RIO announces opening date for new bigger site

After three years in Walkergate, RIO Durham is relocating to a larger site in The Riverwalk development to meet demand for its unlimited meat and salad offering.

The new and revitalised restaurant is set to open its doors on Friday, November 28, 2025 for an invite only VIP Grand Opening ahead of opening bookings to the public from Saturday, November 29.

Co-owners Rodrigo Grassi Duarte and Howard Eggleston said it’s allowed them to increase the capacity to 160 covers, alongside enhanced kitchen facilities.

It comes hot on the heels of the Sunderland opening, which saw a £500,000 transformation of the former Halo bar in Low Row, which became the top-rated restaurant in the city a month after opening.

Rodrigo Grassi Duarte said:“Rio Brazilian Steakhouse has always stood for authenticity, quality, and hospitality and over the last three years we have become heavily rooted in the city, however, weekend after weekend we’ve had to turn bookings away due to capacity constraints at our existing site.

“We have been deeply grateful for the ongoing support of our guests and the wider Durham community, and this expansion allows us to serve more people while maintaining the high standards that define the Rio Brazilian Steakhouse experience.”

Howard added:“The move to The Riverwalk marks an exciting new chapter for the restaurant, and represents an investment not only in our restaurant, but in the North East community.

“We are proud to further invest in the city with the move to a larger location enabling us to better serve our growing customer base.”