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Delicious food with fabulous service. Definitely go back!
Sarah Young - dined in restaurant 19/12/2019
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From start to finish this was a lovely experience! Bonus of being dog friendly at quieter times too! Food was delicious and the wine was tasty! Will defo be back!
Norma Douglas - dined in restaurant 15/04/2019
Since 2014, Rioja has been at the forefront of the exploding Finnieston food scene. And no wonder, as it boasts a chef who has worked at two of Spain’s greatest restaurants — El Bullà and Sucede.
With Chef Miguel’s innovative twists and sprinkling of molecular gastronomy, this is no ordinary tapas spot. Plus the decor of beachy blues, rustic stone and natural wood will make you feel as if you have stumbled into a chic seaside bar on the Med.
Chef Miguel has a bold vision — to present a tapas menu that truly celebrates the richness and history of Spanish culture (while throwing in a bit of innovation too). Combine this with Scotland’s incredible natural larder and you’ve got a bold tapas menu that’s full of surprises. That said, there are still enough firm favourites to keep everyone happy, including those all important patatas bravas and Andalusian shrimp fritters.
On the more creative side, meat dishes include the crispy chicken with Galician octopus and parsley gel and the pork belly with beef stock, bechamel sauce and crumb. Seafood fans can sample king prawns with smoked paprika, garlic and sea ‘pizza’, or a deconstructed fish & chips with a North Coast Scottish mackerel tempura and ‘spherified’ peas.
Veggies can try out delights like the deconstructed Spanish omelette, inspired by a 1998 recipe from groundbreaking molecular gastronomy restaurant, El BullÃ.
Desserts are just as vivacious, including a white chocolate crema with Irn Bru ‘snow’.
Rioja is on the Finnieston end of Argyle Street, not far from Kelvingrove Park and the Art Gallery & Museum. The Hydro and SECC are either a short taxi ride away or 15-minute walk. The nearest train station is Exhibition Centre and there is some metered on-street parking.