Golden Hour Plates: Celebrate Late Summer in Carmel with Seasonal Bites & Sips
Savor the Season Before It Slips Away
August in Carmel is a sweet spot—warm, breezy afternoons give way to golden sunsets, and the coast buzzes with visitors, day-trippers, and locals soaking up every last drop of summer. At Rio Grill, it’s the perfect time to embrace bold flavors, refreshing drinks, and laid-back meals that invite you to stay awhile.
Whether you’re winding down after a Big Sur hike or heading out for a relaxed night with friends, our California fusion menu celebrates the season with vibrant ingredients, local seafood, and housemade everything—from the first bite to the final toast.
A Menu Made for Golden Hour
Late summer flavors shine brightest when they’re local, colorful, and built for sharing. At Rio Grill, every dish is designed to be both craveable and crafted. Here are a few seasonal standouts worth planning your evening around:
Monterey Bay Calamari
A coastal classic with a twist—ours is paired with fennel, bell pepper, and a bright orange sesame dipping sauce. It’s light, crisp, and built for warm weather snacking.
Heirloom Tomato & Burrata Salad
Juicy heirloom tomatoes meet strawberries, baby arugula, roasted pinenuts, and burrata—all tied together with a citrus basil vinaigrette and balsamic drizzle. Peak-season produce in every bite.
Wagyu Carpaccio
For something elegant but approachable, try our Wagyu Carpaccio with chimichurri aioli, crispy capers, Manchego cheese, and arugula. A cool, savory dish perfect for an early evening start.
Entrées That Celebrate the Coast
From the grill to the wood-smoker, our entrées balance comfort and creativity—California flavors done right.
Diver Scallops
Pan-seared and paired with fresh tri-color fettuccine, cherry tomatoes, red onions, and Manchego cheese in a buttery meunière sauce. Rich yet balanced, and perfect with a crisp white wine.
Pan Seared Duck Breast
This dish brings deep, late-summer flavor with roasted baby carrots, braised red cabbage, and a hint of sweetness from the orange-cranberry demi-glace. Served over Hatch green chile cornbread for a nod to rustic comfort.
Stuffed Poblano Pepper (Vegetarian & Gluten-Free)
A standout for plant-forward diners: quinoa, roasted corn, and yellow beets in a smoky ancho chile broth, topped with avocado and cotija. It’s light, satisfying, and full of color.
Cocktails That Catch the Light
No golden hour meal is complete without a proper drink in hand. Our cocktail menu is made for late summer—bright, refreshing, and full of creative twists.
Lavender Lemon Drop
Fragrant and floral with vodka, butterfly pea liqueur, limoncello, and a lavender sugar rim. It’s as pretty as a Carmel sunset and just as refreshing.
Blanco Apple Sling
Don Julio Blanco tequila, triple sec, lemon juice, and cardamom bitters topped with sparkling apple cider. Light, unexpected, and made for patio sipping.
Ocean Strike MBFC
Part of our Partnership Series, this mezcal-based cocktail features butterfly pea flower syrup and lime, with $1 from each drink going to support local charities.
Outdoor Dining at Its Best
There’s something magical about summer evenings in Carmel. At Rio Grill, our patio seating lets you enjoy the breeze, the light, and the vibrant flavors of our kitchen in a relaxed, open-air setting. Whether you’re dining solo, out with friends, or bringing the whole family, this is the spot to unwind.
Pair your meal with a few seasonal sides—like Grilled Asparagus, Yam Gratin, or our Horseradish-Poppy Seed Coleslaw—and enjoy a full spread that’s fresh, local, and packed with personality.
Don’t Let Summer Pass You By
Golden hour won’t last forever—but the flavors, the hospitality, and the laid-back charm of Rio Grill will always be here. Make the most of these late summer days with bold California cuisine and a cocktail (or two) in hand.
Reserve your table today by calling 831.625.5436 or visit us at Rio Grill in Carmel, CA. Let’s send off summer in style.
