Downtown Miami is an area that buzzes with pure energy. One that’s one that not only visitors enjoy when they arrive in South Florida, but locals also find a way to explore, especially to discover new and exciting places. This is a place where visitors can enjoy a leisurely stroll with a lot to see. This is all while they immerse themselves in an ambiance where the sparkling lights of the city, various dining establishments, museums and other forms of entertainment beckon at them for a visit. One place that tempts those who take the time to explore Downtown Miami is the restaurant Toro Toro at the InterContinenal Miami, one of the area’s top hotels.
To find Toro Toro is to discover a true gem, one that feels like an elegant surprise. And after you step into the hotel you will want to stay for one of the best dining experiences that we’ve recently have had.
As you enter the hotel’s double doors, you will sense the upbeat energy of the lobby. And, as you walk past those who occupy that area, you’ll quickly realize that this restaurant located at the end of the lobby is a truly magical escape.
Toro Toro comes to life with décor that can only be described as Miami Chic. Just think of leather couches and armchairs to lounge and sit on, all with wrought-iron and dark wood additions. The restaurant is not only a dining escape, but at times visitors can enjoy the beats of select high-energy music, all while people watching as they show off their best outfits and curious personalities. This makes it a unique dining experience in an environment meant to be enjoyed.
When it comes to saying that this is a unique dining experience, it’s all because the talented and acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval makes his dishes really shine, proving that everything is made with the utmost care. We just needed to meet him after realizing this right from the start once we indulged in fresh guacamole with crunchy chips as one of our appetizers, alongside their fresh tuna ceviche, to start our dining journey.
In fact, once we enjoyed our appetizers and main entrees, we were quick to ask for him to visit us at our table to explain the art beyond dishes that show off his culinary expertise and passion for the craft. The chef not only mentioned that he’s always aimed to mix Pan-Latin flavors that are presented in an elegant and creative way but that he loves what he does and is humbled when diners who visit celebrate their night out at Toro Toro.
What makes Toro Toro special is that Sandoval’s dishes offer a perfectly thought-out twist when it comes to the food, but it also accompanies that dash of culinary fairy dust with an unexpected and elegant ambiance.
While the restaurant boasts a contemporary steakhouse experience with dishes that impress full of Pan-Latin flavors, it also is the perfect place to order more than one dish and share with your date, friend or special group.
It also offers the outmost professional service, which is a must for every restaurant visit. And this was proven by the dedicated manager and server, both who were extremely attentive on a busy Saturday night, making sure that our wines and cocktails paired perfectly with our dishes.
At the restaurant, we decided to enjoy two seemingly classic dishes at the restaurant. And we were impressed by our experience at the restaurant.
While there, I enjoyed one of the best Lomo Saltado dishes that I’ve experienced in a while. The juicy and tender beef filet, served with creamy jasmine rice, heirloom tomatoes, and red onion with a dash of crispy potatoes, satisfied me, and those who enjoy this dish will be happy with the flavors and inventive way that it was presented to me. As for my husband, he decided on an 8 oz Wagyu Filet, one that also had the option of trying out the restaurant’s mole sauce, one that he was excited to experience and enjoy as a main entrée.
Cocktails such as the restaurant’s Picado Paloma,a drink blended with tequila and red wine and garnished with Hibiscus sea salt was a great start of the night for me. Then, the beautifully selected Chardonnay and Cabernet wines to accompany our meal made our dining experience balanced and delicious.
We recommend not leaving without trying out one of the restaurant’s sweet desserts, such as Chocolatosa Cake, a flourless chocolate cake with white chocolate mousse dark chocolate ganache and topped off with a warm chocolate sauce. The dessert menu is full of delicious options to satisfy every palate, and we just had to enjoy one before exiting the restaurant.
A memorable and classy experience, dining at Toro Toro will impress and nurture your foodie heart. So, make sure to set aside time for a visit. You won’t regret it.
For more information and to make reservations, visit www.torotoromiami.com or call (305) 372-4710. Reservations can also be made in advance at OpenTable.
