a small uncharge to allow for this. Amazing experience. And on a pedestrian walkway and near clocktower cabaret, so you can have a great evening.
Rioja was one of the best meals I've had in Denver. We started with the complimentary bread service, which included cornbread, olive bread, and sourdough. The Harvest Salad was fresh, balanced, and absolutely hit the spot. The standout dish, though, was the truffle tortellini. It was rich, flavorful, and easily the star of the meal. My only regret is ordering the 4-piece portion instead of the 7-piece! I loved that the restaurant offers both half and full portions of their pastas, making it easy to share and try multiple dishes. We also ordered the Thai Pork, and the kitchen was kind enough to split it onto two plates for us, which was a thoughtful touch. The service throughout the evening was attentive super attentive and friendly. We ordered all that was recommended. The three dishes we shared were the perfect amount for two people. In fact, not a single bite was left on our plates. We were so satisfied that we didn't even make it to dessert, but that's just a reason to come back. Highly recommend: Harvest Salad, Truffle Tortellini, and Thai Pork.
I genuinely cannot believe it took me this long to find Rioja. This place is it for Denver. Located on Larimer Square, the vibe alone is worth the trip - but then the food goes and makes it unforgettable. We started with the bread and whipped butter, which sounds simple but honestly set the tone for the whole meal. So, so good. From there we had the tuna tartare, artichoke tortellini, goat cheese gnudi, and the mushroom pappardelle - and I don't know where to begin. The handmade pastas are the star of the show. The pappardelle was my unexpected favorite, followed closely by the tortellini and the gnudi (genuinely a tough call between those two). The asparagus salad was fresh and delicious. The tartare was the one thing I'd say was just good rather than transcendent -- still solid, just didn't blow me away the way everything else did. Service was attentive without being overbearing, the atmosphere is elevated but not stuffy, and the menu apparently rotates often so there's always a reason to come back. Perfect for a nicer dinner with friends, bringing your parents, or just treating yourself to something special. Already thinking about my next visit.
Rioja is a fancy restaurant that delivers high quality dishes and a great atmosphere. Given its downtown location, it's a perfect option for visitors staying downtown or for a fine dining experience prior to a show. We had an out-of-town friend staying in downtown Denver for a conference. We wanted to impress her, and I had been wanting to visit Rioja for some time, so we gave it a go. Everything about the experience was perfect. This includes the service, which was warm and knowledgeable. We ordered the two James Beard award dishes, the fresh bacon and the artichoke tortellini, to share between us. Both were delightful and definitely worthy of the attention. I had the mushroom pappardelle; which was appropriately rich and satisfying. We also had a round of drinks. We all enjoyed our drinks and found them to be well-balanced. My friend was delighted by this experience. Mission accomplished.
Met an old friend (from kindergarten!) and her son for a pre-theater dinner, with my daughter. We sat outside, but did see the interior, which was lovely. There's a small, limited menu, which I always like because they're focused on doing a few items very well, as opposed to many items less well. They do not have gluten-free pasta items. All their pasta is made in-house, and the server told me that so far, efforts with 1:1 flour have not achieved the texture that they want. But they do have risotto, so I ordered that, and the tuna tartare. The tuna was wonderful!! Really delicious. Our server brought me some papadum, because the olive crackers have wheat. The flavors were perfect. The half-order of risotto was quite small, and the piece of smoked trout was small as well, but combined with the tuna, was a perfect meal. The sauce was silky. My daughter and my friend's son both had the steak, and she said it was great. It was a nice size, and perfectly cooked. My friend had the pork. She's a trained chef and a serious foodie, and mostly enjoyed her entree. The "What's up Doc" cocktail with mezcal was very, very good. My daughter had one too. A lovely dining experience! I would return, just for the tuna tartare. Service was attentive without being intrusive, and I really appreciated the papadum.
10/10 would absolutely recommend. Joe we love you thank you for amazing service! We had it all, the lamb burger, the donuts, the tortellini, the chicken salad sandwich, Benedict's and the best margaritas in Denver. The food, the service - I couldn't have asked for a better experience after a prior evening letdown. I'm not a chicken lover but the chicken salad sandwich was phenomenal. It was well balanced and the focaccia delic. My absolute favorite were the donuts, I could swim in that compote. Every dish was spot on and I'd absolutely return. Thanks for the Texas inspired margaritas Joe
Had a really nice dinner at Rioja in Denver. The atmosphere felt warm and romantic without being stuffy, and the service was friendly and very attentive the whole night. We started with a couple of great cocktails, then shared the Fresh Bacon (which totally lived up to the hype), butternut squash ravioli and artichoke tortelloni, a soup pasta, all were flavorful and well prepared without feeling overly heavy. The steak was cooked perfectly and flavorful, accompanied by a complex green sauce. Dessert was a highlight. The cheesecake was excellent, and the fig beignets were warm, light, and a fun way to end the meal. It's not a cheap night out, (we paid $188 with tip and shared everything) but everything felt thoughtfully done and worth it for a special dinner. Would definitely go back.
This was my first time at Rioja and what an outstanding experience! I'm a Chicagoan so my standards are high...Rioja was such an invigorating Valentines weekend dinner! This spot is dripping in atmosphere and is so cozy. Their complimentary lavender sourdough and goat cheese biscuits were so tangy, buttery, and a great start. We went with the prickly pear barramundi agua chile and a half order of goat cheese gnudi as appetizers. The gnudi was heavenly and I could easily have eaten an entree size - so pillowy, and smothered in perfectly seasoned lamb ragù. The barramundi was refreshing and as a prickly pear lover the flavor was on point. For our mains we went with the pistachio crusted duck and Thai chili pork. My duck was impeccably cooked and melt-in-your-mouth. We loved the copacetic flavors of the dates and sauces on the dish! The purple veg was maybe a bit too bitter for me, but I can see how it would fit with the duck. The pork was also so juicy and the Thai inspired sauce the veggies are cooked in was excellent. For dessert we chose a valentines special- flourless fudge torte, rose scented whipped mascarpone, strawberry cava consommé. This was one of the best desserts I've ever had - every bite of the rich fudgey torte was imbued with a citrus flavor, and the carbonated cava was such a fun pairing! Every bite was like a perfect chocolate covered strawberry with a sip of sparkling wine. We truly loved this meal - the servers were all so kind and attentive too - and I'll be back soon to try out their lunch!
We came here with a huge party and it was a fun experience! The servers kept our waters topped up and we had a really interesting experience eating all the food. The server gave us a lot of info like telling us which food dishes were James beard award winning. The breads were yummy but very small and the server came around to distribute it to us individually. We tried the fresh bacon first -- it's basically a piece of pork belly in a garbanzo bean mush with butter / oil around it. I liked the bean mush the most, it added a lot of flavor to the pork. The pork is actually pretty similar to a piece of Kalua pork, we were eating with some Hawaiians and they thought it was just like kalua pork minus rice. I ordered the artichoke tortellini but it was extemely rich and I was a bit shocked by how creamy it was. Served with small pieces of artichoke hearts and some cheese. I found it was best if you ate it with a bit of the broth as it adds a lot of flavor that balances the super creamy tortellini. I loved the dessert-- it's basically a chocolate cake with raspberry sauce. Some of my table mates ordered the peas and carrots dessert and it looked really interesting kind of like a salad. I took off a star because they seemed to keep clearing only half the table and taking away our silverware without giving more. We found ourselves short of utensils a few times! There could also be more clear signage about where the bathroom is.
Food is excellent. Service is fantastic. Everyone enjoyed their food- I got the famous artichoke tortelloni with side of grilled chicken. Definitely recommend the place for food quality and service. Only downside is that no staff were wearing masks at this establishment, clearly they do not prioritize the safety of their customers. read more
Business owner information
Casandra H.
Thanks for the wonderful review Lauren W! We are monitoring the…
4 years ago
The grilled pork chop, medium rare lamb loin , and a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon. A beautiful combination for a date night on Monday night . Flew from Houston all the way to Denver (again) and found myself to this beautiful restaurant. . If you found yourself in Denver and want to have an amazing dinner, this is the spot. What we have Starters : Kampachi crudo- - very light , savory , beautiful presentation, small and delightful , great way to start the night Entree - pork chop and lamb loin. Both are great . But if I had to choose one , go with the lamb loin - medium rare . Well seasoned , seared perfectly and just the right hint of rosemary . read more
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Casandra H.
Thanks for the great review Jonathan C! We hope to see you again soon.
3 years ago
Rioja continues to amaze. While some of these photos are from previous visits, and the menu is ephemeral, we've never had a less than ideal experience here. Enjoyed at least seasonally, Rioja is perfect for any occasion. read more
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Casandra H.
Thanks for the wonderfully detailed review Jonathan! We can't wait to…
5 years ago
Really impressed by this unassuming place. They have really unique takes. The chef is brilliant, beautifully mixes unexpected but compatible ingredients and flavors. We tried tuna tartare | Thai green curry Bavarian, pineapple-coconut compote, puffed rice cracker artichoke tortelloni | artichoke-goat cheese mousse, white truffle tagliatelle | Manila clams, 'nduja sausage, marinated peppers, oven-dried tomatoes Dessert we tried strawberry fromage blanc napoleon which was ok. read more
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Casandra H.
Thanks for the great review Indranil D. We hope to see you again soon!
5 years ago
Such a great find in Denver. They have multiple seating options including multiple dining rooms, a great bar area, and an outdoor patio. We sat at the bar and the place was hopping! We ordered the appetizer of the day, but it never arrived. After speaking to our waiter, he stated he forgot about it, but it was too late because they were out. As the world knows, I am a huge pork chop fan! I ordered the grilled Berkshire pork chop with coconut -cashew rice, grilled gailon, and tamarind pork jus. The pork chop was cooked perfectly (the chef recommends medium rare, but I went with medium) and it was excellent. The coconut cashew rice was also perfect and possibly the best I ever had! I didn't have any room left but the desserts coming out the kitchen looked absolutely amazing. I will definitely be heading back again next time I'm back in Colorado! read more
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Casandra H.
Thank you so much Kristen P. for taking the time to publish your…
What a lovely spot for dinner in Larimer Square. Even on a Wednesday evening the wait for dinner at 7 PM was about 45 minutes. The wine list was plentiful and had many interesting options, including some wines from regions I haven't tried before. I tried the vegetarian four squares, the items this time around being a gazpacho, roasted vegetables, potato salad, and cheesy grits. The roasted vegetable square was my favorite. We tried the peach entrement for dessert and the mousse was just divine! read more
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Casandra H.
Thanks for joining us for dinner Amanda N! We are happy to hear that…
5 years ago
Exquisite food and a pleasantly quiet atmosphere. A place that you go to have a classy drink and chat over the delicious food. The combination of both beautiful food display and flavor leaves you wanting more. I will definitely be back here again! read more
Business owner information
Casandra H.
Thanks for the wonderful review Sabrina C! We can't wait to see you…
This my friends is modern fine dining. Absolutely delicious with amazing customer service. My friend came into town and we headed to Rioja. We started with a Manhattan which was off the chart good. OMG, I am still thinking about it - hail to the mixologist. They were pricey, but so worth it. They start you off with bread and the biscuit is worth the calories. We shared: Sweetbreads- they were soft and creamy (tofu like consistency) and rich flavor. Artichoke Tortellini - YUM YUM YUM, does that explain enough for you? These are a must - light, pillowy with subtle flavor. Hole S##t. Warning - we split a full plate and it was 5 tortellini and we could have eaten more. Duck Special - delish, no idea how it was made or the sides because I was in a food coma. Peanut, banana, toffee, marshmallow - this is a deconstructed dessert. It was Ok and I probably would pass on dessert. Probably the weakest thing on their menu (our table neighbors got the peach dessert and said it was just ok - other friends got chocolate cake and said ok). Save the money and go somewhere else for dessert. We each got a glass of Rioja wine and it was a generous poor. You will need to go to the bank, but you need to go. I am already planning another visit with my husband. read more
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Casandra H.
Thanks for joining us for dinner Rebecca F! We hope to see you again…
We sat down and waited almost 20 Minutes before we were greeted. The waitress seemed really rushed and didn't want to give us any info on the menu. I was with my son who is the most patient person even said she did an eye roll when I asked a question. The bacon/ pork belly was amazing. Melted in your mouth good. The halibut was good, not great. The waitress kinda ruined the mood. When we finished I asked for the check and the waitress apologized for being rushed and comped me a drink. Which I thought was very thoughtful and showed she was aware of her approach. Not sure we would head back on our next trip to Denver. read more
Business owner information
Casandra H.
Ryan B, I have sent you a direct message regarding your recent…
Came here with a friend for dinner and on our way, our Uber driver was like "Yo this place is mad good, one of the best". So I was like thinking ok this is good since I would be hitting up downtown only that evening after being in the area for a workshop. Went on a Tuesday evening around 6 pm. Just as a heads up, even though many tables were open, you needed a reservation. We sat at the bar area which quickly filled up afterwards with other folks who wanted to dine as well. The food was amazing actually--fresh, filling and presentation was enticing. We started off with appetizers: complimentary bread (biscuit and sourdough was good--but tiny hah), tuna tartare--that was good but I found the avocado mousse too sweet--one of the salads (forgot the name) which was fresh and opens up the palate and then the main course. My friend ordered the lamb--it was mad juicy. I had the halibut which was amazing and flavorful. I love the croquettes with the sauce. Overall, loved it. Great place for dinner as friends, dates, or even solo. Treat yo self :) read more
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Casandra H.
Thanks for the amazing review Mariam M!
5 years ago
This is a difficult review to leave. I want to start off by saying that this is a very high class place. Great ambiance and situated in the center of Larimer Square. The staff is very friendly and professional and the food was excellent. I ordered the Artichoke Tortelloni, the Berkshire Pork Chop, Amish Chicken, and the Lemongrass Old Fashioned. The drink was strong and sweet. The chicken was perfectly cooked and delicious. The pork chop was excellent and the glaze really made the dish and the Tortelloni was absolutely perfect. I brought my girlfriend here for her birthday and she loved it. The waiter was great and had a lot of insight regarding the food options and also brought out two tiny ice cream cones with a candle as a birthday treat which was greatly appreciated. The only complaint that I have and the reason for the sub-par review was the number of flies around my table and the status of the rest room. I was constantly swatting away flies and the bathroom garbage cans were over flowing with paper. For the style and price of this restaurant, I expected better maintenance. If you don't mind spending a little more at a nice place, I do recommend eating here: I just hope they are a little more attentive to the flies and bathroom situation. read more
Business owner information
Casandra H.
Danny M, I have sent you a direct message regarding your recent…
Awesome service and the wait staff is very knowledgeable about their wines and selection of food! Josh was out server and was awesome at pairing and portioning out what was needed! We had the lamb which is amazing! Split a bottle of wine and for the pasta to split! Overall the prices were reasonable for a date night for 2 and I'll be coming back for more! read more
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Casandra H.
Thanks for the wonderful review Miguel E! We can't wait to see you…
5 years ago
Fantastic atmosphere and the service was excellent!! My wife and I walked 1.5 miles to come to another restaurant when we stumbled upon Rioja. Our server recommended the artichoke pasta (fabulous) and the saffron shrimp gnocchi (pretty good), and the celery truffle soup (my wife liked it). We finished with the fig beignet (delicious). The rioja fashioned was great as well. It definitely worth the stop, and so glad we found it; stop in you won't be disappointed read more
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Casandra H.
Thanks for the great review James M and we appreciate the photos as…
4 years ago
The food was so good that I had to slow down and savor each bite. Two dishes really sang to me with a full chorus. The "fresh bacon" is really neither fresh nor bacon. Pork belly is involved and it was dusted with cardamon. It was braised and then seared on the belly side. It had the right mix of meat and unctuous fat; combined with the crispy sear it was amazing! But, that was not enough. There was a mash of fresh garbanzo beans underneath and the mix sat in an exquisite chicken brodo (broth). All the elements were prepared excellently and came together in a way that I've never experienced before. The artichoke tortelloni sat in a similar chicken brodo which really enhanced them. On top of the tortelloni was laid a slice of aged manchego which melted into the dish. The tortelloni were filled with an artichoke-goat cheese mousse which was meltingly soft and so tasty. The pasta encasing the mousse was perfectly cooked, adding enough structure to hold the tortelloni together, but be tender enough to cut open and combine with some brodo for an amazing bite. Who does this anymore - complimentary bread service? And the bread was baked in-house! With some softened butter on the side topped with pink crystals of salt - also amazing! The mini-biscuit was filled with rosemary and goat cheese - so tender and flaky with a real savory cheese flavor. The focaccia was flavored with parmesan cheese. Those two I loved. Sadly, and this is really a personal thing, the other bread was flavored with lavender; I loathe lavender. On my request for a recommendation, the bartender made me a Manhattan with Rittenhouse rye, which I've never tried. I loved it. The service was extremely attentive and my flatware was changed with each course. The only hiccup was the salad. The arugula was fresh and had a bite, but the dressing was super acidic and didn't pair well. My guess is that a touch of sweetness and reducing the vinegar-to-oil ratio would get that into balance. I also wanted about four times as much Gorgonzola. One little ding was not enough to ruin the experience, but if there had been other vegetable sides, I would have happily picked them. Given how good the rest of the dinner was, I'll bet the chef and cooks can come up with one or two great vegetable dishes to round out the menu. read more
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Casandra H.
Thanks for the wonderfully detailed review DavidF! I will make sure…
I'd just like to thank the manager, Casandra, for offering me the opportunity to come back and the restaurant another try. The first time we came, the food was fine but left a bit underwhelmed. We finally took her up on her offer to comeback and done with them again and I'm so happy we did. What a meal! Wow. I mean there wasn't a dish we didn't love this time. We had the lemongrass old fashioned and the dill pisco sour for our cocktails, which were divine. For starters we had the kampachi crudo and the rabbit two ways. The rabbit two ways honestly was a show stopper for us, I had to ask for more bread just so I could scrape up any leftover carrot coriander purée. I've had rabbit before and didn't particularly care for it but omg this dish was divine. Both the prosciutto wrapped version and the confit, which was cooked to perfection, For our second we had the Sardinian spizzulus pasta and the artichoke tortellini in truffle brodo. That tortellini. Wow. The second you take a bite of it it's like an explosion of flavor in your mouth. It's honestly incredible. For our main we shared the sausage wrapped tuna. I was skeptical about this dish but my boyfriend really wanted to try it and I'm so happy we picked it. Oh my god. I can't even explain how amazing this dish was. I've never had anything like it and that fregola sarda with the hints of pine nuts. I would go back just to eat another plate of this dish. For dessert we had the peanut, banana, toffee, marshmallow and the strawberry fromage bland Napoleon. We pretty much annihilated both of them even though we were so full by the end of the dinner. So thank you, Casandra, for reaching out after our initial experience and offering us to come back and dine with you. It was unforgettable and we will definitely be back again! read more
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Casandra H.
I have sent you a direct message regarding your experience Pegah A.
3 years ago
Although a Michelin star, we did not care for the service order food. It was my husband's birthday as I had told them while making the reservation, but they didn't acknowledge it even though they had it recorded in their system. The food was kind of boring and not really to our liking. Too pricey, for what it was. read more
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Casandra H.
B. G. I have sent you a direct message regarding your recent…
This beautiful restaurant will forever be etched in my heart, for this was the location of my engagement dinner. The way to a woman's heart is also through her stomach, and my fiancé chose wisely. Our lovely server brought us complimentary wine to celebrate our engagement, and we started ordering one delicacy after another after taking Yelp reviewers advice. Good job @Yelp fam! -The bacon: actually pork belly with a fennel dressing, that has been plated by angels to satisfy every taste bud in your mouth. You HAVE to try this. -Artichoke tortellini: I am usually not a fan of Artichoke, but this savory dish completely changed my mind! It's lightly salted, a full plate has 4-5 tortellini, perfect for sharing. -Grilled octopus and pork ribs: These were our mains. Perfect cook, tender on the inside, smoky texture on the outside. Both were pretty epic! -Dessert: The most beautiful slice of heaven. 10 stars out of 5 -The rosemary and lavender sourdough bread with our Merlot, was flowing throughout the evening. I can come and eat here every week. I agree with a previous reviewer, This restaurant certainly deserves 1-2Michelin stars. read more
Birthday dinner success. We had the halibut entree and the vegetable four square, which were both nicely prepared. The complimentary bread service of lavender sourdough with butter was carbilicious. We had the crudo appetizer, and artichoke tortellini in vegetable broth too. Everything was lovely, except for my escarole was too salty. read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
This place is amazing. Service was great...food was fantastic. Highly recommend. Grab a reservation and make sure to over order. read more
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Casandra H.
Thanks for the wonderful review Dave L!
5 years ago
Oooo she fancy! Rioja is located in Larimer Square right under that beautiful string of lights and art. I had the honour of going to Rioja for a work dinner with my new team. Having an upscale elegance this space best serves for date night, work dinners, or schmoozing clients. To be honest, if you want to have a boujee night out with friends, it's great for that too! There is indoor dining, as well as, a huge amount of patio seating. The summer heat is starting to wind down at night so this is the perfect time to grab a partner and enjoy some outdoor dining. Food: A1! I tried the pork belly, rabbit two ways, picnic plate, lamb, pork chops w/ coconut rice, gnocchi, tuna tartar, and Japanese Chocolate Cloud Cake w/ coffee ice cream. Sharing is caring when I'm around, but everything was outstanding! I wish the chocolate cake was a bit sweeter, but still delicious nonetheless. Staff: Impeccable. They never missed a beat and they were amazing with recommendations for the team. What pleasant humans. Rioja is beautiful. Be sure to check out this awesome restaurant when you find yourself near Downtown Denver. read more
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Casandra H.
Thanks for joining us for dinner FallonRaye S.! We are pleased to…
Exquisite is the best way to describe this meal. We were looking for fine dining and we found it. Rarely do I spend a mess of money on a meal and feel like it was the best choice for the evening but this evening such was the case -- even with the tiny ass portion. We started with the fresh bacon -- sublime. Had the chef's special artichoke tortellini with truffle oil broth -- help me Holy Ghost. Entrees were the tri-tip and octopus. I'll say The trip could've been softer but that's the nature of this cut of meat and the flavors from the mushrooms, cabbage, and chocolate sauce made up for it. The octopus could've been warmer but that was a kitchen issue. At the end of the day, we enjoyed the meal. Cheers to the woman chef. read more
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Casandra H.
Thanks for the amazing review Grace O! We hope to see you again soon.
4 years ago
Went here for date night and although the restaurant is beautiful and the vibes are romantic, I was not impressed with our food. I had the salmon and my husband had steak and the servings were on the smaller side and lacked flavor. Drinks were basic and took long. I did love the pumpkin cheesecake we had for dessert. Their menu changes seasonally. read more
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Casandra H.
Cynthia M, I have sent you a direct message regarding your recent…
2 years ago
The last time I came here before tonight was probably 10 years ago. Such a memorable experience and tonight's visit didn't disappoint. Thank you to Scott and the other bartender for next level service. The "tastings" portions were huge! Don't skip the biscuits during bread service. I typically don't like freshwater fish but the trout served at Rioja raises the bar. The star of the show was the venison. Love this place. read more
5 years ago
Excellent dinner! I liked some things more than others but overall yummy. Great cocktail menu. The artichoke tortellini was my fave, the broth was so good, the filling was delicious. The bacon/pork belly was also awesome. Totally recommend. The broth was also really really good. Beef and lamb were ok, good but not my fave. The beef was pretty good, nice flavor and the vegetables were nice on the side. The lamb was ok, I think maybe I just didn't love the spices/sauce, so that one I think depends on personal taste. They recommended med-rare, which we got, but it almost made the meat more chewy so idk. They also come around with fresh bread, various kinds, Asiago I think and there was lavender, mini biscuits. All delicious. read more
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Casandra H.
Thanks for joining us for dinner Meridena K! We are pleased to read…
2 years ago
5 years ago
My favorite Denver dining experience! I loved the decor and design of this restaurant,along with the Amazing service and excellent presentation. Rioja brings so much creativity to fine dining. The unique selection of drinks also kept things fresh This is fine dining reimagined with inventive cooking, a relaxing vibe and no pretense. Impressive cocktails and wine list spanning various genres. Rebecca and the rest of the team are amazing. We were able to get in on a Monday afternoon. I'd get reservations on OpenTable while you can- they are a few weeks out at least. read more
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Casandra H.
Thanks for the wonderful review and great pictures of your experience…
3 years ago
I searched the web for "best restaurants in Denver", where Rioja was the second restaurant on the list. No reservations available at the first restaurant, but I was lucky enough to find a suitable time at Rioja. From the moment we arrived to the time we left, the service was impeccable! We were greeted with a smile, promptly seated, and the wait staff were attentive. Never without our glasses being filled. Our server, Justin, was fantastic! He was knowledgeable about the food, offered suggestions and made certain we were satisfied throughout our experience; however, he was never overbearing, which is a must when you're on a dinner date with the love of your life! The lighting was perfect! You almost have the sense that you're by yourself, and the music was never overbearing. Everything was just right. As we're we're halfway through our meals, I thought to myself, "No way this restaurant doesn't have a Michelin, or they're at least seeking one." Turns out, they are Michelin rated. Anyway, 10/10 recommend, and might I add, ask for Justin, he will complete your experience with his exceptional attitude, service and attention. read more
Business owner information
Casandra H.
Thanks for the wonderfully detailed review Timothy K! We also…
I first came across Rioja by chance when I was celebrating a job offer after an interview in Denver. There was a wait for a table, but they offered me a seat in their cute little bar area up front with a beautiful view of Larimer Square. It was a weekday, and they had a special where you can try four small bites paired with four wines at a very reasonable price. I totally wanted more of ALL OF THE BITES, but it was delicious. One of the awesome things about Rioja is that they're always changing up the menu to include seasonal ingredients and it's all so fresh-tasting. The pasta is out of this world- I recently had a tagliatelle with squid and duck sausage and clams, and it had really complex layers of flavor - yummm. Seafood lovers rejoice. Aaaand if you're chasing that gorgeous food pic- order dessert - super tasty, and they're each a work of art. One more thing- and this is pretty bold but I mean it 100%- I had the best Old Fashioned of my life here. The bartender asked really specific questions about what I like, so he was able to make me this epic drink. I will be chasing how much I enjoyed that cocktail forever. read more
Business owner information
Betsy S.
Hi Mara,…
1 year ago
1 year ago
8 years ago
Top notch in Denver's Larimar square. We just stumbled upon it after landing in Denver, before we drove out to Breckenridge. Their wine and cocktails are a little pricy, but hey it is Denver! Our waitress was excellent, wish I got her name. They came around and gave us a complimentary appetizer, not sure what it was but it was good! Then they brought around all kinds of bread, yum! My husband had the special, it was something with pork and pasta and he loved it! I tasted it too, excellent! I had the George's Bank Scallops with crispy sticky rice, carrot coriander coconut nage, gingered wild mushrooms, and kaffir lime oil. It was truly fabulous. Loved everything, great atmosphere, will be back! read more
Business owner information
Betsy S.
Thank you so much, Debbie! We are so glad you enjoyed your meal!
4 years ago
The ambience is lovely! I've been there both for lunch and dinner. The dinner menu has a tad bit more choices ( not to be missed ). They take reservations so make sure you put your name on the list! I've tried their artichoke tortelloni..it is a solid 8/10, the broth however is a tad bit salty for my liking. Their ricotta gnocchi ( only on the dinner menu ) is to die for. No matter how many times you eat it, you always want more! I can't remember what we had for dessert but i remember it not disappointing. But, i'd recommend this place just for their gnocchi alone! 10/10! read more
Business owner information
Casandra H.
Thanks for the great review Ruchira R! We really appreciate it.
More info about Rioja
1431 Larimer St
Denver, CO 80202
Lodo, Northwest
Directions
(303) 820-2282
Call Now
Visit Website
http://www.riojadenver.com/
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Ask the Community - Rioja
Does Rioja have private pods for those seeking to avoid COVID?
No pods or mini greenhouses. They do have tables outside on the sidewalk and in Larimer Street with propane heaters.
Is there still outside dining available that you can request at the Tim of booking your reservation?
Hello Kathy, You can request outdoor seating when making the reservation when you speak with us.…
Do they offer Happy hours?
Rioja offers a daily happy hour from 2:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Would it be terrible to bring children? We're traveling from out of state and have to bring kids.
This is not a stuffy place and the staff is very welcoming. I don't see a problem if your children are well-behaved and are adventurous eaters. However, the dinner menu is fairly expensive and even the basic items are prepared in an eclectic and…
Are dogs allowed in the outdoor patio space?
Do they allow dogs on the patio?
Call to confirm, but I don't believe that's allowed in Denver. I've tried at a few restaurants on 17th and been told that I can't be on the patio with my little guy.
Do they have vegan options?
Vegetarian options, but limited vegan (typical salad offerings)
Is there a corkage fee? If so, how much is it?
When I called a few months ago they said they do not accept outside bottles. They have an amazing wine list though so you'll find a great bottle. We tried their 20+ year old Rioja and it was one of the best wines I've had.
Is there a dress code? We will be traveling from out of town and walking most of the day, not sure if we'll need to go home and change first.
No posted dress code. However, if you are a person of color and dressed casually, be prepared to be told that no tables are available even though tables are in fact available. A minute after being turned away, we called the restaurant and were told…
Is this restaurant loud?
I went to Rioja on a Tuesday & there wasn't an open table in the restaurant. Although the restaurant was crowded, the noise is properly controlled through use of furniture , flooring , etc . Additional, I would not call the Rioja crowd, rowdy.…
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Rioja - newamerican - Updated September 2026
Best of Denver
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