Denver Spotlight: Rioja

Rioja, located in Denver’s historic Larimer Square, is a celebrated restaurant known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and long-standing impact on the city’s dining scene.

Here is a detailed look at its uniqueness, history, menu highlights, customer feedback, and contact information.

What Makes Rioja Unique

• Pioneering Spirit: Co-owned by Executive Chef Jennifer Jasinski and General Manager Beth Gruitch, Rioja was one of the first fine dining establishments to open in Larimer Square in 2004, pioneering the development of the downtown Denver dining scene.
• Mediterranean with a Local Focus: The menu is inspired by Mediterranean ingredients, with a strong commitment to local and seasonal products. This fusion of international inspiration and Colorado’s bounty sets its cuisine apart.
• The Owners: The enduring partnership of Chef Jennifer Jasinski (a James Beard Foundation award winner and “Top Chef Masters” alum) and Beth Gruitch has been a consistent driving force behind the restaurant’s success for over two decades. They are part of the Crafted Concepts restaurant group, which includes other notable Denver eateries.
• Ambiance: The restaurant features a welcoming atmosphere with a copper-topped bar and an exhibition kitchen, allowing the simple decor to put the focus squarely on the food.
• Commitment to Sustainability: Rioja has been recognized as a SmartCatch Leader by the James Beard Foundation for its commitment to leading the hospitality industry in seafood sustainability.

History and Significant Events

• Founding: Chef Jasinski and Beth Gruitch, who previously worked together at Panzano, partnered with Jeff Hermanson of Larimer Square Associates to open Rioja in 2004.
• Expansion: Following Rioja’s quick critical success, the duo expanded their vision by purchasing the French bistro, Bistro Vendôme, located across the street, in 2006.
• James Beard Recognition: Chef Jasinski has received significant accolades, including the prestigious James Beard Foundation’s 2013 Best Chef Southwest award. She was also a semifinalist for the James Beard Outstanding Chef award in 2016 and a semifinalist for the James Beard Outstanding Restaurateur award in Spring 2020.
• 20th Anniversary: The restaurant recently celebrated 20 years on Larimer Square.
• Culinary Collaboration: Over the years, Rioja has welcomed various chefs who have incorporated their own dishes and influences, allowing the menu to evolve and stay progressive. A 2015 full remodel also marked a significant change in the restaurant’s physical space.
• Slow Food Event: In 2018, Jasinski and Gruitch attended the Slow Food Terra Madre Salone del Gusto in Turin, Italy, and the following year, a Slow Food event came to Larimer Square.

Highlighted Menu Items

Rioja is famous for its handmade pastas and certain classic dishes that have been favorites since day one:

• Artichoke Tortelloni: One of Chef Jasinski’s most famous and long-standing dishes, featuring artichoke mousse, white truffle brodo, aged Manchego, and chervil.
• Fresh Bacon: A unique starter made with pork belly, cardamom, and a curried garbanzo bean purée.
• Rioja House Salad: A classic favorite now featuring arugula, dates, gorgonzola, and an almond vinaigrette.
• Warm Fig Beignets: A popular dessert of sweet goat cheese and black mission fig-filled pastries with a ruby port reduction.

Other notable items from the dinner and lunch menus include:

• Smoked Paprika Fazzoletti with deep-sea red crab, miso butter, and green tomato.
• Fideuà with chorizo, chicken, shrimp, clams, gigande beans, and saffron.
• Grilled Bavette Steak with porcini-balsamic rub, semolina cake, and salsa verde.

Customer Feedback (“Raves”)

Rioja consistently receives high praise and numerous accolades from local and national publications:

• It is frequently in the conversation for the best restaurant in Denver.
• Customers consistently highlight the top-tier hospitality, impeccable service, and the “energy and joy” present in the staff.
• The food is described as “seriously blew me away,” with reviewers recommending “all the customer favorites – tortellini and beignets.”
• The atmosphere is often noted as “warm” and “welcoming,” making for a “delightful” dining experience.
• The restaurant has been featured in lists like Condé Nast Traveler’s “Best Restaurants in Denver” multiple times and 5280 Magazine’s “Best Restaurants.”

Location and Contact Information