Toro, the formerly Spanish–Asian fusion restaurant inside the white Italianate building on DUMBO’s edge, is back in business — losing its Latin flavor and adding an awesome lunch deal.
For years, I’ve wanted to peek inside the stunning 1865 structure (pictured, below) — just to see if the former bank’s interior matched the exterior’s good looks. So I was excited to finally step inside on Tuesday night, a day before the grand re-opening, for a tour and tasting of its new, simply Asian-fusion menu.
And it didn’t disappoint on either front.
The completely refurbished, modern interior features a two-story wall of water, full bar, sushi bar and dining area on the first floor, more tables and another bar at the top of the original iron stairway on the second floor, and a party room on the third.
As for the food, dished out by chef John Lin, formerly of Nobu, we sampled the Grimaldi’s-inspired tuna tortilla pizza, with raw fish, guacamole and a spicy aioli atop a bed of crisp flatbread, and fell in love with the “Two of Beef,” a grilled filet mignon alongside a sake-braised short rib that’s slow cooked for 24 hours.
We’ll return to try the Dijon-soy glazed chicken breast with country mashed potatoes and red wine cranberry sauce (pictured, top).
Since we work (and practically live) in DUMBO, we’re even more excited about the three-course lunch specials — including a soup, appetizer and entree — that range from $10 to $14 (with the filet at the high end). It could quickly become the best lunch deal in DUMBO!
Toro Asian Fusion (1 Front St. at Old Fulton Street in DUMBO) accepts MasterCard and Visa. Entrees: $15-$32. Open daily for lunch and dinner. For information, call (718) 625-0300.
