Rio Brazilian Steakhouse — Restaurant in City of Durham

We visited Rio Steakhouse yesterday evening. It was my boyfriend’s birthday meal, he thought it would just be us two but I’d actually invited his two friends and their girlfriends along as a little surprise. When the two other couples joining us for the surprise arrived at the restaurant they let the waitress seating them know that them being there was a surprise for the last couple arriving and kindly asked that she didn’t say anything like “the others are already here” when seating us. Our friends had a balloon and banner for my boyfriend at the table and there was about six other tables in the restaurant, with it being a Sunday night. Myself and my boyfriend arrived and I gave her my name (the name the table was booked under), she checked the screen for a while and then asked again, I gave her my name again and she replied “oh yes, table for 6” before saying “oh no have I ruined the surprise there” The food was absolutely gorgeous and I’m sure she was mortified that she’d given away the surprise after already being briefed that my boyfriend didn’t know others were turning up but it really was such a shame, falling at the last hurdle, when we’d got him there relatively stress free! The food was absolutely beautiful and we did have a lovely night but I just wondered whether, in future, staff could put a note on the system for tables such as ours, like “surprise for last couple arriving” just so when I gave her my name and she checked it in the system and clicked on the note she’d remember it was a surprise and act accordingly. Like I say, it’s really not the end of the world but just a suggestion. Thanks again for a...

Rio Brazilian Steakhouse in Durham is hands-down one of the best dining experiences we’ve had in the city. From the moment we walked in, the atmosphere was buzzing — stylish décor, friendly staff, and a real sense of occasion. Whether you’re going for a celebration, date night, or just something different, Rio delivers something special.

The food is absolutely outstanding. The selection of meats is second to none — from perfectly cooked sirloin, lamb, and pork belly to the famous garlic steak and juicy chicken thighs — every single cut was cooked to perfection and brought to the table piping hot. The continuous table-side service from the passadores keeps the experience exciting and indulgent.

The salad bar is also worth mentioning — fresh, varied, and filled with hot and cold sides to complement the meats. The quality across the board is excellent, and you can taste the effort that goes into everything.

Staff are professional, polite, and attentive without being overbearing. They check in regularly and keep everything running smoothly, even on busy nights.

If you’re a meat lover or just looking for a top-tier dining experience in Durham, Rio Brazilian is an absolute must-visit. We’ll definitely be back — come hungry,...

This was mine and my partners first visit to a Rio Steakhouse and it was impeccable. I don’t think I’ve ever been anywhere else where the staff have been so friendly. Every member of staff we spoke to made a real effort to have an actual conversation with us; they had a laugh and a joke, were so kind and hospitable, it made the whole atmosphere so pleasant. This was a special trip to Durham to celebrate my partners 30th birthday and the Rio Steakhouse staff made the meal such a special occasion; singing happy birthday to my partner and putting a candle in his sorbet!

Onto the food - couldn’t fault any aspect of it! The chips and cheese bread were addictive, the salad bar was so well stocked with so much variety, and the meat was all to die for! High quality, cooked to perfection and never ending - what more could you want! The flank steak and belly pork were our particular favourites, and I think I ate my body weight in the creamy garlic mushrooms! The chocolate fudge cake was hands down the best I’ve ever had, and I’ve had a few.

Thank you so much to all the staff for making the an unforgettable dining...