PlaceDaily use
Toro
Decisive ordering required — best with confident eaters.
My Take
Toro is Ken Oringer's take on Barcelona tapas, and it's been a South End anchor for years. The corn with aioli is legendary. The menu is deep and the portions are meant for sharing, so you need to commit to ordering broadly. Not the place for someone who wants to study the menu for 20 minutes.
Why It Matters
Toro proved you could do serious Spanish food in Boston. It's loud, it's bustling, and it rewards people who order with conviction. One of the few restaurants in the city that feels like it has real energy.
Best For
Groups who like to share, adventurous eaters, celebratory dinners
Watch Out For
Can get very loud. Reservations are tough — plan ahead or eat early.