Rio Carnival Seafood Buffet
The Rio Carnival Seafood Buffet (hours and prices further down) in Las Vegas used to be great; then it suffered a long, steady decline. 
We even stopped going there because they increased the price and lowered the quality. But when it merged with the famous Seafood buffet (which used to be in a completely separate area) it became one of the best all-you-can-eat in Vegas; today it’s slipped up and it’s no longer a must-go buffet, sadly. Both the number of dishes served and the quality have suffered. That, coupled with its limited opening times, make this buffet a miss-able option unless you are staying in the vicinity; but it’s now arguably no longer a must-go if you have the 24 hour buffet pass (there are other options now!. We are in the process of updating this page as we’re visiting this buffet several times these days, so come back soon!
Its price has now slightly adjusted and it’s no longer prohibitive (but read further for clarification). It is now named the Carnival & Seafood buffet and it offers a large selection of dishes. Seafood die-hards need to bear in mind that the seafood feast can be enjoyed only if you purchase the ‘seafood access’, which allows you to enter the separate section at the end, where they will check your pass (lately a mark a light-sensitive on your skin). There is a downfall, and we talk about it further down. Review:
you will like the vastness of the Rio Carnival Seafood Buffet (although these days it’s been easily superseded by the huge M Resort buffet, for example); every station is wide, modern, every dish is well displayed and labeled, although recently the food labeling is no longer as precise as it used to be. On one end you’ll have a decent salad section (nothing like at the Treasure Island buffet, of course) as well as a better-than-usual pizza section, followed by pasta and a wide array of fish and seafood, usually fried or not ‘so-light’.
Because there is practically everything you may wish to eat at this large buffet, you are well advised to sample each station and go for more only when you have sampled everything! Let’s talk about some of the best stations you will enjoy here:
The Asian made-to-order broth and soup station; here you can find a good variety of made-to-order Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese soups: for example, a good, spicy Tom-Yum base soup (you can make it a vegetarian or a seafood one and choose the noodles you prefer) and a good Won Ton broth. I run to this station every time I overeat here; after a few sips I feel as good as new! 🙂
The Japanese section, besides average Sushi, offers a good-size made-to-order stir-fry options and a Teppanyaki grill. Nothing outstanding, but some people like the option.
Meat lovers will enjoy the popular prime rib section, a Brazilian mixed grill, hot-dogs, burgers, fries and so forth, together with the ubiquitous carving station and other meat favorites.
Fish & Seafood lovers will enjoy a variety of options, from stews to fish cooked in a variety of sauces to fish and chips and several deep-fried options, including deep-fried calamari. Although the separate seafood section will provide specialty dishes such as octopus and squid, fish eaters will find enough options in the ‘regular’ section of the buffet. Having said this, you can always take a look at the separate seafood section and decide there and then if you wish to purchase the ‘special seafood’ upgrade.
Like the majority of good Vegas buffets, breakfast at the Rio Carnival Seafood Buffet offers made-to-order omelettes (remember to ask for any option you may fancy besides what they show on the station – we always bring some smoked salmon from a nearby section and ask the cook to prepare an omelette with it and some soft cheese). However: on weekdays this buffet is only open for dinner. Yes, you read it correctly. It’s only open for dinner (can you believe it?). So, the guests at the Rio resort are forced to eat somewhere else. The great news is that very close to the Rio resort there’s the fabulous, super affordable Palms buffet. It’s a 3 minutes walk and it’s worth every step. It’s affordable and it’s fabulous. We talk about it on the dedicated page on the buffet at Palms. I would not bother purchasing the 24 hour buffet pass since out of all the buffets at this group only this one and Bacchanal are worth going to and, as you may know, Bacchanal requires a costly top-up!~
The dessert section at the Rio Carnival Seafood Buffet is plentiful, generally good and the ice-cream/sorbet section is still very good though some far too sweet (as if corn syrup were used rather than natural sugar). Sadly they seem to have scrapped their divine Lava Cake, but all in all visitors still seem to enjoy the variety. However, Studio B have better gelato and the much improved Wynn buffet has some gourmet-quality desserts which I am still dreaming of, days later, including the Lava cakes! Check our Best Dessert Buffets in Vegas for more information.
Drinks: they now have a very welcome self-serve drinks section, something that, in its higher-end format, was started (in Vegas) by the Mirage buffet; this means you can help yourself with all the drinks which included in the base price.
Hours and Prices of the Rio Carnival Seafood Buffet
It’s only dinner unfortunately: ridiculous, especially since if you buy the 24 hour buffet pass from this group your only other good choice is Bacchanal and that carries an additional fee! A disgrace and a shame since it’s the only other good buffet of this group, though Planet Hollywood is ok. But, as I wrote above, you can walk to the fabulous Palms buffet for a great and affordable breakfast or lunch.
Mon – Thurs: 4 PM – 9 PM | $34.99
Fri: 4 PM – 9:30PM | $34.99
Sat – Sun: 9 AM – 3 PM | $29.99
Sat – Sun: 3 PM – 9:30 PM | $34.99
CHILD PRICING
5 – 12 yrs | $15.00 daily
Locals receive 25% off with valid local ID and Caesars Rewards Card valid up to 4 people.
VIP express line access $20 per person.
Location (Rio Carnival Seafood Buffet): off-Strip with free shuttles to Harrah’s and Bally’s, on the Strip. You can catch the regular on the side of Caesars Palace and you’ll get there faster, probably; this because of the long distance you have to walk in order to get to the the shuttle departure points (Rio’s is the only good one, being just in front and offering plenty of seating areas). Moreover, Harrah’s shuttle departure point has no real place to sit, has practically no real fresh air whilst being oven-like hot (no air conditioning nor decent ventilation); to add insult to injury, waiting times can be excruciatingly long. I would recommend you catch the bus on the Caesar’s Palace side at Flamingo Road. It takes no time. Have your exact money ready.
Important note: as with all other buffets, you are advised to double-check by calling them on 702-252-7777 (ask for the buffet or for someone who can confirm hours and prices). We strive to keep all information as updated as possible, but changes can take place overnight.
Keep an eye on our Top 10 Vegas Buffets page (see menu) for all updates on the best overall and the best value.