RTD and Style Weekly dine at Torero Tapas Bar & Grill

Small plates with big flavor in Shockoe Slip.

November 13, 2014; 9:07 AM • by Richard Hayes

Update #1 — November 13, 2014; 9:03 AM

Two weeks ago Style Weekly posted their review (see below) and now it’s the RTD’s turn to take a look at Torero Tapas Bar & Grill.

We moved on to the patatas bravas ($8) and garlic shrimp ($10), both classic Spanish tapas that my companion said were good dishes to judge a tapas restaurant by. The patatas bravas, potatoes stewed in spicy tomato sauce, were on point. The garlic shrimp (gambas al ajillo), featuring three fresh, plump shrimp, were sautéed in fresh herbs, garlic, lemon and oil and served with four crostini dipped in melted cheese.

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Original — October 30, 2014

Torero Tapas Bar & Grill (1409 East Cary Street) is in the old tapas restaurant Europa but this time is using Spain as its inspiration for small dishes. The describe themselves as, “Serving traditional Spanish Tapas in a space that encompasses the low key, comfy vibe of the neighborhood but has the chic décor and vibe of a Tapas Bar you might find in Spain.”

Full Style Weekly review here.

Like the vibe, the food is uneven. But the beauty of tapas is that if you order several dishes, you’re likely to find something good. Excellent choices include the decadent chorizo-stuffed, bacon-wrapped dates ($7/$8), the light and refreshing crab and mango salad ($12), the crispy, deep-fried chicken croquettes ($9) and the well chosen meat-and-cheese sampler ($19).

Image: Torero