Mami in Portland, Maine

Mami started as a food truck and now operates out of a brick-and-mortar spot in Portland, serving Japanese street food that punches way above its casual setup. The kitchen turns out ramen, katsu sandwiches, donburi bowls, and nikuman buns that keep people coming back. It's lively and comfortable, the kind of place where you can eat alone or with a crowd and feel at home.

• Katsu Sando rivals the best sandwiches anywhere
• Ramen broth and technique that stands out
• Nikuman and Buta No Kakuni show serious skill
• Bartender Alex makes solo dining feel easy

Start with the Katsu Sando, a standout that lives up to the hype. The Buta No Kakuni (braised pork belly) is rich and worth ordering. Try the daily Curry special if it's running, finished with pickled ginger and a soft boiled egg. The Nikuman steamed buns and Ramen are both strong choices. Onigiri rounds out a meal but skip if you're rationing appetite.

Small, straightforward room with counter seating and tables. It's lively without being loud, comfortable without trying too hard.

Guests rave about specific dishes, especially the Katsu Sando and Ramen. One recent visitor called the daily Curry special 'absolutely delicious, savory with a nice lil kick.' Service gets genuine praise, particularly from solo diners who appreciated the bartender's warmth and conversation. A few note the space is tight and best suited for grab-and-go, though that doesn't stop people from returning.