Courtesy / Catherine Dzilenski
Bar Futo's menu includes yakitori-style skewers and kakigori (Japanese shaved ice).
Updated: December 16, 2022
Highly anticipated Japanese-inspired restaurant opens in Portland
Catherine Dzilenski
Bar Futo is being launched by chef-owner Jordan Rubin, second from right, and co-owner Marisa Lewiecki, at right.
“We are really excited to open this location. We love doing business in Maine and wanted to bring something unique to the area.” — Jordan Rubin
More Information
More Information
Bar Futo, a Japanese-inspired restaurant, is set to open, led by the team behind Mr. Tuna and Crispy Gai.
It takes over space at 425 Fore St. in the Old Port that had been occupied by Five Guys Burgers & Fries. It is being launched by chef-owner Jordan Rubin and co-owner Marisa Lewiecki–the nationally acclaimed team behind Portland's beloved Mr. Tuna and Crispy Gai.
The restaurant will employ 20 to 24 people, but will hire more staff for the summer months.
Bar Futo’s renovations took seven months and included taking out all the lighting, walls and flooring, and building two bars, seating and new bathrooms. The interior was designed by Portland’s Mey + Co., using multiple textures and materials to create a cozy and richly layered space that lends itself to casual, artful dining. The high ceilings are painted dark to create an intimate and moody atmosphere, while the bar face pays homage to Japan with Umi Sumasshu porcelain tiles.
The architect for the project was Ryan Senatore Architecture, and the contractor was James Rodney Construction.
The restaurant will seat up to 66 people with a combination of booths, tables, a bar and kitchen counter seating. In season, the patio on Fore Street will provide room for another 40 seats.
Seasonal ingredients guide Bar Futo’s menu of yakitori-style skewers, cuts of meat and whole fish grilled over Japanese charcoal (binchotan), and kakigori (Japanese shaved ice). Bar Futo features a complete sake list curated by Alyssa Mikiko DiPasquale (the Koji Club) and inventive and classic cocktails, including a selection of Highballs powered by the ultra-rare Suntory Toki highball machine.
“We are really excited to open this location,” said Rubin. “We love doing business in Maine and wanted to bring something unique to the area.”
Most Recent
Most Recent
0 Comments