Japanese · East Bayside, Portland

Izakaya Minato

Izakaya Minato: Japanese in East Bayside, Portland. Order: Small plates and sake at the counter.

James Beard Award finalist, Best Chef: Northeast (2026)Local favoriteChef's pickWhere to eat hand rolls and izakaya plates

What to order

Small plates and sake at the counter

Why go

Cooke was one of five finalists for Best Chef: Northeast in 2026. The restaurant is at 54 Washington Ave.

Chef Thomas Takashi Cooke was a 2026 James Beard finalist. 54 Washington Ave, dinner only; check days.

Address
54 Washington Ave, Portland, ME 04101
Neighborhood
East Bayside
Price
$$$
Hours
Dinner only; days vary by source (as listed; check before you go)
Add to Chef Amazing Open in MapsSee it in the Portland guide

Seen in Bangor Daily News, James Beard finalists, Maine Magazine, Izakaya Minato, Portland Monthly, Izakaya Minato

More places in Portland

Amato'sBar MoxyBecky's DinerBite Into MaineBread & FriendsCentral ProvisionsDiPietro's MarketDouro
Plan my Portland food tripWhere to eat in Portland

Researched November 14, 2026 from the sources linked above. Places change; confirm hours and reservations before you go.

Chef Amazing · Will Travel for Food · Portland · 250 food markets