ToroToro Restaurant promised bold Latin fusion and an explosive dessert, but did it live up to the hype? Here's how the night unfolded.
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Our interest was piqued when we first heard about ToroToro Restaurant opening in Malta. Still, we couldn't help being a little sceptical. A Latin American fusion restaurant by acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval, right in the bustling heart of St. Julian's?
It sounded promising, but it also had the potential to be one of those glossy, overhyped places that serve up overpriced plates of disappointment and are designed more for tourists than true food lovers.
The Michelin-star pedigree carries weight, but does it guarantee a memorable experience? We needed to find out for ourselves – to see if ToroToro could deliver on its bold promises or if it was just another spot to tick off the list.
So, naturally, we had to see for ourselves.
ToroToro: Latin American Flavours with a Global Flair
To give some context, ToroToro Malta is the first Maltese outpost of Chef Richard Sandoval, who's built a global reputation for his innovative take on Latin American cuisine. His idea is simple: a menu rooted in the traditional dishes of Latin America but with enough creative flair to keep things exciting.
Now, a restaurant can promise "vibrant flavours" and a "convivial dining experience" all it wants. Still, the proof is always in the execution. Will ToroToro's menu deliver an authentic experience, or is it just clever marketing wrapped around a subpar meal?
More on that in a bit, but if you're curious about the chef's vision and how this fits into his larger global empire, you can read more here.
Getting There: Navigating the Chaos of St. Julian's
The evening started, predictably, in the noisy chaos of St. Julian's. You know the drill if you've ever tried walking through that area during dinner hours. Crowds. Traffic. Noise. It's all part of the experience. But you hope it's worth the effort for a restaurant in such a prime (and noisy) location.
The Mercury Tower is impossible to miss, a modern colossus that feels oddly out of place among its older, lower-slung neighbours. My neck genuinely hurts whenever I glance up at it; you can't help but look. And yes, it's another flashy landmark in an area that already has its fair share of glitz.
But this one hosts ToroToro, which had sparked enough curiosity for us to battle through the bustle and head inside.
Ambience and Décor: A Feast for the Senses
Once inside the plaza beneath Mercury Towers, things started to look up. The noise of St. Julian's faded, replaced by a noticeably more refined atmosphere. We were greeted by a polite host who led us to the lift, and up we went to the 11th floor, where ToroToro's main dining room awaited.
Walking into ToroToro felt like stepping into a modern Latin American sanctuary, high above the bustling streets. The interior struck the perfect balance—sleek and sophisticated yet managing to capture the vibrant energy of the Latin culture it celebrates.
Dimmed lighting cast a warm, intimate glow across the space, and the rich, earthy tones of the décor – from dark wood finishes to textured stone walls and touches of gold – created an inviting yet luxurious atmosphere.
It was upscale without being pretentious, where you could enjoy an elegant meal without feeling like you were about to get a heart-stopping bill (though, let's not get ahead of ourselves).
The design's attention to detail was evident, from the large, bold murals paying homage to Latin American heritage to the subtle accents of woven fabrics and colourful tiles that gave the space a unique character.
And let's not forget the views—perched on the 11th floor, the restaurant offered stunning panoramic views of St. Julian's, enhancing the dining experience. I can only imagine how it was for those who had been with us in the lift, making their way up to the 38th floor.
It wasn't love at first sight, but I'll admit—ToroToro had my attention. The real question was whether the food and service would suit the setting.
Drinks: Cocktails or Wine? A Spontaneous Change of Heart
We had every intention of kicking off the evening with cocktails. The list at ToroToro was impressive, to say the least. From mezcal with tamarind to cocktails infused with chai and hibiscus, there were plenty of options to get excited about.
One cocktail in particular, a gin-based creation with chai and amaro, had caught my eye. I was already picturing how it would taste—complex and spicy, with just the right amount of bitterness.
But, just as we were about to order, a couple at the table next to us unknowingly derailed our plans. They were pouring this absolutely stunning glass of red wine, and it was hard not to notice the deep, ruby colour as it caught the light. It looked like the perfect sip to go with the evening, and, well, we caved.
We switched gears and ordered what they were having, a bottle of Domaine Tournon Mathilda Shiraz, from that amazing country called Australia, instead. And let me tell you, it didn't disappoint.
Named after the song (you know which one), The wine had this rich, ripe blackberry aroma with a touch of pepper that gave it some bite. It was juicy and fresh on the palate, with silky tannins that made it dangerously easy to drink.
As much as we were tempted by the cocktails, that Shiraz was a fantastic choice. Thank you, mystery couple.
The Food: Latin American Fusion with a Few Surprises
The ToroToro menu is an eclectic fusion of Latin, Spanish, and South American flavours, emphasising sharing plates or, as they recommend, a tapas-style dining experience. It's the kind of menu that makes you want to try everything, but unless you're prepared to roll yourself out of the restaurant, you've got to be selective.
Here's what we ended up choosing and how it all played out.
We started with the Huachinango Ceviche, a dish that made me sit up straight from the first bite. The burst of zesty flavour was refreshing, almost like a culinary wake-up call, but it wasn't for everyone. Charlene found it a bit too citrusy, too zesty – and I get it.
The Leche de Tigre, the citrusy, spicy marinade traditionally used in Peruvian ceviche, packs a serious punch. If you like bold, in-your-face flavours (like me), you'll love it. If you're more into subtlety, it might feel like you've just been slapped with a lemon.
Next was the Salmon Tiradito Nikkei, where Charlene returned to her element. If there's salmon on a menu, she's ordering it, and the combination of fresh salmon with soy had her nodding in approval the whole way through. It was a lighter, more delicate dish that perfectly balanced out the intensity of the ceviche.
Then came the Crispy Prawns, which, frankly, were dangerously addictive. The prawns were beautifully breaded, crunchy on the outside, and tender on the inside, but it was the Melcocha – a syrupy glaze made from rustic sugar with a hint of molasses – that took them to another level.
For those unfamiliar, Melcocha might translate to "marshmallow," but don't be fooled. This isn't the fluffy stuff you toast over a campfire; it's a thick, sticky candy popular in Latin America. The prawns had just the right sweetness, and it felt like one of those dishes you could eat on repeat.
No Latin-inspired meal is complete without tacos, right? We started with the Chili Crusted Tuna Tacos, which were good – no complaints there. But it was the Chicken Corn-Fed Tacos that really stole the show. Perfectly seasoned chicken, a bit of crunch spice – everything you want in a taco.
We may or may not have argued over who got the last one, but let's just say Charlene's faster with a fork than I am.
We opted for the grilled Octopus and wow for the final savoury dish. I've had a lot of octopus in my time, but this was easily one of the best versions I've tried in a while. Tender, charred just right, and served with enough flavour to make you forget you're actually eating octopus – which, let's face it, can be hit or miss at a lot of places.
At ToroToro, they've nailed it.
We could've tried more dishes, but dessert was looming, and after some more shameless table-stalking (yes, we'd been at it since the wine decision), there would only be one choice for us.
Dessert: Un. Dos. Tres. La Bomba!
Throughout the evening, we kept hearing the chant: "Un. Dos. Tres. La Bomba!" At first, we assumed it was some birthday cheer – one of those moments where everyone claps, and someone gets embarrassed.
But no. After spotting it a few times, we realised we were hearing the unveiling of La Bomba, the show-stopping dessert at ToroToro. Naturally, our curiosity got better, and we knew we had to order it.
La Bomba sits proudly at the top of the dessert menu, with a price tag of €24, so we expected something big – both in flavour and size. And we weren't wrong. The dessert itself is an experience. Servers arrive in packs, armed with a chocolate sphere that looks innocent enough until they dramatically smash it onto a huge plate in front of you.
The sphere bursts open, revealing an array of goodies: chocolate mousse, almond cookie crumb, fresh berries, and more. But they don't stop there. Once the shell is cracked, they shower the plate with extra berries, crumbs, and mousse.
It's part spectacle, part indulgence – and definitely something you won't forget in a hurry.
Now, here's where it gets interesting. Looking at this enormous dessert, you'd assume it's made to serve at least three people – maybe more. But, somehow, Charlene and I managed to finish the entire thing ourselves. What does that say about us?
Well, either La Bomba isn't as huge as it looks, or we've got an impressive capacity for dessert (I'm leaning towards the latter, honestly). Either way, we didn't regret a single bite. It was rich and indulgent, the perfect way to round off the meal.
A Night Well-Spent at ToroToro
After devouring La Bomba and feeling thoroughly stuffed, we sat back, satisfied and content. It wasn't just the food that left an impression, though; the service throughout the evening was exceptional.
We were particularly well looked after by Banesa, whose attentiveness and patience – especially with our indecisiveness – didn't go unnoticed. She struck the perfect balance of being helpful without hovering, which, let's be honest, is a rare find.
As the night drew to a close, and we started making our way out, I had what I can only describe as a mild food coma moment. I took a wrong turn and almost wandered into a restricted area, much to the delight of Charlene and the hostesses, who didn't hold back their laughter. It was a fittingly lighthearted end to the night.
So, does ToroToro deliver on its bold promises? In our opinion, yes. Would we recommend the place? Absolutely. It's not the cheapest option out there, but neither is it outrageously expensive. For 10 dishes, including a bottle of Domaine Tournon Mathilda Shiraz (€36), the bill came to €179.
Considering the portion sizes and the experience of dining in one of the trendiest (and definitely tallest) buildings in Malta, it's a fair deal. Let's not forget the view – I mean, even the men's toilet offers a stunning panorama (of St. Julian's).
That said, a tiny annoyance was that we would have preferred the music to be slightly lower in volume. While it added to the vibrant atmosphere, it made it a bit challenging to hold a conversation without raising our voices.
At the end of the day, ToroToro offers more than just a meal. It's a night out, a bit of theatre, and a chance to taste flavours that push the boundaries of Latin American fusion. Whether you're a local looking for something new or a visitor wanting to experience one of Malta's hottest dining spots, ToroToro is worth the visit.
Just remember, when you hear "Un. Dos. Tres. La Bomba!" – brace yourself for the dessert extravaganza.
ToroToro Restaurant: https://www.torotoromalta.com/
Phone: +356 7720 9743
Opening Hours:
Monday - Saturday
Dinner: 18:00 - 01:00
Sunday Brunch:
12:00 - 16:00
Dinner:
18:00 - 01:00
Location:
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