Rio California

Great for lunch especially if you’re in the neighborhood it’s nice to have options other than pizza and fried chicken or burgers. Very friendly setting and service. I would say the experience of having lunch here is one that is increasingly rare in urban areas. Definitely feels more like a boutique cafe in a different country or maybe even in a different time. Reminds me of the home my family has in the country and the meals we would have in rural California.

Yummy food! Great staff, homie feel, big portions, and they also super fast. I will be back!

Amazing food. I had jerk chicken and it’s totally out of the world! The spice level was spot on. A very healthy delicious meal 🤤 I will definitely come again and again!

Excellent food, superb service, and nice atmosphere. Generous with serving amount, too. Glad we were in the area during the hours they're open. The food tastes so good and the owner is so nice.

The gentleman that took our order and served us was extremely accommodating and kind. I ordered one tea and he gave me one plus an extra one that was freshly brewed. Also, the location was very peaceful and pretty.

I love their jerk chicken and their salad is good as well. The customer service is great also. The same guy typically answer the phone and help at the register. He is very nice and professional.

The owner was so kind! And was extremely accommodating for my vegan friend. The fish tacos with the salad was delicious!! Great spot, plenty of shade and a beautiful setting.

1/3/22 Rio California is closed until 1/9/23. Owner is currently on vacation. I just thought I would update here for those that are craving the food. The note was on the door. 1/12/23 I arrived and my order wasn't ready, but it didn't take too long. The owner is nice and he only got back today 1/12/23. He was supposed to back earlier, but flight issues. I ordered 3 jerked chicken burritos and one of the stews. I didn't realize that when I got home I ended up with the jerked chicken plate and no burritos. Bummer. The stew was a little dryer than usual, but I think it could be because he just started up again. Still it was good chicken. I'll have to check my order before leaving the next time. Keep up the great work! 3/2/23 Came here and picked up my order. Always a treat when I can get some jerked chicken burrito. The smoke and the spiciness of it just works. I do like the Feijoada that's only available on Wednesday and Thursdays (accoring to their website). The dressing that comes with the salas is awesome as well. I'm glad I found this place and it hasn't dissapointed since.

Fantastic restaurant in a beautiful setting (inside Preservation Park full of restored Victorian houses, trees, and a water fountain). On warm days try to get a table outside to enjoy the scenery. The Jerk chicken plate is easily the best dish $12. It comes with salad and rice with gravy (really good) or you can get mashed potato with gravy ( also really good). Sometimes they have it with baked potato and stir fried veggies - not to be missed when available. And here's a great tip, ask for extra Cilantro sauce and pour it all over the chicken - super delicious. I would give it 6 stars if I could. The owner runs the cashier and is very friendly. Food is served very quickly, usually within 5 minutes and please bus your own table afterwards. Easily one of the best places in Oakland for lunch but come early or the line gets long and there may not be enough seats.

I have been eating here for years, and the food is the absolute best around Oakland. A small Brazilian restaurant inside half of an old Victorian house in Preservation Park, Oakland. The main dish that lured me to this place was the Jerk Chicken. I comes with white rice and a decent amount of salad with a creamy cilantro dressing. I like to get mine with a side of beans too. The chicken is tender and juicy with all the delicious flavors and spices in the jerk marinade. Those who don't like anything even a little spicy, probably won't like this however. I'll quickly add that the (chicken)Croquettes are amazing as well, and should also be considered as an alternative first offering to those trying this place for the first time. The price for an average plate will run you between $10-$12, which isn't bad for 5 star in downtown Oakland. And last, the portions are big, so bring your appetite, or expect to take home some leftovers.

This place is always my favorite to take people to when visiting Oakland. Everything is flawless every single time. The location is beautiful with great outdoor seating is such a peaceful part of the city. The server/owner is such a friendly guy, and his food is simple, generous, and fantastic! I can’t recommend Rio California enough.

Really happy my buddy took me here for lunch...everything was delicious and service was appreciated and welcomed...had jerk chicken ...yummy...will go back anytime I am in the area.

A quiet retreat from the Oakland hustle, nestled amongst old Victorian houses, tall cooling trees and a park like setting. The menu is Brazilian, simple and delicious. The owner takes and serves up your order. There is no beer or wine served. Clean restrooms are available to patrons. This is an established venue whose quality has always been kept to a and remains at a high level.

Got the jerk chicken plate and the service and food was great. Very decent sized portions and the outdoor seating was like a mini oasis in downtown Oakland. Would definitely recommend to check out during lunch for a break from the workday.

Jerk chicken plate was delicious and the outdoor patio was lovely with the fountain and sounds of flowing water in view. Highly recommend!

I wish I had a photo of the food but it was literally too delicious I couldn’t stop eating it until it was gone. 10/10 best food in the area. The jerk chicken is to die for, spicy and juicy and wonderful

This place is such a hidden gem! It’s nestled in the beautiful oasis of Preservation Park, surrounded by beautiful old homes and trees. Lots of great outdoor seating. The food is super delicious (perfectly spiced and tender jerk chicken, flavorful rice, delicious salad dressing!), and the service delightful. Will be back!

This place is so underrated and family owned. Got their jerk chicken and jerk burrito. YUM!! It’s Brazilian jerk chicken, mild spice but so JUICY. They pour the juice onto the rice too and it’s perfection. Salad dressing is yummy as well. Cute and spacious patio. Highly recommend!!

Beautiful place and great food. Big portions and super fresh salads. Everything is good here. Friendly owner.

Food is authentic and absolutely delicious. Ney, the owner offers suggestions to suit your palette for the day. He knows sauces and spices, and how one can either sweeten or acidify the dish. Feijoada is my husband's go to, served only Wednesday and Thursday. You can't go wrong with any chicken entree or the fish tacos. I especially like the salad and can eat it every day.

i work right around here and came here for 2 days back to back for lunch when i found this place out. wow is this food absolutely delicious and so filling. the serving sizes are super generous and can’t wait to eat here again!

I was there for a special event, 1st Fridays of the Bay Area, had an Reunion White Party. It was such an amazing event. It was a beautiful set up, the area is so well maintained. This is a wonderful venue for private parties, weddings etc

Fish tacos with salad, Feijoada, and Guarana to wash it down. Cafe Rio has been here for 24 years!!! Still the best authentic Brazilian food in Oakland. The feijoada is my go to meal - served on Wednesdays & Thursdays. Pay them a visit in Preservation Park. Plenty of patio seating and a few tables inside too. Excellent customer service too!!! Help support local business! They're open for M-F. Check the website as they stay open later in the afternoon on Wed & Fri.

The location is very nice, the art on the walls amazing. The staff personable, however once that plate touched the table, mmmmmm Yummy. I will be back and bringing people

Chelsea Clough

This place is such a hidden gem! It’s nestled in the beautiful oasis of Preservation Park, surrounded by beautiful old homes and trees. Lots of great outdoor seating. The food is super delicious (perfectly spiced and tender jerk chicken, flavorful rice, delicious salad dressing!), and the service delightful. Will be back!

Anise G

This place is so underrated and family owned. Got their jerk chicken and jerk burrito. YUM!! It’s Brazilian jerk chicken, mild spice but so JUICY. They pour the juice onto the rice too and it’s perfection. Salad dressing is yummy as well. Cute and spacious patio. Highly recommend!!

Cindy C.

Beautiful place and great food. Big portions and super fresh salads. Everything is good here. Friendly owner.

stephanie fanner

I was there for a special event, 1st Fridays of the Bay Area, had an Reunion White Party. It was such an amazing event. It was a beautiful set up, the area is so well maintained. This is a wonderful venue for private parties, weddings etc

Emma Cinco

Food is authentic and absolutely delicious. Ney, the owner offers suggestions to suit your palette for the day. He knows sauces and spices, and how one can either sweeten or acidify the dish. Feijoada is my husband's go to, served only Wednesday and Thursday. You can't go wrong with any chicken entree or the fish tacos. I especially like the salad and can eat it every day.

Leslie Parra

i work right around here and came here for 2 days back to back for lunch when i found this place out. wow is this food absolutely delicious and so filling. the serving sizes are super generous and can’t wait to eat here again!

Andre Cinco

Fish tacos with salad, Feijoada, and Guarana to wash it down. Cafe Rio has been here for 24 years!!! Still the best authentic Brazilian food in Oakland. The feijoada is my go to meal - served on Wednesdays & Thursdays. Pay them a visit in Preservation Park. Plenty of patio seating and a few tables inside too. Excellent customer service too!!! Help support local business! They're open for M-F. Check the website as they stay open later in the afternoon on Wed & Fri.

Raquel Ramsey-Shelton

The location is very nice, the art on the walls amazing. The staff personable, however once that plate touched the table, mmmmmm Yummy. I will be back and bringing people

Miriam Baranov

Yummy food! Great staff, homie feel, big portions, and they also super fast. I will be back!

First time here. I had the jerk chicken, it was delicious! Great service!👍

I had the jerk chicken and it was really good and the restaurant is in a historic part of Oakland. Definitely will be back

My favorite lunch spot in downtown Oakland. The jerk chicken is something that I crave over and over. And the location is such a peaceful setting hidden in the middle of downtown!

Kind owner and staff, beautiful, quiet location close to downtown, fresh and delicious food! Rio has been a consistently excellent lunch place for years. The owner oversees everything and really cares for his customers and the quality of this food. Patio seating at Rio on a sunny Oakland day can't be beat.

This is an amazing hidden gem. Great place for lunch and I take my coworkers any chance I get. The jerk chicken and chicken coxinhas are easily some of my favorite choices. Each comes with a delicious salad on the side. They have a wide variety of choices on the menu to choose from. The restaurant is in a cute house in the historical preservation park, which makes for a nice relaxing meal. On a nice day, you can sit on the porch. A wonderful little slice of relaxation, it is a perfect midday stop.

I’ve been wanting to check this place out for a long time and I have finally made it there for lunch with a couple of friends. We were very pleased with everything from start to finish. We started ordering a trio of coxinhas that were absolutely the best ones we had. The dough and chicken ratio were just perfect! Feijoada and the shrimp plate were delicious: two moderately hungry people could eat it as the servings are generous. Staff is super friendly and helpful. The garden just makes you want to stay there all day…Definitely a repeat!

Had the jerk chicken, rice and salad plate. Portions were enough for 2 and the flavor was AMAZING!!🤩 I just happen to come across this place on DoorDash while at the clinic and I do glass I gave them a try after reading the reviews. I wanted to order again today (2nd time this week😉) but found out there close on Saturday!! Looking forward to Mondays lunch!

Jeffrey Satornino

I had the jerk chicken and it was really good and the restaurant is in a historic part of Oakland. Definitely will be back

Elizabeth Bott

My favorite lunch spot in downtown Oakland. The jerk chicken is something that I crave over and over. And the location is such a peaceful setting hidden in the middle of downtown!

Juanita Torres

Had the jerk chicken, rice and salad plate. Portions were enough for 2 and the flavor was AMAZING!!🤩 I just happen to come across this place on DoorDash while at the clinic and I do glass I gave them a try after reading the reviews. I wanted to order again today (2nd time this week😉) but found out there close on Saturday!! Looking forward to Mondays lunch!

Jennifer BeVard

Kind owner and staff, beautiful, quiet location close to downtown, fresh and delicious food! Rio has been a consistently excellent lunch place for years. The owner oversees everything and really cares for his customers and the quality of this food. Patio seating at Rio on a sunny Oakland day can't be beat.

Daniel Fulcher

This is an amazing hidden gem. Great place for lunch and I take my coworkers any chance I get. The jerk chicken and chicken coxinhas are easily some of my favorite choices. Each comes with a delicious salad on the side. They have a wide variety of choices on the menu to choose from. The restaurant is in a cute house in the historical preservation park, which makes for a nice relaxing meal. On a nice day, you can sit on the porch. A wonderful little slice of relaxation, it is a perfect midday stop.

Joyce G

I’ve been wanting to check this place out for a long time and I have finally made it there for lunch with a couple of friends. We were very pleased with everything from start to finish. We started ordering a trio of coxinhas that were absolutely the best ones we had. The dough and chicken ratio were just perfect! Feijoada and the shrimp plate were delicious: two moderately hungry people could eat it as the servings are generous. Staff is super friendly and helpful. The garden just makes you want to stay there all day…Definitely a repeat!

Israel Cisneros

Great for lunch especially if you’re in the neighborhood it’s nice to have options other than pizza and fried chicken or burgers. Very friendly setting and service. I would say the experience of having lunch here is one that is increasingly rare in urban areas. Definitely feels more like a boutique cafe in a different country or maybe even in a different time. Reminds me of the home my family has in the country and the meals we would have in rural California.

The owner is always very friendly and warm. Their Jamaican jerk chicken seems more steamed than grilled, but it's still pretty tasty. I noticed a lot of the females get the Croquettes for lunch. The location is unique and pretty because it's located in the Old Oakland Preservation Park which has a Victorian feel to it. There's also an outdoor patio. Nice place for a Friday lunch.

We had business dinner here and had a fabulous experience! Service was amazing. 3 of us got the beef, all different cuts, 1 had fish, and 1 had pasta. We also split some salad and appetizer-sized pasta before our entrees. I'd love to go back with my husband and also try the cafe at some point.

cute place! it's in preservation park so it's got cute surroundings, i def recommend eating on the patio. don't come with large parties, it's tiny, but such a great place to catch up with a friend or loved one. the staff is super friendly, helpful and the food is yummy.

It was a cute place to eat surrounded by palm trees and beautiful Victorian homes. It did not feel like we were in the city. The food was fresh and tasty. They only had few items on the menu. I had the fish tacos and my coworkers had burritos, salad and crockets. My fish tacos were ok, I didn't like the cold beans they put in the tacos. But the Salas dressing was so good.

Very cute restaurant with good, tasty food! It's a cool, hidden gem in Oakland.

Ivonne S

It was a cute place to eat surrounded by palm trees and beautiful Victorian homes. It did not feel like we were in the city. The food was fresh and tasty. They only had few items on the menu. I had the fish tacos and my coworkers had burritos, salad and crockets. My fish tacos were ok, I didn't like the cold beans they put in the tacos. But the Salas dressing was so good.

Yoshika Hedberg

Very cute restaurant with good, tasty food! It's a cool, hidden gem in Oakland.

I'm sure that food here is delicious so the Price is Right. But this is not a Brazilian restaurant. The only Brazilian dish on the menu is the fejuada black bean dish and it's not even served every day. I was really hoping to find a place that served good Brazilian food but this is not it. It's Mexican food for the most part and that has nothing at all to do with the Brazilian culture.

My cohorts and I have been talking about coming here and I was sad that I wasn't able to go with them. So they agreed to go here again 2 days later. So here we are on a nice semi-sunny day. Behind the counter stood who I believe to be the owner. Nice guy shouting the orders to the kitchen right behind him as we order. Very friendly guy chatting with us as we decided what to order and pointed out the various specials. We sat outside and was brought utensils and napkins. I got the grilled talipia on a bed of salad, which was brought out to our table. The food was good and fresh. I really loved the cilantro dressing that was put on the salad. Even though we were only a few blocks away from the office, it was nice to get away. The outdoor patio is nice and pleasant and you can't even here the freeway because of the all the greenery. Service is quick, food good, great view .

Like the salad but is expensive! Ordered veggie tacos 🌮 with side salad which is 14$😮 The dressing on salad was amazing 😉 nothing special other wise, Would go for taco truck for less price..but the park is nice around there very calm!

swetha prashanth

Like the salad but is expensive! Ordered veggie tacos 🌮 with side salad which is 14$😮 The dressing on salad was amazing 😉 nothing special other wise, Would go for taco truck for less price..but the park is nice around there very calm!

This was the second and last time I’ve eaten here. We’ve come with a large group of friends and the gentleman at the front desk got upset because we’ve ordered lemonade with light ice! He made a huge deal about it, telling all the following customers that ‘the lemonade was over because those girls didn’t want ice’. If I go to a restaurant and I’m not able to eat or drink what I’m paying for, and also getting mocked because of it, then there’s no point in coming back. Both my friend and I felt very very humiliated! Also, the portions were downsized compared to the previous time! Probably because we said we were sharing the plate. Anyway, very shifty attitude. Do not recommend this restaurant.

Nana Lulu

This was the second and last time I’ve eaten here. We’ve come with a large group of friends and the gentleman at the front desk got upset because we’ve ordered lemonade with light ice! He made a huge deal about it, telling all the following customers that ‘the lemonade was over because those girls didn’t want ice’. If I go to a restaurant and I’m not able to eat or drink what I’m paying for, and also getting mocked because of it, then there’s no point in coming back. Both my friend and I felt very very humiliated! Also, the portions were downsized compared to the previous time! Probably because we said we were sharing the plate. Anyway, very shifty attitude. Do not recommend this restaurant.