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El Toro Restaurant
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Attire:
- Casual
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Has TV:
- Yes
3 reviews for El Toro Restaurant
3 reviews in English
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Review from Kerri W.
Banff, AB
1/23/2011
On this particular evening, I was hungry but seeking something different than what seems to be the standard fare in Banff - hamburgers, poutine, steak, etc. I knew after wandering around the town core that I was going to have to venture a bit further away from things to get to the good stuff. I didn't have anywhere particular in mind, I just had some mandates - I wanted somewhere reasonably quiet so I could read and enjoy some tasty food.
I'd heard of El Toro but hadn't been before. It's located in one of the hotels along Banff Avenue but not hidden by any means. It has its own door to the outside. They also had a menu posted outside that door, so I looked over it to help with my decision (after noticing that it wasn't too busy).
Fortunately, Wednesday nights the wine is $5/glass. I'm always up for a deal. It applies to any wine on the menu that they usually serve in a glass but not to anything only sold by the bottle. That still leaves a reasonable selection of reds and whites - even a rose for the indecisive. I settled on a Malbec from Chile called Carmen.
I was pleased that I had a choice of seats when greeted at the door and selected a spot with a comfortable bench seat along the wall. There were about three other tables occupied by mid-sized groups. The loudest group was in the process of leaving as I settled in. I glanced at the TV over the bar on my way to my table and noticed there was a Flames game on. No one seemed to care.
I ordered the stuffed chicken and pulled my book out of my backpack and began to read. The hostess brought me a basket with a generous piece of french bread and some butter in a small bowl. It smelled really good and I was quite hungry. I'd skipped ordering an appetizer knowing that would be too expensive and extensive. I read a chapter before deciding to eat the bread. As she cleared the basket, I asked if there was soy in the bread. The waitress returned and said "processed in a facility that also uses soy." I'd prepared in advance by ensuring to have antihistamines with me. Turned out I didn't need them.
I was completely engrossed in my book and sipping my wine. I looked up for a bit when I heard some people in the corner talking about Monsanto and what they've done to soy. That caught my interest. The waitress apologized that my chicken was taking so long. To be honest, I wasn't really timing it and was happy that I did have the bread to tide me over.
When my meal did arrive, it was very nicely presented. There was some sort of salsa with chopped zucchini in it. I'm not a fan of that vegetable but could barely taste it. I was amazed. The chicken was cooked perfectly with goat cheese and I think spinach stuffing. There was a large piece of grilled red pepper and some nicely roasted potatoes on the side. Overall it was a remarkable and deliciously tasty meal.
I ordered a beer while I contemplated the dessert menu. I was really tempted to try the banana flambee but it indicated it was meant for two. I sent the boyfriend a text but didn't get a reply so after reading a chapter of my book decided against it - this time. Maybe he can take me there just for dessert sometime.
My overall impression was very positive. I'd go back in a heartbeat. The staff were friendly, the place was clean, the food was delicious, and the prices were not outrageous.Listed in: Top Restaurants
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Review from Cori L.
Calgary, AB
4/15/2012
I've only eaten breakfast here and it really didn't impress me. We only ended up in the door because we got to Tooloulou's at 10:27 and they stop serving at 10:30 but El Toro went to 11.
My toast was too dry. My omelet was runny. My hash browns were hard and too greasy. Average but not great. I think I'd rather of even hit up a Denny's.
I noticed the place was mostly full of back packing youth from next door at this time of day and it's about the food I would have expected when I was backpacking in the day. It's not the kind of food I expect now that I'm a bit older on a romantic weekend with my sweetie. -
Review from Angie R.
8/14/2011
We're a party of three and ate here twice. The dinner we had was so good we went back the next morning for breakfast. The service, the mood, the food....it was all fabulous. Dinner: butternut squash ravioli (creamy, a little sweet, so flavorful), tenderloin (cooked perfectly and so tender), and lamb shoulder (also perfectly cooked and so much flavor....melted in your mouth). And try the ceviche for an appetizer -- just like the stuff you get on the beach. Delicious. Breakfast: blueberry pancakes!!!!! Get them. Eat them. I'd go to El Toro again if I was still in Banff. Yum. And the service is really good too.
