Miyake Diner. [Photos: Corey Templeton Photography]
The long-awaited Miyake Diner opened last night, bringing Masa Miyake's Portland restaurant mini empire to three as it joins Miyake and Pai Men Miyake. The cozy spot is at the site of Masa's original Food Factory Miyake on Spring Street. It has a bar with 10 seats and a corner booth to bring the total seating to 16. According to the Dine Miyake blog, the new spot is "in the Japanese izakaya tradition — a gastro pub — serving a collection of small plates similar to Spanish tapas-style dining." There's a major focus on sake. The menu differs from Miyake and Pai Men in that it does not offer sushi, sashimi or ramen, but, like the other two restaurants, it does source many products from Miyake Farm in Freeport.
"We're very excited to return to our old location, return to our roots," said Chef Miyake on the blog. "Miyake Diner will give a nod to our approach at Miyake and Pai Men Miyake, while exploring new ground with traditional but adventurous izakaya dishes created with our farm-to-table philosophy."
Eater photographer Corey Templeton got a sneak peek at the interior over the weekend. Check out his photos below:
Miyake Diner is staffed with familiar faces, with Joe Ricchio back from Boston to man the bar and Masa Miyake working in the kitchen alongside Small Axe Truck chef/owners Bill Leavy and Karl Deuben. The Booze, Fish & Coffee blog/podcast was there last night and already has a post up that includes a photo of the opening menu. Their "Amuse-Bouche" podcast is shorter than their usual ones, but gives a great overview of the menu (spoiler: they love the place) and includes impressive pronunciation of the unique dish offerings. Hours are 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. on Monday through Saturday. The kitchen stays open until 12:45 a.m.
· Miyake Diner Opens Tonight [Dine Miyake]
· BFC — Amuse-Bouche 2: Miyake Diner in Portland, ME [Booze, Fish & Coffee]
· All Coverage of Miyake Diner [~EMAINE~]
· All Opening Alerts [~EMAINE~]