Rioja

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1. P

   Patrick

   Orlando

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 1 day ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   everything was on point, I've been here multiple times and keep coming back

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2. CB

   ChrisB

   Phoenix

   7 reviews

   5.0

   7 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Amazing food, one of the best meals I’ve had this year. Love that they do half portions of pasta. Scallops were amazing, order the bacon appetizer.

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3. a

   amyt

   1 review

   1.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall1food5service4ambience1

   Fantastic food. This is not fine dining. It's a family restaurant. Very noisy children were present. And all misbehaving children are apparently welcome

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4. FW

   FranklinWhitmores

   Nashville

   24 reviews

   5.0

   24 reviews

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Wonderful anniversary dinner. Special in every way and at every course. Highly recommend.

   Report
5. S

   Slait

   Denver

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   overall4food4service3ambience5

   My wife and I have been to Rioja several times over the years, usually in celebration of our anniversary, so we have a pretty good idea of what to expect. First, the food is typically exemplary and the primary reason we've been there so many times. We were there again this year and the food was still excellent, though with the risotto the rice was a bit underdone and crunchy. Apart from that though, the tortellini was delicious and the lamb was lovely. There were a couple of things that stood out for me this go around though that may make me rethink next years choice. The first is that the menu is largely the same as it is every year. I get keeping signature dishes on the menu, but I also like when the owners keep things fresh and mix it up a bit. Perhaps by following what is currently in season or rooted in ingredients found locally. The second thing was I did mention on the reservation that the occasion was our anniversary, and while the greeter did mention it as we were being seated, the server made no mention or recognition of it. That was disappointing. When choosing a restaurant for celebrating an event it's nice to have that recognized and not feeling like it's just another meal out. All in all it was very good and I would still recommend it especially if you've never been there, but there are some chinks in the armor that might need a bit more attention.

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6. MR

   MelissaR

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   So yummy! We had great service and the food was great. It was wonderful all around.

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7. JM

   JohnM

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Joe was a terrific server. The Rioja salad and chicken entrées were delicious. Just an outstanding evening.

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8. TT

   TerryT

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 3 days ago

   overall4food5service4ambience4

   Wonderful location, could have used a few more servers as we had to wait quite awhile to get our check. Parking anywhere around Larimer Square is always difficult. However, I would definitely take an out of towner here and point out the reason Larimer Square exists is because of Dana Crawford.

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9. BW

   BobW

   Denver

   1 review

   5.0

   1 review

   Dined 4 days ago

   overall5food5service5ambience5

   Great food fun with the table next to us without knowing them. we were both their for our wedding anniversary

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10. KM

    KerryM

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 4 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    I had dinner with a friend who went to culinary school so really enjoys an innovative menu. The ambiance and service was great. Every server explained their dish in detail. Neither of us usually have bread but the homemade bread baked with Lavender and another with Goat Cheese were so good that we each had 2 pieces. I also felt like our server was super friendly and did not over sell us on getting the tasting menu or a bunch of drinks. We did our own tasting menu- started with the crudo, then the scallops, the 1/2 portion risotto and then finished up with the halibut. Everything was delicious. We will be back!

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11. DW

    DenverWannabeFoodie

    Denver

    11 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall2food5service2ambience2

    Not really impressed with being hurried out the door. No ask if we wanted second drinks, no ask if we wanted more bread. Our waiter was nice but this place has become a churn and burn.

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12. FN

    FancyNancy

    Denver

    7 reviews

    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 5 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    I had the seafood crepes and they were delicious. Others in my party had the Eggs Benedict and they loved them. Umberto was such a kind, efficient, helpful waiter! Great suggestions he gave us and not pushy. A wonderful smile and demeanor! I was so pleased because the restaurant was my choice and my friends loved it. timely not pushed to make it to the theater on time!

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13. CJ

    CarlJ

    Denver

    35 reviews

    5.0

    35 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Excellent as always

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14. L

    Lori

    Denver

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Really enjoyed our meal and the wait staff was terrific!

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15. j

    jennifern

    Denver

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Not very loud, small, dimly lit. Amazing food! Great service!

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16. KT

    KarrinT

    San Diego

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food4service5ambience5

    Unfortunately I can't remember our servers name but he was great! The food was yummy and they were very accommodating with our reservation. We sat outside which was very nice

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17. DD

    DiningDinks

    Denver

    111 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    111 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall4food4service5ambience4

    The portions seemed to have shrunk as with a lot of restaurants. We are getting tired of these extra pandemic charges and is why we do not go out to eat as often. But overall, still a wonderful pre-theater experience. Rioja still rocks on Larimar Street!

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18. CB

    CarieB

    San Francisco

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on June 23, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What a great dining experience. The food was outstanding as well as the wait staff. We can see why the chef was recognized by the James Beard Foundation. Great ambiance and did I say the food was outstanding! If you’re in Denver this is a must. In the trendy Larimer Square and quite an experience. Loved it.

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19. j

    j123

    San Francisco

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on June 22, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Delicious food and great service!

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20. KS

    KathrinS

    Denver

    12 reviews

    5.0

    12 reviews

    Dined on June 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Fabulous food and service. Their homemade bread is the best made in-house.

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21. V

    Vivi

    Washington DC

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 21, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The food is AMAZING and the wine selection is as well. Order the gnocchi and the tortellini for sure! Service was 5 star! :)

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22. VM

    VickiM

    Denver

    6 reviews

    5.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The food is insanely good! Although the menu is not extensive, there is something for everyone, and they obviously focus on doing what they do exquisitely well. Our server, Diana, was amazing with service and recommendations, and the other workers were Johnny on the spot with drinks. Unfortunately, the three of us were seated next to a table of 8 or so very loud men, so until their food came, it was loud. I wish restaurants would do a better job of isolating large groups.

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23. M

    Mike

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 20, 2022

    overall4food4service4ambience3

    Good food, great service. Portions are a little on the smaller side for the price - even for an upscale restaurant. Bathroom was very dirty. Scallops were a bit on the gritty side.

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24. W

    Walido

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    3.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2022

    overall3food3service2ambience3

    Disappointing service … quite slow; they miss checking on the table. Over priced.

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25. t

    terim

    San Francisco

    10 reviews

    5.0

    10 reviews

    Dined on June 20, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    What a fantastic summer evening on the patio. From the second we walked in the door - every interaction with a staff member was friendly , professional and enthusiastic. Our waiter was a champion for his job - he made us want to try everything on the menu! Ritchie was exceptional. One of my favorite things at Rioja are the variations of fresh bread and amazing butter. We tried Several things on the menu - can’t wait to go back and try more. So happy that we have such a beautiful local establishment that is well staffed with people that love their jobs and are very good at it It made the whole dining experience very memorable

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26. l

    lionheartkc

    Kansas City

    75 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    75 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    The food was excellent and our waiter was top notch. It is a little pricey but worth it.

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27. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    Denver

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience4

    Nich was an amazing waiter! Great food and drinks, never felt rushed and they know how to cook a steak.

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28. WF

    WinterF

    Phoenix

    4 reviews

    5.0

    4 reviews

    Dined on June 19, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    We dined outside and everything including service was top notch!

    Report
29. C

    Chris

    Hawaii

    7 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on June 18, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Fabulous food and drinks, can’t wait to go back!

    Report
30. R

    Rae12

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on June 17, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was terrific! Very nice experience and we will go back

    Report
31. OT

    OpenTable Diner

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Food was simply delicious. Loved the artichoke tortellini and the chicken salad sandwich. Great flavors. Perfectly crafted.

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32. JF

    JulieF

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 16, 2022

    overall2food2service5ambience4

    Completetly underwhelmed by the food. I like fine dining and all hailing from Chicago have had my share of fine dining meals. But I've had way better food than this restaurant. Too overpriced for the poor quality of food. On the positive service and ambience were both nice but not one dish (and we ordered 5) was impressive. Dishes lacked flavor and were not complex... No way I'd eat here again. Had a better meal the night before at The Cheesecake Factory!

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33. s

    steved

    Denver

    16 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    16 reviews

    Dined on June 14, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Rioja has a great lunch menu and got everything right. Thank you!

    Report
34. SK

    SanaK

    1 review

    3.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 14, 2022

    overall3food2service1ambience2

    Heard so much about this James Beard restaurant. Our server had a huge chip on his shoulder and attitude which was unexpected. Drink ordered was forgotten, the gnocchi was burnt and overall experience was less than at par. Dessert (beignets were fabulous as was the Halibut entree. Restaurant was extremely hot with no airflow which also made it difficult to relax and enjoy our evening.

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35. J

    Jmmj

    Denver

    9 reviews

    4.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on June 13, 2022

    overall4food4service3ambience2

    Wonderful selection of the talents of E Chef Jennifer Jasinski, the ambience of a Downtown Bar, with signature cuisine (James Beard: Best Chef, and Semi-Finalist('13, '16, resp.) this is a destination affair to reserve early in your Denver Gastro-Journey. Wide selection of White and Red, with appropriate Malt and Hops Brews. From the greeter at the door, to the above average service team, you will enjoy a memorable serendipitous celebration of culinary delight. The Waiters will make or break your full experience. With proper coordination and strategy of all in your party, you will be immediately first-bite transformed to the deliberate delectable discipline of slow, appetizing enjoyment and the natural urge to share the flavors with the rest or your companions. To ensure that should your words fail, they can experience your exquisite moments, fork-fulls, or spoon fulls are soon exchanged. May You Enjoy Your Meal!

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36. MM

    MargaritaM

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Would go back in a heart beat, great food and service

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37. AR

    AndrewR

    Denver

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Our meal was fantastic. A great way to celebrate our engagement.

    Report
38. TF

    TaniaF

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    The perfect place to celebrate any milestone! Every member of my party of six, some with food challenges, found their meals divine.

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39. MH

    MikeH

    San Francisco

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on June 12, 2022

    overall5food5service5ambience5

    Rioja was our choice for celebrating our daughter's college graduation. I had read reviews and yelp reviews, but our evening far surpassed my expectations in every way. First of all, our server, Tarius, had the perfect level of professionalism and friendliness. He spotted things, such as my dropped napkin, and rectified the situation before I even knew I had dropped it. He was very helpful with our questions and he checked in on us enough to know he would be by if we needed him, but not too often. We each ordered a cocktail or mocktail as they also have a nice selection of non-alcoholic drinks that are very enticing. They all were amazing. We weren't sure how much food was going to come on each plate so we were a bit too conservative on our appetizer as we shared the smoked burrata salad, which I easily could have eaten myself just because it was so unusual and delicious. We split it 4 ways so it was a few bites each, but it was a wonderful way to start our meal. The entrees we ordered were the ricotta gnocchi, the spring green risotto, the artichoke tortelloni and my husband had the wagyu beef with mushroom and black garlic topping and came with a kebab of mushrooms and cabbage. My husband hates mushrooms, but he doesn't get a chance to eat meat very often as I'm vegetarian. I told him I'd eat his mushrooms and that the topping probably wouldn't be a problem for him. When it arrived and he tried it, he was stunned at how good it all was. This is the best cabbage I have ever had and even he was surprised at how good the mushrooms were, especially the topping which was amazing. The ricotta gnocchi was delicious and the risotto also was one of the best ever. However, everyone voted the artichoke tortelloni as the favorite entree of the evening as it comes in a broth and has so many subtle flavors including that of truffle. We all loved it so much that we ordered a second one to split among the table. Excellent evening!!!

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40. AL

    AliceL

    Dallas

    30 reviews

    3.0

    30 reviews

    Dined on June 11, 2022

    overall3food3service4ambience3

    We felt disappointed as expectations were based on what server explained but dishes weren’t as expected. Poke crepe had no poke - was offered tuna and then charged $10.50 for a small portion. Doughnuts were raw inside but tasted very good. They were room temp and should have been hot. A big concern is food is prepped right across from toilets????? How is this allowed???

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