You know a restaurant is really good when you've got a list from research done before you arrive but stumble across it on your way to somewhere else and decide to try it and its not only outstanding for that meal but the menu items for breakfast look so good you throw away your list and go back for brunch... More

Yes, the food is good, the wine list is good, the atmosphere is good, but it's the service that sets this place above most. From the welcome to the good bye, it was first class service. The attention to detail is what makes a good restaurant better, and that is evident in everything they do. It's not pretentious, just very... More

I have been coming up to Denver every year since 2007 primarily to have dinner at Rioja. I am unfortunately a very accomplished eater as evidenced by my "waistline" and have eaten at many of the best restaurants in the country including Bolo, Babbo, Mesa Grill, Commader's Palace, Lafittes Landing, Restaurant August, Wolfgang Puck's, Bouchon and many others. I loved... More

I had the opportunity to visit this restaurant two mornings in a row for brunch. The first morning was slightly superior, but both meals were wonderful with friendly staff and amazing cuisine.

I'm a local, and this is my favorite downtown restaurant. Excellent, imaginative food and wine and professional, friendly service in a beautifully appointed space that is not too loud or too subdued: exactly what you want in an upscale urban restaurant.

Went there for dinner. Had a rabbit pasta for a starter, venison for main course, and black and white cheesecake for dessert. Great meal

OK, I admit - I come here after my bi-annual corporate meetings. Every visit is a 'Wow!' Experience I took part in the the tasting menu. Started with dungeness crab stack (a little fishy), followed by citrus salad then the newest spring menu item (not on menu yet) basil gnocci with grilled mushrooms which is a 'totally don't miss this'... More

I ate at Rioja last night and the food was excellent. As with most upscale restaurants, portions are small, so definitely order appetizers. I was a little annoyed that my $28 scallops main course only included 3 scallops, but they were packed with flavor and the sides complemented them well. The menu is small, but well thought out. My husband... More

My husband and I ended our Colorado vacation with dinner at Rioja on a buy Friday night. We were seated promptly near the bustling bar, but the noise levels were never overwhelming. Service was efficient, and our server provided solid recommendations and information. It was a bit of a challenge to decide which dishes to choose; so many sounded interesting... More