Latin Legend

Expectations are a challenging entity to match up to. Usually incorrect, rarely matched, often brutally smashed, and sometimes — just sometimes — 
surprisingly exceeded. So much can go wrong during a meal that it’s often best to enter a restaurant with low expectations (so you’re easily pleased). That’s somewhat negative, yes, but a sure-fire way to achieving gastronomic success.

Toro Toro has been recommended by so many people that it was impossible not to enter with dangerously elevated expectations. The food, drinks, atmosphere, service, washrooms, setting — even the greeting — had all been much-hyped, leaving only myself and my companion as the remaining factors that could ultimately destroy the evening. It’s something I’m remarkably adept at achieving, regardless of location; something she isn’t even close to achieving.

With such a set-up awaiting us at Toro Toro, it was always going to be a closely scrutinised experience, judging others’ opinions of the place as much as the restaurant itself.

First impressions were tempered to say the least. Expectations were for a more intimate setting than the vast space 
that meets you at Toro Toro. That said, this is a restaurant in one of the city’s most popular hotels. So much like at Atlantis, The Palm, 
size matters.

So to the much-vaunted menu. Clear highlights are the ceviche and churrasco. You’ll need to take a serving of each of the ‘Ceviche De Mariscos’ — yes, it’s that good. Sharing not recommended; otherwise, rage will rise by 10pm. The Brazilian churrasco skewers will also not disappoint, oozing delectable meats, helping you roam across the range of South American foods that Toro Toro delivers.

Expectations are therefore easily met on the food front; just be prepared to dig a little deep. The service also matches what’s expected, as do the drinks (and even the greeting). For afters, you can go to any of the nearby bars or clubs, but it’s best to just stay put in Toro Toro’s own bar; expect your night to go swiftly downhill the moment you stray from this Latin legend.

• Food and Dining