669 reviews
#17 of 103 Restaurants in Carmel$$ - $$$, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options+1 831-625-5436+ Add websiteImprove this listing
Hours
Sun
11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Mon
11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tue
11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Wed
11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Thu
11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Fri
11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Sat
11:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.4:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
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Someone from this business manages this listing.
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PRICE RANGE
$14.00 – $48.00
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
features
Is this restaurant good for business meetings?
Details
About
Rio Grill, located in the Crossroads in Carmel, has been the place to meet friends, enjoy tasty, flavorful food and relax with a refreshing cocktail or glass of wine for over 38 Years.Chef Luis Osorio creative American dishes are some of the most flavorful, colorful and vibrant on the Monterey Peninsula and celebrate flavor in every mouthwatering bite!In addition to the main dining room, Rio Grill has a comfortable lounge and full bar serving refreshing libations including the restaurant’s famous "Rio Rita.” The bar is lined with colorful caricatures of local faces and celebrities. Rio Grill's award-winning wine list by Wine Director, Gabe de la Vega, features more than 250 labels featuring a ton of local wineries and an extensive selection available by the glass.
PRICE RANGE
$14.00 – $48.00
Special Diets
Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, After-hours
FEATURES
Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Accepts American Express, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi, Accepts Discover, Accepts Credit Cards, Table Service
Contribute
4.0
669 reviews
Excellent
323
Very good
232
Average
78
Poor
24
Terrible
12
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
David O
La Jolla119 contributions
Mar 2020 • none
We went with friends to Rio Grill. They are seasonal residents of Carmel Valley, and it is one of their favorites in the area.
I had the special, the halibut, but was given a taste of the salmon, a regular on the menu. I preferred it to the very good halibut. Also had a taste of the soup, which was sensational. My wife ordered the skirt steak, which was a very generous portion, and very good.
With soup, salad, entrees, and drinks and wine, the dinner, which I paid for, was quite expensive, but very good. Will return next time in Carmel.
Written March 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GabeAtRio
We're happy you all chose to join us and had a very good dinner. We look forward to welcoming you back next time you're in the area, thank you for the review!
Written March 20, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ChristineY1
Ozdere147 contributions
Dec 2021 • family
Visited the Santa Cruz area for the holidays. Drove to dine at the Rio Grill on 2 different days.
First day everything was great, the day manager walked to all tables to introduce himself. Our waitress was great, she had good timing and all our courses were timely and delicious.
Second visit on a Tuesday early afternoon the restaurant was busier, we waited longer than usual but we were not in a rush enjoying the holiday environment. All 3 of our entrees were delicious, the warm Brussel sprouts salad was outstanding!! We ended our meal with elderberry pie and rich yummy coffee.
The Rio Grill never disappoints us.
Happy New Year and thank you for many years of great dining experiences.
Written December 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GabeAtRio
Hi,
Thank you so much for your 5 star review. We are thrilled you took two opportunities to visit us and appreciate your support. We can't wait to serve you again!
Thank you,
Gabe de la Vega, General Manager
Written January 5, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Michael A
Fort Bragg103 contributions
Oct 2021 • none
We were looking for a lunch spot after a great Point Lobos hike. Driving north on Hwy 1 toward Carmel, there was a road closure and we were diverted east onto Rio Road. After turning off the highway as if like magic the Rio Grill appeared.
The Hostess offered us outdoor dining with a wait, but we opted to eat indoors and were given a socially distanced table.
My wife had the Vegetarian Curry Soup of the day and the Corn Truffle & Wild Mushroom Tamale. Both dishes were creative, well executed and tasty.
I had "The Works" Burger and it is literally the works, in a good way. The additions more than double the meat patty. The scary thing is, I managed to eat all of it.
I was in hamburger heaven if there is such a thing. The shoestring fries were good as well, salty, crisp but they took a back seat to the burger.
We had two food friendly wines by the glass, a true to type Monterey Albarino and a lovely Provence Rose.
We'll be back, we love Point Lobos, and this is a great place to reload.
Written October 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GabeAtRio
Hi Michael,
We are so glad you discovered us! Thank you for your wonderful review. Let us know next time how we can make your experience 5 stars! Hope you come back to Point Lobos and stop by for lunch.
Cheers,
Gabe de la Vega
Written November 3, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
JenniMil
Tucson37 contributions
Sep 2021 • friends
I’m sad. I have been coming to this restaurant for close to 40 years. I have celebrated many important occasions here and always very consistent and delicious.
Our meal last evening was not good. The appetizers were each sent back due to being over and undercooked.
The recipes and presentations have changed for everything. They are not good.
There are not enough staff members to take care of diners and the new live music venue.
Sadly this is the end of an era. Save your$$ and go to the Pocket or Grasings until they can get this fixed.
Written September 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GabeAtRio
Hi Jenni,
As a long time customer we value your patronage and feedback. While we haven't changed our recipes, I apologize the food did not meet your expectations from previous visits. We like many other businesses are doing our best to staff during this ongoing labor shortage. I'm sorry that this affected your experience. Thank you for taking the time to bring these issues to our attention so we can improve. I hope you choose to dine with us again to see how we've applied your feedback to our business.
Thank you,
Gabe de la Vega, General Manager
Written September 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NapiliR
Tampa273 contributions
May 2021 • none
We enjoyed delicious black bean soup and a basket of rolls for lunch on our way to the Carmel Highlands. Perfect amount for lunch with no leftovers to deal with. The rolls came with an interesting maple chipotle butter.
Written June 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mbf18
San Francisco94 contributions
Aug 2021 • none
Delicious and filling lunch...Upon arrival, we were led past historic bar & caricatures into elegant interior, magnificent local sculptures and paintings. I had generous chinese chicken salad, partner liked his salmon very much, plus lightly battered thin onion rings. Attentive service. Short drive from Ocean Ave, at the end of a small shopping center, and we learned a favorite for locals!
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
petralesole
Napa30 contributions
Jan 2022 • family
Attractive place good service,however the noise was so loud that we really couldn’t Have a conversation. I wanted roasted chicken,which I ordered but it had a sauce on it that was so spicy that I couldn’t eat it . I’m willing to try it again,maybe at lunch
Written January 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GabeAtRio
Hi,
Thank you for bringing your experience to our attention. As a busy restaurant, it can get loud but we never want that to take away from any guests' experience. The house smoked half chicken is a signature dish beloved by our customers for over 30 years. It does some with our 'chili butter" which can always be ordered on the side or without and would most likely be more enjoyable for you. We hope you choose to come back and give us another try!
Thank you,
Gabe de la Vega, General Manager
Written January 5, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julie P
San Mateo50 contributions
Sep 2020 • none
We drove around looking for a good restaurant on this very busy Labor Day holiday. By chance, went to Rio Grill expecting a 1 hour wait. Not only did we get a great table immediately, but the host was super nice and attentive. Our server Augustine was awesome! The food was absolutely amazing. The skirt steak salad and halibut special did not disappoint. A very fun and relaxed evening. Thank you!
Written September 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonnie C
Corona1750 contributions
Aug 2021 • family
We had a dinner meeting for business associates so had the private dining room. Our server was great and so was the food. We had selected wine ahead as well as 3 entree choices. The halibut was very tasty with polenta ( I typically don’t like polenta) but very good.
The appetizers were good and of course a chocolate (almost like molten) cake with a small scoop of ice cream on top was to die for!
Written August 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AmyKahn
Walnut Creek31 contributions
Jul 2023 • couples
We have always loved the food and the great service at Rio Grill - never been disappointed. A very creative menu and very comfortable and artsy embiance. This place has been a fave for over 25 years that we have visited and has never disappointed us. Btw we are picky and my husband is a former professionally trained chef. Btw easy parking
Written August 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie Edwards
Thank you for the wonderful review!
Written November 22, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Charlene D
Woodstock2 contributions
Feb 2024 • couples
Disappointed. Service was mediocre - waitress was hurried and not warm or personable. Didn’t ask if it was our first time dining there and didn’t offer any recommendations. Just took the order.
Food was good - not great. Ahi was frozen on the wontons and the app was lacking sauce to pull the flavors together. Pork belly was the best thing we ate. Two entrees were barely warm when served.
Sad to say we wouldn’t recommend.
Written February 2, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie Edwards
Hello, First I would like to apologize this is not how we run Rio Grill or any of our establishments. I am so very sorry. I wish I knew who the server was so we could speak to her and possibly do more training to bring her up to our standards. I will also be speaking to the Chef regarding your meal. We strive to always be our best and put our best foot forward that is why we have been an award winning restaurant for many of our 40 years in business. I again am sorry you did not see this side of us. I do hope you will give us another chance to show you why we are a locals favorite for so many. Truly hope to see you again, Suzie Manager
Written February 15, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bart C
Foster City473 contributions
May 2024 • friends
Not a huge menu, but very interesting. Prices were midrange for today's inflated rates. Service was very good and some interesting specials. All food was tasty and well prepared and presented. Wine a bit overpriced in my estimation. A lot of dishes were spicey, fine if that's your thing, but if not they will tone it down on request. Nice but spare decor. Not quiet, but you can easily hold a conversation here.
Written May 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunil Sthapit
Thank you for the positive feedback. I am glad that your enjoyed the visit. See you soon again !
Written June 12, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ed S
Minneapolis535 contributions
Mar 2024 • couples
We have eaten here a couple of time during previous visits for the area. It can be a little noisy when the restaurant is really busy. The service is always good and the food as well. The menu is varied with good selections no matter what you are looking for . The gnocchi very good and the barbecue ribs were delicious, cooked just right and not too much sauce. They also have a good wine list, both by the bottle and by the glasses. A really enjoyable restaurant.
Written May 24, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sunil Sthapit
Thank you for the Positive Feedback. I am glad that you enjoyed your visit at Rio Grill. Hope to see you soon again !
Written June 12, 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mamjensen
Modesto641 contributions
Apr 2022 • friends
We enjoyed a great dinner here with friends prior to our annual bike ride down the coast. Everything was good as usual. Our server was friendly and attentive. We ordered several appetizers which were all excellent, especially the Brussels sprouts. Our entrees and cocktails were excellent as well. Lots of fun!
Written April 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GabeAtRio
Thank you so much for your positive comments and feedback! We can't for you to come back and see us again soon.
Cheers,
Gabe de la Vega, General Manager
Written April 28, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SO_22
Jackson10 contributions
Aug 2022 • none
Food was decent but nothing special. Prices, so-so. Wait staff attentive and friendly. My husbands ribeye was maybe 1/2" thick, if that. Ordered medium, it was a bit over cooked.
I ordered my salmon medium but it was also overcooked.
The food was good, but nothing memorable.
Written September 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Debbie
Hello there,
We appreciate you dinning with us and taking the time to leave us a review. It's disappointing to hear your dishes were a bit overcooked. We sincerely thank you for your feedback. Please have a wonderful day.
Written September 17, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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