The Toro Toro Experience

ToroToro's spacious interior

I discovered Richard Sandoval's Toro Toro via an EaterDC newsletter announcing the restaurant's opening. ToroToro occupies the  former CityPlace space on Eye Street in DC. An out of town visitor was the perfect excuse to visit Toro Toro DC.

When I arrived I was warmly greeted at the reception station. The restaurant's space includes a bar, grill/churasco/parillada, lounge and private dining area. The restaurant's dark, rich interior reminded me of dining establishments in Miami, Florida  and the Recoleta section of Buenos, Argentina where well heeled late night diners appear on the scene after 10pm.

Arturo, our server, arrived promptly  and explained that the restaurant menu was pan -Latin and Spanish influenced as he pointed out the small plate section featuring dishes including beef, shrimp, chicken and the Rodizio section of the menu featuring the Brazilian style grilled meats. While waiting for my guest's arrival Arturo delivered a small plate of pan de bono for us to nibble on. I stared at the bread for a few seconds - it looked vaguely familiar. Was this pão de queijo - the wonderful cheese bread that I had been introduced to by Brazilian friends and at restaurants such as Chima and Boi na Braza?

pan de bono

The pan de bono (a Colombian term) is a close cousin to my beloved pão de queijo, save the cheese. The soft, dense bread was accompanied with a savory housemade relish.

We ordered  several small plates and highly recommend the Cachapas, Toro Toro Chopped Salad and chicharones de camarones. The cachapas' well seasoned duck was a tasty, savory treat. The chopped salad can easily be shared. It is colorful, light, but filling. The chicharones de camarones has a crisp exterior and an interior bursting with flavor. The seared seas scallops were tender and juicy, but just a bit too salty for our taste.

ToroToro chopped salad

Back: seared sea scallops. Front: cachapas

chicharones de camarones

The lomo saltado empanada and croquetas were appealing to the eye, but not outstanding in taste.

lomo saltado empanada and guacamole

Croquetas

Arturo suggested the Carnaval cocktail to use - we were not disappointed (think Manhattan with a Latin twist). The Carnaval cocktail features Bulleit bourbon; it was a wonderful pairing for all of our food selections.

Carnaval cocktail

The bathroom is clean and well maintained - the cowhide door coverings are surprise touch as well as the design on the shared bathroom sink. Service is attentive, efficient, and polite.

Only time will tell. Toro Toro joins similarly themed restaurants Boqueria, Ceiba,Lima,  Pulpo and sister restaurant Masa14 in the NW quadrant of DC. The closest metro stop is McPherson Square; Metro Center is very close as well. Metered on street parking is available.

Reservations for Toro Toro can be made through OpenTable.

Will Toro Toro DC be as successful as Toro Toro sister locations in Miami and Dubai? Only time will tell. In the meantime I  plan to visit again to explore other items on the menu.

Be well,
Technicolor girl