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Rioja
- Mediterranean
- Denver, CO
About this business
Rioja, this eatery on Larimer Street has an intimate feel to it. Glass fixtures, a unique bar with a copper-topped surface, and the serene ambiance lend it a relaxing air. Appetizers include Steamed Manila Clams and Mint-Grilled Shrimp. Among the main courses you can opt for a Chilled Gazpacho Soup or a Roasted Beet Salad. The Muscovy Duck Two Ways and the Grilled Hanger Steak come highly recommended. You can also seat yourself outdoors on the charming little patio – a perfect way to dine on a balmy Denver night.
Location details
1431 Larimer St, Denver, CO, 80202, United States
Get directions| Weekday | Schedule | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Mon | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | |
| Tue | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | |
| Wed | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | |
| Thu | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | |
| Fri | 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. | |
| Sat | Closed | |
| Sun | Closed |
Perfect First Anniversary Dinner – I had heard good things about Rioja, so I booked it for our first anniversary dinner on New Year's Eve 2006. Everything at Rioja was better than I hoped for. We had a reservation, and we were seated immediately. The restaurant was full, but the tables are spread out so it was not overwhelmingly packed. the atmosphere is nice while also hip and urban. We had complimentary glasses of champagne and appetizers brought to our table as a special anniversary treat! Our waiter was very attentive, a... read more
Over-hyped – We moved to CO 6 months ago so as "foodies" we are trying all the restaurants - Loved their other restaurant (Bistro Vendome - everything is great) so looked forward to Rioja - I could go into detail but it easier to say that everything was mediocre. Nothing really bad just very average.
Too loud to enjoy – After reading these reviews of Rioja, I decided to try it for a birthday celebration. We arrived early, and though they graciously agreed to seat us, they gave us the worst seat in the house (though we did not know this at the time). This was the table nearest to the entrance and bar. The nearby booths - probably good seats - sat empty for about 45 minutes. Why not offer us a better seat? At the time we entered, the noise level was high even though the front room of the restaurant was only half full. By t... read more
A BIG FAN – i am a definite fan of rioja. everytime i have been there i have thought the service was excellent. they have THE BEST appetizer in denver (the pork belly). this bacon dish simply dissolves in your mouth. ( i would never think to order this, but it came highly recommended by the kitchen staff) the specialty pastas are also very good (artichoke pasta being the best). every single time we've visited we've had personal table visits by chef jen and the sous chef merlin. lunch leaves something to be desired. go at din... read more
The Best – everything is perfect--location, ambience and food. Rioja is a wonderful addition to the Denver dining scene. It is a place to see and be seen. The food is simply better than anything else you will find downtown. It is unique and it is Denver's and our alone. Love it.
Great food, friendly service! – I'm in Denver at least twice a year and I always go to Rioja, usually with a fairly large group. The staff somehow remembers me, and we are always pleased with the food. On this most recent visit, the salad with 25 year old Balsamic vinegar was a standout, as was the ribeye that one of my companions had. The service was, however, extremely disappointing. For example, I asked that our party of 7 be brought some champagne as soon as we arrived, and it took them over 20 minutes to round up the ne... read more
Amazing food and great service – We just happened to run into this place while exploring the neighborhood for a interesting lunch spot. The patio seating was very quaint, and our service was amazing. I've read a few reviews which rated the service as so-so, but I was extremely impressed by how well we were taken care of, and how perfectly timed the service was. Equally impressive was the food. The presentation was gorgeous, and the flavors were amazing. I highly recommend "the picnic". Our pastas were both so perfectly prepa... read more
Unique food, excellent presentation but it's really loud. – We entertained clients on a Monday night and the restaurant was packed. I had the scallops which were wonderful. Cooked to perfection. The heirloom tomato salad was a touch of heaven. Portions are reasonable. The menu has an interesting selection which would satisfy red meat eaters, persons watching there diet or seafood lovers. Fascinating wine selection and the sommelier didn't push us into wildly expensive picks. The service was below average and we were interrup... read more
Top chef Jennifer Jasinski satiates chowhounds in historic Larimer Square with exquisitely prepared Mediterranean-inspired fare. – In Short Culinary trappings from Spain, Italy, and the Mediterranean are the specialties--served to a constant parade of urbanites, pinstriped power brokers and committed foodies. The strikingly appointed dining room is outfitted with a copper-topped bar, a sleek chef's counter and hand-blown glass fixtures. Main courses include artichoke tortelloni with a creamy goat cheese and artichoke mousse,... read more
Frequently asked questions about Rioja
How is Rioja rated?
Rioja has a 4.6 star rating with 2,261 reviews.
When is Rioja open?
Rioja is closed now. It will open at 9:00 a.m.
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