Aomori Officially Announces Grand Opening at Hanover Works

In partnership with Reveler Development, Aomori is thrilled to announce their grand opening on December 8. Located on the ground floor of The Armature at 52 Hanover Street in Portland, Aomori is the highly anticipated restaurant from iconic restaurateur Masahiko Miyake, his wife Chieko Miyake, their son Reo Miyake and his partner Helen Carter (pictured below). 

The restaurant’s opening follows months of preparation by the Miyake team as they refined a menu deeply inspired by Japanese home cooking and the traditional flavors of the Tohoku region of northeast Japan. Aomori blends these influences with Maine ingredients and seasonality—offering an authentic, transnational experience of home. 

“Our goal is to bring Japanese soul food to Portland in a way that feels both deeply authentic and truly welcoming,” said Reo Miyake, Co-General Manager. “Many of our dishes are inspired by the meals we grew up eating at home. We want guests to discover something new while feeling completely comfortable. It’s food that carries memory and meaning for us, and we’re excited to share it with the community.”

Aomori’s menu features a selection of small plates, seasonal dishes, and Japanese comfort classics. While some familiar items will appear—such as hand rolls and onigiri—the core of the menu highlights lesser-known but beloved traditional dishes. The restaurant will operate without reservations, creating an accessible, friendly environment for locals.

“We want Aomori to feel like a place where people can stop by spontaneously, settle in, and feel taken care of,” said Helen Carter, Co-General Manager. “Everything we’re doing, from the menu to the atmosphere to the service, is built around the core Japanese principals of omotenashi (selfless hospitality), mottainai (waste not, want not), and shoshin (beginner’s mind).” 

Aomori is a light-filled space, with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Hanover Street and the tree-lined pedestrian walkway that runs through Hanover Works. The restaurant has a modern city feel, mixing traditional Japanese design elements such as its long, wooden bar, with funky red bar stools, concrete floors, and art lining the walls. 

Later in December, the team will open Aomori Kitchen + Market adjacent to the restaurant. Inspired by Japanese conbini stores, the market will offer ready-to-go hot and cold food, pastries, desserts, beverages, and pantry staples—providing a casual and convenient complement to the sit-down restaurant experience next door.

“We are honored to celebrate Aomori’s opening here at The Armature,” said John Laliberte, CEO of Reveler Development. “When we set out to build The Armature and the surrounding community of Hanover Works, we wanted to create a destination that was unlike anything else available in Portland. Aomori directly aligns with that vision. Their incredibly passionate, talented team is bringing an exciting new culinary concept to this neighborhood, and we look forward to it becoming a staple in Portland’s dining scene.”

The lease was brokered by Joe Porta of Porta & Company.

“We have been working with the Miyake team for over a year to curate this unique concept and business model for this special facility at The Armature,” remarked Joe Porta, Founder of Porta & Company. “Having known Masa for nearly 20 years, we are honored and excited to bring his incredible talents to the Bayside community.”

Aomori and Aomori Kitchen + Market join a growing list of local favorites at Hanover Works, including Wilson County Barbecue, Batson River Brewing & Distilling, Bar Publica, Argenta Brewing, Maine Clay Collaborative, and Mayhem. The restaurant officially opens on December 8, 2025, with Aomori Kitchen + Market expected to open later in December. Evening hours will run Sunday through Thursday 4pm-10pm, Friday and Saturday 4pm-11:30pm.

Follow the latest updates on Instagram at @aomori_restaurant and @aomori_conbini.