Rio Bonito Grill — Restaurant in New York

Review: Rio Bonito Grill – A Mixed Bag of Value and Disappointment

Rio Bonito Grill draws in customers with a tempting offer: $35 for all-you-can-eat steak. At first glance, this seems like an unbeatable deal, especially for meat lovers. However, while the restaurant does deliver on its promise in quantity, the overall experience leaves much to be desired.

One of the first major issues is the lack of an online reservation system. The only way to secure a table is by showing up and hoping for the best. Unfortunately, this led to an incredibly long wait—an hour and 30 minutes for a table of four. Given that many patrons travel from out of town specifically for this restaurant, the waiting experience is far from ideal. With nowhere to sit while waiting and no clear updates on seating, it starts to feel like more of a hassle than an indulgence. If you’re short on time or patience, this could be a dealbreaker.

So, was the long wait worth it? That depends. The appetizers and sides were solid, and the drinks were enjoyable, offering a good start to the meal. However, the real test—the meat—was inconsistent. The restaurant seems to have a strategy: start customers off with lower-quality meats before bringing out the good cuts. Chicken was among the first offerings—not bad, but nothing remarkable. Then came the lamb, which was tough and difficult to eat. The catch? Leaving food on your plate results in an extra fee, which forces you to either finish unappealing dishes or pay up. The steak itself was a mix of highs and lows making the experience frustrating rather than indulgent. For an establishment that markets itself around steak, this inconsistency is disappointing.

One unexpected surprise came at the end: a mandatory 20% tip added to the bill. While tipping is standard practice, making it non-optional—especially when the service wasn’t exceptional—feels a bit forced.

So, would I recommend Rio Bonito Grill? If you’re already in the area and have the patience for a long wait, it’s worth trying at least once. However, if you’re traveling from out of town solely for this experience, you might want to reconsider. The deal sounds great on paper, but between the long wait, inconsistent food quality, and hidden costs, it may not be as much of a steal...

If you’re looking for an authentic Brazilian steakhouse experience in the heart of Astoria, Churrascaria Rio Bonito Grill is an absolute must-visit. From the moment you walk in, the ambiance sets the tone for an unforgettable meal. The space is modern, clean, and beautifully designed, making it feel both upscale and welcoming at the same time. You can tell this is a new spot, but it already has the kind of polished service that feels like it’s been established for years.

The staff is incredibly attentive and friendly, ensuring that you feel right at home as soon as you’re seated. They explain the menu with enthusiasm and are quick to answer any questions you have, making it clear they take pride in both the food and the overall dining experience.

Now, let’s talk about the food—wow. The standout feature is, of course, the endless selection of perfectly grilled meats. Each skewer brought to the table is tender, flavorful, and expertly seasoned. From the juicy picanha to the mouthwatering chicken, sausage, and lamb chops, every bite is a testament to the skill and care behind the grill. The meats are served to your desired level of doneness, so if you’re a fan of medium-rare, you’re in for a treat.

Beyond the meats, the salad bar is another highlight. It’s not your typical salad selection—there are plenty of fresh veggies, Brazilian sides like creamy mashed potatoes, rice, beans, and even farofa (a seasoned manioc flour mixture). These sides complement the meats perfectly, and I found myself going back for seconds on the creamy rice and the vibrant vinaigrette salad.

The cocktails here are also worth mentioning—whether you’re in the mood for a classic caipirinha or something more inventive, the drinks are expertly crafted and serve as the perfect accompaniment to the meal.

Overall, Churrascaria Rio Bonito Grill in Astoria is a gem that’s definitely worth a visit. The combination of outstanding food, amazing service, and a warm, contemporary atmosphere makes it a top-notch dining experience. I can’t wait to come back and indulge in their delicious...

TERRIBLE, TERRIBLE, TERIBLE. My family and arrived 30 minutes before opening (5 pm) and obtained a good spot on the line with only a few people ahead of us. The restaurant opened and they immediately began calling the names of those with reservations while those without, will be attended “shortly”. You could say they spent the majority of their time calling those with reservations rather than allowing those in the front of the line to enter. My group of 8 made it to the front around 5:25 pm, we immediately asked her if it was better to break our families into two groups of four so that we could dine that way and the hostess informed us that a group of 10 had a reservation at 5:30 but they don't show up in the next 10 minutes, the table is ours. Meanwhile, we noticed that even the people closest to the line like ourselves were put to wait rather than those at the back of the line because they had spaces for groups of 2 or less instead of groups of 3+. It was 5:55 pm and we were still outside seeing other people walk in before us, the hostess stated, “They called exactly at 5:40, telling us they are looking for parking”. We found this to be incredibly disrespectful because the 10 minutes past their reservation time is a courtesy, anything more is simply rude to the rest of the customers. Especially considering there was at least 50 people on the line, not counting my family waiting for a table. At that point we asked “In that case, how much longer could it be for my family?” and the hostess just said, “We are still seeing”. It was 6:10… THE RESERVED GROUP OF 10 HAD NOT ARRIVED and they still DID NOT GIVE US THE TABLE… EXTREMELY UNPROFESSIONAL, AND DISRESPECTFUL TO THEIR CUSTOMERS. Not only was it poor weather conditions to be waiting outside but it was extremely disgusting to see how they dare treat customers. Any professional business while give you a few minute after your reservation but they will not give you more than 40 minutes like this business did. My family was not only disappointed but disgusted by this...