Rioja

No more than ok. I went due to the comments and the rating of this restaurant. For a restaurant that is ranked this high on many categories did not find what I expected. Maybe the expectations were too high, but definetely not what I expected. more

Excellent food. Just like being in Spain. Definitely the best Spanish restaurant in the Houston Area. Compares to the top Spanish restaurants in the US. Pros: food quality, service , ambiance more

Patio seating, live music, fun family dining. Low carb items on the menu that are very tasty. Pros: patio seating, low carb, music more

Talk about a restaurant for a special date. We had a wonderful time: a quiet dinner in the casual corner of the restaurant, a bottle of fantastic unique wine, a series of small plates that warmed our souls, followed by dancing in the formal side where Spanish songs were playing for a lively crowd. The goat cheese with Romesco sauce makes me come back. The salmon pate and juicy lamb chops are such favorites of ours. We have not found a better wine list for Spanish wines even in New York. Some of their wine choices are so selective that can't be found anywhere. This restaurant is a treat every time, but this weekend it proved to be special for our special date. Pros: delicious small plate, great wine list, good music more

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I've been here twice already and service and food continue to be great. They also have live music on certain days. There are two rooms -- one with the music and the other which is more casual. I prefer the nicer room. I sat in the casual room last night and they had music -- in addition to the live jazz-- which, in combo, just sound like noise. Next time I'll make rsvp for the nicer room! Pros: Tasty Tapas, Amazing Paella, Reasonable price more

I almost hate to comment on just how wonderful this Spanish Tapas Restaurant is because it will get so crowded! Warm and inviting neighborhood atmosphere, with amazingly tasty and truly authentic Spanish dishes and Tapas. If you are looking for a new restaurant sure to become an old favorite, Rioja's is the place! Be sure and try their Calamari! more

i came with a large party of 12 for my birthday, and the entire staff, including the owner were so inviting and friendly. the atmosphere was warm and cozy, and the two guys playing spanish guitar just added to the ambiance. usually it's hard enough getting just your own table to sing happy birthday, but the entire restaurant got into it and they all cheer at your try of the ""barrano."" the paella was wonderful, but i think mi luna's dishes are more flavorful with more variety. however the food is good enough for me to come back. i actually think the portions are big for tapas dishes. oh, and good mojitos! more

I am from Spain and can tell you that this is the ONLY true Tapas restaurant in Houston!!! If you want to esperience Spain go to Rioja!!! The food could not have been any better!!!! The wine list is the best value in town (8 wines that range from $14 to $25). Try the Paella... Best taste (Truly authentic) and best price! Owners are always there and extremely helpful. They make you feel at home! Cons: , Great prices, Great wines more

Rioja is much more formal than many of the typical Spanish tapas bar/restaurants I've frequented. White table cloths, great food and good service. Portions are typically small and a bit overpriced in my opinion, but they are excellent! The wine list was very good with many great Spanish wines to choose from. The service was good, sometimes a bit quick to remove a plate or ask us for another glass of wine, but we had plenty of time to chat among ourselves without being hounded by the waitress. Because of it's location, the outdoor scenery is not great, but the indoor ambience is warm and cozy. Could have used a bigger bar for those who want a simple quick glass of wine and a couple tapas. Overall, a bit expensive, but it's excellent food. Pros: Paella, Wine, Ambience more

I was impressed with a new restaurant where I found everything went right-no snags!! There is a reason their recipes have been in the chef's family for 200 years--it's that good! I had the calamari with the a sauce that is not marinara (It is better than marinara); the cod fish in a tomato and garlic stew (great taste); poached pear in a wine sauce;and their seafood paella (YUMMM)--I will be back and back and back!!!! Pros: decor, food, prices more

Tapas are about sharing and sampling. Rioja understands that. Go there with a few friends, order one tapa per person, share with all your friends and then repeat until you had enough. We found the cuisine to be authentically Spanish, expertly prepared and enthusiastically served. The wine list is, we believe, exclusively from Spain. This is no handicap, since Spanish wines are easily the best value, most underrated wines in the world in any price category (full disclosure: I'm Spanish and admittedly biased). Start with a glass of Fino or Manzanilla dry sherry served in authentic sherry glasses, continue with a white Albariño or red Rivera del Duero (or, naturally, Rioja!). Rioja opened recently at the old locale occupied by Bistro Provence and Chez George. Those who mourn this restaurant's departure from this location will be pleasantly surprised by Rioja. Different cusine but similar love for good old world traditions. Pros: Authenticity, Food quality, Price/Quality ratio more

If you want great value wines (6 bolttles under $25) and authentic food from Spain this is the place to go. The house wine is $14 a bottle and rivals wines at most restaurants that sell for $50! The atmosphere is awesome. Dark lighting, spanish guitar playing in the background! If you like portions HUGE, go to your nearest buffet. Rioja specializes in quality tapas at good pries! Tapas are meant to be small samplings! Great selection of seafood dishes, homemade chorizo, Best paella IN TOWN! Talk to the owners, they are always there and will help you order. This group is doing it right. The Kitchen is run by a Spanish chef and his mother. They have assured that the taste of the food is exactly what you taste in Spain. MUST GO!!! Pros: Everything more

Really pricey for the tapas portion sizes and the BEST paella in houston is too sticky. The food is not bad but nothing you cant get at Mi Luna or Tio Pepe. The day we went the AC wasnt working, there was no music and poor lighting. How can you not have music!!!?? They should reconsider their prices as the portions and cost are not equal. Also, it looks like they are trying to be elegant and rich looking but they only have the basics to work with. I seriously doubt we will be back. more

Finally a restaurant with great wines and food at affordable prices! I went last week with my wife and we enjoyed a superb Spanish Cabernet for $22. We had several tapas and cleaned the plates with the generous basket of bread. The atmosphere was cozy, we spent the whole evening there and never felt rushed by the staff, at the end of the night the chef Nacho came out to greet us and recommend us a great bottle of Chardonnay for next time we come. Will definately return to try the rest of the tapas. Pros: Food, Wine, Staff more

Great experience. Highly recommend to anyone who appreciates real Spanish food. Chef seems very nice and amiable, ambiance was awesome !! Pros: Food !!, Ambience!!, Hostess !! more

The creators of Rioja have hit it on the head. With the originality of its menu, to the genuine charm of the owners and the staff, Rioja is an dining experience that Houston has been in much need of. Great food, excellent atmosphere and an overall awesome experience puts Rioja in a class of its own. Pros: Food is great, Awesome Paella, Friendly staff more