About
4.6
(
2182
)
Rioja serves imaginative Mediterranean cuisine crafted from locally sourced ingredients in a lively and upscale Larimer Square setting. This restaurant is celebrated for its creative small plates, award-winning artichoke tortelloni, and a strong wine and cocktail program. Diners can expect a cozy yet trendy ambiance perfect for romantic dinners or group gatherings.
What's Included:
🍷 Extensive wine list and creative cocktails
🍽️ Locally sourced Mediterranean-inspired dishes
🍰 Renowned desserts like fig beignets and lemon budino
🌿 Vegetarian and healthy options available
Important Information:
Reservations recommended, especially for brunch and dinner
Outdoor seating available
Paid parking and street parking nearby
Wheelchair accessible entrance, seating, and restrooms
Discover a standout dining experience blending bold flavors with warm, attentive service at this Denver favorite.
Haley's Pick 🍽️
You probably know her as @milehighandhungry. Each week, Haley shares the one place she’s obsessed with right now. From hidden gems to hot new openings, if she picks it, it’s worth the hype.
Haley's Review of Riot BBQ
Riot BBQ on South Delaware feels like a backyard cookout run by a Top Chef, because it is. Chef Manny Barella and pitmaster Patrick Klaiber have teamed up to blend Monterrey flavors with Texas-style smoke, and the results are seriously craveable.
The brisket steals the show: tender, deeply smoky, and finished with Barella’s bold spice rub. Get it solo or wrapped in buttery Raquelita tortillas. The pulled pork brings heat with ancho, guajillo, and morita chiles, and the al pastor ribs are sticky, sweet, and slightly charred in all the right ways.
Even the sides are insanely good! Think crunchy pepita-macha slaw and banana pudding served in a jar that tastes just like childhood (but better). Every bite feels intentional.
It’s barbecue with heart, history, and just the right amount of heat. Riot BBQ isn’t just a meal, it’s a moment worth lining up for.
– Haley @milehighandhungry
📍 Local Insights
🍝 Must-Try Artichoke Tortelloni: This award-winning pasta dish consistently delights guests and is worth ordering more than once per visit.
🍹 Impressive Cocktail Program: The creative cocktails, such as the lions something, receive frequent praise and complement the Mediterranean menu perfectly.
☀️ Patio Dining: Request outdoor seating on pleasant days to enjoy Larimer Square's ambiance while dining.
🍽️ Early Arrival for Brunch: Weekend brunch is popular; reservations are recommended to secure a spot and experience their limited brunch options.
⏰ Hours
Monday: 11 AM to 10 PM
Tuesday: 11 AM to 10 PM
Wednesday: 11 AM to 10 PM
Thursday: 11 AM to 10 PM
Friday: 11 AM to 11 PM
Saturday: 10 AM to 11 PM
Sunday: 10 AM to 10 PM
👉 Best For
Couples, groups, special occasions, food enthusiasts
📍
Rioja
1431 Larimer St
,
Denver
,
CO
80202
Public Review Sentiment
.svg)
Based on the 50 most recent Google reviews
Rioja is highly praised for its inventive Mediterranean dishes, exceptional service, and vibrant ambiance. Guests rave about signature items like the artichoke tortelloni and lamb burger, often highlighting attentive and knowledgeable servers. While most reviews are glowing, some note occasional inconsistencies in service speed and dish temperature, but these do not overshadow the overall positive experience.
Last updated on
November 4, 2025
🍽️ Standout Dishes
Lamb Burger, Artichoke Tortelloni, Pork Chop, Fig Beignets, Thai Chili Pork, Roasted Beets, Pea Salad, Scallop Crudo, Octopus, Lentil Stew, Black and White Tagliatelle, White Bean Gazpacho, Duck, Steak with Semolina Cakes, Peanut Butter Cheesecake, Lemon Budino, Pistachio-filled Dessert Pasta
📆 Best Times to Visit
Guests should visit Rioja for lunch or early dinner on weekdays to avoid peak crowds; weekends fill quickly, especially brunch. Reserve in advance for patio seating and enjoy seasonal specials.
♿️ Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance, restrooms, and seating are all available, ensuring an inclusive dining experience for guests with mobility needs.
🧑🍳 Reservation Policy
Reservations recommended; Parking paid and street; Brunch reservations recommended
Similar Restaurants
duo Restaurant
$
$$$
•
🍔 American
–
•
Heading
4.5
duo Restaurant serves creative farm-to-fork New American dishes in a warm, rustic setting with a lively Highland vibe.
Hey Bangkok!
$
$$
•
🍜 Thai
–
•
Heading
4.5
Hey Bangkok! serves classic and vegan Thai dishes with sake and cocktails in a cozy, stylish South Denver spot.
JJ Bistro
$
$$
•
🥡 Chinese
–
•
Heading
4.4
JJ Bistro serves familiar Chinese curries, fried rice, and noodle dishes in a casual, cozy setting perfect for takeout or dine-in.
Urban Farmer Denver
$
$$$$
•
🥩 Steakhouse
–
•
Heading
4.5
Urban Farmer Denver is a sleek chophouse in The Oxford Hotel focusing on sustainable, colorful steakhouse fare with a trendy vibe.
Corinne Denver
$
$$
•
🍴 Contemporary
–
•
Heading
4.7
Corinne Denver offers an upscale American dining experience with a warm ambiance in Downtown's stylish Le Méridien hotel.
My Neighbor Felix LoHi
$
$$
•
🌮 Mexican
–
•
Heading
4.2
My Neighbor Felix LoHi serves traditional Mexican dishes with creative cocktails and a vibrant atmosphere in a laid-back Highland setting.
Venice
$
$$
•
🍝 Italian
–
•
Heading
4.4
Venice is a white-tablecloth Italian spot crafting gourmet old-world dishes with a romantic, upscale vibe near Union Station.
Nozomi
$
$$
•
🍣 Sushi
–
•
Heading
4.8
Nozomi offers refined Japanese dining with fresh nigiri, inventive rolls, and a cozy, trendy ambiance in the Sunnyside neighborhood.
Tasty Pot
$
$$
•
🍚 Asian Fusion
–
•
Heading
4.9
Tasty Pot delivers exceptional Taiwanese hot pot with bold flavors, generous portions, and a vibrant LoHi atmosphere, ideal for families and groups.
Denver Beer Co. South Downing
$
$$
•
🍻 Brewpub
–
•
Heading
4.4
Denver Beer Co. South Downing offers a vibrant brewery experience with tasty craft beers, delicious pub food, and a lively patio atmosphere.
Fifth Coffee House
$
$
•
☕ Coffee Shop
–
•
Heading
5
Fifth Coffee House is a vibrant, Black-owned coffee shop with curated music, cozy vibes, and a community-focused space in North Denver.
Plant Magic Cafe
$
$
•
🥐 Café & Bakery
–
•
Heading
4.8
Plant Magic Cafe offers a cozy, trendy vibe with specialty magic lattes, organic small plates, and a welcoming community hub.
Back to Restaurants
✅ Cancellation Policy
None specified
