Rio Grill

Rio Grill is Carmel dining that turns up the flavor with a southwestern flair, serving fresh local Californian eats while impressing food critics and foodies alike. We are an award-winning restaurant that serves Southwestern American cuisine.

Our restaurant is ideal for:

Lunch
Dinner
Birthdays
Special occasions
Large gatherings
And much more

To learn more about our restaurant, get in touch...

Chef Cy Yontz creates artfully bold Southwestern cuisine like empanadas with smoked tri-tip on an avocado and lime "crema" accented by spicy chile oil. The "RG Chop Chop" with corn, black-eyed peas and cotija cheese is fresh and flavorful; we also like the Chinese chicken salad. Vegetarians have limited but inventive options, including a poblano pepper stuffed with quinoa, corn, vegetables and...

Now 25 years old, the Rio Grill hides its age well, especially with chef Cy Yontz's Southwestern creations lighting up the low lit dining room. Come for the notable wine list and the artful presentations that utilize fresh and creative…

Serious food and a festive atmosphere (with vibrant art, including a cartoon mural of famous locals Clint Eastwood and the late Bing Crosby) have kept this place hugely popular with the locals for years. The whimsical nature of the modern Santa Fe-style dining room belies the kitchen's ambitious preparations, which include homemade soups; a rich quesadilla with almonds, cheeses, and...

A favorite among locals and tourists alike, this restaurant offers Southwestern-influenced regional cuisine made with fresh local ingredients. One starter we enjoy is the signature fire-roasted Castroville artichoke. The crispy Monterey Bay calamari and the house-smoked chipotle chicken, oak-grilled tri tip and the crowd-pleasing ice cream sandwich are justifiably popular choices. The...

One of the 10 best restaurants in Carmel, Rio Grill is Carmel dining that turns up the flavor with a southwestern flair, serving fresh local Californian eats while impressing food critics and foodies alike. Earning distinguished culinary awards for downtown Carmel restaurants, Rio Grill has been part of the local restaurants for 36 years. Welcome to creative American food at its best with a...