Love this spot. If it was feasible I'd eat here multiple times a week. Food and drink that's consistent and on point. Chef Cy knows what he's doing and his food reflects that. Toying with tastebuds, bold flavor profiles and yet somehow familiar. Their brunch is also outstanding. Get the poblano. Take a trip to Carmel and visit this gem. You'll thank yourself. read more

Get here early because this place gets packed!! The food was good, but small portions for the amount you pay. The staff is friendly although a little slow during rush times. The ambience is fun- playful Spanish- and they provide crayons to draw on the paper "table cloth". Not really vegetarian friendly- very limited options. I would try the drinks!! read more

Food always amazing . Ismael our server warm friendly and knowledgeable highlights are the jolly ranchero pork bites and the pork quesadilla as well as roasted chicken with artichokes and fingerling potatoes oh and for dessert the banana coconut is amazing . We've never had a bad meal here. One of our favorite restaurants in Carmel. read more

Amazing food! Amazing service! A thoroughly delicious meal and enjoyable evening! The best in the area! Highly recommended!

Just had a delicious dinner on the patio. Great music and food. Service was outstanding and the new outdoor setting was great. Loved being back at Rio Grill. read more

Best damn food in Carmel hands down. Get the ribs! don't try to stay clean...

As a local I'd say that it is a must if you are visiting Carmel. The dishes are amazing and the Chinese chicken salad stood out to me. The waiters were really nice and the seasonal pumpkin cheesecake is by far the best cheesecake I've had. Frankly it's all I imagined from the name and so much more! read more

The food here was yummy, but expensive, and the menu was limited. The service was fine. Recommendations: calamari, skirt steak, and the ribs plate. The grilled meat platter was not very good. The dessert menu was very foofoo (IMO). read more

Great place. Food was very good and nice ambiance with music, bar or dining. Really enjoyed it.

We love rio grill. Nick d was our server again tonight and dinner was great. We had he skirt steak, jolly rancheros, wedge, fried prawn special with peach habanero sauce, and duck tamale. Everything is always on point, great service, simple menu but always delicious. Never disappoints. We luckily ended up here when the dumb 1110 rooftop wasn't open for the third time.... thank goodness!!! read more

The bartender was terrific. Attentive and efficient Great calamari I had a wonderful little and revisit very soon read more

We have been coming to RIO GRILL for years. But, it has declined dramatically. Good thing there are a lot of dumb tourists who think it is acceptable because we as residents think it is bad. The menu never changes, except everything just gets cheaper and cheaper. For example, I have ordered the chicken and artichoke hearts because it is usually great--now they have substituted a whole boatload of potatoes for artichokes because artichokes are more expensive. Plus, the service is awful---we waited forty-five minutes between our appetizer and our main course and no one said a word about it. STAY AWAY! read more

After a pretty serious car accident and incredibly stressful day my best friend and I found ourselves at the Rio Grill for dinner to grab a drink and recharge ourselves. We clearly looked worse for the wear, and the staff went above and beyond to serve us with kindness, asking about our story and taking time to feed our souls as well as out tummies. In particular Alexis the hostess spent time chatting with us and encouraged us to rest the night instead of continuing on with our planned journey. She took time after her shift was over to call around and find a reasonable hotel rate at a local business she knew so that we could shower and rest. It was the kindest thing anyone has ever done for two complete strangers and we cannot thank you enough for your hospitality and good heart. You lending an ear and a hand changed the course of what had been a tough road trip and we will always be thankful. The food itself was of course delicious and we would happily go again just for that, but the hospitality at Rio Grill has made us customers for life. read more

This is our go to restaurant in Carmel. You could classify the Rio Grill food as "California Mexi-fusion". The quality of the food is high and the portions are reasonable. You will go away satisfied. This is not a tapas place. The grilled and smoked meats are delicious and the duck is off the hook, as well as the pork shank. Salads and appetizers are delish, don't miss the artichoke. The food flavors are balanced, and not over salted. The sauces are unique. The food presentation is very nice as well. You can also get a legit margarita here, that is straight up with fresh lime and no sugary fake mix. The wine list is above average and one can enjoy some robust reds to accompany the meal. I almost feel guilty that this review is so effusive, but this place is the real deal and worth it. Take me here for my birthday! read more

The potato skins are SO DELICIOUS! My absolute favorite! (the sweet potato with lime crema is a close second though). The perfect ratio of crunchy to rich and flavorful. Highly suggest putting the salsa on top and then dipping in the special sauce that comes with it (the sauce is honestly something special, 10/10 yummy). The salmon is quality fish that tastes fresh and even the kids' salmon is a great portion. read more

We were promptly seated, service from start to finish was great, food was exceptional.

Wonderful experience for our first meal out during the Covid crisis. Very clean. Separate tables. Careful bringing people in and out. Very respectful and good food as always. Appreciate how considerate they are in limiting people/tables for our health despite the cost to their business. read more

My wife and I had a wonderful dinner at the Rio Grill this past Friday evening. The food was great, and so was the service. We did not have a reservation; but the hostess, Alexa, was very professional and was able to accommodate us with a surprisingly good table in a very short period of time. We would highly recommend this restaurant to anyone seeking good food & wine, friendly service, and professional service across the board! read more

Stopped in for a late lunch, quick bite. Service was great and food was good. Nice place to stop in the Cross roads. read more

My wife and I had a lunch and dinner here on a three day trip to Carmel from our home in the SF Bay Area. On both occasions the food and service were above average. We had lunch as the restaurant opened on a Wednesday and there were few patrons during our meal. On this occasion the restaurant was quiet and there was no delay in ordering or receiving our meal. The next evening we arrived at the restaurant without reservations and had to wait for approximately 10 minutes for a table which we found very resonable. The restaurant was quite busy but the wait staff was attentive and cordial. The only complaint was the level of noise during the dinner. There were two tables near us that had large groups dinning that were very noisy making it difficult for my wife and I to carry on a discussion during our meal. read more

The best! The place has it going on. The artichoke is the best in the world. Happy hour is great. Staff and management are skilled and nice. Sunday, Happy Hour all evening. Worth the visit. read more

I went to the restaurant for lunch a week ago. Nice staff.... My friends had the burgers and the portions looked ok, but small side portion of fries. I had the turkey sand which which was alright. Small side of cole slaw and small basket of chips and salsa. We came in right as they opened and you could tell they didn't have heat on since it felt like the temp was around 60 in the restaurant . I thought the staff would have looked a little more professional with matching uniforms, but they didn't. I too noticed that regular customers sitting by themselves we're served before us even though we arrived much earlier.... The prices for portion size was too high...The food was good. Lastly, the bathroom stank and you can tell their was no heat in their either. Sadly I wouldn't return if I wanted too. Uncomfortable chairs and pricey... The place is tired and need a shot in the arm Sorry!!!! read more

Meh. We ended up there on a busy summer weekend because other places were full. The place was busy but we got reservations which I thought boded well. Unfortunately there isn't much good to say. The Corpse Reviver is a good cocktails when made right. This one was overpowered by mango purée and was tiny for the price. The beet salad didn't have many beets and has huge pasty wads of blue cheese in it. My dinner specials of seafood stew was the best thing I had. The lemon torte was odd. Like a round lemon bar with a hard dry crust. Most of the menu items seemed to have one to many ingredients. Nothing abysmal just not suburb. The staff were friendly and efficient. The noise level was loud. read more

Where to start?! How about the crew? The staff at Rio Grill are more than just staff, they're like a well-oiled machine and well-fit family. Whether it's Kayla's friendly greeting, the wait staff's attentive and knowledgeable banter, or Joe's friendly and sincere demeanor they get 5 stars just for being them. The drinks? I love the fact that the cocktails take a classic approach with a modern and daring twist and that the beers on tap rotate throughout the year. The food? Some of the specials knock me off my feet and some challenge the palate, but ALL of the specials have been delightful and make me look forward to when they'll be featured again. The standard menu items are anything buy standard. The duck chilaquiles, stuffed poblano pepper are just as welcomed at my table as the Angus-hamburger and prawns-on-penne pasta. This restaurant has been a regular haunt for my wife and I for almost two years and I hope to keep it that way for years to come! read more

Had the fired grilled artichoke appetizer with tomato aioli. The fire grilling and tomato aioli killed the flavor of the artichoke. I think the chef is trying too hard to find a compliment for the artichoke. Just bring out the natural flavor of the artichoke and it will sing by itself. read more

Rio Grill - Fired grilled artichoke with tomato aioli - American Near Me - Carmel-by-the-sea, California

Food was good and bat service while waiting prompt and chatty. Had the ribs and prawn pasta which both were of good portion size. A little slow on the general service side, but not to bad. read more

Woof. Sorry for the late review.. the margaritas were stiff if you know what i'm saying. The beverages/food was all good. I recommend this place, but make sure you don't have an early plans. read more

Rio Grill - as i said... i'm a sucker for penne pasta!!! - American Near Me - Carmel-by-the-sea, California

Service I feel was poor. Took a while for him to realize we were there. We were placed in a small table in a corner next to a party celebrating. He did not offer the specials never checked on us again. He did give the celebratory party complimentary champagne. Food was a little expensive considering the small amounts. My family lives in Carmel Valley visit frequently but won't visit Rio Grill again. read more

We did takeout last night of the strip steak. It was the best steak my wife and I have had for a long time. It was cooked perfectly(medium) with a delicious sauce. The side of scalloped potatoes and green beans was a perfect compliment. Our thanks to the cooks and other staff, to include the young lady who took our call in order, for doing super jobs. read more

Been going there for years, but Rio Grill has totally hit rock bottom. Service was rushed and rude. Food was spotty (runny, nasty Caesar; old lettuce; cold cauliflower) and drinks watery. Way overpriced as well. Don't waste your time and money when there are so many fabulous places to eat in 2017 Carmel. read more

Love this place. Fun atmosphere and delicious food. Try the ribs or the Chinese Chicken Salad or their varied entrees . ALL GOOD!

I love the food and atmosphere of Rio Grill, and of course the Rio Rita. But my favorite is the friendliest host Alexis - she always takes the best care of us and makes me feel so welcome. She is truly the best part of the restaurant. read more

Where do I even begin? This place is 5/5 in regards to it all! Me and my boyfriend went to Rio Grill about a week ago. We were hoping for a delicious dinner and that we got. To start our waiter, Agustin recommended me the Venus fly trap, so beautiful and tasty of course. My boyfriend went with the IPA Almanac and he to was very happy with it. We started off with the brussel sprouts and bacon which were extremely delicious and well prepared. But the star of the show we both like to think was the scallop blackened fettuccine pasta, I mean wow, so much richness it was exquisite. Our waiter knocked it our of the ball park with that one! Fantastic recommendation! For myself I had the skirt steak and was also incredibly tasty, I finished the whole thing! Lastly, for dessert we had a cobbler which was divine, of course. Overall so incredibly happy with our dinner, the food was delicious, the staff was so friendly, Agustin our waiter was such a gem, the location is beautiful, just magnificent. read more

This place is always consistently good. We go here every time we visit Carmel. It is always good. Interesting menu and well prepared food. We have been going here for years now. You can't beat it! read more

Belated Review - Outstanding outstanding outstanding. Wife ordered the salmon, I ordered the ribs. Both 5 stars. Our server Patrice was fabulous. We LOVED Natasha, who made our visit absolutely memorable and we will surely be returning thanks to their service alone. Thank you, Rio Grill! read more

My first time here tonight. I was welcomed and greeted by the amazing manager Hannah. She made special accommodations for us and was present throughout the whole meal, checking in on us. The server Alana was great! She was friendly and made sure we were taken care of. This place is a gem and the food is amazing. You will feel at home here. Thank you :) read more

This restaurant has been a family favorite for many years. The wide variety of menu options mean everybody finds something to love. I recently tried the Happy Hour menu and was most delighted. This is a classy place but not snobby. Go there. read more

My husband and I went for dinner here for our Anniversary Dinner. The service was great, the place was very busy being a Friday night. It cost us over $100 for dinner, which was over-rated. This included a glass of wine each served by the glass, and 2 espresso. I think for the amount of money spent the portions were smaller than expected. I don't think this is the place to bring a family to dine unless you want to open your wallet and its a very special occasion. read more

We had dinner here tonight and it was delicious! We had 7:00 reservations and were seated at a nice corner table w/ banquette seats and a chair. The banquette was solid and a comfortable height, so we both sat there. I like that kind of corner seating. We had water to drink. We started w/ empanadas filled w/ smoked tri tip, Hatch green chili and avocado crema. They arrived cut in half w/ the points erect, looking like 4 little shark fins in puddles of avocado crema and tiny dices of chili. They were very tasty. Next we split a salad, identical to the one we'd had in my first review 8 1/2 years ago. Neither of us remembered it, surprising for Alan, who remembers these things, not for me because I almost never do. As before, it was delicious. For our mains Alan had a ribeye steak w/ which he substituted sliced roasted potatoes for the smoked paprika mashed ones, cauliflower and shishito chiles. I had one of the specials, a bacon wrapped sirloin w/ fried onion string mashed potatoes and charred cauliflower. The mashed potatoes were rich and spectacular. I took a few bites and didn't finish them because they tasted so rich. The steak was tender and flavorful and the cauliflower was amazing, yellow, purple and green w/ a lovely, smokey taste from the grill. Our server, Sarah, tried to tempt us w/ dessert and several did look marvelous, but we didn't get any. Both food and service were wonderful and we had a good time joking w/ the 4 guys at the adjacent table. It was a stellar evening. read more

Really great cocktails - specifically the venus trap was ridiculously good. The service was fantastic, i had Nick as my server. The food was alright but i will be returning for the cocktails and good service. read more