About Cafe Rio
Born from a passion for vibrant flavors and warm hospitality, Cafe Rio has been serving the Lakewood community with fresh, soulful food crafted from the finest ingredients since 2005.
The Story Behind Cafe Rio
Cafe Rio was born in a small kitchen in Lakewood, California, where founder Maria Santos spent her weekends cooking the bold, fresh recipes her grandmother brought from the Rio Grande Valley. Word spread quickly through the neighborhood — her food was something truly special.
What started as a weekend pop-up became a full caferio dining experience in 2005, when Maria opened the doors of the first Cafe Rio location on Lakewood Blvd. Her philosophy was simple: use real ingredients, honor traditional techniques, and make every guest feel like family.
Two decades later, that philosophy still drives everything we do. Every dish on our menu carries the same love and dedication that started in that small kitchen — a commitment to quality that our loyal guests have come to count on.
"Food is how we share love. Every plate that leaves our kitchen carries a piece of our heart."
— Maria Santos, Founder of Cafe Rio
Our Mission & Values
At Cafe Rio, our mission is to create extraordinary dining experiences rooted in freshness, community, and culinary craftsmanship — one delicious meal at a time.
Fresh Ingredients
We source only the finest seasonal produce and locally grown ingredients, ensuring every bite is bursting with natural flavor and nutritional value.
Cooked with Passion
Our culinary team pours genuine passion into every recipe — honoring traditional methods while embracing creative modern twists that delight the palate.
Community First
Cafe Rio is more than a restaurant — it's a gathering place. We are deeply committed to supporting local farmers, producers, and the Lakewood community.
Uncompromised Quality
From our kitchen to your table, we never cut corners. Quality is not a goal — it's a standard we uphold in every ingredient, every dish, every service.
Meet Our Team
Our passionate team of chefs, managers, and service professionals share one common goal — to make every visit to Cafe Rio an unforgettable experience.
Maria Santos
Founder & Executive ChefWith over 25 years of culinary mastery, Maria brings the vibrant soul of her grandmother's kitchen to every dish at Cafe Rio.
James Rivera
Head ChefTrained in New York and Mexico City, James fuses bold regional flavors with modern technique to keep our menu fresh and exciting.
Sofia Morales
Operations ManagerSofia keeps the heart of Cafe Rio beating smoothly — overseeing daily operations with precision, warmth, and an unmatched eye for detail.
David Chen
Pastry ChefDavid's artisanal desserts and baked goods complete the Cafe Rio experience — each creation a masterpiece of texture, taste, and visual artistry.
Love what we do? We're always looking for passionate people to join our team.
View Open PositionsOur Journey Through Time
From a humble neighborhood kitchen to a beloved caferio institution — here's how Cafe Rio grew into the restaurant you know and love today.
The First Doors Open
Maria Santos opens the original Cafe Rio at 5021 Lakewood Blvd, Lakewood, CA. A small 30-seat dining room quickly becomes the talk of the neighborhood, drawing lines around the block every weekend for our signature slow-roasted burritos and hand-crafted salsas.
First Local Recognition
Cafe Rio earns the Lakewood Community Choice Award for Best Restaurant three years in a row. Local food critics take notice, and the Los Angeles Times features us in a glowing Sunday dining section — putting Cafe Rio on the wider culinary map of Southern California.
Major Renovation & Expansion
We doubled our dining space to accommodate growing demand, added a dedicated catering kitchen, and launched our first seasonal menu program. Head Chef James Rivera joins the team, bringing an exciting new dimension to the Cafe Rio culinary identity.
Online Ordering Launch
Cafe Rio launches its online ordering platform and catering service, bringing the caferio dining experience directly to homes, offices, and events across the greater Los Angeles area. Within six months, catering accounts for 30% of our revenue.
Community in the Face of Challenge
During a difficult year for restaurants worldwide, Cafe Rio pivoted quickly — launching contactless delivery, community meal programs for healthcare workers, and a meal-kit subscription service. Our commitment to the Lakewood community never wavered.
Celebrating 20 Years of Flavor
Cafe Rio celebrated its 20th anniversary with a reimagined menu featuring over 40 signature dishes, a newly designed dining room, and a commitment to sourcing 80% of ingredients from California-based farms. The next chapter of our story is just beginning.