Marco Rivera
Founder & Head Chef
With 20+ years behind the stove, Marco's vision of bold, honest food started Cafe Rio. His signature slow-braised dishes have become Salt Lake City legends.
Our Story
About Cafe Rio
Bold flavors, real ingredients, and a passion for bringing people together over great food in Salt Lake City.
Est. 2008
Our Story
From a Single Kitchen to a City Staple
Cafe Rio was born in 2008 from a simple dream: to serve food that tastes like it was made by someone who cared. Our founder, Marco Rivera, grew up in a family where every meal was an event — loud, colorful, and full of love. He brought those same values into a small kitchen on 2100 South.
What started as a neighborhood lunch spot quickly became the go-to destination for anyone craving fresh, bold, scratch-made flavors in Salt Lake City. We source our produce locally whenever the season allows, and every sauce on our menu has been crafted in-house from day one.
"We don't do shortcuts. We do slow-simmered sauces, hand-pressed tortillas, and the kind of food that makes you close your eyes on the first bite."
Today, Cafe Rio serves hundreds of guests every day, but the spirit remains the same: fresh ingredients, big flavors, and genuine hospitality. We're proud to be part of the Salt Lake City community and can't wait to share our next chapter with you.
- Locally sourced produce and proteins whenever possible
- All sauces and marinades made from scratch, daily
- Family-friendly environment for every guest
- Committed to reducing food waste through smart portioning
2008
Year Founded
500+
Daily Guests
80+
Menu Items
17
Years of Bold Flavor
What We Stand For
Our Mission & Core Values
Every dish we serve reflects the principles we've built our kitchen — and our community — around.
Fresh Always
We prepare our ingredients daily and never serve anything that wasn't made with care. No freezer shortcuts, ever.
Community First
We support local farmers, partner with neighborhood suppliers, and give back through food drives and school programs.
Bold Flavors
We believe food should excite you. Our chefs constantly innovate — blending traditions with unexpected, delicious twists.
Made With Love
From the first chop to the last garnish, every plate that leaves our kitchen carries the pride and passion of our team.
The People Behind the Food
Meet Our Team
Passionate cooks, warm hosts, and dedicated professionals — meet the family behind Cafe Rio.
Sofia Chen
Executive Pastry Chef
Sofia trained in San Francisco before joining Cafe Rio in 2012. Her desserts blend Asian-inspired techniques with Southwest warmth — unforgettable every time.
Darius Cole
General Manager
Darius ensures every guest leaves with a smile. His hospitality philosophy is simple: treat every table like family. He's been with us since 2015.
Leila Ortiz
Sous Chef
Leila's culinary creativity and precision keep our kitchen humming. Her specialty? Perfecting our signature house-made salsas and marinades that guests rave about.
How We Got Here
Our History
From a small counter-service spot to a Salt Lake City institution — here's how Cafe Rio grew.
2008
The First Flame
Marco Rivera opens Cafe Rio in a 900 sq ft space on 2100 South. The opening day menu featured just 12 items — all made from scratch that morning. Lines stretched out the door by noon.
2010
First Award Win
Cafe Rio earns "Best New Restaurant" by Salt Lake City Magazine and is featured in Utah Food & Travel. The signature slow-braised pork burrito becomes a city-wide talking point.
2012
Sofia Joins the Team
Pastry chef Sofia Chen joins Cafe Rio and launches the dessert program. Her churro cheesecake and tres leches cake quickly sell out every single day — and still do.
2015
Full Renovation & Expansion
We expand to 3,000 sq ft, add a full bar program, and welcome Darius Cole as General Manager. The dining room is redesigned with an open kitchen — so guests can see the craft firsthand.
2018
10-Year Celebration
Our 10th anniversary brings a week-long festival, collaborations with local artists, and the debut of our catering service. Over 2,000 guests celebrate with us across the week.
2021
Online Ordering Launch
Cafe Rio launches online ordering and curbside pickup. Our community support during challenging times is recognized by the SLC Small Business Alliance with a Community Champion award.
2024
New Menu & Next Chapter
Sous Chef Leila Ortiz joins as we launch an all-new seasonal menu. We debut our first ghost kitchen and expand delivery across all of Salt Lake County. The best is still to come.
Ready to Taste the Story?
Come Hungry. Leave Happy.
Every bite at Cafe Rio carries 17 years of passion, craft, and community. Come experience it for yourself.
Find Us
1235 E 2100 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84106
Call Us
+1 801-889-1654Hours
Mon–Fri 9am–9pm
Sat–Sun 10am–10pm