Spanish evenings at Mario's Toro tapas bar in Karlsruhe

The sound of Spanish guitars, clay bowls with delicious tapas, the finest wines by the glass, flickering candlelight and a beaming host - at Mario Viggiani's Toro in Akademiestrasse, you can feel the Spanish joie de vivre as soon as you enter. As a half-Italian, half-Spaniard who grew up in Karlsruhe, he was faced with the decision to open a Spanish or Italian restaurant concept in 2011. "When I saw these premises, with their very special flair, I knew straight away that a Spanish tapas bar belonged here," he says. He was right, because such a bar is unique in Karlsruhe city center and a visit there should definitely be planned.

Enjoy a delicious selection of hot and cold tapas and special wines at the Toro tapas bar

"All my tapas are specialties from my Basque homeland - the eggplant carpaccio is even an original recipe from my family," Mario reveals. And you can taste it. Mario and his team conjure up hot and cold tapas with a great deal of love for Basque cuisine and immediately evoke summer feelings:

• Jamón Serrano - air-dried ham
• Boquerones en vinagre - pickled anchovies
• Queso manchego - sheep's cheese wedges
• Tortilla - a type of omelette made from eggs and potatoes
• Patatas salsas - boiled and then deep-fried potatoes

These are just some of the hot and cold tapas at Toro. "My philosophy is authenticity," says Viggiani. 

The tapas are complemented by selected wines from the Spanish region. "A special recommendation that I like to give our guests is the Academico wine from the Rioja wine-growing region. This wine is even delivered to the Vatican and drunk there," explains Viggiani proudly.

Spanish desserts for the people of Karlsruhe

For those with a sweet tooth, Mario has of course also brought along a delicious selection of desserts from Spain: rice pudding from Cantabria, Spanish lemon cream or natilla - the special Spanish vanilla pudding - perfect for sharing or enjoying on its own.

With its stone walls, long bar and candlelit seating, the Toro creates an authentic Spanish atmosphere. "In summer, I can open the front window, which is how we do it in bars in Spain, and you get the feeling of sitting right outside. We have also converted the parking spaces in front of the Toro into seating," explains Mario.

Experience Spanish tapas, good wine and the hospitable manner of Mario and his team. Whether as a couple, with friends, family or business partners - you will definitely feel at home at Mario's and spend an unforgettable evening. "A good atmosphere is guaranteed here. We're like one big family here and we pass that on to our guests," says Mario. It can also happen that one of the guests grabs the Toro's guitar and spontaneously serenades him - pure exuberant Spanish joie de vivre!

Reservations via SMS or WhatsApp at: +49 171 1262922.

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