Toro, Toro!  I love this place!!!!!!  The waiting area is so cool and chill that I felt like I was lounging at a cabana in Miami.  My friend and I were seated in the nucleus...

Toro, Toro!  I love this place!!!!!!  The waiting area is so cool and chill that I felt like I was lounging at a cabana in Miami.  My friend and I were seated in the nucleus of the restaurant, but we were pleasantly entertained by watching the row of sushi chefs adjacent to us. 

The "Dragon Ball" appetizer is a MUST HAVE because it is a sphere of fried goodness.  I cannot recall the precise order of layering, but I do recall that there was caviar, real crabmeat, avocado, and cream cheese surrounded by an outer fried layer of panko.  The dome was sliced in four and presented to us so that we could see each colorful layer.  Oh, I do have dreams of this, really, I do;)

My friend ordered an elegantly, plated dish of various sushi rolls.  The fish was of the highest quality, hence the name of the restaurant was very appropriate.  I ordered the "Soondoobu Jigae" which is a spicy, tofu soup originating from Korea.  It was authentic, delicious, and made my nose run which is a compliment to the chef!  In Korea, if you blow your runny nose at the table, the chef would be highly insulted.

Once again, it seemed like my friend and I appeared on Baby Boomers date night.  Ergo, we will be back, hopefully, when the younger crowd shows up for sake bombs.  The only suggestion I have is that the ambiance could be heightened with some sort of music.  Also, I found out recently that there is another Toro opening or already opened next to the Costco and Hungry Hunter on Highway 58.  I'll have to make a trip there as well to see if the quality of food is maintained.

Question:  What did Sashimi say to Sushi?

Answer: Wasabi?  (What's up, B?)

Service was terrible. Drink was ordered twice and still not right. Some of the food ordered was not what was requested, but forced to buy it anyway. And to top it off, they fudged the '3' in the...

Service was terrible. Drink was ordered twice and still not right. Some of the food ordered was not what was requested, but forced to buy it anyway. And to top it off, they fudged the '3' in the tip and total amount to an '8' on the credit card ticket! Disgusting, petty, pathetic people whom will hopefully be out of business soon.

 Have you ever wanted to eat a Screaming Orgasm? Toro Fusion Grill is the perfect place to try one. Toro is a great place for lunch...

 Have you ever wanted to eat a Screaming Orgasm? Toro Fusion Grill is the perfect place to try one. Toro is a great place for lunch with coworkers or host a business meeting. The atmosphere is very calm and inviting, not hustle and bustle like other crowded during the lunch hour. There is a low couch for waiting guests in the front, and a patio if you enjoy eating outdoors. They also have a bar, for those of you who are over 21, and a huge big screen TV to watch a game. The bar is also available for couples or singles eating. The interior design of Toro is not like the other Japanese restaurants in Bakersfield. It has a very modern feel to the place and also has a touch of the typical Japanese culture; like the low couch in the front or the fake Japanese plants in the entrance.

The names of the rolls entice you to order them just to try it. The Screaming Orgasm is seared tuna with an amazing marinade poured over. It’s kind of a crazy name but it made me try it and I loved it. How about the Kiss Me Roll?  They also have normal named food so don’t be scared off by the names of some of their rolls. They also offer seaweed for those of you who are adventurous. Some would never think of eating seaweed, but the seaweed salad has a tangy flavor and is a great appetizer. If you want to save room for a couple rolls but still want a little appetizer just to get started, the miso soup or edemame beans are perfect unless you’re allergic to soy, the soup and beans are out. But which ever you choose, a hot cup of green tea is always soothing and goes well with any appetizer. Variety and Price vary here at Toro. You can get a roll anywhere from $8 to $15. They have all sorts of fish as well; tuna, yellow tail, snapper, salmon, crab, eel, all cru stations and so much more. They also have all kinds of fillings to go in your rolls such as avocado, cucumber, carrots, scallions, seaweed and cream cheese! Combine the fishes with these vegetables and you have amazing and delicious rolls. If you love fried food, the Vegas roll is for you. They also have a wide variety of sushis and sashimis that run in high prices but so worth the money if you like raw fish.

In my experience at Toro, I was very pleased with the food and service.  The food was incredible and the service was acceptable. The waitress was very kind and efficient  getting our drinks and food. I went during the week in the evening so it wasn’t very busy or loud like some places can get. I went with a few other people; we all ordered rolls. The presentation of the rolls was beautiful and colorful, so the meal was that much more enjoyable. We did have to wait a little longer than expected for the check, but the waitress did apologize so we weren’t too upset.

If you’re not for the whole sushi appetite, there is always a menu that offers cooked food like Teriyaki chicken, or if you like spicy food, then can make you a spicy chicken dinner. Either way the atmosphere at Toro is one that makes you want to go back again and again. They also offer take away food orders. They can be called in and picked up in 15 minutes. How’s that for expedient? The location of Toro is a little hidden. It’s located in the parking lot behind the Edwards Theatre by a physical therapy gym in the corner, so some might not spot it but its there.

Looking for a nice dinner? With the candles on the tables, Toro gives a romantic feel to the dinner. I have been to Toro numerous times for dinner and I was pleased every time I have gone there.

Whether its lunch or dinner, Toro has very convenient hours and they’re open 7 days a week. Whether you want to have a nice dinner or a casual lunch with some friends or coworkers, I recommend Toro Fusion Grill located behind the marketplace.    

I have been to Toro about a dozen times and this is where I learned to love sushi.  I like to stop by for lunch about once every two weeks and usually have to make sure I am not in a hurry...

I have been to Toro about a dozen times and this is where I learned to love sushi.  I like to stop by for lunch about once every two weeks and usually have to make sure I am not in a hurry because it can turn into an hour lunch due to slow service.  My wife and I have eaten there for dinner and don't mind the slow service as I have time to enjoy the atmosphere and company, but sometimes the slow service at lunch is annoying, especially if you are in a hurry.  As far as the food goes, I love it.  The lunch box is convenient, but limited to a tuna or california roll as far a sushi goes, but seems to work with the terayaki chicken, tempura combo, and salad.  For dinner I like their Vegas roll, Phil's roll, and the "toro" special roll.    I would recommend this place for both lunch and dinner for the food, just don't expect the service to be quick.