Is Tora The Best Japanese Restaurant in Tulum?
Lighting up the night at Tora Tulum Japanese Restaurant
Restaurant’s Ambiance
As you step into Tora you feel a sense of deja-vu, the feeling that you’ve been here before. Sure, the friendly atmosphere and warm welcome make it feel familiar but the restaurant is also regularly an Instagram backdrop for nights filled with sparklers, dancing, and one too many margaritas. Sure the atmosphere alone makes Tora worth the visit, but does the food live up to the hype?
We came here on a whim on a Friday night, we weren’t aware that most people like to come here a bit later in the evening so found it easy to get a table around 6pm. It was right in the heart of the Tulum Beach Zone, which makes it a perfect retreat after a day of sun at on of Tulum’s famous beach clubs. The interior is classic Tulum boho-chic, with open-air roofs made of bamboo and wicker with warm lighting. As we arrived we were welcomed by our main waiter for the night Bruno.
The Service At Tora Was Top Notch
Bruno had some fantastic recommendations, not only on the japanese dishes, but as the night went on we discussed experiences in Tulum and day trips he had taken nearby. The warm friendly service definitely added to the ambiance of the evening and we found ourselves having the time of our lives. As the sun started to set we were getting carried away, in our jovial moods holding nothing back and ordering lobster, A5 wagyu, Alaskan king crab, scallops, short rib. The sparklers kept coming and we were too busy dancing our way into the night to notice the impending bill.
So, Was The Food Worth It?
Yes. The short rib was an absolute standout and might be one of the best short rib dishes I’ve ever had. Smokey, soft with nuanced Asian spices. The Alaskan king crab was fresh, sweet, and dripping in butter. The lobster was perfectly cooked. The coal-fired hamachi cheek was to die for. The drinks menu was well selected, with a range of premium sakes and elaborate cocktails which were paired with our dishes. Overall the Japanese food on offer was amazing.
We had one of our best nights in Tulum at Tora and would recommend it to anyone coming to Tulum for a celebration. The ambiance, service, and drinks were outstanding, and despite the opulent party happening around you, the food remains the highlight. Come to Tora for a night of debaucherous fun, and leave with a much lighter wallet.
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