A Family-Run Japanese Steakhouse Elevates the Standard Beyond the Usual Hibachi Experience
Toro Japanese Steakhouse in Vero Beach is absolutely worth planning a visit.
Maribeth Renne | Special to TCPalm
Toro Japanese Steakhouse now occupies the former Takara Japanese Restaurant space. While outward appearances may feel familiar, even a touch dated, the dining experience inside has been dramatically upgraded.
As the old adage goes, the small touches make the biggest difference. Under new ownership and leadership—Novia Rudiarta at the helm, with partners Komang Suati, Pande (Didi), Sherwin and Mirah Wiguna, and Yenick (Ochen) Sunariat—Toro has raised the bar for both service and culinary quality.
This isn’t your run-of-the-mill chain Japanese steakhouse. Toro is a family-operated restaurant that shows a genuine passion for Japanese fusion cuisine, backed by deep, hands-on experience. That devotion is evident from the moment you settle in.
Even though the hibachi grill area hums with energy, our group of four found a quieter section where we were greeted by a friendly, attentive staff that made us feel welcome rather than merely seated.
We kicked off with a sweet potato sushi roll ($6.59) to share, which disappeared quickly. The combination of a crisp tempura bite and a light, complementary sauce made it simple yet satisfying. Next came miso soup and a fresh salad topped with a classic ginger dressing.
After scanning Toro’s broad menu—featuring teriyaki, hibachi, and bento options—we picked two vegetarian dishes, a steak entrée, and a chicken specialty.
The vegetable tempura ($18.99) was standout: a generous assortment of fresh mushrooms, zucchini, sweet potato, broccoli, onions, and asparagus, lightly battered and perfectly crisp, with a generous portion of fried rice on the side.
The tofu yaki udon ($15.99) presented crisply stir-fried tofu and sautéed onions tossed with thick, chewy udon noodles, seasoned just right and incredibly comforting.
For the meat lovers, the eight-ounce New York strip steak ($25.99) delivered. Lean and thinly sliced, it arrived with a glossy teriyaki glaze over sautéed onions, zucchini, carrots, and broccoli, accompanied by fried rice.
Our final pick, a bento box ($24.59), offered a well-rounded assortment: tender chicken katsu, crisp tempura vegetables, a California roll, and fried rice—each element prepared with care and satisfying in its own right.
Throughout the meal, the staff remained professional, accommodating, and genuinely welcoming, making us feel like valued guests rather than just another table. Toro may look familiar on the outside, but the experience inside feels fresh, thoughtful, and well worth a visit.
Toro Japanese Steakhouse
Cuisine: Japanese steakhouse
Address: 1335 U.S. 1, Vero Beach
Phone: 772-492-3530
Hours: 11 a.m.–9:30 p.m. Monday–Thursday; 11 a.m.–10 p.m. Friday; noon–10 p.m. Saturday; noon–9:30 p.m. Sunday
Alcohol: Full bar
Website: toroverobeach.com
