IL TORO - HORWICH

Tonight, Hannah and I decided to try out the Italian in Horwich known as Il Toro as we had heard good things about it from others.

As this is my first review of many I hope you find it interesting and useful.

I have split the review into categories which I, as a diner, would have found useful before visiting.

Website:
http://www.bar-restaurants.co.uk/iltoro/
A good website where the menu is available (a good thing to have imho).
Easy to use and looks professional.
(4 out of 5)

Booking:
I called the number on the website at about 2pm when the restaurant was closed and got through to a man with an Italian accent who took my booking for 2 people @ 7.30pm with no fuss.
(4 out of 5)

Parking:
We arrived at Il Toro a little early but found the parking to be adequate.  They have their own spaces behind and to the side of the restaurant so it was easy enough.
Free and easy parking is essential when I visit a restaurant.
(4 out of 5)

Building:
The outside and inside look great and the decor is modern, autumnal and appealing.  The place looks trendy and somewhere you would want to eat.  Pleasant bathrooms and comfortable chairs too.
(4 out of 5)

Staff:
As we enter we are greeted by the same Italian man who took my telephone booking earlier and he is more than happy that we are 20 minutes early.  We are seated and given menus before our waitress (dark haired Boltonian girl) asks for our drink order in a most unpleasant manner.  I order Magners but she says they do not sell it (Despite it being on the menu) but after asking her boss she says they do Bulmers instead.
I ask 2 waitresses if the Bistecca Volcano Etna is very spicy but neither know and they disappear claiming to be finding out.  10 minutes later the Italian man returns to take our order and is happy to provide a milder Volcano Etna as required.
Later, an Italian waitress tries to take my plate before I have finished and then drops salsa on the table.
Overall, the Italian owner was lovely and a delight but his female waitresses were unhelpful and rude.
(2.5 out of 10)

Food:
To start I have the Goats Cheese with chutney which is fantastic, whilst Hannah has Scallops to die for.  The 2 starters are well above expectations.
For main, Hannah has Sirloin Steak in mild tomato salsa and I have the same but in a Diane sauce (both cooked to Medium).  These are accompanied by fresh vegetables and potatoes and are cooked very well.
The taste is great and we are both very surprised.
To finish Hannah had a Hot Chocolate but the 2 puddings we want are not available so we skip dessert.
Overall the food was great, fresh and tasty.
(8.5 out of 10 - but a 'Special Commendation' for the starters)

Atmosphere:
There are a decent number of people for a Wednesday evening and the gentle hum of conversation mixed with music is a nice setting.
(3 out of 5)

Price: £63
Not bad considering what we had.  Not cheap but worth the money spent and the portions are very big too.
(3 out of 5)



Summary:
I would go back to Il Toro again as the food was great but the service from the waitresses needs to be much improved.

Total Score: 33 out of 50