Maracas

Chef Ling does it again! A true artist in action over here. With an ever-changing menu built around solid staple items, Maracas delivers an authentic experience of Toronto culture while paying homage to Trinidadian roots. If you decide to visit, take a moment to meet Chef Ling, a beautiful soul who not only serves up delicious meals, but also radiates a loving spirit with his great style and energy! Friday nights usually feature live music and live art - def' a great vibe! Vegetarian options: Always available. Dietary restrictions: My friend was vegan and was having a hard time finding something on the menu - Chef Ling surprised him with an off menu item that sealed the deal on a truly awesome night! Good show sir! Parking: Street parking is best, always able to find a spot. If not, park further south on Parliament - allows you to take in the community and other great spots in Cabbage Town. Kid-friendliness: Always welcome, but Maracas energy is best suited for a mature crowd who loves to live it up! Wheelchair accessibility: Front of house seating is a great vibe and a perfect way to experience cabbage town.

Thanks again for accommodating my unfortunately timed visit today coming home from work! I am glad you did, I really enjoyed the doubles, they were phenomenal, it felt home cooked with love, polar opposite to the MSG/cheap-fry-oil experience I sometimes tolerate at restaurants for convenience and/or nostalgia. Notably the pepper bright, punchy but not overbearing, perfect balance : I can tell they were probably pretty before I biked over a bunch of potholes with them, I'll sit in and share a picture sometime. Can't wait to try the rest of the menu, I'm confident I'll like anything out of Ling's kitchen. Update: Found time to drop in for the shark and bake, and some more doubles 6/5 Stars, so glad to have Maracas around the corner!

The food at Maracas was a true masterpiece. Every bite was a burst of exquisite flavors that danced on my palate. From the perfectly cooked meats to the fresh and vibrant vegetables, each dish showcased the culinary expertise and attention to detail of the talented chefs. It was a culinary delight that left me craving for more and the ambience is amazing.

We had the doubles, mango chow, goat curry and chicken Rasta pasta- everything was delicious!! I enjoyed especially the tamarind flavour in the doubles, the crispy chicken skin in the pasta, super flavourful goat curry and the pillowy roti. Everything was freshly made to order and you can taste that everything was thoughtfully made!Food: 5/5

Eating at maracas is a breath of fresh air as the hospitality is beyond anything you could ever expect to be greeted with in the city. Chef Ling’s cheerful demeanor, the calming ambiance of the restaurant, and the fragrant aromas will leave you believing that you’ve been transported to the Caribbean. And as soon as you taste Chef Ling’s incredible cooking you won’t be able to stop eating. Chef Ling’s doubles are the best in the city; the fresh-made tamarind sauce and fresh-made hot sauce create the perfect flavour fusion. The curry crab and dumpling dish, the basil infused pumpkin soup, the stewed oxtail, the fresh made pasta with lobster cream sauce, the jerk chicken and bake dish, I could seriously go on forever, all of these dishes make my mouth water at the smell, sight, and taste of each. The diverse textures, quality meat, and fresh local vegetables, are all utilized to highlight Chef Ling’s incredible creative culinary expression that truly amazes the tastebuds. I can’t believe that I’ve just discovered Maracas as it has now become my favourite spot in the city. I can’t wait to taste every single dish on Chef Ling’s ever evolving taste-of-Trini menu. Maracas should be the next destination for every foodie in the city!

My experience here was absolutely delightful ! Everyone is so welcoming and charming. I felt as though I was reconnecting with old pals ! Ling is an amazing chef and I could really sense his passion for cooking. I highly recommend everyone to go to Maracas restaurant, the food and drinks are definitely top-tier Thank you for such an incredible experience and phenomenal service Ling/Ben, see yall soon

Beginning with deep Trini roots, Chef Ling is the bright, friendly heart of this establishment. Amazing service, amazing, fresh food- rolled out & made right before you! The doubles- gawwwwsh. The light, airy roti- I'm a Trini, so I hold these things to a very high standard. Huge, delicious pass on ALL!! They have a pleasantly authentic, weekly-changing menu, and whatever you choose- You'll be happy to de bone IYKYK

UNREAL! We decided to try out the newest spot in the neighbourhood and discovered Owner/Chef Ling who is so talented. Best doubles I've ever had. We also got the BBQ chicken with mac and cheese and it was delicious. Will definitely be back soon! Check out their IG @maracas.ca

Finally managed to check out one of the new additions to Cabbagetown. So glad we did! The food was spectacular! You can taste the richness of flavour with every bite. We both had delicious chicken dishes. The roti is also a standout! Small place, but absolutely a must-try if you're looking for quality Caribbean food. I can't wait to be back.

My brother and his girlfriend were in town from Colorado and I’m always looking for unique dining experiences to share with visitors to Toronto. Chef Ling prepared a fantastic three course tasting menu for the three of us this evening, in a bit of a preview for his upcoming special event this Friday. Honestly, each dish was superb - but I think the bake & shark with tamarind dipping sauce was my favourite. Chef Ling was a delightful host and I can’t wait to go back and try everything on the menu!!