Rio Grill
A long-standing Californian eatery known for generous portions of inventive dishes and an extensive wine list. Perfect for both casual and elegant din...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Rio Grill
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A long-standing Californian eatery known for generous portions of inventive dishes and an extensive wine list. Perfect for both casual and elegant dining.
Happy Hour Specials
Visit during Happy Hour for specials like smoked BBQ ribs or wild mushroom spinach risotto.
Bar Seating Recommendations
Sit at the bar for exceptional service; bartenders offer top-notch recommendations.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Californian
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(831) 625-5436
Address
101 The, 139 Crossroads Blvd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, USA
Website
riogrill.com/Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Mouthwatering Skirt Steak
Indulge in the incredibly tender and flavorful Soy Marinated skirt steak, a must-try for any visitor.
Inventive Californian Fare
Discover unique dishes like tomato fennel bisque and sourdough apple caramel bread pudding.
Classy Ambiance & Fun Bar
Enjoy a sophisticated dining room with white tablecloths or a lively bar area with excellent service.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Happy Hour Specials
Visit during Happy Hour for specials like smoked BBQ ribs or wild mushroom spinach risotto.
Bar Seating Recommendations
Sit at the bar for exceptional service; bartenders offer top-notch recommendations.
Must-Try Starters
Opt for calamari, pork belly crisps, or the quesadilla of the day with smashed avocado.
Accommodating for Dietary Needs
The staff is friendly and willing to accommodate gluten-free requests.
Tips
from all over the internet
Happy Hour Specials
Visit during Happy Hour for specials like smoked BBQ ribs or wild mushroom spinach risotto.
Bar Seating Recommendations
Sit at the bar for exceptional service; bartenders offer top-notch recommendations.
Must-Try Starters
Opt for calamari, pork belly crisps, or the quesadilla of the day with smashed avocado.
Accommodating for Dietary Needs
The staff is friendly and willing to accommodate gluten-free requests.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rio Grill is consistently praised for its delicious Californian cuisine and generous portions, with standouts like the skirt steak and apple caramel bread pudding. The atmosphere is noted as classy yet inviting, and the service is generally excellent, with many recommending the bar for top-notch service. While most reviews are glowing, a few mention occasional dryness in chicken and a preference for more vegetable accompaniments with certain dishes.
"I have been to Rio Grill a handful of times and every time I dine here I am always satisfied and happy when I leave. For starters, I always opt for the calamari, the pork belly crisps and the ciabatta bread. For entree I always get the Soy Marinated skirt steak, so tender and mouthwatering, never misses! I have whatever cocktail that serves tequila in it and my visit here is always delightful. The staff are expertise and friendly, looking forward to my next visit."
M.L.H Ngaluafe
"Everything we ordered was delicious. Our servers were great. I wish the waiter for a table near ours had not discussed politics loudly for so long, but I don't blame the restaurant for that."
Melinda Simmons
"Delicious everything. Carmel has a lot of options for great food, but when we visit, Rio Grill is always on our short MUST GO TO list. I can personally recommend the tomato fennel bisque, haystack onions, sweet potato fries, grilled romaine with croutons, toasted pepittas, and grilled chicken, the quesodilla of the day, the house smoked 1/2 chicken, and the sour dough apple caramel bread pudding with vanilla ice cream. OMG!
Their wine selection is great, too!"
David Hornor
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Popular dishes include the Soy Marinated skirt steak, tomato fennel bisque, quesadilla of the day, and sourdough apple caramel bread pudding.
Yes, Rio Grill offers happy hour specials, featuring items like almond wood smoked BBQ ribs and wild mushroom spinach risotto.
The restaurant features a classy dining room with white tablecloths, suggesting a smart casual dress code, though the bar area may be more relaxed.
Yes, the staff is noted for being friendly and willing to accommodate dietary needs, such as gluten-free options.
The ambiance is described as a classy dining room with white tablecloths, offering a sophisticated yet welcoming atmosphere.
Many diners recommend sitting at the bar for exceptional service, with bartenders known for providing top-notch recommendations.
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Where to eat in Carmel?
At the mouth of Carmel Valley, Rio Grill is very good CA style food. And in Carmel Valley Village, Cafe Rustica serves very nice Euro style food in a Euro style atmosphere.
A remade sports bar, a nice new sushi spot and Big Sur Food & Wine. | Eat + Drink
Andre’s Bouchee, Rio Grill, Basil, Jacks and Lalla Grill are among the early signers-on. Visit the blog for a list… Grub bloodhound Kera Abraham reports that the best in show at the Wild Game Barbecue included “cowboy-style” sea bass by chef Horace Mercurio and oak-grilled Sicilian-style albacore by Rose Di Girolamo. Taste their creations at Coffee Mia Brew Bar in Marina (384-0148) and Carmel Valley Fish House (659-4671), respectively… Flaherty’s (624-0311) now has a full bar… Cute and cozy as a kitten, Bistro Moulin (333-1200) is doing a special Halloween night with costumes and prizes… “On Halloween,” Rodney Dangerfield once said, “parents send their kids out looking like me.
8 Beautiful Wedding Venues in Carmel By The Sea, CA
When it comes to wedding ceremonies and receptions, few local venues can provide a space as elegant and convenient as Rio Grill Restaurant. Rio Grill Restaurant has an indoor event space that has been providing a setting for wedding celebrations for over 30 years, and today, this restaurant can provide incredible in-house catering and beverage services for wedding receptions. Event rooms at the Rio Grill restaurant include the Barrel Room for up to 28 seated guests, the Santa Fe Room for up to 45 seated guests, or a combination of the two for a party of up to 75 seated guests.
11 Best Restaurants in Carmel, California
Located at the corner of Rio Road and Highway 1, Rio Grill routinely makes lists of top Carmel restaurants. Their menu features southwestern-inspired offerings crafted from seasonal local ingredients for fresh and fulsome flavor you can’t beat!. The quesadilla of the day, accompanied by smashed avocado and smoked chili sour cream, is our favorite starter.
25 Best Carmel By The Sea Restaurants You Need To Try 2025
Overlooking the golf course of the Carmel Valley Ranch resort, Rio Grill wows with its spacious patio and California cuisine focused on seasonal ingredients. Their frequently changing menu highlights Monterey Bay seafood, prime steaks, and produce from their on-site garden.
Carmel (California) Halal Food & Travel
Rio Grill 101 Crossroads Blvd 36.53788, -121.90884 The Crossroads - Another long-standing local institution, serving up the best traditions of creative American cuisine. The daily quesadilla and warm sourdough bread will rev up even the most sluggish of appetites.
THE BEST 5 American Restaurant in Monterey County (Updated November 2024)
101 The, Crossroads Blvd, Carmel-By-The-Sea, CA 93923, United States. “Went last night for my birthday dinner and was sadly disappointed. Had to sit in the bar area, ok, cool we’ll deal with it.
Big Sur Food & Wine Festival: A Taste of Sweet Wine and Fantastic Food!
The event will showcase live demonstrations from cooking experts including chefs from big restaurants like Rio Grill, Tarpy’s and Montrio, among many others.
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