Rio MarWeird ordering policies, great foodThis was a great restaurant - once we got past the hostess. The restaurant apparently has a policy that you cannot be seated untli your entire party arrives. When we asked why, the hostess informed us that the kitchen 'likes to get the entire table's order at once'. Even drinks??? Doubtful. Much of this would have been better if the hostess had better people skills.
Fortunately, once we got to our table, our waiter was outstanding, personable, and acknowledged that the policies were bizarre, especially given that one specialy is ceviche (why can't you order that first, then your cooked food???). The food was delicious, flavorful and well done. We thoroughly enjoyed it and would go back, but will warn friends about the strange policies.5/7/2013 12:00:00 AMCeviche has always been theCeviche has always been the strong starting point, and the choices seemed the same as before the recent chef and ownership changes. We get the tasting foursome, delicious with somewhat different fish in a few (shrimp was ubiquitous) and quite different heat. The grilled octopus on potato was excellent; the corn fritter-type was tasty, though a little dry; the stuffed peppers delightful, a nice wine, remarkable cocktails, and a few other lovely dishes, along with bread and first-rate olive oil left no room for the sweet, sweet deserts. Slammed on the Saturday night of Jazz Fest, so the kitchen was behind, but the waitstaff tried valiantly to keep us up to date and pleased.5/4/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways fabulous!!!!I have been to dinner here multiple times over the past few years, and the food is always fabulous! The service is impeccable, and the ambience is wonderful.5/1/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat Sea Food creativityDefinitely great sea food. Not just the normal fare, but really creative use of flavors. The chef truly creates a fiesta for your taste buds.4/29/2013 12:00:00 AMFood was delicious. OurFood was delicious. Our waiiter was very knowledgeable and heipful. Creative and fun.4/26/2013 12:00:00 AMThis was one of the best mealsThis was one of the best meals I have ever had. I went with a large group and the service was excellent. I highly recommend the drum fish. Very good. Our group sampled many appetizers and desserts and everything was first class. Kudos to Helena, the GM, who was wonderful.4/17/2013 12:00:00 AMWe enjoyed the meal exceptWe enjoyed the meal except for the noise. Towards the end of our meal it was really out of hand.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMReally enjoyed dinner. ThereReally enjoyed dinner. There were several large groups in the restaurant, and it was LOUD! But the food was great, service was good, and the experience was enjoyable.4/13/2013 12:00:00 AMAlways excellent food andAlways excellent food and wine. The service is always attentive and knowledgeable.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMOur best meal in New OrleansThis restaurant is in the Warehouse District near the Convention Center so it can be busy during a big convention. We made a reservation and were offered free drinks from the bar when our table wasn't ready when we arrived. The dinner was leisurely, and service was attentive. This was our best meal in New Orleans.4/8/2013 12:00:00 AMRio Mar still excellentI am a long time fan of Rio Mar. I once lived a few blocks away, and was a regular. This was my first time dining at Rio Mar since Chef Adolfo Garcia's departure. I have to say, Chef Miles Prescott has continued where Adolfo left off. Many favorites were kept on the menu, and a few items added. Among the new: Jamon Iberico with almond-stuffed dates as an appetizer - it was exquisite! Everything else we (party of 3) ordered was fantastic: special app of snails, gazpacho, diver scallops, oysters Rio Mar, steamed mussels in white wine with chorizo, and the lechon followed by flan, tres leches, and dulce de leche ice cream! Get on over there.4/6/2013 12:00:00 AMWe had an early dinner onWe had an early dinner on a Friday night when the restaurant was not very crowded. The service was attentive and friendly. The food is very well prepared, plated beautifully, and delicious. The menu was primarily seafood, which we love, but there was a steak option for a non seafood lover. There is a nice mix of small plates and large plates. The ceviche was excellent. As the evening progressed the restaurant became more crowded and the ambient noise level increased. The bar scene seemed quite active. We really enjoyed our experience and will definitely come back.4/5/2013 12:00:00 AMLoved it - what a find - willLoved it - what a find - will dine here again when we return to New Orleans.3/27/2013 12:00:00 AMEven though we had an issueEven though we had an issue with a waitstaff other than ours bringing someone else's food to our table, management was gracious enough to correct the problem, then go that extra mile to make the experience even more enjoyable by bringing us a dessert sampler!3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent friendly and professionalExcellent friendly and professional staff. Interesting different menu. We all had fish which seems to be a speciality and which was uniformly excellent.3/25/2013 12:00:00 AMGreat local find. They listGreat local find. They list their food as Spanish & Latin-American cuisine but I would just call it delicious. Just a short walk from our hotel in the CBD, this place, list most New Orleans restaurants, has a very questionable view from outside, but in was a place with great food and vibrant flavors. Do yourself a favor and look at their menu online and come ready to be pleased.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMVery refreshing to see ourVery refreshing to see our Gulf Coast seafood used in these Spanish/Tapas preparations.
Presentations were appealing portions most satisfying. The Al Fuego Ceviche was so delicious and the popcorn so much fun. Order anything with the pickled vegetables; I could eat a bowl of those alone. Service was gracious and friendly.3/23/2013 12:00:00 AMExcellent restaurant withExcellent restaurant with great food and wonderful ambiance!3/16/2013 12:00:00 AMThe ceviche tasting plateThe ceviche tasting plate was excellent. This is a seafood restaurant, but I went ahead and ordered the pork and it was fabulous.3/15/2013 12:00:00 AMDelicious food; great menu.Delicious food; great menu. Don't let the view from the outside dissuade you.3/12/2013 12:00:00 AMWarehouse District GemRio Mar was a last minute decision. The Spanish influence is a refreshing addition to New Orleans cuisine. We will definitely be back.1/1/0001 4:00:00 PM