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Rioja, Denver, CO
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Rioja

$31 to $50
Mediterranean

Make a booking

2 people
11:30 pm
Booked 53 times today
Experiences are available.
  • Good for special occasions
  • Charming
  • Innovative
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.

Why they're an Icon

Executive chef: Jennifer Jasinski

From the OpenTable editors: Rioja's Jennifer Jasinski is a trailblazer, being the first chef from Denver to win a James Beard Award for Best Chef Southwest in 2013, along with many other accolades. The Larimer Square restaurant recently celebrated two decades, and the open kitchen still fires out rustic Mediterranean fare, from fresh handmade pasta to smoky grilled octopus.

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Elegant
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Location
    1431 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202
  • Area
    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, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • Celebration of Spring dinner

    USD 125.00 per person

    Prepaid

    26 Mar 2025 only
    Rioja's creative team will feature first-of-the-season food and beverage pairings to toast the coming of Spring.

Menu

View menu on restaurant's website

What 10,493 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.8
4.8 based on recent ratings
  • 4.8Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.7Ambience
  • 4.4Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

  • Denver / Colorado

    Mediterranean

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews
Rioja offers a delightful dining experience with "fantastic food" and "outstanding service." Guests rave about the artichoke tortellini and a varied menu that caters to diverse tastes. The restaurant's ambiance is ideal for special occasions, ensuring a memorable visit. With its attentive staff and creative dishes, Rioja remains a Denver favorite.

10,493 Reviews

  1. Lucy

    VIP

    Denver

    29 reviews

    5.0

    29 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Our waiter, Joe, was a pro. He made great recommendations and gave perfect service. The food was excellent, and the lamb burger was prepared perfectly.

    Is this helpful?

  2. Joe

    Denver

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Wonderful food and service. Rioja is one of our favorites and they never disappoint.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Natalie

    Salt Lake City

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Had a delicious Valentine’s Day special and will definitely be back to sit at the bar and enjoy a drink!

    Is this helpful?

  4. Dan

    VIP

    Denver

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Rioja never disappoints. The staff are amazing, food is delicious, and ambiance is very nice.

    Is this helpful?

  5. Lori

    New York City

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We usually love Rioja, but didn’t love their new lunch menu. The options were limited, but the pork/noodle special was very good. The short rib/wild rice bowl was kind of bland.

    Is this helpful?

  6. mark a

    Cincinnati

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Amazing food matched by amazing and attentive service.

    Is this helpful?

  7. Eric

    VIP

    Hawaii

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Delicious rotating menu. We shared a pasta and snteee and enjoyed cocktails for a reasonable price

    Is this helpful?

  8. Caroline

    Charleston

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4
    Best meal i’ve had in Denver! Amazing drinks as well. 10/10

    Is this helpful?

  9. Jason

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    This place was, by far, one of my best experiences in Denver! The food, the staff and everything were all truly phenomenal. Appetizer was divine. Entree (Octopus) had so many wonderful layers of flavor. Their thin mint cannoli was basically sorcery in my tongue .. This is a MUST TRY for the Denver food scene!!

    Is this helpful?

  10. Tim

    Milwaukee

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on 9 February 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The Service was excellent and the food was amazing! Highly recommended!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Rioja is rated 4.8 stars by 10493 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people
11:30 pm
Booked 53 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Rioja

1431 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    15th St; Larimer St
  • Area
    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
  • Price
    $31 to $50
  • 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
  • Additional
    Bar/Lounge, Beer, Chef's Table, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Delivery, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, 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.

Featured in

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