Those among us who know Finnieston well will know Rioja - and even they will be surprised at the complete transformation the much-loved Spanish restaurant has gone through.
Freshly reopened with new Spanish Michelin-starred chef Miguel Angel Mayor in tow, the space is completely different to what it looked like previously - with a new menu to boot.
Glasgow Live was lucky enough to visit the reimagined restaurant space, which has 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 unrivalled beauty of Spain's picturesque coastline, using calming tones such as baby blue, peach, and pastels - and the place looks like something just out of a Spanish island.
The menu reflects its new avant-garde feel, offering a mix of traditional Spanish tapas staples, alongside Chef Miguel's modern creations and hints to its Glasgow home through touches like 'Irn Bru snow'.
While tapas will still be the main aim of Rioja's game, there will also be starters, mains and desserts.
Tapas included canapes including canapé de pollo pulpo (Galician octopus served with parsley gel and baby shard on a bed of crispy chicken skin), venison tartar de cardo ahumado (home smoked venison tartare with a raw quail egg and radish), and croquetas de cocido (bechamel and cured Iberian ham and chicken thigh served with a trio of stock).
Also on the menu are fresh prawns, bueñelo de bacalao (20 minute salt cured cod), papada con purros asados (48 hour cooked pork dewlap) and arroz de señoret, which is valencian rice, slow cooked on a metal tray in Seafood broth with langoustine and fresh squid.
Chef Miguel joined Sucede Restaurant in March 2016 to start up and lead a singular and memorable culinary project in the city of Valencia. It was here as Head Chef that he obtained its first Michelin star in 2017.
Chef Miguel Angel Mayor said: "Our food reflects the evolution of taste. Scotland, its people, its produce, and its history have always piqued my interest. Our menu at Rioja links the high quality of Scottish produce to the history of Spanish cuisine.
"A menu that constantly evolves and has no borders - a one-of-a-kind celebration of food, with flavours that showcase innovative techniques and Spanish gastronomy."
Toni Carbajosa, co-owner at C&C Restaurant Group (owners of Rioja Finnieston) said: "Miguel is a master of his craft, and we are excited to re-open this Summer with a world class chef at the helm.
"Rioja has always been able to provide a concept that showcases the most authentic Spanish dishes made with both Iberian and Scottish ingredients, and with the appointment Miguel, we believe that we can challenge the preconceived ideas of fine dining and offer a lively casual dining tapas restaurant and re-establish Rioja as one of Glasgow most innovative food and drink destinations".
