MASA

MASA is a corn-based dough, the foundation of many simple dishes in Mexican cuisine, and MASA is a Californian-Mexican "calizano" style gastrobar in Moscow.

The restaurant is located at 12 Nikitskiy Boulevard, near Moscow's main gastronomic hubs – Patricks and Bolshaya Nikitskaya. This location was favored by the team behind the Tel Aviv bistro "David," consisting of David Kurosh (Bontempi, Primitivo) and Ilya Stepanenko (Borough, Lilyhammer), in collaboration with Mitya Borisov (Jean-Jacques). The partners decided to create a Mexican bar in the same style, joining forces with chef Marco Antonio Ferreira (Sangre Fresca, La Virgen, etc.). The name emphasizes the project's democratic nature: "masa" refers to the corn-based dough that forms the basis of many simple Mexican dishes. The sign above the entrance reads "Comida y bebida," which translates to "food and drinks," immediately revealing the gastrobar's concept to guests. Marco Antonio Ferreira offers comfort food in a Mexican style. The menu features a new take on Latin American cuisine – a blend of Californian-Mexican flavors in the "calizano" style. It includes burritos, quesadillas, tacos, fajitas, a variety of salads and appetizers (from traditional nachos to raw dishes), grilled items, several main courses, and desserts. "A classic that Moscow residents will understand," the chef himself described it. The tortillas and other flatbreads used for the numerous appetizers are made in-house. Be sure to try the tacos and grilled dishes – that's what Marco Antonio Ferreira is known for! Nikolai Volotov, known for his work at the legendary Strela and Golova bars, is the head bartender. He drew inspiration from the Mexican DNA of the project when creating the cocktail menu, offering twists on Mexican classics (Michelada, Batanga, Margarita, Paloma, etc.), with a focus on unique or seasonal ingredients. The head bartender uses juices and carbonated drinks from Russian producers, which have recently appeared on the market. For example, the Batanga uses a sage and cardamom-based lemonade instead of cola. The cocktail menu features 10 different drinks, varying in flavor (tomato, cherry, spicy, with spices, sweet and sour, etc.) and alcohol content, from low-alcohol to truly strong. After asking a few questions, the bartender will prepare a cocktail to suit any taste – whether it's a twist on a Paloma or Michelada, a variation of a Margarita with ginger and feijoa, or a "Penicillin" made with mezcal. And, of course, MASA serves tequila and mezcal, as well as good draft and bottled beer – the traditional must-haves of any Mexican bar. The interior design was created by the AURUM studio. The main hall resembles a courtyard of a traditional Mexican house, with woven lamps and a rustic "grandmother's" cabinet made of dark wood, typical of Mexican interiors. The back room, a dark space with a large table, is a more intimate area where the team plans to offer special tasting menus and host special events. Otherwise, it's a secluded space for an evening with friends. The gastrobar has a relaxed, "people-friendly" atmosphere – it's always lively, satisfying, and a little bit tipsy. On Fridays and Saturdays, MASA operates in a "pre-party" format. The restaurant can accommodate up to 40 people. The average bill is 2000 rubles.