Izakaya Minato - Portland

They've only been open a couple weeks and this was our third time, so that should give some indication as to how much I like the place. We had originally planned to go to their pop up dinner over a year ago at Bao Bao, but had to give our spot to friends because of a family emergency. Our friends said it was amazing, so we were very jealous but excited when we heard they were finally opening up their own place up on Washington Ave. It basically consists of two rooms, one with a communal table and bar seating with views into the kitchen, and the other consisting of small dining tables. It's good to get there early because at least for now, this place is hot. And for good reason. The food is very, very good. If you are a small plate lover like me, this is the place to go. We've tried just about everything on the menu by now, but a few standouts are the Ume Q, the okonomiyaki, and the sashimi. So much flavor in each bite and yet also delicate and light. The JFC, Japanese Fried Chicken, is one of my wife's favorites, hearty but also delicate. The beer, booze, sake selections are wide and varied, and they even have some high end Japanese scotch if you are so inclined, which I was this last time and enjoyed it thoroughly with the small spicy bites. Just another few quick notes. The bartender who has served as our waiter each time (I'm a bar seat person given a choice) who I believe is named Isaac (apologies if I am wrong) has been very helpful with both food and drink and very kind and great. And the cost. It is probably the best value for high end food you will find on the peninsula. It's a great model, great food, moderately priced, and fantastic service. Go early (at least if you don't want to wait) and often.

Best restaurant in Portland. Everything Minato does from the food itself, to the laid back and joyous atmosphere, to knowledgeable and friendly staff, to the fantastic prices, makes Minato an all around winner, and truly one of my favorite restaurants in the country, let alone Portland, which itself is packed with great restaurants that can hold their own right next to more expensive and well known restaurants around the country. Thomas and Elaine have brought to Portland a great experience. The food is mainly authentic Japanese focused, with an occasional twist here and there, but staying true to the Izakaya theme of being informal and relaxed. The menu is very approachable and well structured, and given the small to medium bites, you can take the menu in a particular direction, or just have it all, haha. They've also given real thought to their sake selection, have a dedicated bartender that mixes creative cocktails, and maintains a fun beer list with local and Japanese favorites. Their team is fantastic you can tell the staff truly enjoy working there, and they're also passionate and knowledgeable about Japanese cuisine. Alec was a standout server who also cooks half the week, so he knows the menu inside and out. If you're looking for a place that you can get a well rounded, primarily authentic Japanese cuisine, that is a relatively low cost dinner for one or two, to even a larger crowd with all the goodies on the menu, all within a relaxed, friendly, and passionate atmosphere, you need to go to Minato.

My friend brought me here this past weekend and I've got to say it was all around awesome. The staff was very personable, friendly, and attentive. The food was amazing! I studied abroad in Japan and fell in love with karage (Japanese friend chicken), but never found a place that made it as good as it is in Japan Until now! I will definitely be back to eat here again!

The wait staff was unbelievable with a lot of knowledge of how the food is prepared along with the drinks. The food was very good and we can not wait to eat there again it was worth every penny spent!!

Wow, this place is for real the best restaurant in Portland, Maine right now. The atmosphere is inviting and comfortable. The staff are incredible. The drinks are creative. And the FOOD is almost too good to be true. I can't wait to cozy up here all winter long until I've tried every menu item ten times over! Love that they're open on Mondays too!