BINCHO TANAKA - 備長田中 - — Restaurant in Ito

I wanted a fine dining experience in Ito and count myself super duper lucky to have stumbled upon Bincho Tanaka. I was also intrigued by Binchotan charcoal and fermented foods. It turned out to be one of my most favorite dining experiences ever.

I made a dinner reservation for one person using their online reservation system. I received confirmation and reminders for my upcoming dinner. The restaurant setup is very intimate—seating only five people—which allows you to have conversations with Chef JT (Junichi Tanaka), his wife, and the maître d’. It was like having dinner with friends, as their hospitality kept the conversations flowing, and Chef JT kept the skewers coming onto my plate.

Chef JT’s signature dish was the raw duck. I told the chef that I’d never had raw poultry and had to work up the courage to try it. It turned out to be the best dish of the night. (The ducks are so highly coveted that many Michelin-starred chefs are on the waitlist to get them!) Chef JT was able to convince the farmer to sell to him after explaining how he would prepare the dishes. The duck heart, liver, and breast were rich, smooth, and buttery. I still can’t believe I ate raw duck!

Overall, it was a four-hour dinner for me. I learned so much about the local farmers where the food came from and about Chef JT himself. He was a reggae singer who learned English in Jamaica—he even has a professional music video on YouTube! You’ll need to ask him to show it to you when you’re there. Have him tell you the story about why he cut his dreadlocks. They are such an incredibly sweet couple. When my taxi came, they all went outside and helped me into the car. It was truly a magical evening! I hope you all get to share in my wonderful experience. I’ll be...

Bincho Tanaka is a tiny 7-seat restaurant run by a talented chef and his sommelier friend. Open only a few days a week, so book well ahead.

The charcoal-grilled omakase was outstanding — duck, fish, chicken, beef, lobster — all elevated by the chef’s secret umami-rich dipping sauce. Drink pairings of wine, sake, and cold-brewed teas were spot-on, including a dry Riesling from the Izu Peninsula.

Service was warm and personal, with the chef sharing stories from his travels (Jamaica!) and passions (Reggae!) A memorable, intimate experience we’ll definitely repeat. Highly...

Bincho Tanaka offers an exceptional dining experience from start to finish. Our knowledgeable and approachable waitress, Nami, guides us through the unique omakase course featuring Kishu Binchotan charcoal grilling and Japanese fermentation. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, they ensure that you can savor the flavors and textures effortlessly.

Chef Junichi is a master of his craft, effortlessly crafting artistic flavors and textures. If you’re seeking an authentic, approachable, and unforgettable dining experience, Bincho Tanaka is the...