Toro Toro is a Pan-Latin restaurant by Chef Richard Sandoval. It brings together the vibrant flavors from Central and South America with a twist on the contemporary steakhouse. The restaurant is located in the Four Seasons hotel in downtown Houston. If dining here, there is paid street parking nearby, or you can do complimentary valet (just bring a few dollars for tip). We went on a Saturday evening with a group of 7.
The Four Seasons hotel is beautiful and clean. Toro Toro is located on the 3rd floor, and you can either take the elevator or walk up the stairs. The restaurant itself is an open concept and has a very elegant and upscale atmosphere. When we were seated, we ordered some drinks from their cocktail menu:
+Mercardo Margarita for $14 - Jalapeño-infused altos plata tequila, passion fruit purée, and hibiscus-rosemary foam. - 5/5
+Tamarindo for $13 - Herradura reposado tequila, tamarind purée, agave nectar, fresh lime juice, and tajin salt. - 4/5
+Smokey Rum Old Fashioned for $17 - Diplomático reserva rum. - 5/5
Afterwards, we ordered some appetizers and sides:
+Sweet Corn Empanada for $14 (comes with 3) - Aji amarillo, avocado purée, manchego cheese, and chimichurri. - 5/5
+Lobster Mac & Cheese for $17 - Chorizo panko crumbs. - 5/5
+Truffle Fries for $10 - Cojita cheese, aji tartar, and pickled chili. - 5/5
+Peruvian Ceviche for $19 - Hamachi, leche de tigre, sweet potato, red onion, and canchas. - 4/5
For the mains, we ordered steak:
+52 oz Prime Tomahawk for $150 (serves 2) - This was brought out with great fanfare! The waiter flamed the steak with herbs and cut it on the side table before dropping salt on it dramatically. Although it was fun to watch, we all thought the meat was okay. - 3/5
+Toro Toro Churrasco for $120 (serves 2) - Brazilian style picanha steak, rib eye, chicken cusco, and lamb chops. The picanha steak was the most flavorful and tender meat of the evening. - 3/5
As for dessert:
+La Bomba for $22 - Chocolate half sphere, vanilla ice cream, dulce de leche ice cream, strawberry ice cream, berries, crumble, and vanilla/berry sauce. The waitress lined the table with a plastic sheet before dropping this entire concoction in front of us. It was a fun experience. - 4/5
Overall, Toro Toro was a great night out. The service was incredible, we enjoyed the Mercardo Margarita and Smokey Rum Old Fashioned cocktails, and the appetizers were mouthwatering! Unfortunately, the main courses were too hyped up and fell short with us. Although it's a steakhouse, you may be better off ordering other items from the menu. The La Bomba dessert was entertaining for the first time, but it is not worth repeat orders. This restaurant can be fun as a date night, a group dinner with friends, or a place to grab a few drinks. read more