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Welcome to RIO Japanese Restaurant

At RIO Japanese Restaurant, nestled in Clemmons, NC, we celebrate the art of authentic Japanese cuisine. Our story begins with a passion for fresh, high-quality ingredients, evident in every dish we serve—from succulent teriyaki chicken to expertly fried tempura. With a focus on both family-friendly dining and an inviting ambiance, we create a warm atmosphere where laughter and conversation flourish. Customers rave about our attentive service and generous portions, making each visit memorable. Whether it’s indulging in our creamy crab wontons or savoring the delicate flavors of our sushi rolls, RIO promises an exceptional culinary journey that excites the senses.

LOCATIONS

Welcome to RIO Japanese Restaurant, a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Clemmons, North Carolina. Located at 6804 River Center Dr, this restaurant is your gateway to the vibrant and authentic flavors of Japan. With a focus on freshness and quality, RIO has quickly made a name for itself among locals and food enthusiasts alike.

Upon entering RIO, you're greeted with an inviting ambiance that sets the perfect backdrop for an exceptional dining experience. The restaurant balances a cozy atmosphere with a modern Japanese aesthetic, allowing for intimate meals as well as lively gatherings. Patrons have noted the restaurant's cleanliness and the attentiveness of the staff, creating a welcoming atmosphere conducive to good conversation.

When it comes to the menu, RIO excels with a diverse selection of dishes that cater to a variety of tastes. Here are some highlights:

  • Appetizers: Start with the Miso Soup ($3.99) or indulge in the mouthwatering Fried Cream Cheese Crab Wontons ($6.45). The Agedashi Tofu ($6.45) is a must-try, with its perfectly fried exterior that gives way to a delicate, silky interior.
  • Salads: RIO offers a range of fresh salads, from the refreshing Seaweed Salad ($8.91) to the heartier Grilled Chicken Salad ($13.83) packed with flavor.
  • Tempuras: The Shrimp Tempura ($11.37), featuring four oversized shrimp paired with an array of crisp vegetables, is a fan favorite, showcasing the restaurant's commitment to quality and taste.

The culinary offerings extend to their robust entrees, where the hibachi dishes shine. The Hibachi Shrimp & Scallop Combo ($22.99) is a popular choice, celebrated for its generous portion sizes and flavorful, cooked-to-perfection seafood. As one reviewer noted, “the shellfish totaled over 25 items,” hinting at the restaurant's penchant for abundance and variety.

The sushi rolls like the delicious Yum Yum Roll highlight RIO's commitment to mastering classic flavors while adding unique twists. Guests have repeatedly praised the sushi for its freshness and balance, making it a suitable companion for any meal.

While the food receives rave reviews, service can occasionally experience delays, particularly during peak hours. However, many customers are understanding, appreciating the genuine warmth and dedication of the staff. “The couple that helped us could not be nicer,” remarked one happy diner, highlighting the consistent goodwill of the team at RIO.

Whether you're in the mood for a casual lunch, a family celebration, or a romantic dinner, RIO Japanese Restaurant delivers an unforgettable experience. With a firm commitment to fresh ingredients, attentive service, and a welcoming ambiance, it's clear why this establishment has garnered a loyal following.

If you’re in the Clemmons area, don’t miss the opportunity to explore the flavors of Japan at RIO. For more information, call (336) 778-1888 to reserve your table today!

START YOUR REVIEW OF RIO Japanese Restaurant
William L.
William L.

Food was very fresh and delicious. We had the teriyaki chicken and noodle soup with fresh vegetables and chicken. Service is top notch. The couple that helped us could not be nicer! As an added bonus, it was fairly quiet and our table could enjoy a conversation without having to yell

Joshua G.
Joshua G.

While the food is really good, their service is sometimes lacking, though they do do pretty well with a fairly packed house. Not the best service, but some of the best Japanese food that I've had. Would recommend.

Fred B.
Fred B.

On my last visit here, I tried the Tempura Shrimp ($9), followed by the Habachi Shrimp & Scallop Combo ($22.99) - this place is not inexpensive, but there's a lot of food on your table. I also chose a Kirin, my favorite Japanese beer, and a value at $4. The combo comes with Onion Soup and House salad, for which I chose the Shrimp Sauce rather than the somewhat different Ginger dressing. The soup and salad were out quickly, and both were very nice! The Tempura was up next, 4 large shrimp, nicely breaded, perfectly cooked. The veggies- onion rings, carrot, squash, and Zucchini - were just like the shrimp, simply perfect - the well sized onion rings were truly exceptional. The Hibachi was a bit slow out of the kitchen, but like all that preceded it, quite exceptional, and plentiful - there is a theme building here, and I approve. The Hibachi combo was very well sized, the shell fish totaled over 25 items, the shrimp about two to one ratio. Both items were fresh, tender, and flavorful, nicely cooked, lightly sauced. The veggies were broccoli, sliced white onion, zucchini, mushrooms, the ever present sweet carrots, and some green bell pepper. These also were fresh tasting, loaded with flavor, not the least overcooked, and also lightly sauced, except for those sweet carrots, awful stuff - and true at each place where I've had Hibachi. I've not had a better meal at a Japanese restaurant in the triad, and I've tried most of them. The service is impeccable, the folks attentive, pleasant, and engaging. The attractive ambiance is simply the icing on the cake. Ambiance - 4.5 Food - 5 Service -5 Value - 4.5

Anissa S.
Anissa S.

Food and service is always great! Nia is loved! Place is clean. Sushi is excellent too!

Lloyd M.
Lloyd M.

Decided to try this place b/c the new Japanese restaurant in Clemons has already closed. I wanted to get Salmon and shrimp hibachi but was told the meal was not available in that form so I instead got the shrimp and scallops hibachi. I thought it was pricey but once I got home, I was impressed at the portion size and the price seemed more fair. I was pleased with the meal. My only complaint is there was only 4 scallops. Accurately label should've been shrimp and a few scallops. If I'm paying extra for shrimp and scallops, there should be a better balance of shrimp AND scallops not adequate shrimp and a sample of scallops. Everything else was ok. I do plan to return but I would not get a combo plate again as in its current iteration, it is not a fair deal.

Christine M.
Christine M.

I've been coming to this restaurant for years, even when it was formerly called Shiki's but it's been a while since my last visit. Last night we got an appetizer of the crab and cream cheese wontons, I was not a fan because there was a lot of green onions inside. For entrees we got the teriyaki shrimp and chicken. With the hibachi entrees you always get a miso soup and salad. The miso soup here is my absolute favorite! & the salad is simple but the shrimp sauce makes it delish. The chicken and shrimp were cooked very well and you can tell it's actual real chicken. We also got a sushi roll, the "Yum Yum" roll which is spicy crab, cream cheese and cucumbers. I really enjoyed it and the spice level was perfect, just enough for the flavor but not so hot it was unbearable. I also really enjoyed the sauces on top. Unfortunately our service was pretty slow. You could tell they were short staffed so we felt bad, our waiter was doing his best with many tables and multiple large parties. We were not in a hurry so it wasn't a problem just something to keep in mind if you are looking for something quick! The food has always been enjoyable here and is what keeps us coming back, however mostly for takeout!