Izakaya Minato brings the spirit of a Japanese neighborhood izakaya to Portland's East Bayside, a casual gathering spot for shared plates and drinks. The name itself translates to "stay, sake, shop." An open kitchen, small bar, and intimate dining spaces anchor the room, where the menu runs through seasonal dishes, sashimi, and Japanese fried chicken alongside sake, cocktails, and local beer.
The restaurant has built a word-of-mouth reputation in a small, intimate venue that regularly draws waits. It landed on Portland Press Herald's 2025 best-of list and was reviewed by The Infatuation. The James Beard Foundation named it both a semifinalist and a finalist for Best Chef Northeast in 2026.
The restaurant has built a word-of-mouth reputation in a small, intimate venue that regularly draws waits. It landed on Portland Press Herald's 2025 best-of list and was reviewed by The Infatuation. The James Beard Foundation named it both a semifinalist and a finalist for Best Chef Northeast in 2026.