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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.
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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.
Yvette Nicole Alexandrou
+5
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!
We had an early dinner here on a Wednesday night recently, we sat in the pleasant back room and although we had gone in wanting the chef’s choice omakase as it was our first visit we succumbed to the specials (all of them!) and a very nice saké. Our server Lucie was knowledgeable on every food item and libation. Everything was beautifully presented and deliciously unique. To be honest, the enthusiastic acceptance and reputation of this newish addition to Portland’s Washington Ave. resto scene had slightly intimidated us, but it could not have been more comfortable and welcoming.
Went to Izakaya Minato for the second time last night, and it was even more amazing than the first, which already blew my mind. A very nice dining experience punctuated by the beautiful detail of every dish. My favorite 2017 addition to the Portland restaurant scene.
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My husband and I went with a small group of friends to this place last night and it was extraordinary!
Between the amazing hospitality and the delicious food this evening was perfect!
We ordered the Sake sampler and a carafe of hot sake (or two). There's a sake there was so delightful.. it had hints of vanilla and banana.
We experienced the tongue tantalizing Garlic Edamame, Minato aged dofu, Shashimi, Sakana Miso Yaki, Shiromi Anakake, Kani Dashi Maki, Buta No Kakuno, JFC, Kalbi, Tsukune Shitake, and the Ginger little Bee ice cream.
Each one of these items is highly suggested and if you order the Omakase it's a small amount of almost everything.
Our personal favorites were the Edamame, ****The Poke, Shashimi, Kani Dashi Maki, JFC and the Ginger Little Bee Ice Cream.
What's so amazing is that it is truly a struggle to pick favorites because everything was SO good.
I did put asterisks next to the poke, which came with the Omakase because it was absolutely to die for. Heavenly.
Thank you SO SO much Elaine and Thomas for bringing such a wonderful mix of delicious foods to Portland, that you can't really get anywhere else!
It was amazing👍⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
.....And I'm a sushi snob - lol
I had the two specials, red snapper and pork belly and got a great recommendation for a very nice Sake from Isaac the bartender
I have lived in Japan and Isakaya Minato is as close as you will get to the real thing in Maine, USA.
Owners Thomas and Elaine along with bar tender Isaac are wonderful, caring hosts and the food and atmosphere are consistently excellent. This place has earned rave reviews since the first week it was open last year.
Last night we had the pleasure of dining with you. We were a party of five, who except one child, enjoyed your outstanding omikase special. And, it was indeed, special. The atmosphere, the service and the food were outstanding. The owner is a lovely, gracious woman who cares. Your kitchen turns out the most amazing food. We loved it and my Chicago children cannot wait to come back at Christmastime. You are doing a terrific job providing us with an exceptional dining experience. Bravo.
My wife and I got the omakase and I would highly recommend it! This was a wonderful exploration of Japanese cuisine. I am a huge fan of maki rolls, but this was so refreshing to try something new! I had almost everything on the menu and everything was phenomenal! Even if your not a huge fan of sashimi there are delicious Korean spare ribs and jfc "Japanese fried chicken. Love the location, love the vibe, will be back very soon!
Our second time at Izakaya Minato. Now we are "regulars"! itsumo oishii desu (It's always delicious). Worth the drive from Boston.
We tried the Omacase multiple course meal which is at the chefs discretion and we were NOT disappointed. Some of the freshest sashimi I have ever had and some of the most wonderful combinations of flavors. The portions we small but the courses were many and it was a great way to sample the menu! Thank you for a great first experience in your restaurant! We will be back for sure!
Amazing food served by an excellent staff in a cozy atmosphere. Dinner was a wonderful experience.
Been wanting to try this place since it opened! So delicious..fantastic ambiance. Will definitely be back!! Elaine and Thomas are doing a great job!
Izakaya Minato is a great addition to the Portland restaurant scene! My friend and I got the omakase dinner set. Every dish was delicious and unique. The service was top notch. I am looking forward to returning because I left with one happy belly!
This was a fantastic experience. One of the best I've had in the US. We decided to try the omakase ($40 per person) menu and got a chef selection of surprise dishes. And boy was it a journey. From oysters with yuzu through fresh seafood and fish to Japanese fried chicken and the best salad with butter sauce I've ever tried. Service and atmosphere were great as well. Highly recommended.
Phenomenal spot for amazingly simple and delicious Japanese food. The small plates allow you to try as much or as little as you like, with a great family style option. Drinks were on point as well.
This meal was truly exceptional. The raw items were by far the star. It was Main Diver Scallop season and the freshness and high quality of the seafood shone through. Similarly the selection of sashimi was excellent and deciding what order to eat the three in was real. The garlic edamame starter was also wonderful, whatever that garlic is marinated in left me picking up little flecks of garlic to savor every last bit. In comparison to the raw item the cooked dishes were just a tiny bit less exciting, but still good. Warning the portion of the Japanese Fried Chicken was sizeable and is super easy to split, make sure you've got room. I also found the rice + egg yolk to be the perfect side dish for it, you'll want something a bit lighter to balance the chicken and mayo sauce. Last but not least, the wait in summer can be up to two hours, but going in January we waiting less than 15 minutes to be seated. This is definitely on the list of must go back to restaurants in Portland.
Really fantastic food! The service was very good and very accommodating given that we had a baby with us. Highly recommend!
Lovely atmosphere, friendly staff, and amazing food. Get the omakase, I haven't had a single thing here not worth driving 200 miles for in a day (wish I was joking). Personal favorite of mine was the miso custard oyster
We ordered the Chef's choice, a series of dishes, each with it's own unique flavors, textures, colors. All were absolutely delicious. The owners and staff were welcoming, the service was perfect. We ate outside on a chilly Spring night with light jackets and the heater kept us comfortable, along with hot miso and warm Saki. Every visit here has been perfect. Pure satisfaction. Highly recommend.
Amazing food, interesting drink menu, friendly staff. Can't wait to come back for Omakase.
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