In recent years, the Asian dining scene in Denver has become one of the most dynamic in the nation. A new wave of third culture chefs are channeling their unique experiences into innovative menus, through omakase, and even in traditional sushi. Meanwhile, enduring restaurateurs have continued to build on their legacies, giving diners good reason to revisit old favorites.
When it comes to Japanese fare, the options around town are especially plentiful and span a range of styles. From refined sushi counters to conveyor belts and all-you-can-eat concepts, these are 18 of the best sushi restaurants across Denver metro.
Upscale and Omakase Menus Worth the Splurge
Kizaki
Since opening Sushi Den in 1984, co-founder Toshi Kizaki has built a legendary reputation as one of the city’s most influential restaurateurs. Last year, at the age of 70, he debuted his eponymous chef’s counter and returned to where his passion started: making edomae-style sushi.
Fresh from Japan, the fish on his 20-course omakase menu are prepared with meticulous detail and served raw, cured, seared, and dry-aged. Kaiseki dishes and sake pairings add to the intimate experience at this Michelin-starred restaurant. 1551 S. Pearl St., Denver, kizakiden.com
Temaki Den
In collaborating on this concept, Toshi Kizaki and executive chef Kenta Kamo sought perfection down to every grain of rice. Their mastery is evident in the menu which spotlights two specialties: temaki (hand-rolled sushi wrapped in crisp dried seaweed) and aburi (flame-seared sushi that brings out the richness of ingredients like fatty salmon belly and Japanese wagyu). While these and other items can be ordered à la carte, an omakase experience guarantees the chef’s signature and seasonal highlights. 3350 Brighton Blvd., Denver, temakiden.com
Uchi
Meaning “home” in Japanese, Texas-transplant Uchi welcomes guests with genuine hospitality and an inviting atmosphere. Refined dishes, fresh nigiri and sashimi, and a tight selection of rolls that blend traditional and modern influences make up the à la carte selection.
Order the signature hama chili featuring yellowtail, ponzu, thai chili, and orange supremes, along with the Japanese sea bream nigiri and fried milk ice cream for dessert. Omakase menus, including a vegetarian option, are also available at the RiNo location and newly-opened branch of the concept in Cherry Creek, Uchiko. 2500 Lawrence St., Denver, uchirestaurants.com
Sushi by Scratch
This celebrated omakase restaurant appears in several of the country’s top dining destinations and last year, it made its debut in downtown Denver. There’s a speakeasy vibe to the 10-seat counter, which is tucked on a basement level beneath Larimer Square.
Start with complimentary canapés and a welcome cocktail, then savor a 16-course nigiri menu. Each piece is layered with flavor, like the toro bite topped with brown sugar-brûléed pineapple, a touch of wasabi, and house-brewed soy sauce. 1441 Larimer St., Denver, sushibyscratchrestaurants.com
Sushi by SYC
In passing, few would guess that this strip mall restaurant serves one of the most impressive sushi menus in the city. Order à la carte or opt for the omakase from chef Min Koo Lee, who honed his craft at a two Michelin-starred sushi concept in NYC.
His expertise shines throughout the experience, though the dry-aged fish courses especially stand out thanks to the depth of umami and flavor. Other fish are cured with kombu, torch-seared, or wrapped in delicate nori, demonstrating the chef’s mastery across techniques. 1573 S. Colorado Blvd., Denver, sushibysyc.com
Matsuhisa
Founded by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa, this upscale restaurant is a natural fit within Cherry Creek’s dining scene. The atmosphere is sophisticated and the menu is original, drawing inspiration from traditional Japanese cuisine as well as Matsuhisa’s travels to South America and beyond. Indulge in its signature yellowtail sashimi with jalapeño or savor the best of the season with an omakase meal. Kakigōri, a shaved ice dessert featuring strawberries and condensed milk, completes the experience. 98 Steele St., Denver, matsuhisarestaurants.com
Kumoya
Helmed by renowned sushi chef Corey Baker, this stylish LoHi restaurant was among the first to adopt the dry-aged fish trend. The case is often stocked with fattier, more oily varieties like tuna, ocean trout, sea bream, and ruby snapper. Rich in flavor and smoother in texture, these aged cuts are best enjoyed as nigiri.
Temaki, specialty rolls, and a unique wasabi flight round out the à la carte menu. Kumoya also prepares several omakase-style menus to meet various preferences and budgets. 2400 W. 32nd Ave., Denver, kumoyadenver.com
Neighborhood Favorites for a Night Out
Sushi Den
No list of the best sushi restaurants in Denver would be complete without Sushi Den. This beloved institution from brothers Yasu and Toshi Kizaki has stood fast for more than 40 years. Start with the miso-marinated black cod and a glass of sake, then pencil in your nigiri and roll selections.
No matter the hour or day of the week, this spacious eatery is often filled with diners. Neighboring restaurant Izakaya Den offers the same menu and additional seating in a sleek bi-level space. 1487 S. Pearl St., Denver, sushiden.net
Tai Tai
After 20 years in business, Sushi Sasa recently closed and left many locals mourning the loss. But founder and chef Wayne Conwell, who began his career at Sushi Den, continues to operate this more casual, intimate concept in the Southmoor Park neighborhood. Temaki is the specialty here and referred to as “open-face style” on the menu, which also features sashimi and signature rolls. 5078 E. Hampden Ave., Denver, taitaijapanese.com
Mizu
Inspired by izakaya-style dining, Mizu offers an impressive menu and cool, casual ambiance. It’s been a LoHi staple for the past decade and knows the trendy neighborhood well, with DJ sets on the weekends, vibrant murals, and plenty of outdoor seating.
The vibe here is lively, so plan to visit with friends and share a selection of nigiri, specialty rolls, and yakitori skewers. Travelers should note that Mizu also has a location at DIA, which ranks among the best airport restaurants. 1560 Boulder St., Denver, mizudenver.com
Tokio
Tokyo-born chef Miki Hashimoto has a long history in the local dining scene. He owned and operated Japon, a sushi restaurant in Washington Park, for nearly two decades before closing doors to open Tokio back in 2014.
Though ramen is its specialty, the sushi menu is equally impressive. Order the chef’s choice sashimi plate and signature rolls like the Diablo featuring seared tuna, garlic butter, and citrusy ponzu sauce. 2907 Huron St., Denver, mytokio.com
Bamboo Sushi
Shortly after debuting in Portland in 2008, Bamboo Sushi was designated by the Marine Stewardship Council as the world’s first certified sustainable sushi restaurant. Responsible fisheries supply the menu, which includes favorites like spicy tuna crispy rice and king salmon nigiri crowned with orange, olive oil, and lemon zest.
The LoHi outpost also accommodates vegetarians and gluten-free diners, and a second location opened in Congress Park last year. 2715 17th St., Denver; and 1160 Madison St., Denver; bamboosushi.com
Best Sushi Spots on a Budget
Blue Sushi Sake Grill
With two dozen locations across the country, this downtown sushi restaurant has a recognizable name and several standout qualities. For one, happy hour pricing applies all day on Sunday and through 6:30 p.m. the rest of the week. Stop in for cocktails, shared plates, and signature rolls priced under $10. Blue Sushi is also one of the city’s best restaurants for vegans, having a dedicated menu with extensive offerings. 1616 16th St., Denver, bluesushisakegrill.com
Sushi Katsu
With three locations across the metro area and nearly two decades of history, Sushi Katsu has had great success with its all-you-can-eat model. Costing $25.95 for lunch and $34.95 during dinner hours, the deal grants endless Japanese small plates, familiar rolls, and fresh nigiri. As one would expect, the selection is more simple than that of an omakase restaurant. But the menu is full of crowd-pleasers and the price is right. Multiple locations, sushikatsudenver.com
Sakana
An outlier in the northern suburbs, Sakana has built a notable reputation for its flavorful ramen bowls. But before introducing tonkotsu and spicy miso noodles, the kitchen began with classic sushi at a great value. Happy hour, available Monday through Thursday from 4:30 to 6 p.m., grants the best deal with rolls priced at two for $12. Nigiri and sashimi platters are also available from this strip mall gem. 7520 Sheridan Blvd., Westminster, sakanasushiramen.com
Hapa Sushi Grill and Sake Bar
Named for its blend of Asian and American influences, this homegrown chain offers fusion fare at four metro area restaurants. Menus include standard rolls and originals with cheeky names like the Multiple Orgasm roll and extravagant Booty Call roll featuring a whole lobster tail, snow crab, tempura asparagus, shiso, and a pool of garlic sake butter.
Hapa also serves some of the best happy hour specials around, with $10 off sashimi platters and two rolls priced at $13. Multiple locations, hapasushi.com
Chubby Fish
This all-you-can-eat concept in Thornton comes from the same restaurant group as Sushi by SYC, and while not nearly as upscale, the seafood is equally as fresh. Kids eat free if they’re under three feet tall, while those under four feet dine for $15.99 and taller humans cost $30.99. Fill your belly with bottomless rounds of nigiri, onigiri, classic and specialty rolls, plus a variety of small bites. Robot servers add to the experience. 10048 Grant St., Thornton, chubbyfishsushi.com
