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
Las Margs
$
$$
•
🌮 Mexican
–
•
Heading
4.5
Las Margs is a lively spot serving vibrant tacos and refreshing margaritas with great happy-hour deals in a cozy, trendy atmosphere.
Bacon Social House
$
$$
•
🥞 Brunch
–
•
Heading
4.6
Bacon Social House serves American fare with craft beer and cocktails in a trendy, midcentury-modern Sunnyside spot.
Anise
$
$$
•
🍲 Vietnamese
–
•
Heading
4.6
Laid-back spot serving fresh Vietnamese dishes, weekend brunch, and a curated selection of Japanese whiskies in a cozy, trendy atmosphere.
Fluid Coffee Bar
$
$
•
☕ Coffee Shop
–
•
Heading
4.6
Fluid Coffee Bar serves exceptional coffee and breakfast burritos in a cozy, trendy spot inside the Central Business District's Magnolia Hotel.
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery
$
$$
•
🍳 Breakfast
–
•
Heading
4.7
Snooze, an A.M. Eatery serves creative, seasonal breakfast and lunch fare with cocktails in a lively, retro-inspired setting.
Swift's Breakfast House
$
$$
•
🍳 Breakfast
–
•
Heading
4.5
Swift's Breakfast House delivers classic American breakfast and lunch in a cozy, no-frills atmosphere with loyal locals and hearty portions.
GB Fish & Chips
$
$$
•
🦞 Seafood
–
•
Heading
4.6
GB Fish & Chips serves iconic British fish and chips with homemade fare and a great beer selection in a cozy, lively South Broadway spot.
The Corner Office
$
$$
•
🍴 Contemporary
–
•
Heading
4.2
The Corner Office offers modern comfort classics and crafted cocktails in a sleek setting near the arts complex.
Cafe Daniel
$
$$
•
☕ Coffee Shop
–
•
Heading
4.9
Cafe Daniel offers a cozy coffee haven with artisanal brews, a casual vibe, and a tempting snack selection for a perfect mid-day escape.
Sunny's
$
$$
•
🍳 Breakfast
–
•
Heading
4.5
Sunny's is a cozy Sunnyside cafe serving scratch-made imaginative breakfasts with great coffee and a casual, trendy vibe.
Wild Taco Denver
$
$$
•
🍚 Asian Fusion
–
•
Heading
4.3
Wild Taco Denver serves inventive tacos with Asian and Latino influences, vibrant cocktails, and a casual, cozy atmosphere in Central Denver.
Briar Common Brewery + Eatery
$
$$
•
🍔 American
–
•
Heading
4.6
Briar Common Brewery + Eatery blends stellar craft beers with trendy bistro fare in a bright two-story spot featuring a terrace.
Back to Restaurants
✅ Cancellation Policy
None specified
