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  2. Izakaya Minato Menu with Prices 2026

Izakaya Minato Menu with Prices 2026

⭐ 5.00/5 (2) reviews
USD prices currency
$7.76 Average Item Price
You are viewing prices confirmed by PriceListo at the following Izakaya Minato location:
54 Washington Ave, Portland, ME, 04101, US

On the Izakaya Minato menu, the most expensive item is Kalabi, which costs $15.00. The cheapest item on the menu is Rice, which costs $2.00. The average price of all items on the menu is currently $7.76.

View the Izakaya Minato menu prices list below for the most accurate and up-to-date menu prices. We aggregate data from one or more Izakaya Minato locations in our database to create the most accurate list of Izakaya Minato prices. Don't rely on outdated price data. We update our database frequently to ensure that the prices are as accurate as possible.

Izakaya Minato is an authentic Japanese restaurant that brings the lively spirit of a neighborhood izakaya to Portland, in Maine's East End. The name "Minato" translates to "port" or "harbor," a fitting name for its location. The restaurant offers a casual and welcoming place to share seasonal dishes, sashimi, and Japanese fried chicken alongside a curated selection of sake, cocktails, and beer. The space features an open kitchen and bar that create a lively front room, a more intimate back dining room, and sidewalk patio tables during the summer months.

The menu is a blend of classic izakaya fare and seasonal ingredients from both land and sea. Although Izakaya Minato restaurant does not serve sushi, it always features a daily selection of fresh sashimi, dashi dishes, grilled fish, and its signature JFC, or Japanese fried chicken. The restaurant also offers an "omakase" or chef's choice option, which is a multi-course, family-style meal designed to be a fun way to explore the menu.

The price for individual plates at Izakaya Minato ranges from $4 for a Miso Soup to $18 for a sashimi plate, with most dishes falling between $8 and $15. The omakase experience at Minato Portland is priced at $45 per person. A 4% service fee is added to the final bill, which is distributed to all hourly back-of-house staff.

Top Rated Items at Izakaya Minato

Minato Age Dofu Price

$5.00

Japanese Fried Chicken Price

$7.00

Izakaya Minato Menu

What is Izakaya Minato Most Famous For?

Izakaya Minato is most famous for bringing a classic neighborhood izakaya dining experience to Portland's East End, an achievement that has earned its chef-owner, Thomas Takashi Cooke, multiple James Beard Award nominations. The restaurant is distinguished by its authentic approach to the izakaya concept, which literally translates to "stay, sake, shop." It is a casual and fun spot for friends to gather over shared plates and drinks. This commitment to an authentic yet approachable dining experience, rooted in Japanese tradition and Maine hospitality, makes it a standout destination.


What are the Most Popular Signature Items on the Izakaya Minato Menu?

The Izakaya Minato menu features a number of standout dishes that have become favorites among guests for their authentic flavors and high-quality preparation. The most popular dishes include the following items.

  • JFC (Japanese Fried Chicken): Boneless chicken thigh meat is twice-fried for a crispy texture and served with spicy mayo and a cabbage slaw.
  • Motoyaki Oyster: A single broiled Maine oyster is served with a rich miso custard and ponzu sauce.
  • Sashimi: A chef's choice selection of three different kinds of fresh, raw fish, with two pieces of each.
  • Okonomiyaki: A savory Japanese cabbage pancake that can be prepared with bacon or mushrooms and is topped with bonito flakes.
  • Kushi Katsu: Two skewers of panko-fried pork served with Bulldog sauce and a karashi slaw.
  • Omakase: A chef's choice, multi-course meal that allows guests to explore the menu. It typically includes hits like the Motoyaki Oyster, JFC, and Sashimi, and often features an off-menu dish.


What Drinks and Beverages Can You Have at Izakaya Minato?

The drink program at Izakaya Minato is thoughtfully designed around its food menu, with a strong focus on Japanese beverages. The beverage list includes the following options.

  • Sake: An extensive list of sake is available in sharable carafes, allowing guests to try different types as the meal evolves. Guests can also pick their own "guinomi" or sake cup from a collection handmade by the chef.
  • Japanese Beer and Local Drafts: The restaurant serves Japanese bottled beers like Orion and Hitachino White, while the beer taps are devoted to local Maine breweries such as Oxbow and Maine Beer Company.
  • Cocktails: A full bar produces craft cocktails with Japanese ingredients, such as the Ichigo-go with strawberry-infused gin and yuzu, and the Hikari Highball with yuzu and fresh ginger.
  • Japanese Whiskey: A wide selection of Japanese whiskies is available to be served neat, as a classic highball, or as part of a three-pour tasting flight.
  • Non-Alcoholic Drinks: A selection of non-alcoholic options includes local NA beer, creative mocktails like the Permanent Vacation with lychee and yuzu, and Kimino sparkling juices.


What is the Cheapest Meal on the Izakaya Minato Menu?

The cheapest meal-style dish on the Izakaya Minato menu is the Kimchi Cha-Han, priced at $9. This entree is a portion of kimchi fried rice, which can be enhanced with a soy-cured egg yolk for an additional charge.

What is the Most Expensive Meal on the Izakaya Minato Menu?

The most expensive meal experience on the Izakaya Minato menu is the Omakase, priced at $45 per person. This is a four-to-five course, family-style meal chosen by the chef. The most expensive single à la carte plate is the Sashimi, which is priced at $18 for a selection of three types of fish.

What are the Healthiest Meals on the Izakaya Minato Menu?

The healthiest meals on the Izakaya Minato menu are the Sashimi, the Kinoko Salad, and the Yaki Sakana. The Sashimi provides lean protein from fresh, raw fish. The Kinoko Salad features sautéed mushrooms served over a bed of spinach and roasted vegetables. The Yaki Sakana is a simple dish of marinated and grilled fish.

Does Izakaya Minato Serve Sushi?

No, Izakaya Minato does not serve sushi. The menu is a blend of classic izakaya fare and does not include sushi rolls. Instead, the restaurant always offers a daily selection of fresh Sashimi, which is high-quality raw fish served without rice.

How Often Does Izakaya Minato Offer Special Offers?

Izakaya Minato does not feature regular special offers or a happy hour. The restaurant instead concentrates on its consistent menu and introduces rotating specials based on seasonal ingredient availability, such as a fried local eggplant and shishito pepper dish in a light dashi broth.

Does Izakaya Minato Have a Loyalty Program?

No, Izakaya Minato does not have a loyalty program as the restaurant builds its customer base through its critical acclaim, word-of-mouth reputation, and consistent dining experience.

Does Izakaya Minato Offer Family Meal Bundles?

Izakaya Minato's menu does not include pre-set family meal packages. The dining experience is centered on ordering a variety of individual small plates for the table to share, allowing groups to build their own meal. The Omakase option, while a multi-course meal, is priced per person.

Does Izakaya Minato Offer Vegan Options?

Yes, Izakaya Minato offers vegan options, such as the Garlic Edamame and the Kinoko Salad, with modifications. The Garlic Edamame consists of fried soybeans. The Kinoko Salad with sautéed mushrooms and roasted vegetables can be made vegan. The Miso Soup is made with a vegetarian dashi. Guests should inform the server of any dietary restrictions.

Does Izakaya Minato Offer Gluten-Free Options?

Yes, Izakaya Minato offers gluten-free options and provides a special gluten-free menu upon request. The restaurant has a dedicated gluten-free fryer, and dishes like the Sashimi are naturally gluten-free. The kitchen is not a fully gluten-free environment, so guests with high sensitivity should inform the server.

Is Izakaya Minato Pet-Friendly?

No, Izakaya Minato is not pet-friendly. The restaurant does not allow dogs in its indoor dining spaces or on its seasonal outdoor patio.

Can You Order Ala Carte in Izakaya Minato?

Every item on the Izakaya Minato menu is available for individual purchase, as the entire concept is built around the à la carte ordering of small plates. This izakaya style encourages guests to order multiple dishes to share, with prices for individual plates ranging from $4 to $18.

What Other Services Does Izakaya Minato Offer?

Izakaya Minato offers online ordering for take-out directly through its website and sells gift cards for purchase. A 4% service fee is added to all final bills, which is then distributed among the hourly back-of-house staff.

Does Izakaya Minato Take Reservations for Parties?

Yes, Izakaya Minato takes limited reservations for parties of 4 to 10 guests. Reservations can be made up to one month in advance by emailing or calling the restaurant. The majority of the restaurant, including the full bar and patio, is kept open for walk-in guests, who can be added to a waitlist and notified by text when a table is ready.

Does Izakaya Minato Offer Catering Services?

No, Izakaya Minato does not offer off-site catering services. The restaurant's operations are focused on its dine-in and take-out services, and it can accommodate large party reservations for up to 10 guests for on-site dining.

Can You Rent Izakaya Minato for Private Occasions?

Information regarding private rentals or buyouts is not publicly available. Interested parties should contact the restaurant directly to inquire about the possibility of hosting a private event, though the restaurant does have a high-top communal table that is well-suited for large parties during regular service.

Does Izakaya Minato Do House Delivery?

No, Izakaya Minato does not do house delivery. The restaurant does not partner with any third-party delivery applications and instead offers take-out that can be ordered directly from its website for pickup.

How are the Reviews for Customer Experience at Izakaya Minato?

Customer reviews for Izakaya Minato are very positive, with diners usually praising the high quality of the food, the knowledgeable service, and the vibrant atmosphere. The JFC (Japanese Fried Chicken) and the fresh sashimi are consistently mentioned as must-order dishes. Reviewers often describe the small, bustling space with its open kitchen as energetic and authentic, contributing to a genuine izakaya experience. The restaurant's multiple James Beard nominations are frequently cited as evidence of its culinary excellence.

Who are the Top Competitors of Izakaya Minato?

The top competitors of Izakaya Minato are other highly acclaimed restaurants in Portland that attract a similar clientele seeking high-quality, chef-driven experiences. While some are Japanese, others compete based on their reputation and small-plate format.

  • Eventide.: A nationally recognized restaurant, Eventide Oyster Co. is a major competitor known for its innovative raw bar, fresh oysters, and modern take on New England seafood classics.
  • Fore Street: One of Portland's most iconic restaurants, Fore Street competes with its menu of American cuisine cooked over a wood-fired hearth and its focus on locally sourced ingredients.
  • Central Provisions: A direct competitor in format, Central Provisions is a small-plates restaurant that has also received James Beard recognition, known for its creative and eclectic American fare.
  • The Honey Paw: Located next door, The Honey Paw is a significant competitor offering a menu of Asian-inspired noodle dishes and small plates in a modern, bustling environment.
  • Miyake: An upscale restaurant, Miyake is a primary Japanese competitor known for its refined sushi, omakase tasting menus, and a farm-to-table approach.


What is the Price Range at Izakaya Minato Portland?

The price range at Izakaya Minato in Portland reflects its izakaya-style menu of small, shareable plates. Individual dishes are priced from $4 for a Miso Soup to $18 for a sashimi selection. A meal at Minato Portland is built by ordering multiple plates, with most dishes falling between $8 and $15. This pricing structure and the consistent quality of the food are why the restaurant is considered one of the best Japanese Portland dining experiences.

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