This restaurant now offers Takeout

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Rioja

Name: Rioja
Address: 1431 Larimer Street, Denver, CO, United States, 80202
Telephone: (303) 820-2282
Price range: $31 to $50
Rating: 4.7

4.7

9578 Reviews

$31 to $50

Mediterranean

Top Tags:

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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 10, 2023

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
Website
http://www.riojadenver.com/
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

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, Takeout, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

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

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Denver / Colorado
Mediterranean

OT
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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OT
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!
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CP
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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OT
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
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c
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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SF
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.
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ES
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.
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FH
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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M
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.
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d
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.
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D
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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AH
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.
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L
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.
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OT
OpenTable Diner
Denver
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on May 31, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Great spot, excellent staff/service and some great dishes.
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OT
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.
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OT
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.
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A
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.
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JD
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!
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R
Rob3753
Norfolk
9 reviews
5.0
9 reviews
Dined on May 28, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience4
Excellent food. Expensive for a visiting European.
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B
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.
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PB
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.
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L
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!
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ML
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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KC
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!
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S
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.
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d
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.
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j
joan
Denver
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on May 26, 2023
overall5food5service5ambience5
Awesome, as always. Great food, excellent service.
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MG
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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c
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.
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PR
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.
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AD
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!
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j
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!
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EC
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.
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C
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.
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MR
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.
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SE
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.
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m
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.
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M
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.
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Q
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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JV
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.
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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

Party Size

2 people

DateTime

Jun 10, 2023

7:00 PM

Booked 46 times today

Order delivery or takeout

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

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.
Private party contact
Crafted Concepts Events Team: (720) 608-8559

This restaurant now offers Takeout

Rioja

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

50 Denver Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Denver's Most Iconic Restaurants

Discover the Top Women-Led Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada

Popular dishes

Artichoke Tortelloni

Fresh Bacon

Goat Cheese Tart

Menu

What 9,578 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Loved For

Safety precautions

Cleaning & sanitizing

Screening

FAQs

Does Rioja offer delivery through OpenTable or takeout?

How is Rioja restaurant rated?

Is Rioja currently accepting reservations?

Make a reservation

Order delivery or takeout

Additional information

Featured in

50 Denver Restaurants to Connect In For Mother's Day

Denver's Most Iconic Restaurants

Discover the Top Women-Led Restaurants in the U.S. and Canada