You’ll experience Tantalising Flavours at RIO Steakhouse York. Brazilian restaurants are the new place to be seen, or at least that’s what we think here at H&N. Anyone who is anyone will be visiting the newly opened RIO Steakhouse in York. So, we sent our writer Rachel McAlley along to check out the official opening night.
My guest and I arrived for dinner around 20 minutes early as we’d heard on the grapevine that it was going to be busy. Boy oh boy was it busy! Guests were queuing to get in the door, the DJ was playing, and welcome drinks were being handed round. We knew it was going to be a great atmosphere once inside. RIO Steakhouse is the newest kid on the block and is situated at a prime location on Bridge Street, York.
It was so nice to be invited to this new opening in the heart of York city centre. RIO Steakhouse is a wonderful addition to the existing exciting food scene.
From the minute you walk through RIO’s door, you will experience excellent service, delicious food, and a brilliant atmosphere.
We started our meal with homemade cheese bread, and then we went to visit the salad bar. What a magnificent salad bar it is. Filled with cheeses, salads, charcuterie meats, canapes, roasted new potatoes, and hot dishes like creamy mushrooms. You can visit the salad bar as many times as you like on your visit the RIO Steakhouse.
Tantalising Flavours at RIO Steakhouse York, The New Brazilian In Town
Then it was time for the main reason everyone visits a Brazilian restaurant, the meat! Yes, there are so many cuts of meat that are served at your table, and all you have to do is switch a little coaster that’s placed in front of you from red to green. Green means give me all the meat, and red means hold the meat I’m stuffed right now! You can turn it from green to red as often as you like.
Whilst eating, one of the serving team delivered some fries to our table, which they do to all guests, just another reason why RIO’s is great. I mean, who doesn’t love being topped up with fries regularly?
The meats on the menu showcase prime steaks, special cuts, chicken, pork, lamb, fish and more. Some of the steaks include Picanha, which is cap of rump, and Alcatra another rump steak, but this one is slow roasted rodizio style. Bife Ancho is a ribeye steak, Maminha is bottom sirloin, and Fraldinha the strongest of flavours in a bavette of beef skirt. My personal favourite was the Cordeiro, tender lamb marinated with traditional Brazilian flavours in a mint marinade. My guest favoured the Caramelised Pork, and the amazing Rib of Beef that melted in the mouth, and I must say this was another of my favourite meats.
If you need anything explaining from the menu, the guys carving at your table will easily be able to answer any questions you may have. We had loads of questions, especially on how to pronounce the Brazilian cuts correctly.
RIO Steakhouse York
Now, ordinarily after so much tasty meat we wouldn’t want a dessert, however on this occasion all the guests were treated to ‘A Sweet Taste of RIO’. This dessert is a sharing board for two and includes panna cotta, churros, pudin de leite, honeycomb chocolate cheesecake, ice cream, chocolate sauce, and caramel sauce. A very indulgent dessert, especially after such a hearty meal. The churros were warm and utterly delicious.
The evening ended with three amazing Brazilian dancers showing us exactly how to shake our hips. What a way to end the opening night!
Pricing is as follows: £22.95 – £39.95 per person depending on which time you dine, lunchtimes are slightly cheaper, weekend evenings more expensive, and £19.95 for the dessert board. Kids under 5 eat free, aged 5-8 are £8.95, and aged 9-12 are £12.50 each. If you’re veggie, vegan or are eating only fish then it’s £22.95 per person.
Visit Rio Steakhouse to book a table at this brand new restaurant in York, you can also check out the menu, and buy gift vouchers online.
Tantalising Flavours at RIO Steakhouse York, The New Brazilian In Town – Words by Rachel McAlley
