Are you tired of the same old hibachi experience? Toro Japanese Steakhouse in Vero Beach is redefining what a family-owned Japanese restaurant can be—and it’s a game-changer. Formerly the home of Takara Japanese Restaurant, Toro may look familiar on the outside, but step inside, and you’ll discover a dining experience that’s anything but ordinary. Under the leadership of Novia Rudiarta, the new ownership has breathed fresh life into the space, elevating both service and culinary standards to impressive heights.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Toro isn’t just another chain restaurant. It’s a labor of love by a family with deep roots in Japanese fusion cuisine. Owned by Komang Suati, Pande (Didi) and Novia Rudiarta, Sherwin and Mirah Wiguna, and Yenick (Ochen) Sunariat, this Indonesian-born family brings a unique perspective to traditional Japanese dishes. Their passion and expertise are palpable from the moment you’re seated.
During our visit, the hibachi grill room was buzzing with energy, but our party of four was thoughtfully seated in a quieter area, where the staff’s warmth and attentiveness set the tone for the evening. We kicked things off with a sweet potato sushi roll ($6.59), a simple yet addictive starter that vanished in seconds. The tempura crunch paired with a light sauce was a delightful contrast.
Next, we indulged in miso soup and a fresh salad with classic ginger dressing—comforting and familiar, yet executed with care. The real test came with our entrées. From the extensive menu, we chose a mix of vegetarian and meat options, and each dish exceeded expectations.
The vegetable tempura ($18.99) was a standout, featuring a generous assortment of fresh vegetables—mushrooms, zucchini, sweet potato, broccoli, onions, and asparagus—all perfectly crisp and lightly battered. Paired with fried rice, it was a vegetarian’s dream. The tofu yaki udon ($15.99) was equally impressive, with chewy udon noodles, stir-fried tofu, and sautéed onions in a savory sauce that was both comforting and satisfying.
For meat lovers, the eight-ounce New York strip steak ($25.99) was a highlight. Thinly sliced and cooked to perfection, it was served with teriyaki sauce, sautéed vegetables, and fried rice—a hearty and flavorful dish. Our final choice, a bento box ($24.59), offered a delightful variety: crispy chicken katsu, tempura vegetables, a California roll, and fried rice, all expertly prepared.
And this is the part most people miss: Toro’s staff doesn’t just serve you—they make you feel like family. Their professionalism, attentiveness, and genuine warmth transformed a simple meal into a memorable experience. While the décor may feel familiar, the dining experience is refreshingly new and well worth the visit.
But here’s the controversial part: Can a family-run restaurant truly outshine larger chains in both quality and service? Toro seems to think so—and after our visit, we’re inclined to agree. But what do you think? Is the personal touch of a family-owned restaurant enough to set it apart, or do chains still hold the upper hand? Let us know in the comments!
Toro Japanese Steakhouse
* Cuisine: Japanese steakhouse
* Address: 1335 U.S. 1, Vero Beach
* Phone: 772-492-3530
* Hours: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday; noon to 10 p.m. Saturday; noon to 9:30 p.m. Sunday
* Alcohol: Full bar
* Website: toroverobeach.com
Maribeth Renne dines anonymously at the expense of TCPalm. Contact her at maribeth.d.renne@gmail.com.
