Marcus Rivera
Executive ChefWith 18 years of culinary mastery across Latin America and California, Marcus is the creative force behind Cafe Rio's signature dishes and seasonal menus.
10+
Years Serving
Our Story
From a Small Kitchen to Berkeley's Favorite
Cafe Rio was founded in 2014 with a single mission: to bring bold, authentic flavors to the heart of Berkeley. What started as a modest family kitchen experiment quickly blossomed into the beloved cafe rio dining experience that thousands of guests return to every week.
Our founders believed that great food shouldn't just taste incredible — it should tell a story, connect communities, and celebrate the diversity of culinary traditions. Every dish on our menu is crafted from scratch using locally sourced, seasonal ingredients.
- Locally sourced, fresh ingredients every day
- Scratch-made recipes passed down through generations
- Community-focused dining at the heart of Berkeley
- Award-winning flavors since 2016
- Sustainable practices and eco-friendly packaging
50K+
Happy Guests
120+
Menu Items
10+
Years of Excellence
4.9
Average Rating
What Drives Us
Our Mission & Core Values
At Cafe Rio, our purpose goes beyond serving great food — we strive to create moments that matter, build meaningful connections, and set the standard for the caferio dining experience in Berkeley.
Our Mission
To deliver an extraordinary cafe rio dining experience by combining the freshest local ingredients, innovative culinary techniques, and warm, genuine hospitality — making every visit to Cafe Rio unforgettable for every guest, every single time.
Fresh & Sustainable
We partner with local farms to source seasonal produce, reducing our carbon footprint while maximizing flavor.
Made with Love
Every recipe is prepared with care and attention to detail — because we believe great food begins with passion.
Community First
We're proud to be part of Berkeley's vibrant community — giving back, hiring locally, and celebrating diversity.
Excellence
We hold ourselves to the highest standards — from ingredient quality to presentation to the warmth of our service.
Innovation
Our chefs constantly experiment with new flavor profiles while respecting the roots of traditional recipes.
Integrity
We're transparent about where our food comes from and committed to honest, ethical business practices.
Joy
We believe food should bring happiness. Our goal is to make every meal a moment you'll want to remember.
The People Behind the Flavors
Meet Our Passionate Team
Cafe Rio is powered by a dedicated team of culinary artists, hospitality professionals, and community champions. Each member brings unique expertise and a shared love for the caferio dining experience.
Sofia Chen
Co-Founder & GMSofia co-founded Cafe Rio with a vision to redefine Berkeley dining. Her leadership ensures that every guest leaves with a smile and a reason to return.
James Okafor
Head of OperationsJames keeps the Cafe Rio machine running smoothly — from supplier relationships and kitchen efficiency to staff training and guest experience oversight.
Priya Nair
Pastry ChefPriya transforms everyday desserts into extraordinary experiences. Her inventive sweets program has earned Cafe Rio a devoted following of dessert lovers.
Passionate about food and hospitality? We'd love to meet you.
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Our Journey
A Decade of Flavorful History
From humble beginnings to becoming Berkeley's most beloved caferio destination — here's how Cafe Rio grew, evolved, and earned its place at the heart of the community.
2014
The First Spark
Cafe Rio opens its doors at 2066 University Ave, Berkeley. Co-founders Sofia Chen and chef Marcus Rivera serve their first 40 guests — and sell out within hours.
2015
Building the Menu
We launch our full seasonal menu with 60+ items. Local food critics take notice — the Berkeley Daily calls Cafe Rio "a refreshing new star on the Bay Area dining scene."
2016
First Culinary Award
Cafe Rio wins the Bay Area Culinary Excellence Award for Best New Restaurant. Our signature caferio tacos are named the city's top street food by Berkeley Magazine.
2018
Expansion & Catering
We expand our dining room, add a dedicated catering division, and hire Priya Nair as our first in-house pastry chef. Online ordering launches to rave reviews.
2020
Adapting & Growing
During challenging times, Cafe Rio pivots to curbside and delivery, becoming a lifeline for Berkeley neighbors. We serve 8,000+ free community meals during the year.
2022
Going Green
We achieve a zero single-use plastic kitchen, switch to 100% renewable energy, and partner with 12 local organic farms — reinforcing our commitment to sustainable caferio dining.
2024
10 Years Strong
Cafe Rio celebrates its 10th anniversary serving over 50,000 satisfied guests. We launch our loyalty program, expanded menu, and this beautiful new website — here's to the next decade!