Rio Grill has been the place to meet friends, experience exciting food & wine and enjoy great dining on the Monterey Peninsula. This high energy restaurant, located at the mouth of Carmel Valley on Rio Road, has won numerous reader's choice awards and inspired food critics from the San Francisco Examiner, San Jose Mercury News and all of the local press to sing it's praises. Awards include: "Best Restaurant in Monterey County," "Best Restaurant to Meet People," "Best American Restaurant," and "Best Wines by the Glass." Menu highlights include entrees from the wood-burning grill and oak wood smoker, as well as the chef's daily creations featuring fresh fish and pasta.

Creative American dishes such as fire-roasted artichoke with balsamic vinaigrette, house-smoked chicken with chile butter and the ever popular ice cream sandwich, are combined with impeccable service to form the cornerstones of Rio Grill's continuing success. The comfortable lounge and full bar serving our famous "Rio Rita," is lined with colorful caricatures of local faces and celebrities. Bar patrons can also order from the full menu while sitting by the fireplace or at the bar. Rio Grill's award-winning wine list features more than 160 labels including an extensive selection available by the glass. Rio Grill is truly the place for people of all ages who enjoy great food, a dynamic environment and outstanding service.

Lunch Menu

APPETIZERS
Housemade Soup - $6.10

Castroville Artichoke, marinated and fire-roasted, with sun-dried tomato aioli - 9.45

Dungeness Crab Cakes with roasted red pepper-cumin vinaigrette and cucumber salad - 11.85

Buffalo Carpaccio with crispy capers, shallots, chile morita aioli and asiago cheese - 9.85

Onion Rings with guajillo chile ketchup - 5.60

Quesadilla, different every day - (add our avocado salsa..$3.95) - 8.15

Crispy Monterey Bay Squid with orange-sesame dipping sauce - 8.10

SALADS
Iceberg Wedge with garlic bread crumbs, roma tomatoes and blue cheese dressing - 7.20

Mixed Greens with pecorino cheese, seasoned walnuts and curry vinaigrette - 7.85

Butter Leaf with beets, blue cheese and roasted jalapeno-raspberry vinaigrette - 7.85

Chopped Romaine with tomatoes, avocado, red onion, anejo cheese & ancho chile remoulade
with Panko Crusted Chicken - 13.95
with Grilled Rock Shrimp - 15.95

Baby Spinach with toasted pumpkin seeds, cotija and honey-chipotle vinaigrette - 7.80

Hearts of Romaine with Caesar dressing, asiago and housemade croutons - 8.90

Chinese Chicken Salad - 14.65

SANDWICHES
Smoked Prime N.Y. Cheese Steak with balsamic red onions and pepper havarti - 14.95

Grilled Eggplant, sweet peppers, fontina cheese and lightly-dressed watercress - 8.95

Smoked Chicken Salad Pita Sandwich with green apple, jicama and pinenuts - 10.05

Grilled Prawns wrap with brie cheese, baby spinach, jalapenos and sun dried tomato aioli - 11.65

Oak Grilled “Certified Angus” Hamburger or Cheeseburger with french fries - 9.25
(add apple-smoked bacon..1.50 Grilled onions or sautéed mushrooms..$1.00)

Smoked Turkey Breast with apple-smoked bacon, guacamole and tomato chutney - 11.95

ENTREES
Pan Roasted Chicken Breast with lentil bean mash and truffle-honey glazed carrots - 13.60

House-Smoked Half Chicken with mild smoked chile butter, baby artichokes and red potatoes - 19.95

Barbecued Baby-Back Ribs with cole slaw and cayenne potato yam cake - 17.85

Pumpkin Seed Crusted Loch Duart Salmon with chipotle-lime vinaigrette - 15.95

Mustard-Soy Marinated Skirt Steak with yam gratin - 16.95

Farfalle Pasta with baby aritchokes, sun dried tomatoes, vegetables and extra virgin olive oil - 11.95

Grilled Prawns on Penne Pasta with a leek, pea and bacon creole cream - 14.75

Tacos, different every day, with salad and chipotle-cumin black beans - 11.25