Toro restaurant ramps up new look, menu and experience

Photo courtesy of Toro —Fairmont Scottsdale Princess

Share

After a complete renovation, Toro Scottsdale by Chef Richard Sandoval offers guests a mix of textiles and textures that accentuate the vibrant flavors and diverse culinary history of Central and South America. Rich leathers, vibrant greens, moody lighting inside and the bright Sunset Bar on the patio outside — all overlooking the 18th hole of the iconic TPC  Scottsdale. 


Need more? Read more: First-ever Tianyu Lights Festival comes to Phoenix


Toro Scottsdale will be open for lunch and dinner, with a weekend brunch offering.

Toro elevates its atmosphere and Latin cuisine

A Toro dining experience will ignite a sense of mystery in diners, with unexpected pairings,  unique flavor profiles and an inventive menu developed by Chef Gage Smit, who worked with Sandoval to encapsulate all that is Toro Scottsdale. Toro’s culinary philosophy is a harmonious blend of elevated sophistication and inviting accessibility, embodying the essence of contemporary Latin cuisine without borders. 

Drawing inspiration from the culinary traditions of Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, Venezuela, and beyond, Sandoval’s vision celebrates the diversity of pan-Latin cuisine. 

“I’m excited to share this new chapter of Toro Scottsdale with our guests,” says Jack Miller,  regional vice president and general manager of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. “The dining experience at Toro will represent more than a meal — it will be an event — one that will surprise and delight guests, leaving them excited to return and see what’s next. Toro definitely has something to say, but it might take you a time or two to figure it all out.” 

The savory story of South American cuisine

South American cuisine has been heavily influenced by Chinese and Japanese immigrants who came to the continent beginning in the mid-19th century. Other influences include those from  African and European immigrants, with staple ingredients consisting of corn, potatoes, quinoa and legumes. 

Reflecting these influences, the wide-ranging menu will include sushi, ceviche, steaks, tacos, fresh fish and more, including grass-fed beef sourced from Argentina. Dynamism in dining will be central to the Toro experience, with many tableside activations, including the popular La Bomba dessert and new tableside churrasco experiences. 

“We are excited to share Toro with the Scottsdale community,” says Sandoval. “Our menu reflects the passion and depth of Latin culinary traditions, interpreted through a contemporary lens.” 

The Toro Scottsdale story is one that embraces fire, flavor and fervor; led by General Manager John Adams and Smit, the Toro Scottsdale team approaches what they do 

with intensity and devotion. Beverage director John Wilhelm has replaced the previous rum-forward cocktail program with one that focuses on underrepresented South American wines,  complex smoked cocktails and beverage pairings that will make a meal complete. 

Smit has a background befitting of an executive chef for Toro Scottsdale. He was born and raised on a 10-acre banana farm in Maui, HI, which instilled in him enormous respect for the land, food and how to prepare it. The culinary diversity and emphasis on Asian flavors are abundant in Hawaiian food — bright acidity and fresh seafood — so it was a natural fit when he took the lead in the kitchen at Toro. 

Accentuating vibrant flavors with stunning views

In addition to the new menu and updated concept, guests will enjoy a total transformation of the restaurant. The restaurant will maintain its sweeping view of the iconic 18th hole of TPC  Scottsdale, providing a distinctive setting for a unique experience. The Sunset Bar is the heart of the patio at Toro Scottsdale, where guests can enjoy all the food and drink of Toro while getting the Valley’s best photo as the sun goes down. 

Inside, guests will enjoy a vibrant and energetic atmosphere with large windows, lush greenery and new custom plateware. Bright during the day and moody at night, the ambiance works in harmony with the menu — bright and light sushi, fresh fish and deep, flavorful beef dishes. 

Paying homage to the Sandoval philosophy of old hands, new ways, the plates in Toro are handmade by local artisan Christiane Barbato of Blue Door Ceramics. The plates are the physical manifestation of the culinary vision of Toro — carefully handcrafted, with high-quality ingredients turned into something magnificent on the table. 

Each piece was meticulously chosen by Princess Executive Chef Conor Favre and Smit. 

Toro details

Toro Scottsdale features Scottsdale’s most diverse private dining and special event menu — perfect for weddings and other celebrations of up to 500 guests. Menus can be customized for any dietary restriction or preference. In true Toro fashion, guests can have flamenco dancers, cigar rollers, fireworks, custom signage and more to enhance their celebration. 

The restaurant’s commitment to authenticity and innovation ensures a unique dining experience for every guest. From savory tacos to inventive ceviches, Toro offers a fusion of tradition and modernity that caters to every palate. For more information, visit ScottsdalePrincess.com/toro