‘Take the bull by the horns’ goes the saying, and that’s exactly what I did, metaphorically speaking, at Toro Toro, the stylish Latin American restaurant that dishes out food as good-looking as its gorgeous interiors and with a flavour that knocks your taste buds onto cloud nine. Serving its delights in fun tapas style, Toro Toro inspired me to tackle the menu head on.
DECOR
Ever wondered where the uber-stylish crowd of Dubai come to play? Well, it’s here. With burnt orange and red tones, futuristic glass features and cage-like accessories, Toro Toro, which spans two floors (with a spacious bar upstairs and dining area downstairs), is so achingly hip that its crowd can only follow suit. Bulls’ horns and images of the powerful animal adorn the walls – a homage to its namesake.
AMBIENCE
The dark lighting creates a moody nightlife feel: just as well as it doesn’t open till 8pm and the crowd only really starts livening up come 10pm. The vibe is social – everyone is here to have a good time. Latino music provides the energetic beats that keep the customers in high spirits.
FOOD
Latino snacks, roasted broad beans and polenta chips, await you at the bar, where the Pisco signature cocktails are highly recommended. Start the night with an exotic aperitif before venturing to the restaurant, where gourmet extravaganzas await.
The style here is to order several tapas dishes and share – very South American. To start, the causa Toro Toro (mashed potato cake topped with tuna tartare and drizzled with sesame oil) is divine – as is the US prime beef tiradito, which literally melts in your mouth.
For mains, opt for the grilled octopus, simply the best we have ever tasted, while the beef-fillet anticucho skewers will satisfy the most ardent carnivore. If you like your meats, the mixed-grill platter will keep you going all night; order with some yucca fries, which come with a garlic and olive oil sauce, and you have the perfect meal.
For dessert, the chocolate fondant may seem predictable, but the blood-orange segments help take it to another level.
WHY BOTHER?
Amazing food served in a chic setting with great views – that’s the Marina and the gorgeous clientele.
GO FOR
The perfect nightlife combo: cocktails, great beats and food that’s made for sharing. Ideal for gregarious groups of friends.
THE DETAILS
Toro Toro
Grosvenor House
Tower Two
Dubai Marina
grosvenorhouse-dubai.com, (04) 3176000
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