0 Followers
Toro By Chef Richard Sandoval
ZipPicks Awards
Best Restaurants With Private Dining Rooms in Loop
Best Business Lunch Restaurants in Loop
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Loop
Master Critic Review
Toro By Chef Richard Sandoval
7.9
Vibes:
Group Dining Gatherings
Business Lunch Power Players
Trendy Table Hotspots
Girls Night Out Approved
A Fairmont dining room that’s strongest when you treat it like a set-piece for groups: start with a small spread of shareables, then commit to one main lane for the table instead of ordering across the entire menu. The room’s energy suits private dinners that want a clear start-to-finish arc—especially when drinks are part of the plan.
Must-Try Dishes:
Sweet corn empanadas, Short rib tacos, Smoked avocado guacamole
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.9
Consistency: 7.8
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.7
What makes it special: Hotel-based pan-Latin room with dedicated private dining spaces.
Who should go: Groups hosting celebrations or client meals
When to visit: Weeknights for calmer pacing
What to order: Empanadas, short rib tacos, smoked avocado guac
Insider tip: Order shareables first, then commit to one main lane.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Hotel valet available at the Fairmont; convenient but pricey. Nearby public garages around Lakeshore East are a better value for longer dinners.
Dress code: Smart casual leaning dressy—nice jeans are fine, but groups and client dinners typically dress up a notch.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy conversation in private rooms, slightly louder in the main dining room during peak dinner.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation; private rooms require advance booking.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days, especially before noon.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several vegetable-forward starters and mains, especially tacos and sides.
Vegan options: Limited—possible with modifications, but best to flag needs in advance.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many naturally gluten-free dishes; staff is familiar with accommodations.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a confident, conversation-forward date than an intimate first meet. The room has energy, so it works best if drinks and shared plates are part of the plan.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Sometimes at lunch or early weeknights, but dinner—especially for groups—is much smoother with a reservation.
Is it kid-friendly? Acceptable for older kids at lunch or early dinner, but the vibe skews adult and group-oriented rather than family-focused.
Best For
Better for: Structured group dinners, private events, and business meals where shared plates and cocktails set the tone.
Skip if: You want a quiet, romantic meal or a deep culinary deep-dive—there are better standalone dining rooms for that.