Rio Steakhouse Avis 

We visited Rio Brazilian Steakhouse Middlesbrough yesterday and unfortunately had a very disappointing experience.

We had booked a table for 7pm and had email confirmation showing this. However, when we arrived, the lady at the counter said their system showed 7:45pm and would not accept that our confirmation showed 7pm. We then had to wait for a table to become available. Had our young son been older, we would probably have left at that point, but as it was getting late, we decided to stay.

The service throughout the evening was poor. We had to order drinks several times because the order was wrong or items did not arrive. We asked twice for a jug of water and twice for another drink for our son, but these never arrived.

The food service was also disappointing. Although the meats came around, the service felt very inconsistent. Some tables appeared to receive far more attention, fresh meats and variety, while we were left waiting for long periods with limited options. Towards the end of our visit, other tables seemed to receive more of the hot fresh meats and a wider selection, which was frustrating given the price.

The atmosphere was also uncomfortable at times. Some staff appeared more focused on chatting with certain customers than serving everyone properly, which added to the feeling that service was not being managed fairly.

When the bill arrived, there was a charity charge and a service charge added. Given the poor level of service we received, I challenged this. Nothing was really said; the bill was simply changed.

Overall, this was an expensive and disappointing visit. The booking issue, poor drinks service, inconsistent meat service and added charges left a very poor impression. Based on this experience, I would not recommend it for families, and we will not be returning.

Very expensive for the quality of food and service.
Edinburgh branch.
I treated my husband for his birthday, not a great experience. They were busy so we had to wait around before meat arrived at our table, salad bar looks great but really there is not a great choice and if your meat doesn’t arrive sauces, chips etc are cold. To top it off, the price of the meal along with the tip is really ludicrous in comparison to what you have eaten.
Don’t go, definitely not worth the experience or the money.

I would like to clarify that this review reflects the experience at Rio Steakhouse Edinburgh only.

I recently visited Rio Steakhouse and unfortunately my experience was quite disappointing.

From the moment we arrived, the service felt unwelcoming and disorganised. Despite trying to remain understanding, the overall attitude from staff did not reflect the level of professionalism you would expect from a restaurant of this type. Communication was poor, and at times dismissive, which made the experience uncomfortable.

What stood out the most was how concerns were handled. Rather than addressing them in a respectful and solution-focused way, the response felt defensive and unhelpful. This left us feeling undervalued as customers.

While the concept of the restaurant has potential, the execution—particularly in customer service—needs significant improvement. A positive dining experience is not just about the food, but how guests are treated, and unfortunately this was lacking.

I hope the management takes feedback seriously and works on improving both service standards and customer care.

Visited for a family Birthday. Quality of food was poor. Staff asked how we would like meat cooked then proceeded to repeatedly bring undercooked produce. All tough poor quality and not able to eat. Large plate of left over meats, we asked to take for our pets. Staff were rude on this matter… they would rather throw in bin.
Ordered deserts, took 25 minute in the mean time staff said they needed the table and hassled us out the door.
Was not happy with service and declined the 10% service charge. WAS CHARGED 10% SERVICE CHARGE ANYWAY.
Submitted feedback directly to a link sent by email. Restaurant replied that they were sorry and this should not have happened. A manager would contact us and refund the service charge. Despite three follow up emails no response and No refund.
Restaurant email attached. This restaurant is NOT recommended, poor quality meats, not cooked as requested, never saw the alleged Fillet steak, there are MANY better options for steak in Edinburgh, this one to be avoided.

REPLY FROM RESTAURANT:

Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback. We’re very sorry to hear that your experience was so disappointing and that several aspects of your visit fell short of expectations. Not enjoying the meat offering or having it cooked to your taste is understandably frustrating, and we regret that this was not handled more sympathetically by our team.

We also apologise for how your request regarding the uneaten meat was addressed. While we do have food safety policies that prevent us from allowing food to be taken away for pets, this should have been explained politely and respectfully, which it appears it was not.

We’re particularly concerned to hear about the confusion surrounding the service charge and the feeling of being rushed at the end of your meal. Optional charges should always be clearly communicated and removed when requested, and guests should never feel hurried out. These points have been shared with our management team so they can be addressed as a matter of priority.

Thank you for bringing this to our attention. We appreciate your feedback and regret that we did not provide the level of service we aim to deliver. Regards.

Dear Richard, I hope this email finds you well. One of our managers will be in contact with you to organise the refund. Kind regards.

NOONE CONTACTED ME NO REFUND NO RESPONSE

Found this place last week for a takeaway and wish I found it sooner as now it's my one and only food delivery I use.The food is clean,fresh and tastes amazing,fantastic
This is in kettering

Middlesbrough. This wasn't good value on this occasion. In my view, the quality has deteriorated. Most noticeable was the quality of the sausages. I'm almost certain that they have changed their supplier on these since my last visit. Gammon overcooked, too. They printed an 'optional' service charge which places the diner in an awkward situation. In this occasion I paid, not wanting to create a fuss, however the principle of this is highly questionable. Middlesbrough is not London!

Booked a table for 3pm in Edinburgh
Got there & was told someone took our table so we moved right to the top. The waiter took forever to help us then said are we still waiting for 1 person. We said no! Then he said oh sorry and explained the process to us and took drinks. He asked if we wanted water for the table, we said yes and two bottles arrived which he poured amougnt all the glasses when where no one was sitting!! The food came & it was good but it only came past our table once. When asked for meat for my daughter and I, only I received so shared my sausage and my husband then shared his with me. I felt very rushed, the waiter whilest the others were still busy came to take our plates. Then 15min someone else asked if we wanted anothing else or if they could take the plates as they were cleaning up now. We said and yes took the bill and left. One of the worst services I have ever received for the price you pay. Would not return and definatly not for 3pm. They should not even have that slot open. Because from 4h15 they are rushing you out the door! So much for a nice bday meal for my daughter

What can I say, been to a few Rio steakhouses (jesmond, quayside and middlesbrough) and had some lovely food but never again will I visit Durham. Every meat that was put on our plates tasted like it had been soaked in the dead sea for 48 hours…..no taste, just salty. So salty it meant turning the card red before we were full and drinking 3 times more than usual. Up in the middle of the night with the head under the tap just to peel the tongue from the top of the mouth. Some lovely meat just ruined by greed and incompetence. You have been warned!

As usual had a other great night at the Middlesbrough steakhouse served by the lovely Alice who was attentive and ensured we were happy throughout. The catering staff were authentic and polite accepting any requests that were made. Had a lovely night.

Visited the steakhouse in Sunderland, staff were very friendly and attentive, the whole place is decorated beautiful and the food was outstanding, staff were at the tables continuously with a beautiful selection of chicken, sausage, steak and pork, salad bar is beautiful too and the cheese balls are divine. Will be back

First time at the Middlesbrough outlet this evening. The food was excellent and lots of it. The variation in meat selection was amazing and very tasty. Salad bar was exceptional and a great accompaniment for the meat servings provided. Went with a group this evening and we were looked after by the wonderful Alison, who made sure we had everything we needed.
Fully intend to return in the near future.

Been at Rio steakhouse Quayside twice and it was always a good experience.

Went for bottomless. Told we had to book for it??
We left.
There’s nowhere on site that says you have to book.
False.

Terrible and false advertisement.
Drove 30miles to middlesborough rio for the bottomless brunch £39.99 drinks included but when we sat down they told us we cant have this as has to be booked yet this doesnt state this anyway so we walked out and will never return .
So people dont fall for this there just getting you through the door then ripping you off .

Went to the Durham one. Amazing food. Friendly staff. Everything was sparkling clean.

If you are vegan or vegetarian it’s probably best not to waste your time. Only went there for my dads birthday otherwise wouldn’t dare, advertising good option for pescatarian vegetarian vegan but was disappointed with salad bar as buffet it’s not worth it, pre ordered mushroom risotto was undercooked it was probably worse risotto of my life. My mum was unaware about pre orders I had to order for her too, salmon and vegg, none of salad bars option was labelled it’s very confusing to think what’s in it. Asked member of staff she was clueless couldn’t tell what is what. Branch was in Middlesbrough

We had an reunion at your restaurant
Your staff were fantastic and make the evening for everyone
Food excellent
Will definitely visit again

This was our second attempt at Rio Durham and both times we have been let down . The second time we went for a meal for our 25th anniversary. None of the meats we requested came , we sat with our baby daughter for an hour and gave up , as we asked for cheque our plates were whipped away and table wiped down as I was sorting my baby girl out , they may as well have packed my baby bag and kicked us out and it wasn’t even busy . Then they came around with all the meats we had requested . What’s more frustrating they ask you to rate your experience so I emailed them 2 weeks ago and they cannot even be bothered to reply !!!!

Got to give it one star because I’m looking at the menu and there cannot even put the prices next to the food there advertised.Thats a red light in my eyes if not honest enough to be upfront from the of.

We booked jesmond restaurant, again weren't disappointed really great staff from walking in to waddling out in the best sense.
Throughly enjoyed the whole experience, everything was explained and we enjoyed the experience immensely.
Food was excellent and the service can't be faulted.
Thanks for a fantastic evening