Closed - Watsonville

#11 - Seafood - Watsonville, #30 - Pizza - Watsonville, Cheese

Closed

Closed
4.1 / 5 (2185 reviews)

Description

Perched on the beach with a sunset-facing patio, this long-standing neighborhood spot offers generous portions, a full bar and occasional standouts like lobster ravioli and coconut cheesecake. The dog-friendly outdoor seating and views are major draws, but diners report uneven food quality, inconsistent service and higher prices; some dishes are overbuttered or overcooked. The menu leans seafood-forward and currently lacks robust vegan/vegetarian choices. A picturesque place for sunset drinks or a casual meal, best visited with tempered expectations about culinary consistency.

Last update: 17.01.2026 from: Ed

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★ 4.1 / 5 from 2185 reviews
suzie-zidek
21.10.2023

I think our server was stoned or on valium. Just okay food and over priced. I ordered the special which was something like tilapia with panko crust. But was soaked in amounts of butter. We asked for some of bread, but that cost $5 extra. My boyfriend had the pasta and clams and it was flavorless. Had a martini that was more like a shot...didn't meet the brim of the tiny glass.Nice location though.

karen-m-teacher01
21.10.2023

Went to Cafe Rio for a bar meal yesterday!! Food was delish we had edamame, coconut shrimp, black blue ahi and brought home steamed clams and blueberry cheesecake. I encourage you to go before they close on May 29th!

gardenof-edens
21.10.2023

So sad to see Cafe Rio closed permanently! The next owner has big shoes to fill!!

ed-h-beach4967
21.09.2024

Came to Cafe Rio for New Year dinner. Have to admit was disappointed. Normally Cafe Rio is a solid choice, but tonight was a fail. Though we had reservations at 8:30 our table was not readied until after 9. I'm certain had we not complained we would not have been seated as soon as we had. While waiting for the table we had cocktails. We ordered off of the special New Year's menu. We started with an appetizer of oysters Rockefeller. I had the NY Steak and Lobster tail. My wife and our friend both had lobster ravioli (which supposedly came with prawns, bay scallops and fish in a bisque sauce). Though the steak was cooked to the correct temp, the lobster was a bit raw and tasted a bit fishy...the ravioli was missing scallops it appeared they compensated with some over cooked ahi. When we pointed out the missing scallops to our waitress, she apologized and comp'd one desert. My guess is they were just not prepared to handle the large number of guests.

d-f-office960
21.09.2024

Nice place. Right on the beach. Sweet patio facing the ocean although it 's across a parking lot. My husband had the swordfish. It was pretty good. I had the calamari steak which I would not recommend. A bit greasy and tasteless. Mixed veggies were mostly carrots. My husband 's asparagus were really good. He always gets the best stuff! Service was great! Fast polite safe!

FAQ

As a guest, you can use the WLAN of the restaurant at no extra cost.

Smoking is prohibited in this restaurant.

You can watch major sports events on a screen / TV right in the restaurant.

The restaurant is accessible and can therefore also be used with a wheelchair or physiological limitations.

The place also takes the common credit cards.

More information

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