Rio Grill

4.6

2495 Reviews

$30 and under

Californian

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 10 times today

About this restaurant

Good for special occasions
Neighbourhood gem
Good for business meals

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.

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Book your next event with us

View details

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Elegant
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, European
Hours of Operation
Lunch Daily 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Phone number
(831) 625-5436
Website
http://www.riogrill.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress
Executive Chef
Luis Osorio
Catering
Please contact: events@coastalrootshospitality.com
Private party facilities
At Rio Grill, we will provide a memorable experience and take care of all the details for your next event. From the rehearsal dinner, to the wedding reception, Rio Grill is Carmel’s best restaurant for a special occasion.
Private party contact
Banquet Coordinator: (855) 704-3623

Location
101 Crossroads Boulevard, Carmel, CA 93923
Area
Carmel
Cross Street
Rio Road
Parking details
The Rio Grill offers plenty of convenient parking.
Public transit
Public Transit is just a few yards from the restaurant.
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Featured in

68 Monterey Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Popular dishes

Smoked Tri-Tip Sweet Potato HashUS$19.95
two poached eggs, quinoa, crispy swiss chard, chipotle crema
House Made BenedictUS$18.95
- Pork BellyUS$18.95
- Tequila Cured SalmonUS$21.95
- Smoked TurkeyUS$20.95
Farmer's Market ScrambleUS$20.95
3 Farm Fresh Eggs, Locally Sourced Market Vegetables (changes weekly), sliced Avocado, Jack-Cheddar Cheese, Cajun Country Potatoes
Cast Iron FrittataUS$18.95
Wild Foraged Mushrooms, Spinach, Double Cut Smoked Bacon, Jack-Cheddar Cheeses, White Truffle Oil, Cajun Country Potatoes
Rio Breakfast SandwichUS$18.95
Brioche Grilled Cheese, Two Over Easy Eggs, Smoked Country Ham, Asiago Cheese, topped with Bechamel Sauce, served with Field Green Salad.
Griddled French ToastUS$14.95
Bruleed Bananas, Burnt Caramel, Cinnamon Whipped Cream
Fluffy Meyer Lemon-Mascarpone Pancake StackUS$14.95
Maple Syrup, Honey-Chipotle Butter, topped with Mixed Berry Compote

Starters

Monterey Bay CalamariUS$16.95
orange-sesame dipping sauce
Fire-Roasted Castroville ArtichokeUS$14.95
sun dried tomato aioli
Dungeness Crab CakeUS$24.95
Meyer Lemon Buerre Blanc, Onion Marmalade, Chive Oil
Wagyu CarpaccioUS$21.95
Chimichurri Aioli, Chives, Capers, Manchego Cheese, Baby Spinach, Toast Points
Ahi Tuna Crispy Wonton ChipsUS$18.95
Sesame-Soy Aioli, Cilantro Leaves, Jalapeno Rings, Pickled Ginger, Avocado
Duck Confit TamaleUS$15.95
Roasted Three Peppers Orange Sauce, Cotija Cheese, Orange Candy
Ciabatta BreadUS$4.95
Palermo Ciabatta
Soup of the DayUS$7.95
Haystack Onion RingsUS$8.94
W/ Guajillo Ketchup
Local Butternut Squash GnocchiUS$19.95
tossed in Sage Brown Butter, Candied Walnuts, Spinach, Diced Bacon, Manchego Cheese

Salads

Chinese Chicken Salad (Rio Classic)US$19.95
field greens, soy noodles, curried carrots, candied almonds
RomaineUS$14.95
Roasted Poblano Caesar Dressing, Lime Pepitas, Sunflower seeds, shaved manchego, garlic ciabatta croutons, cilantro leaves.
Iceberg WedgeUS$14.95
Garlic Bread Crumbs, tomatoes, blue cheese dressing
Roasted Beet SaladUS$15.95
Red and Golden Beets, Mixed Greens, Raspberry Vinaigrette, Candied Walnuts, Point Reyes Blue Cheese
Dungeness Crab SaladUS$26.95
House Mixed Lettuce, Tomato, Hard Boiled Egg, Poached Asparagus & Louie Dressing

Sandwiches & More

Smoked Turkey BreastUS$19.95
Applewood smoked bacon, guacamole, tomato chutney
Salmon BLTUS$19.95
with sweet potato chips
"The Works" BurgerUS$21.95
1/2 lb. Certified Angus Beef, Telera Roll, Cheese, Avocado, Bacon, Sauteed Mushrooms, Grilled Onions & Fries
Stuffed Poblano PepperUS$22.95
Quinoa, Corn, Beets, Avocado, Cotija Cheese, Pea Shoots, Citrus Cream, Ancho Chili Broth

Entrees

Wild Mushroom Spinach RisottoUS$22.95
Romesco Sauce, Earthbound Farm Spinach, Manchego Cheese, Topped with a Truffle Oil Drizzle
Grilled Prawns (Rio Classic)US$31.95
penne pasta, leek, pea & bacon creole cream
Diver ScallopsUS$39.95
Pan Seared in Butter Lemon Pepper Fettuccini, Grilled Corn, Asparagus, Ancho Chili Cream Sauce
Atlantic SalmonUS$31.95
Pumpkin Seed Crust, Red Pepper Potato Cake, Green Beans, Chipotle-Lime Vinaigrette
Branzino Skin OnUS$41.95
Bacon Cauliflower Rice, Broccolini, R.G. Puttanesca Sauce
House-Smoked Half Chicken (Rio Classic)US$29.95
smoked chile butter, artichokes, potatoes
Almond Wood Smoked BBQ Pork Back RibsUS$42.95
fries, coleslaw
Soy Marinated Skirt SteakUS$43.95
Rainbow Sweet Potato Gratin, Green Beans
CioppinoUS$40.95
Mixed Seafood, Dungeness Crab Meat, Prawns, Mussels, Clams, Rich Tomato Sauce, Herb Butter

Brunch Cocktails

Blood Orange SpritzUS$14.00
Moet Chandon Garden Spritz, Blood Orange Puree, Splash of OJ
Guava BelliniUS$13.00
House Sparkling Wine, Guava Puree, Fresh Strawberry
Spicy MariaUS$12.00
Serrano Infused Tequila, House Made Bloody Mary Mix. Served Up w/ a Tajin-Salt Rim.
Brunch PunchUS$15.00
Tito's Vodka, Malibu Coconut Rum, Orange, Pineapple, Cranberry
Mimosa FlightUS$22.00
4-Mini Mimosas: Orange, Pineapple, Cranberry, Hibiscus

Wines by the Glass

Prosecco, La Marca NV, ItalyUS$10.00
Champagne, Moet & Chandon "Brut" NV, FranceUS$17.00
Sparkling, Schramsberg, "Brut Rose, North CoastUS$19.00
Rosé, "The Beach" by Whispering AngelUS$12.00
Sauvignon Blanc, 13 Celsius, New ZealandUS$13.00
Pinot Grigio, Tiamo, Veneto, ItalyUS$13.00
Chardonnay, Bernardus, Monterey CountyUS$17.00
Chardonnay, Poppy, SLHUS$12.00
Chardonnay, Nickel & Nickel, NapaUS$25.00
Malbec, Felina, ArgentinaUS$15.00
Cabernet, Post & Beam, NapaUS$23.00
Pinot Noir, McIntyre, Santa Lucia HighlandsUS$17.00
Pinot Noir, Joyce, Monterey CountyUS$13.00
Pinot Noir, Loring, Santa Rita HillsUS$15.00
Cabernet, Textbook, NapaUS$19.00
Red Blend, Rabble, Paso RoblesUS$13.00
Zinfandel, Seghesio, Sonoma CountyUS$15.00

Beers & Cider

Lager, Alvarado Street Brewery "Monterey Beer"US$7.00
Cider "Sincere" Dry Apple, Napa 16ozUS$12.00
Maibock, Rogue "Dead Guy Ale" OregonUS$8.00
Hazy IPA, Device "Curious Haze" 16oz SacramentoUS$14.00
Blonde Ale, Other Brother, Seaside CAUS$10.00
Honey Wheat, Other Brother, "I Need Honey", Seaside CAUS$14.00
Hefeweizen, Widmer Brothers, OregonUS$8.00
Radler, Stiegl "Grapefruit" AustriaUS$10.00
N.A. Erdinger, GermanyUS$8.00

Drafts

Pilsner, North Coast "Scrimshaw" CAUS$8.00
IPA, Alvarado Street Brewery "Mai Tai" CAUS$10.00
Rotating, Other Brother, Seaside CAUS$10.00
Amber Lager, East Brother, "Red Lager" Richmond, CAUS$10.00

No Booze for You

Thirsty Lizard
Grapefruit, ginger ale, lime
No-Jito
Cranberry, pineapple, mint, lemon, splash sprite & soda
Prickly Porcupine
Pineapple, serrano, peppercorn, lime zest, chipotle salt rim
Ginger Beer
Abita
Root Beer

Sides

Maple Chili BaconUS$4.95
Smoked Country HamUS$4.95
Cajun Country PotatoesUS$4.95
Mixed Seasonal BerriesUS$5.95
Grilled Sourdough ToastUS$5.95
with Honey-Chipotle Butter

Cocktails

Lavender Lemon DropUS$16.00
Vodka, Limoncello Liqueur, Lavender Simple Syrup, Lemon, Butterfly Pea Flower Infused Liquor, Sugar Rim
Grand ManhattanUS$15.00
"Nitro Charged" Woodinville Rye & Bourbon, Grand Marnier, Sweet Vermouth, Orange Bitters
Nolet's HazeUS$17.00
Nolet's Gin, St. Germian, Muddled Cucumber & Bail, Lime Juice, Agave
Strawberry Guava-TiniUS$16.00
Vodka, Guava Puree, House Made Strawberry Syrup, Triple Sec, Fresh Lemon
Ocean Strike MBFCUS$15.00
Tequila, Mezcal, Blue Curacao, Lime Juice, Butterfly Pea Flower Syrup, Egg Whites
Laguna Seca SunsetUS$15.00
George Dickel Rye, Organic Maple Syrup, Mike's Hard Lemonade, Mint
Rio RitaUS$13.00
Astral Blanco, Cointreau, Agave, Lemon, Orange, Lime
Venus Fly TrapUS$14.00
Serrano Infused Tequila, Hibiscus syrup, lime, tajin-salt rim
Watermelon SoakedUS$15.00
Volcan Tequila soaked with Fresh Watermelon, Cointreau, Agave, Fresh Lime, with Tajin-Salt Strip
'83 CaddyUS$16.00
Arette Reposado, Cointreau, Fresh Lime, Gran Marnier
Rio Rye
George Dickel Rye, Carpano Antica, St. Germain, Luxardo Cherry
Head in the CloudsUS$17.00
Zacapa No. 23, Campari, Sweet Vermouth, Creme de Cacao, Cotton Candy Cloud

21 Seed Tequila Ranch Waters

Cucumber & JalapenoUS$13.00
Cucumbers, Lemon, Edible flowers, soda
Hibiscus & GrapefruitUS$13.00
Dehydrated Grapefruit, Splash of Hibiscus, Edible Flowers, Soda
Blood OrangeUS$13.00
Fresh Raspberries, Lime, Edible Flowers, Soda

What 2,495 people are saying

Rio Grill reviews from people who’ve dined at this restaurant. Based on recent rating.

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.6

4.6 based on recent ratings

4.6Food
4.6Service
4.6Ambience
4.3Value

Noise • Moderate

Diners' Choice Awards

Monterey / Carmel
Innovative
Monterey / Carmel
Healthy
Monterey / Carmel
Californian

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Rio Grill delights with its "consistently delicious" fare and vibrant atmosphere. Guests appreciate the "outstanding service" and diverse menu featuring "creative twists on classic dishes." The artichoke appetizers and haystack onion rings are must-tries, while the warm ambiance and engaging staff make for a memorable dining experience.

2,495 Reviews

P
Peri VIP
Central Coast64 reviews
4.0
Dined 1 day ago
1. Overall 4
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The prices have gotten high for lunch.. I know food costs are high but $38-60 is a lot even for dinner. If they could come up with a few more options that aren't quite as pricey, I'll bet the place would be full rather than half empty as it was today at Friday lunch. My friend had the quesadilla and iced tea, and I had the salmon BLT (I would have been OK with a regular BLT) with fries and an Arnold Palmer. With 20% tip we managed to get out for about $36 each which is not terrible. I love going to Rio Grill and I hope they can make it work for normal folks like me.
Is this helpful?
J
Judy VIP
San Francisco24 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Rio never fails to deliver an excellent dining experience. It’s a locals favorite.
Rio GrillResponded 2 days ago
Hi Judy, thank you so much for taking time to leave us a wonderful review. We are happy to hear that you are pleased with your dining experience every time you come in. We look forward to the time you get a chance to stop by. -Rio Grill Management
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L
Linda VIP
Central Coast14 reviews
4.0
Dined on 1 March 2025
1. Overall 4
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 5
All in all, Rio Grill is always good. The haystack onion rings and artichoke are good appetizers. I was disappointed, though with the New York strip steak. It was tough and it shouldn’t be at that price and delivery of it after appetizers took quite a long time.
Rio GrillResponded on 2 March 2025
Hi Linda, We are happy to hear you enjoyed the appetizers. I apologize that you did not enjoy the New York in addition to it taking longer than anticipated. We take feedback very seriously and will pass this information to our chef. We hope you will join us again.
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K
Kelly
Central Coast1 review
5.0
Dined on 27 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We were celebrating an anniversary, and the staff decorated our table without us asking! Pleasant surprise for our guest of honor, we loved the attention to detail! Great service as always
Rio GrillResponded on 28 February 2025
Hi Kelly, we are happy to hear we could make your guests feel special. And thank you for choosing us to celebrate with. We hope that you can join us again soon for another wonderful dining experience. -Rio Grill Management
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M
Michael VIP
San Francisco8 reviews
5.0
Dined on 26 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
The waiter was very helpful and attentive. The artichoke and flatbread were amazing!
Rio GrillResponded on 27 February 2025
Hi Michael, thank you for the 5-star review. We are very happy to her that you were pleased with your service and dinner. And we hope that you get the chance again soon to dine with us for another wonderful experience. -Rio Grill Management
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S
Stu
San Francisco10 reviews
5.0
Dined on 24 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
The best grilled artichoke and a great daily special
Rio GrillResponded on 26 February 2025
Hi Stu, thank you for taking the time to write a great review for us. The artichoke is always a fan favorite and our chefs take a lot of time to make delicious specials, we are happy to hear that you agree. We hope that you can join us again soon for another wonderful dining experience. -Rio Grill Management
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W
Will VIP
San Francisco146 reviews
3.0
Dined on 23 February 2025
1. Overall 3
2. Food 3
3. Service 3
4. Ambience 4
Not ss good as I remember it'. Very crowded and noisy.
Rio GrillResponded on 28 February 2025
Hi Will. We are sorry to hear that you did not enjoy your last dining experience with us. The restraunt does tend to get a bit noisy especially on a Saturday night. We are trying our hardest to always improve and we hope all our guests have wonderful experiences with us. If you would like to discuss anything further with management, you can call Rio Grill. Thank you for your feedback. -Rio Grill Management
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L
Linda
Central Coast12 reviews
5.0
Dined on 22 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
My husband and I stopped by for lunch today and sat at a table in the bar near the fireplace. The food and service were wonderful!
Rio GrillResponded on 24 February 2025
Hi Linda, thank you taking your time to write us a great review. The fireplace in the bar is always so cozy, and we are happy to hear that your service and food was great. Hopefully you get the chance again soon to come visit us for another great dining experience. -Rio Grill Management
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D
David VIP
Los Angeles32 reviews
5.0
Dined on 17 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
Rio Grill remains one of our favorite dining spots in Carmel, year after year. Always tasty, with a relaxed, upbeat vibe. Not to mention very easy parking. Highly recommended.
Rio GrillResponded on 24 February 2025
Hi David, thank you for the great review. And also thank you for being a continued patron at Rio Grill. Parking availability in alwasy a perk in the Carmel area. We hope to see you in again soon. -Rio Grill Management
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P
Pam
San Francisco5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 17 February 2025
1. Overall 5
2. Food 4
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 4
After a disappointing front-of-house experience at another local restaurant, Rio Grill was the perfect anecdote to bad service! Although we have dined here many times before, it was usually for lunch, not dinner. Our waiter was exceptionally attentive to the multiple food allergies in our party, and the other staff made sure that all of our needs were met when refills of bread were due. We had a really lovely dinner, with great food for the price. We look forward to returning again. Rio Grill never disappoints!
Rio GrillResponded on 18 February 2025
Hi Pam, thank you so much for the fantastic review. We are happy that we could improve on your other dining experience. Our chefs and servers try their absolute hardest to pay attention to guests with allergies and I'm glad that everybody in your party was accommodated. We look forward to the next time you come in for a visit. -Rio Grill Management
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FAQs

Rio Grill offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (831) 625-5436.

Rio Grill is rated 4.6 stars by 2495 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a booking

2 people

15 Mar 2025

19:00

Booked 10 times today

Order delivery or takeout

101 Crossroads Boulevard, Carmel, CA 93923

Additional information

Cross Street
Rio Road
Area
Carmel
Hours of Operation
Lunch Daily 11:30 am–4:00 pm Dinner Mon–Thu, Sun 4:00 pm–8:00 pm Fri, Sat 4:00 pm–9:00 pm
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Californian, European
Dining style
Casual Elegant
Dress code
Casual Dress
Parking details
The Rio Grill offers plenty of convenient parking.
Public transit
Public Transit is just a few yards from the restaurant.
Payment Options
AMEX, Diners Club, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Executive Chef
Luis Osorio
Additional
Gluten-free Options, Indoor Fireplace, Patio/Outdoor Dining

Website
http://www.riogrill.com/
Phone number
(831) 625-5436
Catering
Please contact: events@coastalrootshospitality.com
Private party facilities
At Rio Grill, we will provide a memorable experience and take care of all the details for your next event. From the rehearsal dinner, to the wedding reception, Rio Grill is Carmel’s best restaurant for a special occasion.
Private party contact
Banquet Coordinator: (855) 704-3623

Featured in

68 Monterey Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Rio Grill

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Order delivery or takeout

Private dining

Additional information

68 Monterey Area Restaurants to Love This Valentine's Day

Soy Marinated Skirt Steak

Atlantic Salmon

Salmon BLT

Main

Smoked Tri-Tip Sweet Potato HashUS$19.95

House Made BenedictUS$18.95

Farmer's Market ScrambleUS$20.95

Cast Iron FrittataUS$18.95

Rio Breakfast SandwichUS$18.95

Griddled French ToastUS$14.95

Fluffy Meyer Lemon-Mascarpone Pancake StackUS$14.95

Starters

Monterey Bay CalamariUS$16.95

Fire-Roasted Castroville ArtichokeUS$14.95

Dungeness Crab CakeUS$24.95

Wagyu CarpaccioUS$21.95

Ahi Tuna Crispy Wonton ChipsUS$18.95

Duck Confit TamaleUS$15.95

Ciabatta BreadUS$4.95

Soup of the DayUS$7.95

Haystack Onion RingsUS$8.94

Local Butternut Squash GnocchiUS$19.95

Salads

Chinese Chicken Salad (Rio Classic)US$19.95

RomaineUS$14.95

Iceberg WedgeUS$14.95

Roasted Beet SaladUS$15.95

Dungeness Crab SaladUS$26.95

Sandwiches & More

Smoked Turkey BreastUS$19.95

Salmon BLTUS$19.95

"The Works" BurgerUS$21.95

Stuffed Poblano PepperUS$22.95

Entrees

Wild Mushroom Spinach RisottoUS$22.95

Grilled Prawns (Rio Classic)US$31.95

Diver ScallopsUS$39.95

Atlantic SalmonUS$31.95

Branzino Skin OnUS$41.95

House-Smoked Half Chicken (Rio Classic)US$29.95

Almond Wood Smoked BBQ Pork Back RibsUS$42.95

Soy Marinated Skirt SteakUS$43.95

CioppinoUS$40.95

Brunch Cocktails

Blood Orange SpritzUS$14.00

Guava BelliniUS$13.00

Spicy MariaUS$12.00

Brunch PunchUS$15.00

Mimosa FlightUS$22.00

Wines by the Glass

Prosecco, La Marca NV, ItalyUS$10.00

Champagne, Moet & Chandon "Brut" NV, FranceUS$17.00

Sparkling, Schramsberg, "Brut Rose, North CoastUS$19.00

Rosé, "The Beach" by Whispering AngelUS$12.00

Sauvignon Blanc, 13 Celsius, New ZealandUS$13.00

Pinot Grigio, Tiamo, Veneto, ItalyUS$13.00

Chardonnay, Bernardus, Monterey CountyUS$17.00

Chardonnay, Poppy, SLHUS$12.00

Chardonnay, Nickel & Nickel, NapaUS$25.00

Malbec, Felina, ArgentinaUS$15.00

Cabernet, Post & Beam, NapaUS$23.00

Pinot Noir, McIntyre, Santa Lucia HighlandsUS$17.00

Pinot Noir, Joyce, Monterey CountyUS$13.00

Pinot Noir, Loring, Santa Rita HillsUS$15.00

Cabernet, Textbook, NapaUS$19.00

Red Blend, Rabble, Paso RoblesUS$13.00

Zinfandel, Seghesio, Sonoma CountyUS$15.00

Beers & Cider

Lager, Alvarado Street Brewery "Monterey Beer"US$7.00

Cider "Sincere" Dry Apple, Napa 16ozUS$12.00

Maibock, Rogue "Dead Guy Ale" OregonUS$8.00

Hazy IPA, Device "Curious Haze" 16oz SacramentoUS$14.00

Blonde Ale, Other Brother, Seaside CAUS$10.00