On a mission to ‘bring back the charm and energy of Spain’ to Glasgow, independent restaurateurs Toni Carbajosa and Kevin Campbell are about to relaunch their Rioja concept at a new city centre location.
Rioja first opened its doors in 2013, to some success, but 2023 saw its Finnieston premises closed ‘due to Covid’.
It is set to return next month, now on the busy city centre corner of Hope St and Bothwell Street, with ‘a fresh new look, an elevated menu, and an immersive social atmosphere’.
Carbojosa said: “Rioja was a much-loved part of Glasgow’s food and drink scene, and we were overwhelmed by the support and loyalty of our guests in Finnieston.
“Since closing from covid in 2023, not a week has gone by without people asking when Rioja would return – and now, we’re back, bigger and better than ever.
“We’ve taken everything people loved about Rioja – the energy, the atmosphere, the incredible Spanish flavours – and reimagined it for a brand-new space in the heart of the city,” said Carbojosa.
“This next chapter is about bringing that same passion for great food, great drinks, and unforgettable nights, but on an even bigger scale. We can’t wait to welcome everyone back and introduce them to Rioja’s bold new era.”
The new central location, across three floors, is described as a ‘casual yet stylish’ dining space with an upstairs restaurant, a late-night bar with live DJs on the ground floor, serving Spanish wines and classic cocktails, and a basement games floor, complete with live sports screenings, pool tables and foosball.
Throughout the venue, guests can also expect a selection of Iberian tapas and street food inspired by the food markets of Madrid.
“Blending moody interiors, intimate corners, and a buzzing late-night energy, the beloved Rioja will recharge after-work drinks, weekend celebrations, and late-night gatherings,” said the relaunch team.
To mark its return, Rioja is offering its fans a ‘Secret Spanish Supper Club’ experience ahead of its official opening – so if you ever visited Rioja in Finnieston, or are simply a fan of Spanish cuisine and culture, sign up via https://riojaglasgow.com/
