TORO BRAVO

My friends and I recently visited Toro Bravo, Reno’s first Mexican steakhouse, and it was an unforgettable culinary adventure. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted by a striking red bull statue, poised as if ready to charge—a bold introduction to the restaurant’s vibrant personality. The ambiance was sleek and welcoming, with warm, clean lighting that struck the perfect balance between upscale sophistication and cozy comfort. Our party of three struggled to narrow down choices from the thoughtfully curated menu. To start, we ordered three appetizers: the sope (a savory masa cake), papas bravas (crispy potatoes in a smoky-spicy sauce), and the showstopping baked chorizo cheese dip. Our waitress, who was incredibly attentive and patient, noticed we needed more time to decide on mains and graciously gave us space while the kitchen prepared our starters. When she returned, she cleverly suggested we order one of each entrée and share everything family-style—a tip we gladly embraced (though we may have over-ordered, we had zero regrets!). Appetizers That Stole the Show The papas bravas arrived first, with tender potatoes smothered in a perfectly balanced spicy sauce—enough to satisfy all three of us. The sope featured succulent, well-seasoned meat atop a crispy masa base, while the chorizo cheese dip was a revelation. Served with handmade tostadas and freshly pressed corn tortillas, the dip’s smoky richness paired beautifully with the tortillas’ authentic corn flavor and springy texture—a testament to their in-house, traditional preparation. Midway through our feast, the chef even surprised us with an extra portion of the dip, a gesture that highlighted the restaurant’s generous spirit. Mains That Elevated the Experience When our entrees arrived, the New York steak stole the spotlight. Drizzled with a decadent bone marrow sauce and topped with caramelized grilled onions, every juicy, flavorful bite felt worth its $45 price tag—a steal for steak this expertly prepared. The steak tostadas were equally impressive, piled high with tender meat and a vibrant, herb-forward guacamole that outshined any standard version. Sharing dishes family-style, as our waitress recommended, made the meal feel like a festive celebration. Sweet Finale and Heartfelt Hospitality Despite being thoroughly stuffed, we couldn’t resist dessert. We opted for in-house made banana ice cream (creamy and decadent, made daily) and a they're unique tequila to cap the night. The owners even stopped by our table to share their story—a passion for blending Mexican tradition with steakhouse excellence—and their dream of opening a local tortilla factory. With hospitality this warm and food this memorable, it’s no surprise they’ve already become a community favorite. Final Thoughts Toro Bravo isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience. From the fresh herbs chopped tableside (a rare, high-end touch) to the owners’ genuine warmth, every detail feels intentional. Whether you’re savoring a solo margarita at the bar or hosting a lively group dinner, this is a place where bold flavors, generous portions, and heartfelt hospitality collide. I’ve already raved about it to everyone I know, and I’ll be back soon—if not for the steak, then definitely for those life-changing tortillas.

This was definitely a WOW experience! I give them a little grace since we were there for the official "day 2" of their opening. Other than running a little behind, the food came out perfectly (temp, presentation, taste) and the atmosphere and service was excellent. I had the char-grilled octopus and wow, was that awesome! My wife had the NY steak with bone-marrow butter, we also had the shrimp tamale and the....actually, let me go there. I'm Mexican. Born-and-raised in El Paso, Texas, I was exposed to many MANY tamales. I say that because the tamale served at Toro Bravo was nothing like I've ever had before. This tamale was not "firm" and had a consistency of something like thicker grits. All I know is it was delicious and the shrimp with it was perfect. We look forward to going back and trying EVERYTHING on the menu. Bravo, team!

We were just out for a nice date without the kids along the River with no plans for dinner when we came across Torro Bravo!!! The location is impeccable… right on the Truckee River on the corner, across from the now closed River Movie Theatre. Windows everywhere with views of people walking on Sierra street and outdoor and indoor seating. The atmosphere of Torro Bravo was Spanish modern and chic with future forward elegant chairs and lighting. I would say it is a place to dress up for. Music played in the background and was upbeat but not in your face loud. The staff greeted us as if they were trained for five star dining. Not one staff member detoured from anything other than professional. Paper menus with starters, small plates, seafood, vegetarian and red meat options. We started with drinks from a bartender who obviously knew his martinis. Our waitress was lovely and personable but then so was the rest of the staff who brought water, salsa and tortas to the table. The tortas were a little over cooked, but that did not take the charm out of the three homemade salsas that they served with it. Each one spicer than the other. We ordered Brussels sprouts to start and for the main course I had a Scallop Ceviche and my husband had the Shrimp Tamale. Let me tell you…these dishes could have been served on a mega yacht off of the coast of Malta and seemed from a 3 Michelin star chef and no one would know the difference. Elegance in every bite! Unique in their approach to their dishes I dare you to try it yourself. My scallop dish mixed sweet sliced grapes, citrus sections, thin sliced radishes and herbs with mouth watering scallops in every bite. My husband’s dish was plump with large prawns, a corn husk filled with a creamy possible polenta inside and dreamy sauce. Pricing was reasonable for the dishes they presented, middle of the road affair for a special night. Definitely a place for a date night or to show off what Reno’s Downtown restaurants have to offer for newcomers. I greatly encourage everyone to try Torro Bravo! Our photos do not show the Brussels sprouts dish but believe me I ate every bite. The amazing lacquered life size Red Bull depicted in the pics has his bottom half pointing to the restaurant’s restrooms. I had to take the pic for good luck at the slot machines that we won on later that evening. Torro Bravo! Thank you for a surprisingly elegant meal and experience.

Ah, Toro Bravo. With a 4.8-star Google rating, I expected fireworks, culinary pyrotechnics that would leave my palate singing. Instead, I got a sparkler in the rain. Let’s start with the ambiance, which was genuinely lovely. Dark, moody, and romantic, perfect for whispering sweet nothings or quietly regretting your menu choices. Sadly, the food didn’t live up to the sultry setting. The carne asada tacos? More like carne a-SAD-a… Overcooked to the point of shoe leather, they lacked the flavor and finesse one would expect from a place so highly praised. The Omelette Mexicano was a generous portion and had some seasoning personality, but still felt like it had wandered in from a different, slightly more competent kitchen. Let’s not forget the $3.95 Pepsi (was it vintage? Infused with truffle essence?) and the utterly charming credit card surcharge, a little surprise slap at the end of the meal. Parking? Bring a Sherpa and a strong sense of humor. In the end, Toro Bravas serves up big-city prices with small-town inconsistency. It may impress your easily dazzled cousin from out of town, but for those with expectations sharpened by actual flavor, pass.

Another home run from masterminds Rene and Sergio. Ambience, service, & food were all top notch. Can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. We enjoyed the ceviche mixto, tamale, lamb shank, potatoes au gratin, matcha cheese cake, and banana ice cream. Left with a full belly and a smile on our faces. Definitely will be back.

Torro Bravo is an absolute gem in Reno! I had the pleasure of dining here on their opening night, and wow—what an incredible experience. From the moment we walked in, the staff greeted us with warm smiles and made us feel right at home. The ambiance is upscale yet inviting, perfect for a romantic date night. The food? Absolutely divine. Every dish was bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. The chefs clearly put their heart and soul into crafting a menu that celebrates Hispanic cuisine with a modern twist. And let’s talk about the drinks—their specialty mezcal cocktails are out of this world! Unique, smoky, and expertly crafted, they’re a must-try. After our meal, we took a stroll along the river, which was the perfect way to end the evening. Torro Bravo is more than just a restaurant; it’s an experience. If you’re in Reno, do yourself a favor and visit this stunning new spot. I’ll definitely be back! Highly recommend for anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience. 10/10!

Mexican steakhouse. Everything we ordered was absolutely Delicious. They don't have a kids menu. But our friendly waitress suggested quesadilla for my 2yo. We are Definitely going back.

Loved the food here. Came on a Sunday for brunch. My wife had the Sope de Barbacoa de Res, and I had the Prime Beef Quesabirrias. Oh. My. Beautiful presentation, and the food was delicious. Very cool twist on traditional Mexican cuisine, and my wife and I both felt it was some of the best Mexican food we have ever tasted. Definitely give it a try. I know I will.