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Rioja Reviews List
Rioja
Chef Jennifer Jasinski's creatively inspired Mediterranean food is influenced by local seasonal products. Rioja is simple, pure food that emphasizes bright flavors & textures. The wines are a collection of fun interesting varietals that compliment the cuisine.
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639 Current Reviews
Summary of Diner Ratings & Reviews
Overall
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Rating Breakdown 639 reviews
5 stars
(418)
4 stars
(169)
3 stars
(38)
2 stars
(11)
1 star
(3)
Food
(Outstanding)
4.6
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
4.5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
4.2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
Filter Reviews By:
Diners classify this restaurant as:
- fit for foodies(486)
- special occasion(376)
- romantic(227)
- notable wine list(200)
- hot spot(197)
- neighborhood gem(155)
Rioja Reviews List
Review 1 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Good)
3
/
5
??????????????????
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Fair)
2
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"What are you people talking about?
My wife and I love to cook at home and rarely find restaurants that have better cuisine. However, we were excited by all of the positive reviews of Rioja and had very high expectations. Are you kidding us? This place was mediocre at best. Prices are decent, service was good. Overall this is a place we MIGHT go to if it was in our neighborhood. But no way is it worth the 30 miles we have to drive to get there. Last time for us."
Dined on 5/25/2013
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Review 2 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A top ten ever restaurant!
OpenTable Diner
Dined on 5/21/2013
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I was in town for a conference and heard about the chef at Rioja winning the James Beard. So a foodie friend and I snagged a reservation to try this out. We both agreed this was one of the best meals we have ever had- up there with Commanders Palace in New Orleans etc. Standouts included the crab stack with celery gelee- such an elegant dish with many quiet flavors that just sang together with the added occasional crunch of sea salt! For main courses we had the venison and the duck.Both were perfectly cooked, and the oat risotto with the venison was rich and delectable- we'd love to make a breakfast version. For dessert we shared the raspberry sorbet which was fruity was fabulous lemon elements as a counterpoint. A truly memorable meal."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 3 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Very good
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was delicious, but a bit over-salted. Very tender calamari. It was perfect. The onion bread was superb. The food took a long time to arrive, but that was okay and understandable. We were there to make conversation and drink too. We were a relatively large party and were well taken care of. The waiter was polite, but did not smile much (even when we joked with him)!
Again, everything was cooked to perfection, but my octopus was a tad too salty, as well as my colleagues' venison & vegetarian 4-squares."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 4 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice place
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Some excellent dishes, but limited menu."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem
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Review 5 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Noisy place. Food is good buyt portions are small."
Dined on 5/21/2013
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Review 6 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food at Rioja is one of a kind and simply fantastic. Unique from other restaurants but not so unique that it's weird. Service is great. Only negative is the noise level."
Dined on 5/21/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 7 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Our favorie chef
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Jennifer is our favorite Denver chef, by far! We have ordered off of the regular menu as well as the chef's tasting menu. The chef's tasting menu is so delicious and such a great representation of chef Jennifer's style - all I can say is yum. The wine and the ambiance is fantastic and this is a place that we go to again and again. Be sure to make a reservation because it's not always easy to get in. PS - the pork "bacon" is to die for!"
Dined on 2/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 8 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I went to Rioja for brunch to celebrate graduation and the service and food were outstanding. Everyone at the table enjoyed their meal (my favorite was the chicken confitt with latkes) and the servers said congratulations to me several times, gave the table a free desert to celebrate the occasion and card signed by the Rioja staff. My family joked that Rioja was making a bigger deal of my graduation than they were! I love that Rioja backs up their consistently great food with thoughtful service."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, special occasion
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Review 9 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great for Brunch
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Made a reservation for brunch on a Saturday with out of state guests. Didn't realize it was UC of Denver graduation, but the restaurant was still able to accommodate my request for a table on the patio.
Food was great, ambience was great, service was great.
One complaint, the server, or table busser, lost our signed receipt, so the server chased us out into the street to see if we had it. A little embarrassing, especially with out of state guests, but not the worst thing that has ever happened. :)
Would dine there again."
Food was great, ambience was great, service was great.
One complaint, the server, or table busser, lost our signed receipt, so the server chased us out into the street to see if we had it. A little embarrassing, especially with out of state guests, but not the worst thing that has ever happened. :)
Would dine there again."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 10 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Great, as always
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Each time I dine at Rioja, I learn something new about food, and have a wonderful meal while learning. This is on my do not miss list."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion, great for lunch
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Review 11 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Graduation celebration
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"I love this restaurant for the vibe, from the nice decor indoors to the tables on the sidewalk.
We mostly had brunch type items. All very delish. Only thing that was slighly amiss was how long the server took to get out entree orders. We had the "picnic" app, and it is scrumptious!"
We mostly had brunch type items. All very delish. Only thing that was slighly amiss was how long the server took to get out entree orders. We had the "picnic" app, and it is scrumptious!"
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 12 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Still My Favorite Denver Restaurant
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Excellent food, service, ambience and price. The chef is amazing and I still can't find a restaurant in Denver that is better!"
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, special occasion
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Review 13 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"We had the tasting menu. it was fun to choose and taste these unique and delicious small dishes. The service was excellent and the wine list was extraordinary . We has a crying baby at the next table and the maitre de came over to us and asked if we would like to change our table . That has never happened before."
Dined on 5/19/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 14 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Show off Denver
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Besides being my favorite brunch spot, it's the go-to place to take friends for their first taste of Denver. Sitting outside on Larimer Square watching a vibrant city scene, eating Rioja Benedict with a side of pork belly.....priceless."
Dined on 5/18/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, great for lunch
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Review 15 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Always Incredible!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food here is always unique, beautiful and so incredibly good. We've been going here for years and have never been disappointed. The service was impeccable - always very knowledgeable and efficient. Thank you once again for a wonderful evening.."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, notable wine list, romantic, late-night find, neighborhood gem, hot spot, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 16 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Best meal I've had in a long time. Worth the price. Great atmosphere. Friendly, professional and knowledgeable staff."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 17 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We heard of Rioja from friends and coworkers and decided to take a chance. The place was like taking a vacation in Flavorville. The chef is a genius with flavors, textures and presentation. What a wonderful experience - and the wait staff is very professional and personable."
Dined on 5/17/2013
Special Features: special occasion
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Review 18 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Service was attentive and also unobtrusive!. Didn't even notice when my credit card was picked up.
Menu was interesting, with unusual combinations and spices. All three of us enjoyed our meals.
It was our first time there. Portions seemed large. No room left for dessert!"
Menu was interesting, with unusual combinations and spices. All three of us enjoyed our meals.
It was our first time there. Portions seemed large. No room left for dessert!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 19 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
The Perfect Experience
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Perfect place for a romantic night in town! Rioja has a notable wine list. Food is great. Would highly recommend the Four Square Veggie dish. Great Service"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: notable wine list, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot
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Review 20 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Rioja was Outstanding!!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I am a huge foodie and am always looking for new and different dining experiences when I travel. Rioja exceeded my expectations on every level. From the moment I arrived every member of the staff I interacted with was warm, friendly and knowledgeable. As I was traveling alone, and love to watch the kitchen, I requested seating at the Chef's counter. The execution I observed was outstanding and every dish I saw leave the kitchen was beautiful! I had the Dungeness Crab appetizer, a single scallop in the entree preparation and 1/2 order of the house made Artichoke Tortelloni. Every course was delightful! I will definitely visit Rioja again the next time I visit Denver!!"
Dined on 5/16/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, vibrant bar scene, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 21 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Great tasting food at an affordable price. Friendly staff. Waitress was attentive, spoke in depth about menu and was knowledgeable about wine list"
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: great for outdoor dining, romantic, notable wine list
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Review 22 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Table too small
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"The restaurant was not busy and yet we were seated at a very small table for two. Yes, there were two in our party. It would have been nice if we had been given a choice of a larger table. Everything was exceptional: food, service, and varied menu. We will be back."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, great for brunch, romantic, great for lunch, special occasion
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Review 23 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Mother's Day Brunch
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Lovely brunch on Mom's Day. Great choices on the menu. Would definitely recommend Riojo for amorning treat."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 24 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
A great dining experience.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"A great experience as usual. The only thing that could be worked on was the scallops. My son's scallops were only cooked on one side and my husband's were cooked on both sides. My son judges his scallops and the dining experience when he orders scallops if they are cooked really seared on both sides. It is quite important to him and his were only cooked on one side. Otherwise, the meal was fabulous."
Dined on 5/12/2013
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Review 25 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing Brunch!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I took my mom here for mothers day brunch and really enjoyed my time. They had a delicious bread basket with gourmet options to choose from ( goat cheese biscuits, lavendar sour dough...). For a starter we split the bacon ,which is really an amazing piece of pork belly in the delicous curry hummus sauce, one of the best things I have ever ate in my life! I will dream of that dish :) I had for my main entree the Rioja Benedict which also was supergood, awesome biscuit for the base and the parm hollandaise was perfect. For dessert we spilt the rasberry lemon cake with icecream, the presentation was fantastic and whimsical, the dish left us happy and refreshed. Our servers were friendly and personable. The overall experience was exceptional."
Dined on 5/12/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, great for brunch, romantic, scenic view, neighborhood gem, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 26 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Simply outstanding
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Food was beyond superlative! Every dish was executed to perfection. Server could have been more attentive."
Dined on 5/11/2013
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Review 27 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great Anniversary Dinner
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Everyone from our waiter to the busboy made our dining experience a night to remember. The food was fantastic w/ great presentation was memorable! Part of a fabulous anniversary day!! Thanks for all the kindness!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 28 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Celebrating a Birthday!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My daughter and I ate here for her birthday dinner. We were not pleased with our table and the hostess was annoying, but we did finally get a favorable table. Waiter and food were excellent!"
Dined on 5/11/2013
Special Features: hot spot
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Review 29 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This was the best food I have ever eaten."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 30 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
memorable
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Fresh bacon and scallops were two of the best bites I've experienced. Service impeccable."
Dined on 5/10/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies
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Review 31 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
As good as it gets.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Dined solo and had a fabulous experience. Great service, great food and great wine! The farfalle with octopus and tempura myer lemon is one of the best pasta dishes I ever had (including Italy). Good luck getting a table now that she won the James Beard "Best Chef" award."
Dined on 5/09/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for outdoor dining, romantic, notable wine list, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 32 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best part of my business trip!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Was in town for business and was so glad I found Rioja on Yelp! Did a 5 course tasting menu and every dish was unique and delicious. Our server was also super friendly and attentive. I hope to be back in town soon just so I can come back here."
Dined on 5/08/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 33 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best meal ever!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Honestly, every time we dine at Rioja I have the best meal I've ever tasted in my life. It's almost indescribable. Unique flavored, flawlessly prepared, and delectable to the last bite! And it's quite affordable, especially when you consider the high quality you are getting!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, neighborhood gem, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 34 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Nice dinner
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Nice experience. The food was good, albeit a little salty for us. Service was attentive"
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 35 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Relatives from out of town had heard about the restaurant and wanted to try it. I will not drive downtown at night, so we took the light rail. The food was wonderful and I think they had a nice evening."
Dined on 5/07/2013
Special Features: great for brunch, late-night find, special occasion
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Review 36 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Tasty Gem
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Good)
3
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Visited Rioja for pre-show dinner and drinks with my lady friend, and was pleasantly surprised. The drinks were fantastic and not watered down, and the menu was diverse for all types of foodies. I had the pleasure of eating the Scallops, and they were cooked to perfection. I normally am not fond of truffle oil, but they used it in a minimal way that did not overpower the dish. I would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone wanting to give their taste buds something divine."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, late-night find, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 37 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Best restaurant in Denver
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Rioja is simply the best place in Denver to enjoy deliciously exciting food. I'm not a culinary expert so I do not do well with interpreting the menu but you can never go wrong, everything is delicious!"
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, neighborhood gem, special occasion
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Review 38 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Better than ever!
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"We have dined at Rioja once to twice a year for the last 5 years. It is truly a wonderful place but the new menu, especially the Rabbit was absolutely incredible. the desserts are better too! The Mille Feuille was spectacular!
Bravo and the menu upgrade will have us coming back again and again!"
Bravo and the menu upgrade will have us coming back again and again!"
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups, notable wine list, romantic, special occasion
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Review 39 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went on Sunday noon. Food was creative and excellent. However, menu was too heavy on meat options and very few fish and veggie choices. Waitress was efficient, but abrupt and not friendly."
Dined on 5/05/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, special occasion
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Review 40 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Very happy
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"My husband and I went to Rioja on a date night. We have a small child, so these nights are cherished. On a few of our other date nights recently, we have been let down by the hype associated around some restaurants. This was not the case with Rioja. Our service was fantastic. We sat at a cozy little table for 2 and we didnt feel like the other tables were on top of us. The food was to die for. My husband is really tough on restaurants that entrees are around $30 and could not stop raving about the food. We loved everything about this place, and will recommend it to anyone who will listen. We will definitely be back ourselves."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, special occasion
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Review 41 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Amazing Food
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Went here for the bf's birthday and had an amazing time. Everything was delicious-he had the scallops, I had the venison. Yum!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, notable wine list, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 42 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Not quite up to its usual standards
Food
(Good)
3
/
5
Service
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"I love this restaurant. The food is inventive, seasonal, fresh, and beautifully prepared and delivered. The service is always outstanding. Friday night was a bit of an exception. Usually the food is off the charts fantastic, but on Friday, it was good, but not even great.
Two diners at our table had the citrus and avocado salad (the standout). The Salmon Lomi Lomi was tasty, but unremarkable and a little mushy. The rabbit was nicely supplemented with sweet potato gnocchi. The lamb, while good on its own, was accompanied by a pot of something creamy or cheesy that neither diner who had it liked, nor thought it meshed well with the rest of the dish.
Rioja, where's your mojo???"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, great for brunch, notable wine list, special occasion
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Review 43 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great food, service and atmosphere
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The food was not only very good and creative but well presented. Waiter was very knowledgeable about everything on the menu and very personable. Would definitely recommend this place and plan to go back on my next visit to Denver."
Dined on 5/02/2013
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Review 44 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Good)
3
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The service was off a little...slower than usual. Saturdays are a busy night! A big problem though is the noise level is way to high. Excellent food, as usual. Would recommend to others."
Dined on 5/04/2013
Special Features: neighborhood gem
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Review 45 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
terrific with only a minor blemish
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"The cocktails were creative and vibrant and the appetizers all superb (in fact an excellent meal would be to eat a selection of the appetizers and salads alone). Highlights were the "Picnic" antipasto, the flatbread and a salmon/ mango sushi-like construct. I tried several different entrees, a steak with carrots and tortellini with artichoke contained perfect pasta were superb and the only miscue was an "open face ravioli" which was not of the same caliber. The highlight of the meal were the small beignets stuffed with figs which alone were worth the visit. The service was very friendly and natural and made us feel right at home but the tables were too close. Altogether the best meal Ive had in Denver so far and would definitely go back!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot
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Review 46 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Perfect meal! Great introduction for my daughter (13) to try new food! We loved our experience. One of my favorite restaurants!"
Dined on 5/03/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot
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Review 47 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"Rioja is my favorite, must eat at, restaurant in Denver. It's where I take out-of-town friends and celebrate special
occasions. This week, I had dinner on Thursday and a yummy brunch on Saturday. I always leave very satisfied."
occasions. This week, I had dinner on Thursday and a yummy brunch on Saturday. I always leave very satisfied."
Dined on 5/02/2013
Special Features: good for groups, vibrant bar scene, great for outdoor dining, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 48 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Very Good)
4
/
5
fine dining
Food
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"we used tripadvisor as a guide to get to this spot after strolling by the night before. good menu, great service, nice crowd. No hesitation about recommending this to others."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, good for groups
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Review 49 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Adventurous Dining
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Noise Level
Energetic
"Jen amazes again. I had the Avocado and Orange salad which is a breath of spring! Then the scallops with the leek custard and ramps! Spring time in the Rockies means a few weeks of ramps and Jen let them shine.
My partner had the venison and it was perfect."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, hot spot, special occasion
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Review 50 for Rioja
Overall rating
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Great as always.
Food
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Service
(Outstanding)
5
/
5
Ambiance
(Very Good)
4
/
5
Noise Level
Moderate
"This is probably the most solid dining in lodo. If you want something specific there are better options, bu t everything st Rioja is great. It appears to be always full, and is noisy as a result, but that is the cost of being a great place to eat."
Dined on 5/01/2013
Special Features: fit for foodies, romantic, hot spot, special occasion
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