San Juan Restaurants

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Toro Salao

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Toro Salao Review

The name means "Salty Bull," and there's something about this place that makes its moniker entirely appropriate. (And it's not just the bullfighting posters that decorate one of the two-story-high walls.) This popular Spanish-Puerto Rican tapas restaurant was opened by Emilio Figueroa, who helped turn the southern end of Calle Fortaleza into the city's top dining destination. There are plenty of small dishes to share, such as a delicious baked brie that's served with crostini and topped with a chorizo jam (yes, a sausage jam); crispy mahimahi fritters; and Spanish-style flatbread pizzas, called cocas. They also make their own fresh pork sausage. The dining room, with a bar lit up in lusty red, is pleasant enough, but the tables that spill onto the adjacent cobblestone square are even better. Stop by for live music on Thursdays and Saturdays.

    Restaurant Details

  • Credit cards accepted.
  • No lunch July-Oct.

Member Reviews

  • Roger_Gordon, from New York
    2/8/11

    Have to applaud Elena first - an EXCELLENT server with charm, who knew her menu and knew how to sell it. We had a pitcher of delicious sangria, chicken croquettes (twice), the fruit salad and the meat/cheese platter. A wonderful 2 hour memorable experience. Yes it's not "cheap" but why would it be when it provides great service and great food/drinks?

    Ratings details: Food: 5 | Atmosphere: 5 | Service: 5 | Value: 4
  • Mluv, from Puerto Rico
    3/21/10

    $15 piece for Spanish pizza!!! Too expensive. Bad service, no bread or tapas as a house gratitude to clients ... No sides for anything. Great decoration, that's all.

    Ratings details: Food: 3 | Atmosphere: 4 | Service: 1 | Value: 1
  • TuttiTenor, from Virginia
    12/31/09

    I agree with the other review that the service here is good. But the food ... ummm, not really so good. Mahi fritters .. overcooked and dried out; fried calimari ... greasy; 'pizza' .. sprinkle of ingredients on a hard piece of flatbread; bread pudding .. an approximation. Long waits during turisty times -- get a reservation. Outside dining is very nice. Pretty expensive, all things considered.

    Ratings details: Food: 3 | Atmosphere: 4 | Service: 5 | Value: 3
  • lana1530, from San Juan, Puerto Rico
    6/9/08

    Service, superb!! First time in Toro Salao, but not the last. Looking forward going again soon.

    Ratings details: Food: 5 | Atmosphere: 5 | Service: 5 | Value: 5
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