Izakaya Minato

Izakaya Minato is a casual Japanese izakaya on Washington Avenue in Portland's East End, built around shared plates, sake and drinks. The menu mixes classic izakaya dishes with whatever is in season on land and sea, including a daily selection of sashimi, dashi dishes, grilled fish and Japanese fried chicken. The restaurant does not serve sushi. Sake is the main focus, sold in sharable carafes, and the bar also pours local draft beer, Japanese bottled beer, craft cocktails and Japanese whiskey.

The front room has an open kitchen and a high-top communal table that suits larger groups, while the back room has individual tables and banquette seating. Reservations are taken only for parties of four or more, by phone or email. Dinner service runs Tuesday through Saturday evenings, and a chef's choice omakase option is available. In summer the restaurant sets up patio tables on the sidewalk.