Married couple Craig Takehara and Tokiko Sawada’s izakaya in Sacramento’s old Japantown is a favorite among local chefs, and with good reason. Binchoyaki scorches meats on imported charcoal grills that surge north of 1,000 degrees, turning off-cuts such as organic chicken tail or snappy arabiki sausage into blackened skewers swept simply with salt or a house tare sauce. Plan to lounge at a table or bar for a couple hours when visiting post-pandemic, don’t expect dishes to be delivered instantly and mask your surprise when piles of small plates add up to a large bill.

Its Japanese barbecue, with most small-plate dishes cooked sumiyaki style—sumi (or bincho) is Japanese charcoal, and yaki means grill. Hot-hot binchotan charcoal lends a particular, and delicious, flavor to meat, poultry, seafood and vegetables. Also on the menu: ramen, tempura and bento boxes, plenty of drinks, and everything is served izakaya-style: friendly, informal and welcoming.

Why we love it: Because it serves pupu platter s for the 21 st century. As parents of small children, Craig Takehara and Toki Sawada know how challenging it is to have to put dinner on the table—stat. So the couple behind Binchoyaki came up with several “ mixed platters” that answer the age-old question “What’s for dinner tonight?

Multigenerational Japanese families fill this petite restaurant on a nightly basis, where the emphasis is on sharing lots of items over drinks. The centerpiece is the open-flame grill, with skewers of meat getting an extra flavor boost from the binchotan charcoal imported from Japan. Other small plates—and luxurious sauces—show finesse.

Funky store offering a host of creative shime noodles and ramen in a variety of flavors plus coffee, and more!. The vibe at Binchoyaki is incredible thanks to their Japanese-style decorations and a beautiful interior. Dining here feels like you’re in a funky spot with an inviting atmosphere and delicious Japanese cuisines.

Another best restaurant in Sacramento, recognized by the Michelin Guide. This location pays homage to the deep roots of Japanese history in Sacramento, located in the old ” Japanese neighborhood” where many Japanese Americans opened their businesses and shops. the cuisine is a modern take on the izakaya staples.

This Japanese restaurant serves up classic dishes from Japan and they’re well known for their spicy tuna on crispy rice. We’ve eaten at Binchoyaki a few times over this last year and almost always get the spicy tuna on crispy rice personally. They have other modern Japanese-style barbecue dishes as well.

This downtown Sacramento eatery focuses on Izakaya dining — small plates meant to be shared over a glass of sake. The menu includes shrimp fritters and miso-marinated black cod, as well as meats and veggies cooked over a charcoal grill, such as shitake-stuffed chicken and bacon-wrapped tomatoes.

Besides these two, some of the famous fine dining in sacramento include pizza supreme being and Bawk by Urban Roots Kru, Hawks pubic house, binchoyaki, and and Nguyen’s vegetarian restaurant.

2226 10th StSacramento, CA 95818(916) 469-9448 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. You’ll find this exceptional Japanese restaurant in the southern part of downtown Sacramento.

2226 10th St, Sacramento, CA 95818Phone: 916-469-9448 Visit Website. View this post on Instagram. A post shared by Binchoyaki Izakaya Dining (@binchoyaki)

The different textures and levels of flavors you get, from the tuna to the garnish, and the way the rice is crispy—it’s just so good. I get it every time.

Allora, Bacon & Butter, Binchoyaki, Ella Dining Room and Bar, Grange Restaurant and Bar, Localis, Mulvaney's B&L and Zócalo remained recommended from 2019