"Bound by a desire to showcase the expansiveness of Japanese cuisine, Binchoyaki co-owners Tokiko Sawada and Craig Takehara have occupied the sweet spot at the intersection of creativity, sophistication, and approachability since they opened this izakaya-style restaurant in 2016. Located in Sacramento’s historic — and revitalized — Japantown, Binchoyaki’s menu hints at the rigorous culinary backgrounds of Sawada and Takehara, who met at Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena. Small-plate lovers will delight in wide-ranging options, including bluefin tuna carpaccio dressed in a smoked vinaigrette and a hand roll stuffed with arabiki sausage and spiked with hot mustard." - Tamerra Griffin