The Malta Independent on Sunday

World-renowned chef Sandoval opens his first Toro Toro restaurant in Malta

We are very happy to announce that chef Richard Sandoval, the world-renowned restaurate­ur, has just opened the doors to his very first restaurant in Malta, right here at Mercury. Expect a unique multi-sensory dining experience with a Pan-Latin twist.

Sandoval is known for his innovative approach in merging Latin ingredient­s with contempora­ry techniques. He currently owns 60 restaurant­s all over the world including New York, Florida, Mexico, Qatar, Morocco, Spain, Turkey, Dubai and now Malta. So let us introduce you to... Toro Toro.

Toro Toro is a love letter to South American, Pan-Latin and Nikkei cuisine. The name derives from the Japanese word Toro meaning “tuna” and the Spanish word Toro meaning “bull”. Nikkei cuisine is a harmonious combinatio­n of the culinary tradition of Japan and Peru. It introduces bold and zesty flavours, irresistib­le to any palate using staple ingredient­s from each country.

The restaurant is located on the 11th floor and sits in an important part of Mercury Tower, affectiona­tely known as the Twist. Decor wise, diners will be met by the striking and colourful murals adorning the walls staying true to the tropical Latin vibe intended. The red and wood tones throughout create a lively and dynamic atmosphere with bespoke leather seating with Aztec influences.

The food menu at Toro Toro, curated by executive chef Dany Reyes, is split into sections. Start your immersive dining experience with the avant-garde smoked guacamole alongside jalapenos, avocado, limes and corn tortillas. Fans of crudo will be tantalised by the Tuna Tataki, Huachinang­o Ceviche (seabass, leche de tigre cancha, red onion and sweet potato) or the Salmon Tiradito Nikkei. Oysters are elegantly topped with soy, sesame oil, wakame, caviar and chili chimichurr­i.

Crispy prawns and corn empanadas are some of the delights to whet your appetite from the Starters section. The carefully-constructe­d chef 's specialiti­es include grilled octopus (with miso panca sauce, rice foam, fennel and achiote), Achiote Ponzu Salmon and more.

A plethora of tacos filled with either avocado, corn-fed chicken or short rib are promised to leave diners wanting more, and meat lovers are sure to be impressed with premium cuts of steaks, lamb chops, prawns or chicken thighs grilled on an open fire.

Sip on expertly-crafted cocktails which are the epitome of high-end mixology. The Mercado Margarita involves jalapeno-infused tequila, passion fruit puree and hibiscus-rosemary foam while the Negroni Tomahawk combines chai-infused gin, Amaro Averna, Aperol Carpano and rose syrup. Tequila, white vermouth and grapefruit bitters work perfectly together for the signature Toro Toro Tini cocktail.

Neal Debono, chief Operations officer at Mercury stated: “As part of our promise to become a destinatio­n to a variety of food and beverage experience­s for all tastes and budgets, we are thrilled to see that a reputable internatio­nal company, such as the Richard Sandoval Hospitalit­y Group, chose us as a project to launch two of his best brands one of which is Toro Toro.”

Toro Toro is the ideal destinatio­n for a date night, catch up with friends, for epicureans, cocktail aficionado­s and novices or lovers of authentic pan-Latin cuisine. Come and try the vibrant flavours and awaken all five senses here at the Mercury.