Glasgow's Rioja restaurant to open this month - here's what's on the menu

The popular Spanish tapas restaurant returns this month with a new chef and menu.

Spanish chef Miguel Angel Mayor, who moved to Glasgow from a Michelin star restaurant, has announced a launch date of Monday 12 July for Rioja restaurant in Finnieston.

The Spanish restaurant at 1116 Argyle St, Finnieston in Glasgow's West End has also revealed a first-look of its new menu, which is set to change regularly.

Offering the best of traditional Spanish tapas staples, alongside Chef Miguel's modern creations, the menu will use high quality Scottish produce with a nod to Spanish cuisine.

The a la carte menu features a choice of tapas, starters, mains and desserts and will be available for lunch and dinner Monday - Sunday.

Sample dishes from the menu include: canapé de pollo pulpo (crispy chicken skin, fresh Galician octopus, parsley gel, and baby shard; croquetas de cocido (béchamel, cured Iberian ham, chicken thigh, trio of stocks); and mejillones a la brasa (barbequed fresh mussels from Mull, white wine, and chives).

Chef Miguel Angel Mayor said: "Our food will reflect the evolution of taste.

"An ever changing menu that celebrates the finest of Scottish and Iberian produce paired with innovative techniques, Spanish gastronomy, creativity and the occasional surprise".

The reimagined restaurant space, and kitchens have been completely refurbished to create a light-filled, contemporary space that can seat up to 60 guests.

Spread across two floors, the design and interiors are inspired by the beauty of Spain's picturesque coastline, using calming tones such as baby blue, peach, and pastels.

Joining chef Miguel and his team will be general manager, Fernando Salonia Nascimento, who has over 30 years of hospitality experience across ventures in Glasgow, Rio De Janeiro, San Francisco and Miami.

The best uses and recipes for leftover Halloween pumpkins - including a Harry Potter themed snack

Fernando Salonia Nascimento said: "We’ve been closed for over 15 months now, and our team is itching to welcome our guests once again.

"Our restaurant space has been reimagined and at a new look Rioja you can expect the unexpected.

"Our incredible chef Miguel has been busy innovating, creating, foraging and crafting and we have a dazzling new menu to share".

Diners can book a table now, and Rioja will be open from midday, Monday through to Sunday.

The a la carte menu will be available from noon to late.

The best food and drink advent calendars for Christmas 2024 - including whisky, wine and cheese

Rioja will also be offering a choice of bespoke cocktails and perfect serves, as well as a specially curated wine list with an impressive assortment of Spanish and world wines.

Known for cake making, experimental jam recipes, Champagne, whisky and gin drinking (and the inability to cook Gnocchi), Rosalind is the Food and Drink Editor and whisky writer for The Scotsman, as well as hosting Scran, The Scotsman's food and drink podcast.
Copyright ©2024 National World Publishing Ltd
Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy Policy
crosschevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram