A large York restaurant which opened in 2023 after a £400,000 refurbishment has closed.
Rio Brazilian Steakhouse announced its was shutting today (Monday).
It said: “We regret to announce that Rio Brazilian Steakhouse York has now closed. We sincerely apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
“However, you can still enjoy our sister restaurant, Tomahawk Steakhouse York, just a short distance away at Lendal Cellars.”
The restaurant moved into the former premises of Piccolino on Bridge Street, which had closed in 2021.
Owners carried out an extensive refurbishment inside and out. The Rio Brazilian Steakhouse had 134 covers and created 46 new jobs.
It offered a Brazilian Churrasco dining experience, where a selection of meat cuts are carved at your table for a set price.
There was also an extensive salad bar with more than 40 hot and cold items to choose from.
When it opened in September 2023, it was the seventh in a chain. The same group operates the Tomahawk Steakhouse in Lendal Cellars off St Helen’s Square, which is trading as normal.
We have asked the owners of Rio Brazilian Steakhouse for more details about the closure and will update if they respond.
Rio Brazilian Steakhouse York had a five rating on TripAdvisor and the website ranked it at number six out of 724 restaurants in the city.
News of the closure shocked its diners.
One said on Facebook: “Gutted. Really was one of the best places to eat in York. Went there many times. It’s a pity more people didn’t discover it and keep it open.”
And another said: “Really sorry to hear this, came for the first time the other week and the food was all lovely.”
The restaurant owners asked anyone with gift voucher enquiries, to contact them at [email protected].