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  4. Denver
  5. Downtown / LoDo
Rioja, Denver, CO
This restaurant now offers Takeout

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Bring the restaurant to you. Order and pay for food directly on OpenTable.

Rioja

4.7
4.7
9578 Reviews
$31 to $50
Mediterranean
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.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 PM


Booked 46 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

  • Dining style

    Casual Elegant

  • 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

  • Payment options

    AMEX, Carte Blanche, Diners Club, Discover, MasterCard, Visa

  • Dress code

    Casual Dress

  • Executive chef

    Jennifer Jasinski

  • 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.

  • Private party contact

    Crafted Concepts Events Team: (720) 608-8559

  • 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, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Popular dishes

What 9,578 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

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • Denver / Colorado

    Mediterranean

  1. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great experience, would definitely recommend! We ordered the chilled carrot soup, the bone marrow, pea mousse ravioli, and the braised lamb. Got the beignets to go. Everything was excellent!

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  2. OpenTable Diner

    Philadelphia

    1 review

    vip
    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Top notch in every way. Spectacular, friendly, knowledgeable service - Diana you made our whole experience an 11 on a 10 scale!

    Is this helpful?

  3. ChelPo

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great place to go for a special occasion! The food was great and the staff went above and beyond to make us feel extra special on our anniversary

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  4. OpenTable Diner

    Chicago

    4 reviews

    4.0

    4 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Service was incredible. Food is interesting and different due to its seasonally menu change. Slight negative is if you have gluten and dairy allergy, the menu is very limited. However, the server noticed this and had them put in a special Lentil chips (really tasty) instead of bread service. Went for our anniversary and would definitely go back. Pricing was very reasonable for food quality

    Is this helpful?

  5. cjoseph

    Houston

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Not that there was much they could do, but there was some jackhammering across the street that made it very noisy at lunch today. The chicken salad sandwich was lovely, as was the service.

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  6. SeanF

    Chicago

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Fantastic food. Fantastic mood.... I truly enjoyed everything. Cannot wait for another reason to return.

    Is this helpful?

  7. ES547

    New England

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our server, Justin, made the entire experience that much more enjoyable. Food was great. All around good time.

    Is this helpful?

  8. FrederikeH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a lovely evening at Rioja’s. Thoroughly enjoyed our food (duck breast and the octopus special), accompanied by a nice wine (beer for my husband), followed by lovely deserts (beignets and cheesecake). All topped off with a wonderful port wine. Our waitress Diana was phenomenal. Definitely will come back next time we’re in Denver.

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  9. isabelleM

    New York Area

    41 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    41 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    This was our first time in Denver and after some research I discovered Rioja and it was close to our hotel so perfect for us. We loved the fact that that portion of the street was pedestrian only, with string lights and American flags hanging, very nice. It was too cold to eat outside but the outdoor space is nice. We had a wonderful dining experience, great service, delicious food and nice atmosphere and decor. Love it all.

    Is this helpful?

  10. denverfun

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    great restaurant in a wonderful area. met expectations (was recommended by a friend who works locally) and food exceeded them! professional staff and interesting menu.

    Is this helpful?

  11. Dave

    Denver

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on June 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Our waiter, Humberto, was the best. The food was great as ever, seasonal dishes were inventive

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  12. AndrewH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Rioja is always a win. The food is top notch and service overly accommodating without interfering in the experience.

    Is this helpful?

  13. Love

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    My go to restaurant of choice when I am meeting friends from out of town is Rioja and has been for years. The food the management and the service were all top notch last night. My fellow diner raved about the lamb dish recommended by our server. Above all we were able to hear one another. The noise level of whatever ambient music was playing in the background did not over power our diminished hearing abilities. (Yes we are 60 plus) Another great experience which will bring me back again and again.

    Is this helpful?

  14. OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on May 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great spot, excellent staff/service and some great dishes.

    Is this helpful?

  15. OpenTable Diner

    Atlanta Metro

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 31, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    ASK TO SPLIT THE ARTICHOKE TORTELLINI AND THE WAGYU TRI TIP. we had a party of 8 and those were all of our favorite items. Wagyu is tender and flavorful, and the artichoke T. had us talking about it days later. The Bacon is good but small, enough for 2 people max as an appetizer.

    Is this helpful?

  16. OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 29, 2023

    overall2food4service1ambience4
    The food was good but the service was very poor and really ruined the experience unfortunately.

    Is this helpful?

  17. Aditya

    New Orleans

    9 reviews

    3.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 29, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    A lot of hype, food was okay. Service was very slow. Breads were very average. Cocktails were excellent. If cannot find a better spot then go with that. Many better restaurants in town.

    Is this helpful?

  18. JDDProducer

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Great food, pleasant service. We caught the tail end of Happy Hour and that was outstanding. The larger menu looked great as well although many seemed a tad pricey. Our server was extremely thoughtful, had solid suggestions. One tip, the bread id baked there and is outrageously good. Must have the lavender sour bread, some of the best bread we've ever had, anywhere. Def worth a visit!

    Is this helpful?

  19. Rob3753

    Norfolk

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Excellent food. Expensive for a visiting European.

    Is this helpful?

  20. Barbl

    Denver

    5 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on May 28, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    This is our favorite restaurant in Denver. Interesting, seasonal, savory food and great service.

    Is this helpful?

  21. PehB

    1 review

    1.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall1food1service1ambience1
    The food was poor! at best. The special "chicken" cannoli was a joke. It was sooooo salty. That is all you could taste. And I like salt on my food. The server described it would be served with a generous portion of chicken. That piece of chicken fit on my fork. Within the prongs... The veggie 4 plate was really dissappointing. The spaghetti was mush, the potatoe cake was mush, the queso (which was the lagest portion), was served with 1 chip, the mushrooms were just ok.

    Is this helpful?

  22. Lisa12v

    New York Area

    15 reviews

    5.0

    15 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Vibrant menu and outstanding service. We were 3 and shared 3 appetizers (roasted bone marrow, artichoke tortellini and squid ink pasta with shrimp) 1 dinner (lamb shoulder) and 1 dessert (Girl Scout mint cookie with homemade ice cream). Drink menu was interesting. I loved the tequila/mezcal drink. Wine menu was outstanding. Wines from Rioja, Spain and other countries. Must try!

    Is this helpful?

  23. MarquisL

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Exquisite. Absolutely exquisite. Small, very focused menu-done perfectly! The way it should be. Look forward to our next visit.

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  24. KatieC

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Very happy to see the refreshed menu! Long overdue and very welcome. The salmon Benedict was excellent. A new favorite!

    Is this helpful?

  25. Sandy

    Cleveland

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    A lovely lunch outdoors. Excellent and attentive service and delicious food.

    Is this helpful?

  26. danihe

    Nashville

    199 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    199 reviews

    Dined on May 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Interesting menu with delicious fresh pasta options but portions are not huge. Excellent and attentive server with great wine knowledge. Good wine list and drinks menu. The thin mint chocolate dessert was disappointing after such a great meal as it was just ice cream with crushed cookies. Would highly recommend.

    Is this helpful?

  27. joan

    Denver

    8 reviews

    5.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Awesome, as always. Great food, excellent service.

    Is this helpful?

  28. MosesG

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall2food2service4ambience2
    Hopefully just an off night. Used to be a great place. Waiter was great. Restaurant needs cleaning (bathrooms were very dirty and smelled). Food was super salty and almost a 30 minute delay between appetizers and main course.

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  29. cffmn

    Denver

    70 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    70 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a wonderful experience! Creative food preparations tied to the seasons and an amazing wait staff.

    Is this helpful?

  30. PRAY

    Cleveland

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on May 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We visited Rioja for the first time from out of town. Everything was first class. Exotic menu with great dishes and new take on Mediterranean.

    Is this helpful?

  31. AllisonD

    Denver

    3 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on May 25, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Waitstaff is incredible, the food is to die for!

    Is this helpful?

  32. julaemily1

    Denver

    25 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on May 24, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The bread is worth going alone - entire meal was fabulous!

    Is this helpful?

  33. EmmaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always fantastic! Have been dining there for 16 years & always happy to return for a special occasion.

    Is this helpful?

  34. Chris

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience4
    Good portion sizes so you don’t feel too full even after enjoying dessert. Happy hour is a must for drinks. All of our food was really good and great service from Carla and the team.

    Is this helpful?

  35. MaraR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    I had the goat cheese tart and bacon. The bacon tasted like curry seasonings which aren't my favorite but nevertheless this dish was outstanding as was the tart. Drinks were amazing.

    Is this helpful?

  36. ScottE

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Even though we ate outside, the ambience was wonderful. Our waiter was awesome. The only knock is that we had reservations, and we had to wait for quite a while for the hostess to recognize were standing there waiting to be seated, the weight staff had to go to retrieve the hostess in order to bring us to our table. The hostess did not have the demeanor that projected that she wanted to be there that day, I want to be nice about it, because everybody’s entitled to a bad day, but she look like she was having a bad day and behaved as such. The food was good portions were a little small, but frankly that was OK by me. Their beer selection is very limited, but they do have a very good wine, selection, and cocktail list. Inevitably your asked, “would you go back”, and the answer would be yes! Overall it was a very good experience. I’ve had better food, but trust me when I tell you I’ve had a lot worse food that cost more money.

    Is this helpful?

  37. marklikeswine

    Denver

    14 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    14 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Really wonderful from start to finish. Our server, Patrick, was awesome. He was professional and knowledgeable but also personable and fun to chat with. The food was amazing, loved the artichoke tortellini! Drinks were on point too. Highly recommended.

    Is this helpful?

  38. Mary

    New York Area

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on May 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Their gluten free tasting menu was delicious!! They were very vigilant and all my dishes were modified to be gluten free.

    Is this helpful?

  39. Quiche

    Denver

    10 reviews

    2.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall2food2service5ambience5
    My tri tip was extremely chewy. The artichoke ravioli was room temp but good. Drinks- wine, way over priced! And they have Octopus as an entree…huh?! Didn’t order because I’ve only ever had it as an appetizer. Unless it a whole octopus (which I don’t want) why?!

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  40. JuanV

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on May 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Overall good and service is always excellent, chefs are amazing. Good experience overall and every time we go out to eat here.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitizing

    • Surfaces sanitized between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitized menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitizer or wipes provided for customers
    • Contactless payment available
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace
    • Staff is vaccinated

FAQs

Rioja offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (303) 820-2282.

Rioja is rated 4.7 stars by 9578 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 46 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

  • 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

  • Executive chef

    Jennifer Jasinski

  • Additional

    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Gender Neutral Restroom, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

  • 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.

  • Private party contact

    Crafted Concepts Events Team: (720) 608-8559

  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information
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