Rio Brazilian Steakhouse Coquitlam — Restaurant in Coquitlam

Been meaning to try this restaurant for a while now as I've heard so much about it. Maybe it was just this location and if we tried the one downtown it would've been different. We were a table of 2 here for one of our birthday. Before we even got settled at our table, the server was asking if we've been here before and for drink orders. We felt rushed even though it was great they explained how the red/green card system worked. The bathroom was unpleasant to say the least. It was cold, dimly lit (not in a moody aesthetic kind of way) and smelled weird. There's also a fan or equipment that's trying to start but can't so there's also a buzzing noise.

The food was okay. I'm glad to see a salad bar and accompanying items available for guests to grab whenever they want. The pickled beets, artichokes, spicy Mandarin and chickpeas were tasty. However their salads were very disappointing. The Greek salad in particular lacked flavour. Could use more salt and acid. Also the tomatoes were very watery and no flavor. The salt and pepper mushrooms were too pepper but I guess were meant to be eaten with rice or mashed potatoes. As someone that doesn't eat much meat and am here to celebrate a birthday, I felt like my options were limited.

As for the meat, it was a hit or miss. The pork belly and ribs were excellent. So juicy and crispy but came around very rarely. The chicken hearts were great and same with the chicken legs. The NY steak was not bad if you were able to get a medium rare cut. Grilled cinnamon pineapple could've been grilled per slice instead of whole so more pieces can be served grilled. The lamb was dry and any cuts that were not in the middle of the slab was less than optimal. This is my biggest gripe as the consistency and quality of the meat is so dependent on which cut you get. And although it defeats the concept of the restaurant, I wish there was some way for us to ask for which meats and which cuts we wanted up front instead of waiting for it to come around and getting the end pieces. The server did ask if there were any specific meats we'd like more of which is nice but it's half way through a meal, and we're already kind of full and we would still have to wait for the meat to come around.

Overall it was a neat experience but definitely a one time thing for us. We much prefer a traditional buffet style where you go up and get the meat that you'd like in the quantities that you'd want. It really didn't feel like we had a meal and only that we were snacking on meat. As this was all you can eat pricing model, it was okay for us even though we didn't...

I sent this to message to Rio via their website and then email but never heard back so here is the message...

I am writing to express my dissatisfaction with a takeout order I placed at your Coquitlam location on October 6, 2024. The order was for a family gathering of 9 people to celebrate my son's 17th birthday. Given that some of our family members are in their 70s, we decided to opt for takeout rather than dine-in, making it crucial that the order was accurate and complete. The total value of the order was $262.50.

When placing the order, I specifically chose to visit in person to avoid any confusion. Our selections were made based on your online takeout menu, which included items such as ribeye steak, braised beef ribs, baked potatoes, penne Alfredo, and French fries. However, when I attempted to order these items in person, I was informed that they might only be available at your Denman location, but staff were unsure. This was surprising, as your online menu did not indicate any location-specific availability.

I already had a detailed order from all family members, but I was forced to scramble and make changes because items listed online were not available

Furthermore, I requested that each order be individually packaged to avoid confusion once we got home. The hostess assured me this would be done. However, when we unpacked the food, we found that all the items were mixed together. For instance, all the New York steaks were in the same box, making it impossible to distinguish between those cooked medium versus well-done. This caused frustration among family members, as several received the wrong items.

Similarly, all the side dishes—including mashed potatoes, rice, kale salad, and mushrooms—were grouped together, forcing my wife and me to re-plate everything ourselves. This significantly detracted from what was supposed to be a relaxing family dinner.

I realize that Rio provides a great in-person experience, but it is not ideal for large takeout meals.

I am disappointed with the lack of attention to detail and the inconvenience this caused. I was also surprised that Rio did not offer a complimentary dessert, such as your famous grilled pineapple, as a goodwill gesture considering the inaccurate menu...

Rio Brazilian Steakhouse delivered an absolutely unforgettable experience for my family and me. From the moment we stepped inside, the warm and welcoming atmosphere made us feel right at home. The staff went above and beyond to ensure every detail of our visit was perfect, making my wife’s birthday celebration truly spectacular. They surprised her with a beautifully decorated table, a heartfelt birthday serenade, and exceptional service that left us feeling like royalty.

The food was nothing short of incredible. Every cut of meat was cooked to perfection—succulent, flavorful, and absolutely mouthwatering. The sides and salads were fresh, vibrant, and paired perfectly with the main courses. It’s clear that the chefs put their hearts into every dish.

To top it all off, the drinks were to die for! The Corona buckets were chilled perfectly and kept the celebratory vibe alive all night. The mango margarita pitchers, however, stole the show—refreshing, tangy, and just the right amount of sweetness. They were an absolute highlight and complemented the meal perfectly.

The service was unparalleled, with attentive and friendly staff who anticipated our every need. They made us feel like we were the most important guests in the restaurant, ensuring our glasses were full and our plates were always replenished.

Rio Brazilian Steakhouse delivered on every level—delicious food, exceptional drinks, and impeccable service. My wife’s birthday was truly magical, and we couldn’t have asked for a better celebration. If you’re looking for a place to make memories, this is it! Highly,...