Toro Toro Malta by Richard Sandoval

A journey around South and Central America is guaranteed to be full of colour, surprises, and food with a right oomph. Toro Toro in the heart of St Julians delivers just that without you having to travel round the globe. Toro Toro is a proper feast for the eyes. A huge curtain with a larger than life-size painting of a woman sets the scene. On the side of the dining area another curtain depicting a bull – the Toro – is another showstopper. More is quite the word for this place. Situated 11 floors up, you can enjoy a captivating view of half the island from most tables.

The food selection is like going through the Americas, all done in style and beautifully arranged. The plates and the plating are particularly attractive, the aromas enticing, and the theatre of it all perfectly complements the glamour of the place. And this is all done with a heartfelt smile. The smoked guacamole is delicious, the tuna tataki a pure delight of contrasting tastes. The corn empanadas and the barley risotto are highly recommended. The lomo saltado, beef tenderloin on a bed of creamy rice, is the definite star of the place. For sweets go for fresa-pavlova or the Toro Toro tres leches, both sweetly delicate to close off an unforgettable journey in taste and atmosphere.