Torito Serves Peruvian-Japanese Flair with a View to Match
As food lovers, we are in a constant pursuit of tantalising our palates. Whether it’s scouring alleyway stalls or snagging a reservation at the latest fine-dining haunt, the thrill is in the next bite. And in Malaysia, where culinary newcomers are as frequent as our tropical downpours, there’s always something fresh to look forward to. Enter Torito, the first authentic Peruvian-Japanese restaurant in Kuala Lumpur that opened its lofty doors officially in late March.
Perched on Level 53 of the prestigious Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur, Torito makes quite the entrance. The first thing that sweeps you off your feet (aside from the altitude) is the arresting interior. The restaurant takes its name from the Torito de Pucará, a bull-shaped emblem of prosperity and protection from the Andean highlands of Peru. Believed to bring joy and good fortune, these charming ceramic bulls are a common sight in Peruvian homes, and here at Torito, they dot the décor like lucky talismans. Another standout feature is a custom artwork by local artist Miriam Omar, a kaleidoscopic take on the Torito motif that marries cultural heritage with contemporary flair.
Of course, one cannot ignore the view. Oh, the view. Floor-to-ceiling windows open up to Kuala Lumpur’s glittering skyline, offering diners a dazzling panorama that includes Merdeka 118, the KL Tower, and countless others. It’s not hard to imagine this becoming the go-to venue for proposals, anniversaries, or any excuse to toast life’s finer moments.
But let’s talk about the food, shall we? After all, that’s why we’re here.
At the helm is Chef Iván Casusol, a Lima-born Peruvian who brings not just culinary prowess, but personal history to the plate. His menu is a heartfelt homage to his grandmother and mother’s recipes, infused with flair, precision, and a deep understanding of Southeast Asian ingredients, thanks to his seven years in the region.
Our meal began on a delightful high. The Pan de Yuca, a freshly baked cassava bread, arrived warm and fragrant, accompanied by a housemade Peruvian chilli sauce. Chewy with a delicate sweetness, and just enough heat to tease without overwhelming, it was dangerously addictive. Think of it as the Latin American cousin of our beloved roti paung, but with a spicy twist.
Then came the Nikkei-styled sushi, a clever nod to the Japanese-Peruvian culinary crossover. The acevichado roll was a refreshing medley of fresh tuna, prawn and a delightful crunch from onion tempura. The salmon roll, meanwhile, packed a fiery punch with aji amarillo sauce, mellowed slightly by creamy avocado and garlic furikake. Both were exquisitely balanced and beautifully plated.
Next, the ceviche clásico which is perhaps the soul of Peruvian cuisine. Here, slices of raw barramundi were bathed in Leche de Tigre (Tiger’s Milk), a citrus-based marinade that hits with tang and zing in equal measure. Paired with sweet potato cubes and crisp fried squid, this was a dish that sang with brightness and texture. It instantly transported us to sun-drenched shores—Fiji, to be exact—where we first encountered Kokoda, a similar marinated fish dish. Malaysian palates might also find it reminiscent of hinava from Sabah or umai in Sarawak. Kindred spirits, yes, but each with their own delicious dialect.
For the mains, the grilled Hokkaido scallop stole the show. Plump, juicy and lightly charred, it came with a trio of Peruvian sauces that added a creamy richness, counterbalanced by the sharpness of diced shallots. It was elegant yet deeply comforting. Alongside this, we had the lomo saltado, a wok-tossed beef tenderloin dish with red onions, tomatoes and coriander served with rice and bold, smoky seasoning. Hearty, soulful, and perfect for mopping up with a spoon.
Dessert came in the form of picarones, Peru’s answer to doughnuts. These golden rings of sweet potato and squash were crisp on the outside, tender within, and drenched in a fig syrup that tasted gloriously like liquid caramel. A scoop of honeydew ice cream on the side provided a fresh, cooling contrast that delivered a playful yet sophisticated end to our meal.
All in all, Torito may be new, but it’s already proving that it has staying power. With its stunning skyline views, heartfelt hospitality, and a menu that boldly bridges continents, this is one dining experience you won’t forget. Make a reservation here if you are in the mood for an intimate dinner or a celebration with style. Just don’t forget to look out the window when dining here — that is if you can tear yourself away from the plate.
For reservations, please contact:
Telephone – +603 2113 1823
WhatsApp – +6016-313 2968
Email – torito.kl@banyantree.com
Operating Hours:
Mondays to Sundays, 7 days a week
Lunch: 12.00pm – 4.30pm
Dinner: 6.00pm – 10.00pm
Address:
Level 53, Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur
2 Jalan Conlay, 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
About The Author
Officially a Deputy Editor with over 10 years in travel media. Unofficially? A professional suitcase overpacker with a knack for turning chance encounters and itineraries into vivid, story-driven features. When not fine-tuning articles, she's likely front row at a concert, taste-testing something spicy, or deep in a conversation that veered wonderfully off-topic.
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