Mr. Tuna

Mr. Tuna is a sushi restaurant in Portland where the fish is impeccably fresh and the rolls are made by hand. It's become the kind of place people plan visits around, filling up quickly enough that reservations make sense. They work with local suppliers, keep a gluten-free menu on hand, and staff who actually know what they're doing.

• Bluefin toro and hand-rolled sushi made fresh daily
• All seafood locally sourced, accommodating gluten-free diners
• Calm, thoughtfully designed room with attentive service
• Staff who actually know their fish and care

Start with the hand rolls, which guests keep mentioning as a signature. The bluefin toro is worth ordering straight. Grab whatever specials feature the day's catch. They have dessert options if you want to round things out, though the sushi is the main event here.

The space is stylish and calm, with thoughtful design touches throughout. It's quiet enough to have a conversation, the kind of room that feels intentional rather than generic.

This is the restaurant where bartenders send their friends. Whether you're ordering bluefin toro or one of their hand rolls, the freshness shows. It's not the place for a quick bite (come when you have time), and it's worth the reservation.

Daily 11:00 am–9:00 pm

Mr. Tuna does not close; it operates seven days a week from late morning through early evening. Lunch service begins at 11 a.m., making it accessible for midday sushi. Dinner service runs until 9 p.m.

Mr. Rubin's reputation and the 30-seat room create intense reservation pressure. Multiple reviews mention "make a reservation if you want to be sure to have a table." The "Most Booked" tag reflects consistent demand weeks ahead. Book via OpenTable or call (207) 536-0509. Walk-ins are theoretically possible during off-peak times (early lunch, slow weekday afternoons), but don't rely on it if you're traveling any distance. Plan ahead, especially for weekend dinners and special occasions. One reviewer from the Caribbean noted the restaurant's willingness to accommodate families, suggesting flexibility for party-specific needs.

Guests describe the seafood as the freshest they've had, and the service as genuinely warm and knowledgeable. One recent visitor noted they wanted to plan trips back to Portland just to eat here again. People who find it tend to adopt it as their local spot.

Mr. Tuna sits on Middle Street in Portland, a short uphill walk from the Old Port and the waterfront docks where much of its seafood originates. The neighborhood is walkable, dense with galleries and shops, and Portland's restaurant and bar scene radiates outward from here.

• From Portland airport - 20 minutes by car; 3 miles.
• From Dock Square / Old Port - 5-minute walk downhill. Ideal for pairing with waterfront strolls, browsing Congress Street galleries, or an evening on the harbor.
• From Cape Elizabeth lighthouse - 20 minutes south; a scenic day-trip anchor.
• From Midcoast (Rockland, Camden, Damariscotta) - 45 minutes to 1 hour north; worth the drive for a special meal.
• **From Greater Boston(target audience for 40% of reviews) - 1.5 to 2 hours; many reviewers make the trip and book weeks ahead.
• Parking - Street parking on Middle Street and nearby side streets. Not abundant, especially evenings and weekends; allow time and have a backup plan. The proximity to the waterfront makes a walk from a lot worthwhile.
• Walking - The Portland waterfront is steps away; pair dinner with a pre-meal walk or after-dinner stroll through the Old Port.

Do I need a reservation? Yes. The 30-seat counter books weeks ahead, especially weekends and special occasions. Walk-ins may find seats during quiet lunch hours, but if you're traveling to Portland specifically for Mr. Tuna, reserve in advance via OpenTable or call (207) 536-0509.

What's the dress code? Casual. Jeans and a sweater, work clothes, date-night outfits - all work. You're at a sushi bar, not a black-tie room.

How much should I budget? $31–$50 per entrée; factor cocktails and apps, and expect $80–$150 per person before tip. Lunch is accessible at the lower end of that range.

Is there outdoor seating? The restaurant offers seasonal outdoor seating in warmer months. Call ahead to confirm availability if weather and outdoor dining matter to your visit.

Is it wheelchair accessible? No accessibility mention appears in reviews. Call (207) 536-0509 before your visit to confirm ADA access and accommodation.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options? Reviews mention seaweed salad, cabbage salad, and edamame. The menu likely includes vegetable-forward sides, but Mr. Tuna is tuna-forward and not positioned as plant-based friendly. Confirm with the restaurant when booking.

Is there a tasting menu or fixed-price option? The Tuna Tasting (four cuts of local bluefin) is a signature fixed offering. Chef's tasting menus and collaboration dinners rotate seasonally; ask when booking.

Can I do takeout or delivery? One reviewer mentioned takeout as an option used multiple times. Call to confirm current availability; OpenTable likely reflects options in real time.