Where Every Meal
Tells a Story
Cafe Rio began in 2012 with a simple dream: to create a space in Berkeley where food is not just sustenance but a genuine experience. Our caferio kitchen was founded by Chef Maria Santos, who grew up in a family where every Sunday was marked by long tables, fresh ingredients, and laughter that lasted until midnight.
That spirit of warmth and authenticity lives in every dish we serve today. From our hand-crafted artisan plates to our seasonal menu — everything at Cafe Rio is made with intention, sourced locally, and prepared with the kind of care that only comes from truly loving what you do.
Our Core Values
Fresh & Local
We partner with Berkeley-area farmers and purveyors to source the freshest seasonal ingredients — because great food starts long before it reaches your plate.
Made with Love
Every recipe is crafted with care and intention. Our chefs pour creativity and passion into each dish, from morning coffee to evening dining.
Community First
Cafe Rio is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We invest in our local community through events, partnerships, and open doors for everyone.
Uncompromising Quality
From the first sip of espresso to the last bite of dessert, we hold ourselves to the highest standards. Excellence is not optional — it's our baseline.
Our Journey Through the Years
From a single café on University Avenue to a recognized dining destination — every chapter of the caferio story has been written with dedication.
Doors Open on University Ave
Chef Maria Santos opens Cafe Rio at 2066 University Avenue, Berkeley. A 30-seat café with a menu of 12 items and a dream to create something lasting. The community embraces us from day one.
East Bay's Best Café Award
Just three years after opening, Cafe Rio is awarded "Best Café in the East Bay" by the Berkeley Food & Dining Guide. We expand seating to 80 guests and introduce our signature brunch menu.
Full Kitchen Renovation & New Menu
We invest in a state-of-the-art kitchen upgrade and launch our first fully seasonal rotating menu. Our farm-to-table philosophy deepens with direct partnerships with 6 local farms in Northern California.
Online Ordering & Catering Launch
In response to changing dining habits, we launch our online ordering platform and introduce professional catering services for events, corporate gatherings, and private celebrations throughout the Bay Area.
12 Years & Still Going Strong
Cafe Rio celebrates over a decade of serving the Berkeley community. With 80,000+ guests served and a growing team of 18, we look forward to the future with the same passion that opened our doors in 2012.
Meet Our Team
Every plate that leaves our kitchen carries the dedication of talented individuals who love what they do. Meet the faces of Cafe Rio.
Maria Santos
With 20 years of culinary experience spanning Portugal, France, and California, Maria brings a global palate and a deeply personal touch to every menu she creates.
James Rivera
James trained at the San Francisco Baking Institute and joined Cafe Rio in 2014. He's the creative force behind our celebrated dessert menu and artisan baked goods.
Anika Patel
Anika ensures every visit to Cafe Rio feels seamless and memorable. With a hospitality degree from UC Davis and a warm personality, she's the heartbeat of our front-of-house operations.
Carlos Nguyen
Carlos brings precision and creativity to the Cafe Rio kitchen. His Vietnamese-Mexican culinary heritage inspires a distinct fusion perspective that keeps our rotating menu exciting and bold.
Our Space
