Toro

The story

Crafted with passion, served with love

Sushi and Japanese Cuisine in the Heart of Carmel

Toro sits on Dolores Street between Fifth and Sixth in Carmel-by-the-Sea, a few blocks from the Pacific, offering Japanese cuisine alongside a beverage program that earned the restaurant Wine Spectator's Best of Award of Excellence for 2025. That recognition places Toro among a select group of restaurants whose wine and sake lists demonstrate both range and thoughtful pairing — a meaningful distinction for a Japanese restaurant on the Central Coast.

A Welcoming Table, Every Day of the Week

The restaurant opens for lunch and dinner daily, with outdoor seating available for guests who want to take in Carmel's famously mild air. The team accommodates private parties and banqueting, and takeout and catering are offered for those who want Toro's Japanese cooking beyond the dining room. Reservations are strongly recommended, and the staff makes a point of answering the phone during service hours to help find the right time for any size party.

The Beverage Program

The Wine Spectator award speaks directly to the depth and curation of Toro's drink list, which is available as a downloadable menu on the restaurant's site. For a Japanese restaurant, a well-considered selection of wines alongside traditional options is no small achievement — it reflects a kitchen and front-of-house team that take the full dining experience seriously.

Toro keeps its focus on warm hospitality and precise Japanese cooking, letting the food and the accolades speak for themselves.