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Rioja, Denver, CO
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Rioja

$31 to $50
Mediterranean

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 p.m.
Booked 70 times today
Experiences are available.

About this restaurant

  • Good for special occasions
  • Great for fine wines
  • Charming
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
  • Neighbourhood
    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, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Featured in

Experiences

  • Celebration of Spring dinner

    US$125.00 per person

    Prepaid

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

Menu

Rioja's menu was last updated 2025-03-19.

View menu on restaurant's website

What 10,524 people are saying

Rioja reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

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 an exceptional dining experience with "incredible service" and "amazing food." The artichoke tortelloni is a standout dish, while the squash soup and ricotta gnocchi are "perfect." Guests appreciate the "friendly staff" and "lovely atmosphere." Perfect for special occasions, Rioja is a "go-to" restaurant in Denver.

10,524 Reviews

  1. Leslie

    Denver21 reviews

    4.0

    Dined 1 day ago

    1. Overall 4
    2. Food 4
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    We have always had a great experience at this restaurant but this time it was just a little underwhelming. The food was good but not excellent, and it was way too hot in the restaurant so we were uncomfortably hot during the meal. Service was excellent, as usual. I wish they'd bring back the mushroom appetizer they had a while back. That was a draw for us. We probably won't be back for a while.

    Is this helpful?

  2. MerryDrinker VIP

    Los Angeles40 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 3 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Easy to make reservations same day. Great service. Bread was delicious and included with meal. All of the food was excellent. Half portion of pasta was the perfect size for a dinner - appreciated the option.

    Is this helpful?

  3. Mackenzie VIP

    Denver6 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Loved the chicken salad for lunch! We sat out on the patio and it was a beautiful day

    Is this helpful?

  4. Gretchen

    Denver15 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    We took our family out to dinner to celebrate multiple occasions and had a wonderful dinner. The server was attentive and knowledgeable and the food was incredible. We had mentioned what we were celebrating and our server brought us each a signed card from the staff to congratulate us. Rioja is our go to restaurant when we want to have a special evening. The food is truly outstanding!

    Is this helpful?

  5. JenniferG VIP

    Denver14 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 4 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    The food is always amazing. Squash soup was perfect! The ricotta gnocchi was stunning. Waiter was knowledgeable and recommended a perfect rosé to complement the pork chops. Great anniversary dinner ❤️

    Is this helpful?

  6. Paul

    Denver67 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 5 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 4
    Reoja always has to be on top ofour list. Ne er disappointed...

    Is this helpful?

  7. Jennifer

    Denver4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Super yummy meal! My favorite place to go before a show a the DCPA.

    Is this helpful?

  8. Peggy

    Denver2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined 7 days ago

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Fabulous flavors in all our entrees. Everyone enjoyed the evening.

    Is this helpful?

  9. Molly VIP

    San Francisco4 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 18, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Love, love love this place! It is our favorite before the theater. The service is quite good.

    Is this helpful?

  10. Lynda

    Denver2 reviews

    5.0

    Dined on March 17, 2025

    1. Overall 5
    2. Food 5
    3. Service 5
    4. Ambience 5
    Excellent food and amazing service! A restaurant you can always count on for both! Thank you to everyone who made our birthday celebration amazing!

    Is this helpful?

FAQs

Rioja is rated 4.8 stars by 10524 OpenTable diners.

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

Make a reservation

2 people
11:30 p.m.
Booked 70 times today
Experiences are available.
Google Map for Rioja

1431 Larimer Street, Denver, CO 80202

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    15th St; Larimer St
  • Neighbourhood
    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, Gender Neutral Restroom, 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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