Masa Mama

Review summary

1. D

   Dan

   Calgary

   1 review

   3.0

   1 review

   Dined 2 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 4

   I should start by saying that I am very excited about the raft of new restaurants opening up in Marda Loop and hope they all survive. It's maybe a bit unfair to provide a review so soon after a restaurant's opening (I think they've been open a few weeks) but I'm hoping the management will take the following in the spirit they are written - with the best intentions and hoping to see Masa Mama thrive. But there are definitely some kinks to work out first. First, the vibe is great. The place feels like the kind of restaurant where I *want* to eat. We ordered an appetizer and drinks and then a few minutes later, the server took our taco orders. The tacos arrived *extremely* rapidly; before our drinks or appetizer in fact. OK fine. Tacos were about $9 each, which seems expensive, but they are in a 6" tortilla instead of a smaller one that you might see at other taquerias. Turns out this was a bit of an issue, since two tacos each was not quite enough (even with the appetizer) but three seemed excessive. The fillings in the tacos were generous and for the most part tasty and pretty interesting (I had the Korean fish, which tasted just like one of my favourite sandwiches). But the tacos were extremely messy to eat - I think about 1 TBSP of liquid drained out of each of mine. And the duck fat and flour tortillas were so wet they fell apart. The service needs attention - our water glasses were never refilled during the hour or so we were in the restaurant. The bathrooms also needed attention. And when it was time for us to pay, we were brought the credit card machine but no actual bill. Anyway, as I said, I really hope all the above are just kinks that the place can work out because Marda Loop could use a cool taco joint!
   

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2. C

   Crystal

   Hawaii

   15 reviews

   vip
   4.0

   15 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 4
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   Delicious tacos, salsas, and cocktails! Will return!
   

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3. T

   Taylor

   Calgary

   2 reviews

   1.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 3
   4. Ambience 4

   Really unfortunate meal - just a sloppy, bizarrely seasoned mess. Lovely server, cool ambience and gorgeous decor. Really disappointing food.
   

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4. K

   Kait

   Calgary

   6 reviews

   vip
   1.0

   6 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 1
   2. Food 1
   3. Service 1
   4. Ambience 1

   This restaurant is VERY expensive for the portions that you get. Beware…
   

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5. A

   April

   Calgary

   3 reviews

   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 3 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   The space was nice but unfortunately the food was underwhelming. I don’t see myself returning.
   

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6. L

   Lindsay

   Calgary

   2 reviews

   vip
   2.0

   2 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 2
   2. Food 2
   3. Service 2
   4. Ambience 2

   Very Mediocre food, room and service. One of our party of 4 got quite sick. Wouldn’t return.
   

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7. K

   Kristen

   Calgary

   3 reviews

   vip
   3.0

   3 reviews

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 3
   2. Food 3
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 4

   The staff was very nice and the space is cute though tight. I’ve seen and heard a lot of hype around this place online but to be honest I was underwhelmed. The tuna was my favourite out of everything ordered - nice flavour and placed well. The scallop ceviche was average to me (didn’t have the most flavour compared to other ceviches I’ve had) and the sesame cracker was wayyyy too hard - felt like I was going to chip a tooth. The fish taco on the corn tortilla fell apart immediately when picked up (it was the first taco eaten) - ended up fork and knife-ing it. The soft shell taco tasted a little greasy to me, and the shrimp taco was just fine. Overall I would describe my experience as mid.
   

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8. E

   Emily

   Calgary

   1 review

   4.0

   1 review

   Dined 6 days ago

   1. Overall 4
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 4
   4. Ambience 5

   So happy they have a new location. The quesabirria is a must try!
   

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9. M

   Mitchell

   Vancouver

   3 reviews

   5.0

   3 reviews

   Dined on November 25, 2024

   1. Overall 5
   2. Food 5
   3. Service 5
   4. Ambience 5

   Masa Mama is the hottest new taco spot in Calgary, hands down. Great experience. Service was on point, the space is really cool and the food & beverage stole the show. It’s a must try, and I’ll definitely be back.
   

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10. P

    Paul

    Calgary

    8 reviews

    3.0

    8 reviews

    Dined on November 25, 2024

    1. Overall 3
    2. Food 3
    3. Service 4
    4. Ambience 4

    The food overall was OK. Masa Guac really over priced for portion size and taste (bland needed some spice). Really enjoyed eggplant taco. Tofu & pastor tacos nothing special. Wine by the glass over priced…$15 for 3-4 oz. Grilled romaine salad a bit over dressed but do recommend. Service was good
    

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