Tips: - This eatery is near the food court. Walk to the back of it and hang a right. Master Tako is in this aisle, on the right. - Debit and cash are acceptable payment methods. - The mentaiko takoyaki tends to sell out quickly. I recently visited Master Tako thanks to a Yelp elite experience. I've been back for more. I tend to steer away from coming to New Kennedy Square at the height of lunch or dinner. It's busy here and parking can be a challenge. I'm a newbie visiting the food court. I typically visit eateries that are separate from the indoor mall part itself. This eatery is next to the food court. If you walk all the way to the back of the food court and hang a right, Master Tako is in this aisle, on the right. I liked all the graphics that this place curated in its store, and on all its packaging and marketing materials. It had lots of octopuses everywhere, from plushies, to the main one hanging from the ceiling with the name of the business. The ordering process is straightforward. The menu is on the right, on the wall. You look at each poster representing a different takoyaki flavour with a picture. Under the poster is the price for six pieces. If you want that flavour, you tear a sheet off the pad that indicates the flavour. You then go to the counter and hand it over to a staff member. Staff are extremely nice. They are patient, too. I love the curry cheese lava takoyaki. This place has sodas. This place only accepts debit and cash. Thank goodness I came with cash and a debit card. It typically takes ten minutes to make the takoyaki. It may take longer if the demand is high. I took photos as I waited. There is seating along the left wall if you'd like to dine in. Otherwise, if it's busy, you always have the food court as a backup. The woman asked if I wanted my drink now or with my takoyaki. It was ready. I went ahead and grabbed it from her. It came with a paper straw. My white peach soda was excellent. It was fizzy and slightly sweet. The peach flavour was yummy. I'd get it again. The nice woman let me know that my order was ready. You get a receipt with your order number and it's also displayed above the only screen in the eatery. She asked me if I was going to dine in or do takeout. It was the latter for me, as I was working from home. I got to take a few photos of my takoyaki. She took it back and packed it into a cool octopus-themed box. I love Japanese curry. Pair that awesome sauce with cheese and takoyaki, and it's heavenly! All takoyaki balls were still warm. The curry sauce was so good that I didn't leave any of it behind. The cheese was generous and I had a cheese pull with every takoyaki ball. The octopus chunks were generous. The size of each ball was huge compared to what I have seen and had at other eateries. The takoyaki was delicious. I've now had the curry cheese lava takoyaki twice. I should branch out and try another flavour, but I crave the curry sauce with the cheese and takoyaki. The mentaiko takoyaki had already sold out by the time I got here. This store opens at noon most days, except for Mondays and Tuesdays. I got here an hour after its opening. If you want the mentaiko takoyaki, you need to be here at noon sharp. I'm glad that this eatery is close to my home. I'll be back for more! (106) read more

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The service was kind and quick. I had the black truffle and it was so delicious. So much flavours packed into those bites. The atmosphere was stunning. It's such a small little place but the decor makes it big . read more

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This was a really special takeout place. It looks Japanese design-a lot of octopus with different materials. The menu was on the wall with pictures. This was our first time trial. We don't really want the traditional one. But we don't like wasabi food either. So we picked the Mentaiko one. We waited about 15 or 20 mins to get our order. The box was unique and the paper bag was so cute. My little one loves to carry it for a long way. The chopsticks bag also have their octopus logo. My little girl loves it so much. It was delicious and it did have good amount of octopus pieces inside. I can't wait to come for the next time. read more

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Was fun to try tako yaki that was cooked from scratch. Tried black truffled tako yaki that came with 6 pieces for $16.99. It ain't cheap and did not taste much truffle. However takoyaki itself was very tasty. read more

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I will begin with this: I was only in Japan less than 3 months ago as of this review, and have sampled many of their supposed best takoyaki places. This place was pretty good, and probably as close as it'll get to the real thing across the pond. Coming back to Markham for my annual holiday visit, my parents took me twice here to Master Tako. There are several takoyaki options shown on the wall, and all you have to do is tear the "ticket" underneath the selection and hand it to the cashier. In my first time here I had the green onion takoyaki. The flavours unfortunately didn't mesh well, though I can tell that the takoyaki itself is very good. In my second time, I ordered the wasabi infused takoyaki and the tobiko takoyaki. The wasabi takoyaki was good, albeit a bit higher spice than I expected for the wasabi. The tobiko takoyaki was also very good, a lot better than the green onion one I had. I heard good things about the mentaiko takoyaki, but I never ended up trying that. Perhaps next time? Cash and debit only as per the signs, however...I accidentally had my credit card swiped on my wallet, and it did register. So the machines do accept credit cards, but let's work to ensure these businesses survive. read more

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So many good things to say about this place! I'm glad I finally got to try it after seeing it take over my social media this summer. 10/10 for the vibes, service, and packaging for sure! I would like to see a change in their hours though - perhaps maybe open a little later, especially on weekends? I love the atmosphere. The decor makes it feel like you've just stepped onto the foodie streets of Osaka. The decor and packaging are so cohesive. The study boxes and take out bag are all designed really well and high quality. I like the straight-forward menu - a good amount of choices that cater to all palettes. When I went, they were having a sale on all the Takoyaki, plus 25% off your 2nd box. Obviously, this is still slightly more than your standard takoyaki pricing, however, these are larger than usual. Each takoyaki has ~2 small pieces of octopus in it. I feel like they could've put 1 or 2 more since these takoyakis are larger. If you feel like it's too expensive, brush up on your reaction skills because if you can stop the timer at the exact price of your takoyaki, then it's free! For example, if your order is $14.99 and $16.99, you have two chances to stop the timer - once at 14.99 seconds and once at 16.99 seconds. Note: I'm not sure if I'm just unlucky but the wooden chopsticks were very, very splintery - so be careful! read more

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Had the uni cream flavour and loved it! Been a while since we've had good takoyaki and this place doesn't disappoint. The uni and seaweed topping had great balance, would definitely try again if I'm in the area. The unagi flavour was also good but definitely has a more fishy flavour. There are a few seats in the store as well and staff was super friendly! read more

Master Tako - Japanese Near Me - Markham, Ontario

Small little store front in plaza specializing in takoyaki for Japan. Many different flavors to choose from. Very well decorated eye capturing in Japan style store. Items were good. It does take a bit of time to cook takoyaki that is to be expected. All the menu and details on the wall easy to read. Opposite wall they have bar table top with a couple of bar chairs. Very hot be careful when biting in. Flavour can be described as savoury sauce, creamy kewipie mayo with seaweed and bonita flakes. Kind of melts in your mouth, mouth feel. Yum! Washrooms use food court ones. read more

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I've been so curious about this spot (as I keep seeing reels for this place) and finally had a chance to check it out. It's a small take out store in a mall that is very playful and fun looking (definitely picture worthy!). The staff were very sweet and the service was noticeably quick! And I just love their packaging so much. Size and flavour of the takoyaki was just like the one that I tried in Osaka! The whole vibe brings me to the memory back to when I travel to Osaka. Such satisfying experience in many ways. More than willing to visit again :) read more

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Master Tako is located on the right hand side of the food court in one of those individual shops. The shop is super cute with lots of Japanese manga/anime + childhood references. You can easily order by tearing off the slips on the wall to indicate which flavour(s) you want, and hand it to the ladies at the cashier to process your order. The flying fish roe, and the unagi were my favourites. The ingredients on top were so loaded! The packaging is absolutely extra with such a beautiful design! Can't wait to come back and try more flavours ^^ read more

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A cute anime themed shop selling a different flavors of takoyaki. The takoyaki seems to be fried as its crispy on the outside and soft on the inside with small pieces of octopus. They have a variety of unique and cool flavors to try. Went with the gold foil unagi takoyaki and curry cheese lava takoyaki. Definitely like the curry cheese takoyaki more with the cheesy pull. The unagi takoyaki is kinda plain as its a normal takoyaki topped with unagi. It would be better with more octopus inside for the price. read more

Master Tako - Japanese Near Me - Markham, Ontario

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Finally got a chance to try the takoyaki at the viral Master Tako! We got mentaiko and noriutakoyaki. I loved the mentaiko one! IMO the pieces of octopus were very small (same size as or smaller than night market). Texture was a little fluffier than what you'd get at night markets, but overall tasteless without the sauce. The sauces really do carry the taste of the entire dish. Whoever did the design of the box and bags deserves THREE raises. Very vibrant and cute, loved the decor, the little tags, and the GIANT bag! All excellent quality :) Service was absolutely 5*. Very sweet and patient. They also have a scratch card where if you collect all 5 characters in their name, you get a reward! Creative and interesting loyalty program. read more

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Tried out Master Tako, a spot known for its fun variety of takoyaki like original, unagi, tobiko, wasabi, and truffle etc. The space is super cute, with Japanese manga, anime, and childhood nostalgia wallpaper. Ordering is also easy, just tear off the slips on the wall for the flavours we want and hand them to the staff. The packaging, in-store vibe, and service were great, but the wait was a little long. By the time we got them, some were already cooling down. But tbf, we ordered 5 different flavors, maybe that was quite the wait. We ordered: * Wasabi Infused * Gold leaf unagi * Tobiko * Mentaiko * Black truffle The takoyaki itself was decent, but definitely on the saltier side. They go heavy on the toppings, though I wish there were more filling inside. Prices are on the higher end compared to other takoyaki spots in Toronto, but I'd still come back just for the truffle and unagi. read more

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Actually really great Takoyaki. Restaurant and everything about it is excessive nice. Lots of attention to detail. Packaging is crazy nice. Service was quick. Hope they survive cause I'm sure the cost is really high and this is street food so they can't charge too much. Overall it's great food, service and experience. read more

Master Tako - Japanese Near Me - Markham, Ontario

This new takoyaki place is located in New Kennedy Square near the food court area. They feature 8 different types of takoyaki and we got the spring onion and crab roe topping. To order, you tear off the slips by the takoyaki and hand it to the cashier. They make the takoyaki balls fresh when you order so it's nice and steamy hot when you get it. They don't skimp on the toppings, which I loved. The takoyaki balls are much larger than the ones you would order from the restaurant. They have a few big pieces of octopus in them and taste fantastic. While they are on the pricier side, it's worth giving a try! The staff are extremely friendly, the store front has an amazing design and their packaging is beautiful. Im looking forward to going back again to try their other flavours! read more

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Amazing time at master tako. Markham finally has a place in town that sells Takoyaki. We got the osaka style original takoyaki and the mentaiko. My favourite out of the two was the osaka style original. The restaurant is very nicely decorated and service was amazing. We also tried their lychee soda which was also super delicious and paired very well with the takoyaki. The method of ordering is very creative and interesting. Also the take out packaging is over the top amazing haha. I will be back to try more!! read more

The takoyaki was pretty good and the packaging is cute, but it's still pricey for what it is. I tried the mentaiko flavour which was yummy but I recommend just half the brown sauce as it is quite salty and takes away from the actual mentaiko flavour. I will be back to try other flavours. read more

Master Tako - Japanese Near Me - Markham, Ontario

They make the takoyaki fresh on the spot so there's a bit of wait but so worth it as it so fresh! It's not chewy or hard like some places. This one is actually so light and flavourful! Love the options they have and such a crazy cool interior as well! read more

Master Tako - Truffle and seaweed takoyaki - Japanese Near Me - Markham, Ontario

The best takoyaki. They load each dish with so many toppings. Look at the tobiko they put on this takoyaki. It was almost too much. The unagi takoyaki was the best. read more

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I love takoyaki so had to check out this new spot when it opened! Located inside the mall of Peachtree Centre, you'll find this spot filled with beautifully designed walls with inspiration from Japan. The concept of the business is quite neat, you look at their wall of takoyaki flavours you want and rip off a piece of their paper/ notepad of which one you'd like to purchase. Bring it to the cash to check out. They had a variety of flavours ranging from your original takoyaki flavour to mentaiko, to truffle, eel and more. Prices also range from $10 - $18 depending on which flavour you get. I opted for the green onion takoyaki since I love green onions, and boy do they not skim out on the green onions at all! The wait was quite long, but expected since it's new and there's a hype around this right now. Getting my order I immediately noticed the beautiful, high quality packaging that comes with your food which I really appreciate. Taste wise of the takoyaki was also amazing. It was fresh, flavourful and had a gooey inside. Overall, I loved this spot and can't wait to come back to try their other flavours. Great as a snack for sure! read more

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I do not like takoyaki. Never liked it. Until I tasted MASTER TAKO. I was so wowed. It was soooo good. Made fresh and the umami. How many more times can I say it's seriously good! Definitly go on week day. Weekends are crazy busy. It's a cute small shop. Standing room only. So eat in the food court. Better to eat it fresh. read more

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Master Tako is such a fun and flavorful spot! We tried the Gold Leaf Unagi Takoyaki and the Mentaiko Takoyaki - both were delicious. The outer shell had a perfect crisp, and the inside was soft and creamy. The unagi felt rich and indulgent, while the mentaiko had a great salty, savory kick. A nice part of the charm is the game-like experience. You can win free takoyaki by stopping a timer at exactly 14.99 seconds, and there's also a scratch card challenge (collect five different designs and you get a free order). It adds a fun and interactive touch that makes you want to come back. Also, everything was super cute, from the packaging to the takeout bag. You can tell they put a lot of care into both the food and the branding. Great food, great vibes, and a really fun overall experience. read more

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From walking into Master Tako, the ambiance takes you right to Japan. It's such a cute new spot to try many different flavours of takoyaki. The service is friendly, fast and attentive. You can stand here to eat or take out with a super cute bag. As you enter you will select your flavour by peeling a takoyaki sheet on the wall. The gold foil Unagi takoyaki was so tasty, a thick piece of beautifully flavoured eel and a big piece of octopus inside. The crab roe takoyaki, not only a burst as the poster described but a small mountain full of tobiko, just as the photo displayed. The wasabi infused takoyaki has a nice kick and well balanced. I will definitely come back to try other items! read more

Takoyaki specialty store. The presentation was amazing and I loved the concept of the store. Taste was really good but the dough was a bit thick for my personal likings. They aren't the small takoyaki you usually get at restaurants these are like double the size. Staff was also super friendly. read more

Master Tako - Takoyaki - Japanese Near Me - Markham, Ontario

Food and Service are always spot on in here! I also like the ambiance with the anime newspaper clippings on the wall! :) Takoyakis are amazing! Recently they have a new flavour too which is Umi flavoured takoyaki. I have lost count how many times I have bought takoyakis and drinks here. Highly recommend this place! read more

Master Tako - Matcha Latte and one of the flavours of the takoyakis I always ordered here. - Japanese Near Me - Markham, Ontario

Great new spot with stylish decor and fun food. They specialize in takoyaki--the Japanese savory octopus cakes. Every item is basically the same takoyaki, just dressed in different toppings. The unagi version features grilled eel and a touch of gold leaf for a luxe vibe, while the mentaiko one is topped with salty fish roe. Each order includes 6 sizable balls. They're cooked well, but I missed the red pickles that gave the takoyaki I had in Tokyo an extra kick. I'd bring a date here for the show and some authentic Japanese snacks. read more

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The entire shop setup was so cute! The decorations consisted of octopus balloons, anime posters, little plushies and figurines including a banana octopus . There was a cute takoyaki neon sign behind the counter. As you can see their boxes and bags are so cute and extra and the shop fits that vibe. The service was fast enough - I mean its takoyaki. We got three flavours - the eel and the truffle which both cost $16. And the green onion which cost $12. the takoyaki were big and yummy - not quite at the price point and like my friend mentioned the good flakes on top of the eel was literally just to increase the price of the dish. His favorite was the truffle. I think mine tied between the green onion (for a fresher taste) and the eel (more flavourful) because the truffle was just a little too truffley for me (so if you love truffle that is the one to go for ). They dont really have a place to sit - they do have a standing counter to eat at but we ate at the malls food court which was around the corner. read more

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The Takoyaki here is hands down the best I've had in town. They're perfectly crisp on the outside, soft and melty on the inside, and generously filled and topped with rich layered flavors. Though slightly on the pricey side, every bite is worth it for the freshness and quality alone. Beyond the food, the shop has a unique charm. The interior is lined with awesome Japanese anime posters that really enhance the vibe and give it an authentic feel. Even the takeout packaging stood out which was cute I almost didn't want to toss it out. The menu is small, but the few items I tried were delicious and I'm confident the rest are as well. I'll definitely be back for more. read more

Tastes just like Osaka and authentic! Highly recommend Master Takoyaki! I had the original, scallion, and unagi