Toro Toro

The restaurant and bar Toro Toro went through a redevelopment aiming for a fresh new look with an intimate atmosphere and relaxed space that accommodates a wide range of clientele. Yet, distinct features of its South American theme have been retained to keep the transformation seamless.

The revamped Toro Toro
With a surprising transformation, Dubai’s leading South American restaurant, Toro Toro, is making a comeback with new design elements and an air of sophistication that mixes with the interior’s dynamic energy.

It’s located at the landmark Luxury Collection hotel, the Grosvenor House, in Dubai, and offers an amazing view of the Marina. The restaurant came into existence after well-renowned South American chef Patron Richard Sandoval partnered with the Grosvenor House.

Multiple Design Aspects
These South American-inspired fabrics and finishes radiate distinct warmth that was balanced with eccentric wallpaper featuring oversized palm prints to exude the rich South American exoticness. Designers created a sense of equilibrium by using vibrant colors, like teal and burnt orange, which helped create a dynamic sense of energy in the space.

Of course, some of Toro Toro’s original design elements have been retained. This includes the enigmatic Backlit onyx show kitchen, black metal cage detailing, and its iconic bronze bull sculptures. Designing team LW chose to have the double-store fireplace removed from the entrance. They also wanted to upgrade the kitchen by switching from white to black textured tiles that seamlessly blend with the entrance.

The design team aimed to align the space with current trends, so they toned down the color accents in the ceiling, which also serves to make the onyx finishes a focal point of the setting. The cage staircases brought an urban vibe, but now visitors can see it filled with plants that radiate a tropical aura.

The finishes incorporated in the design are tactile and subtle yet luscious at the same time, be it the handwoven accent panels in the dining chairs and beautiful live edge walnut feature tables or the dark grey hand-applied concrete wall finish and warm tobacco hue timber flooring.

They updated old art pieces like Kudu horn wall hangings with graphics painted patterns that display an array of colors while featuring minimalist copper and gold detailing for a hint of luxury. Despite the captivating interior overall, the artwork is a major focus here, such as the specially commissioned breathtaking double-story murals of authentic gauchos at the entrance and the Bullinspired burnt timber art in the kitchens and washrooms.

All these pieces reflect the central theme of the South American ranch lifestyle. Not to mention, the client invested in authentic elements, both finishes, and FFE, which created a high-end result that exhibits a pleasant mellow vibe.

Ambiance
For this design, LW was tasked to create a warm and inviting atmosphere that was up-market at the same time. It’s a space where visitors can enjoy pan-Latin cuisine on the restaurant level and energy-filled evenings on the bar floor. Overall, it was set to hint at South American themes without being overt.

Technical Aspects and Materials
To bring forth a new and revamped Toro Toro, different materials were implemented, like chevronpatterned oak floors, oversized leaf wallpaper, dark concrete for the walls, leather for seating, and woven cushions and Pampas rugs for traditional detailing. In addition, recycled leather belt panels were added to the reception desk, the smoked oak timber joinery and waiter stations included hand painted detailing. In the bar area, chocolate-colored fur throws on leather chairs give a back-to-basics feel.

LW Design Group