Il Toro Woodfire Grill is a new restaurant in Gemmill Lane, where 90% of the menu is cooked over an open flame. But is it all smoke and no fire, or did it bring the heat?
Gemmill Lane in Club Street, where the new Il Toro Woodfire Grill has set up shop, is seeing a resurgence on the culinary radar alongside Parisian-inspired steakhouse La Vache!. Il Toro Woodfire Grill is a new restaurant in Singapore that combines modern Italian woodfire flair with an Australian soul, where most of the menu is cooked over an open flame. Intrigued by the description, I decided to head down and see if this place was about to raise the steaks… or just burn through my expectations.
Il Toro Woodfire Grill in Singapore review: Details at a glance
Best for: Meat lovers, date nights, and anyone craving a modern woodfire dining experience
Must-try items: Focaccia with beef fat candle; Coffin Bay oysters with yuzu koshu & smoked beef fat; Blackmore wagyu MS9+ tri tip
How much: Starters from $8; mains from $40; desserts at $16
Opening hours: Tuesdays to Sundays, 12pm to 2.30pm & 5.30pm to 10.30pm
Address: Il Toro Woodfire Grill, 18 Gemmill Lane, Singapore 069255
The story behind the bull
Something I’ve observed about woodfire grill restaurants is how similar they are to one another. Sexy interiors, moody lighting, dark wood accents, and that open kitchen moment where you get a front-row seat to the live-fire action. These descriptions fit Il Toro Woodfire Grill to a T… and there’s nothing wrong with that. Whatever works, right?
Il Toro takes its cue from founder chef Drew Nocente’s family farm in Australia, where a black bull often wandered through the orchards – a fitting nod to the restaurant’s name, which means ‘the bull’ in Italian.
I had to ask why the restaurant picked Gemmill Lane for its new playground. According to the team, it’s because sister brand Cenzo is just a stone’s throw away, and they want to keep ‘the family’ close. Plus, Gemmill Lane (and the surrounding area) is buzzing with cool food spots (hi, fellow Aussie brand Gelato Messina!), giving Il Toro instant street cred.
What to order (and skip)
Il Toro’s menu is split into several sections, but don’t worry, I’m here to tell you what’s good to order for your appetite. My dinner kicked off with the focaccia and beef fat candle ($8). It may look unassuming, but it left me pleasantly surprised. The bread soaked up the beef fat – you can wait for the candle to melt, but I was famished and didn’t want to waste a second! – and tasted savoury-sweet. It got me hyped up for the rest of the meal.
If you like shellfish, the Coffin Bay oysters with yuzu koshu and smoked beef fat ($6 per piece) are a must-have on your table. I loved how stacked the flavours were: deliciously savoury beef fat with the zingy condiment, adding layers to the briny, salty oysters. The foie gras, fig, and pistachio ($8 per piece) is a worthy follow-up, making it three for three in terms of foodie hits.
My excitement was brought down a couple of pegs after I tried the turbot served with fermented tomato dashi ($68). The fish tasted slightly overdone, which I attributed to cooking over an open flame. The same could be said for tiger prawns with garlic chilli ($32 for four pieces) – the sauce was top-notch (perfect for those who love spicy), but the prawns were not as juicy and tender as I would have liked.
Let the meat parade begin
The mains are where Il Toro Woodfire Grill truly shines. It’s basically a meat parade, a who’s who of chow that you can sink your teeth into. My dinner companion and I were blown away by the Blackmore wagyu MS9+ tri tip ($78, 200g). That whisper of char and buttery marbling? Unreal. The tender meat immediately melts in your mouth, coating it with delicious umami flavour that made my head spin with joy.
Life is all about balance, so pair the rich meat with a yummy side of baby potatoes in hot honey and ricotta ($12). You can never go wrong with carbs drenched in a sweet and spicy sauce.
Choose between four desserts to cap off your meal, though I reckon you should skip the mint slice al fuoco ($16). While I did like the smoked chocolate ganache and the meringue lent some texture, the mint semi-froddo ultimately overpowered the entire dish. Only get this if you’re into intensely fresh, minty flavours; otherwise, you’ll risk smelling like a walking toothpaste afterwards.
Is Il Toro worth it?
Il Toro Woodfire Grill has the bones of a real contender; the kind of place that, with a few tweaks, could go from promising newcomer to full-blown heavyweight. For now, it’s worth visiting if you crave meats that flirt with fire and dishes that aren’t afraid to show a little soul.
One more thing I loved about the restaurant? It’s the ideal spot for all kinds of gatherings, from intimate first dates to catching up with former colleagues over delish dishes and tipples. Pro tip: don’t sit too close to the flame unless you want to smell like the main course.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of cuisine does Il Toro specialise in?
Il Toro primarily specialises in woodfire-grilled dishes, with a strong emphasis on exceptional cuts of meat (steaks) and fresh seafood. While the grilling technique is central, the cuisine draws on classic Italian and contemporary flavours, resulting in a diverse and exciting menu.
Does Il Toro have a wine list to pair with the food?
The restaurant boasts a thoughtfully curated list featuring selections from various regions, specifically chosen to complement the rich, woodfire-grilled dishes. The staff can also provide recommendations for perfect pairings.
Is Il Toro suitable for special occasions?
Absolutely. It’s perfect for date nights, small gatherings, or catching up with friends over delish dishes and tipples. Pro tip: sit a little away from the open kitchen if you don’t want to smell like smoke all night.
Can I make a reservation at Il Toro Woodfire Grill?
Yes! Highly recommended for weekends or peak dinner hours. Gemmill Lane gets busy, and you don’t want to risk waiting.
Is there a dress code?
The dress code is typically smart casual. While it's a sophisticated dining experience, it's not overly formal, so neat attire is perfect.
