La Masa
Mexican, Merchant City, 26a Renfield Street
£53.35 for 1 starter, 2 tacos, 2 tostadas, 1 barbacoa and 2 cokes
Brie: “Alright, so La Masa – another Mexican spot for us. I feel like tacos have become a theme lately. Not that I’m complaining, but this one didn’t quite hit the mark for me.”
Basil: “I wouldn’t be so quick to write it off, Brie. I thought it was solid. Let’s start with the best bit: the Masa Calamari. Although it was slightly odd that we ordered it as a starter and it didn't arrive till halfway through the meal, we were forewarned that the food comes as it is ready. Despite the wait, the yuzu tajin calamari might be the best calamari I’ve ever had.”
Brie: “I’ll agree with you there. It was perfectly crispy, and the yuzu added a bright, citrusy punch. Honestly, it was a standout dish. The waitress mentioned many people have been complimenting it lately, and I can see why. If they’d only served calamari, I’d have been happy.”
Basil: “Same here. It was the highlight of the meal for me. But the tacos deserve a mention too. My monkfish taco, for instance, was delicious – light, fresh, and really well-balanced.”
Brie: “I’ll give you the monkfish taco – I had a bite, and it was good. But my beef birria taco? A letdown. The beef was tasty, earthy, and well-seasoned, but it felt heavy and one-note paired with just cheese. It needed something fresh or crunchy to cut through it all. And, bizarrely, I found it tough to chew. That’s not something I expect from beef.”
Basil: “See, I liked that taco. The warm, earthy-cheesy combination worked for me. I think it just comes down to personal taste there. Your chipotle chicken tostada, though – that looked like a winner.”
Brie: “It was nice… The chicken was tender, and the smoked mango relish on top added a lovely sweetness. It had a better balance of flavours than the beef taco, that’s for sure. But even then, I wouldn’t say it blew me away. And I think the single-serving setup contributed to my disappointment. You only get one taco per order, so if you don’t love it, there’s no second bite to win you over.”
Basil: “Fair point. Overall, the portions felt a bit on the smaller side. Take the barbacoa dish we finished with – the Picanha Beef Steak. Tasty, but not exactly the mountain of beef I’d imagined. It was more like eight slices. It felt underwhelming for a sharing dish.”
Brie: “Exactly. The flavours were fine – smoky, tender, and well-cooked – but nothing to write home about. If I’m honest, it was forgettable.”
Basil: “One thing that wasn’t forgettable? Those giant Mexican colas. I loved how they were less sweet than regular cola. At £5 each, though, they were pricey.”
Brie: “Agreed. Refreshing, but steep. And the atmosphere of the place was great. Colourful, with mood lighting – you could tell they were going for a relaxed fiesta vibe. The open kitchen was fun to watch, and the service was excellent. Our host explained the menu in a friendly way without sounding rehearsed, which I appreciated.”
Basil: “Me too. It’s a great spot for a casual night out, but if you’re going for the tacos, I’d say manage your expectations. My monkfish taco and the calamari were the clear winners. What about your verdict, Brie?”
Brie: “The calamari alone is worth going back for. But overall, the food didn’t live up to the hype for me. The single-serving taco system didn’t help, and the dishes, while decent, didn’t blow me away. The decor and vibe are fun, but I have been to better Mexican restaurants.”
Basil: “Fair enough. For me, it’s a yes for the calamari and monkfish tacos. It’s not life-changing, but I’d go back. That’s what’s great about us doing this together – different tastes, same table!”
Three Things to Know About La Masa (Glasgow):
- The yuzu calamari is a must-try – Crispy, bright, and packed with flavour. Easily the highlight of the meal for both of us.
- Tacos are hit or miss – The monkfish taco stood out as fresh and well-balanced, while the beef birria fell flat—heavy, a bit tough, and lacking contrast.
- Fun vibe, smaller portions – Friendly service and colourful decor create a great atmosphere, but portion sizes (especially for sharing dishes) felt underwhelming for the price.