Maracas

I have mixed views about this place. The first time I went everything was great. I ordered the bake and shark and it was tasty. The second time, I arrived when they just opened. I was told to come back in 30 minutes as they had not finished preparing the food. I came back and was told that they were not ready to take orders as yet. I had to leave to take care of other things. The owner told me to let him know when I would be back and that my order would be ready for pickup. I came back an hour and half later and my order had not been started (4 doubles and 1 curry crab and dumpling). Another hour and half later and my order was finally ready. I was disappointed with the food and service. The barra was too oily and it lacked the quintessential essence of Trinidadian doubles. The price isn't justifiable and definitely isn't Toronto's best doubles. The curry crab wasn't seasoned well and was lacking in flavour. The cleanliness inside of the restaurant also needs to be addressed. This is poor representation of Trinidadian cuisine and culture. Like I said, I have mixed views. It has potential to be great. They need to focus on customer service and preparing food in advance.

August 23, 2020 on Google

Went in few days ago to try the doubles. Met the owner a few weeks back and I had promised to come back to try the doubles! Only reason I am giving three stars is because the doubles was tasty and fresh however the bara was way to oily, and the price point of $5 for one doubles seems a bit to steep for what it is. The place is really nice and ambiance is just like back home! I will be coming back to try the bake and shark and will give a re-review!

August 7, 2020 on Google

Went to try out some real Trini food and support the new spot. The music out front is good, the owner is cool, but the food is a 3. The filling in the pumpkin roti wasn’t soft and over salted. In the curry goat, the dish looked great but the rice tasted old and no flavour. We want to see this place stick around because the vibes are good! Spending more time on the food to keep it fresh with good flavour may keep it around. If you’re coming for the rum alone, you’re probably alright.

July 5, 2020 on Google

I've eaten here twice and will definitely be back. Amazing spot for Trinidadian food downtown. The doubles are an amazing appetizer or if you're in the mood for something small. The Bake and Shark is so flavorful. I recently celebrated a milestone birthday there and had a spectacular time. Definitely worth a visit if you're in Kensington Market!

January 21, 2020 on Google

Why haven't I eaten here sooner? Oh I know, I would still like to fit in my jeans. I am a guaranteed repeat customer with food and service this good. I had the bake and shark and I'm still thinking about it. The doubles, wow! Made to order and not greasy as some other places. Server was super nice and explained things to me considering I'm not a Caribbean food aficionado - I'm sure she could tell as I was sweating from the mildest level of spice and used 3 napkins on my hot bald head. Great spot in Kensington market and looking forward to my next meal.

May 20, 2019 on Google

A new addition to Kensington Market and a must for anyone looking for a touch of Caribbean (Trini) flavour presented to a high standard by friendly staff in lovely restaurant. Try the Curry Goat, Doubles and the Bake and Shark..we did and totally enjoyed every bite!

May 20, 2019 on Google

The food was fantastic! The restaurant itself was clean and the decor was fresh. The reason I gave a 4 and not a 5 was just due to the delays with service. The server was pleasant and friendly, it just took a long time to get served and we had to ask about drinks quite a few times. However, I appreciated that the server and owner, recognized the issues and apologized more than once. That in itself made a huge difference in my final opinion of Maracas. This restaurant definitely has some great potential. It is a new restaurant and is bound to have a few bumps, but overall it's a great spot. I would recommend maybe increasing the number of staff, an extra body would make a big difference. I will 100% be returning!

May 20, 2019 on Google

This place opened for a month-ish now and I’m glad I came here before people find out how good the food is. I ordered the curry chicken with coleslaw and had rice as the base and am genuinely surprised at how flavourful the chicken is, not to mention, they added some mangos that gave me a zingy/spicy aftertaste. That definitely opened up my appetite and left me wanting more. The servers were nice and came to check on us every now and then, one of the chefs came over and asked for feedback, I feel like this place will do very well. It’s only a matter of time that they’ll get very busy!! Only negative feedback to Maracas is I wished you gave me bigger portions, my portions were so small that it could feed only a child :)) Edit: also wanted to mention that the kitchen took about 30 minutes to make my dish, which is kind of slow but I’m sure Maracas will improve overtime given they’re still a fairly new restaurant.

May 11, 2019 on Google