Lodge + Dine announces a 5-star rating for Toro after a day’s visit evaluating the guest experience. The restaurant excels through its bold Latin American cuisine, artfully designed alpine setting, and attentive, personalized service.
As evening settles over Snowmass Village, the inviting glow from Toro draws guests inside. The subtle scent of woodfire blends with the cool mountain air, promising a memorable dining experience. Situated within the luxurious Viceroy Snowmass, this establishment offers a dining experience that transcends borders, both geographically and gastronomically.
Acclaimed Chef Richard Sandoval crafts a vision that merges culinary authenticity with creative freedom. Latin American flavors—drawn from Colombia, Mexico, Brazil, and beyond—are given new life in a menu that travels across borders with flair. This isn’t a restaurant chasing trends; it’s a place that honors tradition while delivering something undeniably fresh.
Stepping inside, the restaurant mirrors this cultural fusion, offering an elegant yet cozy atmosphere. Rich wooden accents, soft ambient lighting, and artful décor inspired by Latin American heritage create a refined yet welcoming space. The atmosphere evolves throughout the evening, with warm hues and candlelit tables fostering a sense of intimacy.
At the table, the narrative unfolds dish by dish. An opening bite of BBQ Edamame surprises with layers of umami from XO sauce, shishito pepper, and furikake. The Grilled Octopus follows, delicate and charred, balanced by the miso panca sauce and the unexpected silkiness of rice foam. Peruvian Ceviche—bright with snapper and leche de tigre—delivers zing, while duck tacos arrive tender and subtly smoky.
Among mains, the Cusco Chicken showcases a bold achiote marinade with aji amarillo mashed potatoes that carry a playful kick. The Toro Bison Burger is indulgent yet thoughtful, layered with morita bacon jam and garlic crema, and served with crisp, seasoned fries. For something lighter, the Angry Tuna Roll bursts with flavor: spicy tuna, yuzu kosho aioli, and black tobiko create a vibrant contrast of heat, cream, and crunch. To end the meal with a sweet treat, the Dulce de Leche Churros, served warm and dusted with a generous coating of cinnamon sugar, arrive crisp on the outside and tender within.
The restaurant’s bar program complements the culinary offerings with a selection of cocktails, beers, and mocktails. The signature Mercado Margarita is the showstopper—bright with passion fruit and hibiscus, it perfectly complements the spice-driven menu. For non-alcoholic options, mocktails such as the Strawberry Mint Breeze with strawberry hibiscus mint agua fresca provide a refreshing alternative.
Service throughout is polished yet personable. Staff anticipate without hovering, guide without imposing, and add thoughtful touches—from menu insights to warm check-ins—that elevate the evening from pleasant to memorable.
Toro is ideal for anyone seeking more than just a meal. It’s a place to celebrate milestones, to impress visiting guests, or simply to unwind with flavor and fire after a day on the slopes. Five stars feel entirely earned here—not for flash, but for the quiet confidence of a restaurant that knows exactly who it is.
Snowmass Aspen Series: Viceroy Snowmass, The Pinnacle of Ski-In, Ski-Out Luxury