Rio Mar Restaurant

Recommends

Sabrenda

Joined 4 years ago

LOVE IT LOVE IT LOVE IT. My husband and I love everything here. The chef is very creative and all dishes are delicious. We especially like the Garlic Steamed Mussels with Chorizo, any of the Ceviches, and the Grilled Shrimp with Garlic and Saffron.

And don't forget the Caipirinhas!!

We want to visit Rio Mar every time we are in New Orleans....

Doesn't Recommend

SkeeterB

Joined 4 years ago

Good food - loose the attitude. Had 8:45 reservation and because one of the party was running late I called about an hour ahead of time to see if we could just push the reservation back 15 minutes to 9:00. The guy at the hostess stand was unbending and unwilling to help - he said if we were not there at 8:45 we would be seated whenever possible. So, I told him someone would be there at 8:45 to get the table - he failed to mention his policy of not seating until the entire group is present. Because of him, the female in the group (who was the one running late) had to meet us there (rather than us picking her up on the way) and find parking and walk by herself. When two of the three showed up ay 8:41, the same pompous guy asks if the reservation is now for two. I advised him no, still three and the third person was on her way. He then asked if the third person was just parking the car. When I said no, he asked where she was. I forcefully told him she was on her way. He then advised he could not seat us until she got there. At this point my friend walks out of the place exasperated and the front man gets irritated by this and says he will not seat us if my friend was going to act that way. I tried to calm things down and asked if he could make an exception and just seat the two of use since the third person was on her way. He said he would make an exception, but because we had gotten there early - he noted it was 8:41(remember we had 8:45 reservations) - he would not be able to seat us right then. Once we got confirmation he would seat us when the table was ready even if the third person was not there, we had a drink at the bar. We were not seated until 9:20. This could have all been avoided if the pompous doorman would have simply told me over the phone that we could show up at 9 and it would only push us back a little for getting our table. The place is not good enough to have such an arrogant/pompous reservationist/maitre'd. I have heard similar stories from other locals. Will definitely cross this one off my list of places to spend money as a local. Think it's very telling that the menu actually says in the area where they state no split checks etc., "No suggestions." True - you will abide by their unbending guidelines and will make no suggestions!

Recommends

cajuntango

Joined 5 years ago

TWO GREAT EXPERIENCES HERE. My husband and I came here for lunch one day and enjoyed it so much that we came back for dinner a few weeks later. The lunch menu is tapas only, but that's really all you need for lunch. With the exception of one little drink ordering mishap (the server forgot my drink - all the better b/c my aftrenoon at work got really busy), the lunch was perfect. As to our dinner experience, it was SUPERB! The bubbling hot manchego cheese was to die for. My fish entree was fresh and delicious, and the seafood stew that my husband ordered was also wonderful. The wine list was great as well. The service at dinner was also perfect - the recommendations made by the server were honest and helpful. Tonight, we are off to try their sister restaurant, La Boca!

Recommends

MissNola

Joined 5 years ago

Wonderful. Great drinks and friendly service. Really like the menu. Both the cerviche and the Octopus are unbelievable. Can't wait to go back and try more dishes. Great place for foodies.

Recommends

dsucaet

Joined 8 years ago

A little treasure. The price was very reasonable for New Orleans for the food that you receive. Wonderfully prepaired seafood with a little kick. Beutifully presented. A must on our next trip.

Recommends

rachela

Joined 9 years ago

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. RIO MAR WAS ABSOLUTELY ONE OF MY FAVORITE DINING EXPERIANCES EVER! THE FOOD WAS DEVINE, FRESH SEAFOOD PREPARED EXQUISITLY IN AROUMATIC SPICES. NOT ONLY WAS EVERY DILECTABLE COURSE PRESENTED AS IF THOUGH IT WERE A PIECE OF ART, BUT THEY WERE SERVED BY AN AMICABLE AND COMPETANT STAFF. I WAS COMPLETELY ABSORBED BY THE RESTAURANTS AMBIANCE. THE POPULAR VIBE IS CREATED BY COLORFUL DECOR & PLEASANT TUNES. THIS DOES NOT HOWEVER MUTE THE BEAUTY OF THE DISPLAYED HANGING PAINTINGS & ARTISTIC SCONCES. IF I DIDNT RESIDE IN NEW YORK, RIO MAR WOULD MOST DEFINATELY BE A WEEKLY DINING CHOICE! IF NOT FOR THE EXPANSIVE WINE LIST AND SINFUL DESSERT MENU ONLY! I WONDER....DO THEY DELIVER?! TO NY?

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Contributor

Joined 10 years ago

Cozy neighborhood joint brings Spanish and Latin American seafood to the Warehouse District.. The Scene
With its sea-themed decor, open kitchen and indoor/outdoor front bar, Riomar brings shore-side charm to the funky end of the Warehouse District. Buzzing at its peak, intimate in the off hours, it draws a casual local crowd and a few wanderers from convention center hotels. Knowledgeable waitstaff eagerly lead you through the broad-ranging menu.

The Food
The menu presents fresh Gulf fish with the culinary influences of Spain and Latin America. In dish after simple dish--Panamanian ceviche with a hint of habenero; perfectly grilled escolar topped with a mix of kalamata olives; tender yet crunchy peppers and salty caper berries--chef/owner Adolfo Garcia wisely lets exceptional ingredients speak for themselves. Look for distinctly Spanish flavors (pillow-like salt cod fritters, paella-like dishes with littleneck clams and crisp, garlicky chorizo sausage) and New World classics (Argentine-style hanger steak, tropical fruit cocktails). A rich tres leches cake tops a short sweet list.

Recommends

bcaqsey

Joined 9 years ago

seafood!!!!. exceptional,super accomidating,great wines ask for the pompano(in season) or the pork chop.ask for "oysters casey" highly recomended

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Connman

Joined 10 years ago

Great Meal. This is a true find! Probably catering to the convention crowd (which we were) they have an excellent menu and reasonable wine prices. Everyone's meal was exceptional.