Toro Toro, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina

What’s it like: Spanning two super-stylish, burnt-orange toned floors, Toro Toro features a spacious bar upstairs, and an equally roomy dining space downstairs – the atmosphere is alive, and we’re immediately in the Latino-style spirit of things as the caipirinha trolley escorts us to our table. Surrounded by bullhorns on the walls and all, the …

Toro Toro, Grosvenor House, Dubai Marina

What’s it like: Spanning two super-stylish, burnt-orange toned floors, Toro Toro features a spacious bar upstairs, and an equally roomy dining space downstairs – the atmosphere is alive, and we’re immediately in the Latino-style spirit of things as the caipirinha trolley escorts us to our table. Surrounded by bullhorns on the walls and all, the menu is everything I anticipated – full to the brim with delicious sounding small plates that fuse flavours derived from Brazilian, Peruvian, Argentinian and Colombian cuisines. From beef empanadas, ceviche, croquettes, tartare and tiraditos, we tried it all. The menu also features a delectable selection of mains, including a typical Brazilian churrasco grill of US rib eye steak, picanha, Australian lamb chop, sausages and sirloin, however, we’d sadly filled up so much on the ‘small’ hot plates that we didn’t get to sample (not that I minded – my favourite way to dine is sharing style! It allows you to try so much more). My favourite dish of the evening was the grilled octopus, which was cooked to perfection and not chewy at all. It was served in a sweet, BBQ-like sauce, giving it a different spin (it’s a dish that ques hunger pangs!). All in all, Toro Toro offers a true Latino, fun-filled evening – which goes on till the early hours if you wish, the bar upstairs is a great spot for after-dinner craft cocktails.

If you want to go: Around Dhs375 per person for three courses, excluding beverages. Call 04-3176000.