Sushi in Denver

AOI Sushi & Izakaya

3303 30th St. Boulder

303-449-5394

Japanese, Sushi

Bamboo Sushi

2715 17th St., Denver Highland/Lower Highland

303-284-6600

Sushi, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow

When Bamboo Sushi first landed in Denver from Portland, it operated out of a stall at Avanti Food & Beverage, giving the city a tantalizing taste of its sushi. It initially garnered praise mostly for its sustainable sourcing; Bamboo's deep commitment to good ocean stewardship is particularly admirable in a category that relies heavily on over-fished specimens. But that stall turned out to be a rather limited glimpse of the restaurant's capabilities. Bamboo's permanent LoHi location is sleek and modern, with a wide-ranging list of sushi served both traditionally and innovatively, a well-rounded sake list, and an array of izakaya fare that carries Bamboo's sourcing commitment from water to land. Also worth noting is Bamboo's omakase, for which you can set your own price. It feels like a steal, especially paired with the Wednesday night deal on sake, when every single bottle is half price.

14 articles

Banzai Sushi

6655 Leetsdale Dr. Southeast Denver

303-329-3366

Japanese, Sushi, Best Of

There's not much atmosphere here, but the sushi's fresh, so skip the cooked dishes and eat it raw. And be sure to peruse the menu, because reading the names of Banzai's innovative rolls is half the fun. With dishes like the Chernobyl, the Shake-N-Bake, the ever-popular Drum Roll, and both the Tighty Whitey and the BVD (looks like we know Banzai's answer to the ageless boxers-or-briefs debate), you're sure to find something to tickle your funny bone as well as your tastebuds.

1 article

Benihana

515 Zang St., Broomfield Northwest Denver Suburbs

303-410-0482

Japanese, Sushi, Best Of, Menu

Benihana is the Barnum & Bailey of Japanese food, an unabashedly corny and often embarrassing centerfold of eye-rolling wisecracks, theatrics and occasional mishaps from the knife-wielding teppenyaki chefs who elevate (some would say disintegrate) food into an entertainment form. But guess what? The food here is nothing to sneer at, and the fried rice — allegedly a "top secret" recipe — is a dish that deserves a command performance. It's a medley (as best we can tell) of fried eggs, soy sauce, garlic butter, sesame seeds and vegetables, and it arrives at the table long before the chefs toss your beef, chicken or shrimp on the plate — a ploy, we think, to ensure that you order another round. Most people do.

2 articles

Benihana

3295 S. Tamarac Dr. Southeast Denver

303-750-0200

Japanese, Sushi, Best Of, Menu

5 articles

Berkeley Park Sushi Co.

4404 Yates St. Northwest Denver

720-379-5261

Sushi

The menu at Berkeley Park Sushi Co. almost seems to be missing a page or two, so short and focused is the roster of hand-rolled temaki and meticulous sashimi at chef Bradford Kim's third outpost after opening Cherry Hills and Park Hill Sushi Cos. But therein lies the brilliance of the austere little sushi bar: Perfection is captured through simplicity. A pour of rainwater-clear sake alongside a series of hand rolls, each delivery timed to follow the final bite of your last, offers a near-Zen-like study in flavors, textures and temperatures. Escape from the daily hustle with a short lunch or a leisurely dinner where the focus is entirely on the pleasure of eating — and a little drinking, too, if you dig Japanese beer and whisky.

Blue Moon Asian Grill and Sushi Bar

2188 S. Colorado Blvd. Southeast Denver

303-782-4888

Pan-Asian, Sushi, Menu

Blue Moon is rather pretty in a recycled way. The A-frame structure gives the place a pagoda feel that's ideal for a roster of Asian dishes: Chinese egg rolls, Vietnamese spring rolls and Thai summer rolls, edamame and lo mein, Thai curries, kung pao chicken, lettuce wraps and beef in Sriracha. Everything is made fresh and served beautifully arranged on huge white plates that capture the kitchen's overwhelming largesse.

1 article

Blue Sushi Sake Grill

1616 16th St. Downtown Denver

Sushi, Restaurants

7 articles

Blue Sushi Sake Grill

2154 E. Commons Ave., Centennial Southwest Denver Suburbs

720-283-6383

Japanese, Sushi, Menu

Cherry Hills Sushi Co.

1400 E. Hampden Ave. Cherry Hills Village

303-761-1559

Sushi, Critics' Pick

The menu at Cherry Hills Sushi Co. almost seems to be missing a page or two, so short and focused is chef Bradford Kim’s roster of hand-rolled temaki and meticulous sashimi. But therein lies the brilliance of the austere little sushi bar: Perfection is captured through simplicity. A pour of rainwater-clear sake alongside a series of hand rolls, each delivery timed to follow the final bite of your last, offers a near-Zen-like study in flavors, textures and temperatures. Escape from the daily hustle with a short lunch or a leisurely dinner where the focus is entirely on the pleasure of eating — and a little drinking, too, if you dig Japanese beer and whisky. Since opening in 2015, Kim has added Sushi Co. locations in Berkeley and Park Hill, spreading the temaki concept throughout town.

7 articles

El Coco Pirata Mariscos & Sushi Restaurante

3325 W. Alameda Ave. Southwest Denver

303-934-4133

Mexican, Seafood, Sushi

Fontana Sushi

534 E. Alameda Ave. South Denver

303-778-8818

Sushi, Best Of

Fontana Sushi, a Washington Park staple, has been serving tasty sushi in a laid-back dining room since 1999. In addition to sushi and sashimi, diners can also pick up entrees such as chicken curry rice and tonkatsu ramen.

3 articles

Fontana Sushi

8601 W. Cross Dr., #F4, Littleton Southwest Denver Suburbs

303-933-6788

Japanese, Sushi, Best Of, Menu

Brothers Quiang and Sky Chen own this Fontana Sushi, the only link in a chain otherwise belonging to Kevin Lin. Wanting a place where they could offer both the authentic Japanese gyoza, soba, katsu and tempura that form the street-food backbone of their native cuisine as well as a spread of Tokyo new-wave dishes, the brothers picked this unlikely location in a strip mall. The menus can be just as surprising, full of ultra-modern sushi interpretations as well as chirashi plates and tempura ice cream.

4 articles

Foraged

1825 Blake St. Downtown Denver

720-826-2147

Sushi

Go Fish

1 Broadway B108 Central Denver

303-733-8881

Sushi, Japanese, Menu

Go Fish is an outgrowth of the Spicy Basil a couple of doors down, which means you can now get Thai-Chinese on one corner, Japanese-American on the other. This is a simple and uncomplicated sushi bar and Japanese restaurant for neighbors, for anyone looking for a little miso soup, a couple of handrolls and a bit of yakitori as a snack. It's fast, cheap and easy to love.

2 articles

Hana Matsuri Sushi

2821 W. 120th Ave. Westminster

303-404-9888

Sushi, Recommended, Menu

Japanese food is as much about the presentation as it is about the flavors presented. And while the strip mall that’s home to Hana Matsuri Sushi doesn’t look like much, inside the elegant restaurant looks almost like a furniture showroom, with a sushi bar that’s an actual bar. Steve and Jessie Liu, who opened the superb Land of Sushi in the southern suburbs back in 2000, opened Hana Matsuri ten years later so that hungry diners in the northern suburbs could have an authentic sushi experience. And while the decor may not be traditional, the sushi chefs here are dedicated to providing stellar sushi. The best way to experience their skills might be with the chirashi, sashimi and nigiri, although the occasional departures into fusion can also produce worthy results.

5 articles

Hana Matsuri Sushi

150 S. Union Blvd. Lakewood

303-284-1278

Japanese, Sushi, Recommended, Menu

Steve and Jessie Liu, who opened the superb Land of Sushi in 2000 and the sleek Hana Matsuri in 2009, have done it again. The second installment of Hana Matsuri opened in late 2015 in Lakewood, bringing hungry diners in the southwestern suburbs an authentic sushi experience. While the decor may not be traditional, the sushi chefs here are dedicated to providing stellar sushi.The best way to experience their skills might be with the chirashi, sashimi and nigiri, although the occasional departures into fusion can also produce worthy results.

Hana Matsuri Sushi

658 S. Colorado Blvd., Glendale Southeast Denver

303-600-8477

Sushi

The Glendale outpost of Hana Matsuri Sushi (which first opened in Westminster way back in 2010) has a much different vibe than its older sibling: It's not in a strip mall, and it boasts a breezy rooftop patio with superb city views. And when this location opened in the summer of 2023, it did so with renowned chef Duy Pham heading up the spot's omakase program.

Hapa Sushi

1220 Pennsylvania Ave. Boulder

303-447-9883

Japanese, Sushi, Recommended, Menu

Hapa Sushi is essentially a fusion restaurant, offering sliders, nachos and Fuji-apple-and-bleu-cheese salads on the one hand, poke don, kanpyo maki and a small spread of sashimi on the other. It caters quite deliberately to rookies, actually naming a section of the menu "Beginner Sushi Rolls," which is followed by "Intermediate" and then flows right into the house specials -- almost all of which are named after something sexual. But while Hapa is a fun place, there's also undeniable talent in the kitchen.

4 articles

Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar

1117 Pearl St. Boulder

303-578-3071

Fusion, Sushi, Recommended, Best Of

Hapa Sushi is essentially a fusion restaurant, offering sliders, nachos and Fuji-apple-and-bleu-cheese salads on the one hand, poke don, kanpyo maki and a small spread of sashimi on the other. It caters quite deliberately to rookies, actually naming a section of the menu "Beginner Sushi Rolls," which is followed by "Intermediate" and then flows right into the house specials -- many of which are named after something sexual. But while Hapa is a fun place, there's also undeniable talent in the kitchen. Done with your sushi? Use your chopsticks to tap out the beat while the DJ spins it. A smart layout enhances the comfortably stylish environment so you won't bump the tables when the sake commands you to shake your booty.

6 articles

Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar

3030 E. 2nd Ave., #105, Denver Cherry Creek

303-322-9554

Sushi, Hawaiian, Best Of

Hapa Sushi is essentially a fusion restaurant, offering sliders, nachos and Fuji-apple-and-bleu-cheese salads on the one hand, poke don, kanpyo maki and a small spread of sashimi on the other. It caters quite deliberately to rookies, actually naming a section of the menu "Beginner Sushi Rolls," which is followed by "Intermediate" and then flows right into the house specials — many of which are named after something sexual. But while Hapa is a fun place, there's also undeniable talent in the kitchen. This Hapa spinoff has been altered to fit the Cherry Creek aesthetic: Black and silver chic artfully permeates the corner spot. Too bad the only place to safely get your dance groove on while the DJs spin is in front of the hostess station.

1 event 13 articles

Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar

1514 Blake St. Downtown Denver

720-575-4117

Fusion, Sushi, Recommended

Hapa Sushi is essentially a fusion restaurant, offering sliders, nachos and Fuji-apple-and-bleu-cheese salads on the one hand, poke don, kanpyo maki and a small spread of sashimi on the other. It caters quite deliberately to rookies, actually naming a section of the menu "Beginner Sushi Rolls," which is followed by "Intermediate" and then flows right into the house specials -- almost all of which are named after something sexual. But while Hapa is a fun place, there's also undeniable talent in the kitchen.

6 articles

Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar

5380 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Englewood Southeast Denver Suburbs

720-575-3027

Fusion, Sushi, Recommended

Hapa Sushi is essentially a fusion restaurant, offering sliders, nachos and Fuji-apple-and-bleu-cheese salads on the one hand, poke don, kanpyo maki and a small spread of sashimi on the other. It caters quite deliberately to rookies, actually naming a section of the menu "Beginner Sushi Rolls," which is followed by "Intermediate" and then flows right into the house specials -- almost all of which are named after something sexual. But while Hapa is a fun place, there's also undeniable talent in the kitchen.

5 articles

Iwayama Sushi

5500 S. Simms St., C, Littleton Southwest Denver Suburbs

303-948-1199

Sushi, Restaurants, Menu

For anyone familiar with the Asian restaurants of Denver's many strip malls, Iwayama Sushi is instantly comfortable, with its hodge-podge decor from the pages of a Lowe's home improvement catalog, rows of maneki-neko cats with paws raised in solidarity, and perky soy sauce bottles on every table. An extensive list of maki, nigiri and other sushi-style offerings - dominates the menu, from the traditional to the creative and slightly whacky - like and odd but satisfying tempura lobster and bacon roll. But rarer Hawaiian specialties also get loving treatment from the kitchen: kalua pork, the near-mythical loco moco, and Spam musubi that somehow transcends the canned meat's processed nature to become something at once refined and satisfying. Hawaiian plate lunches (available for dinner too) with Korean and Japanese influence and fish in various grilled, fried, and steamed preparations round out the entree selections in this delightful island hidden in Littleton's suburban sea.

1 article

Izakaya Den

1487 S. Pearl St. South Denver

303-777-0691

Sushi, Japanese, Critics' Pick, Best Of, Slideshow, Readers' Choice

More than two decades passed before Sushi Den owners Yasu and Toshi Kizaki decided to expand upon their successful sushi business, but when they did, they went big. While the word “izakaya” means little more than “bar and grill” in Japan, in Denver it has become synonymous with the same style, service and dedication to fresh seafood that Sushi Den customers have come to expect.

49 articles

Izu Sushi

1528 E. Colfax Ave. East Denver

Japanese, Sushi

3 articles

Japango

1136 Pearl St. Boulder

303-225-7344

Japanese, Sushi, Asian, Best Of, Menu

Japango flies in fish daily to ensure that your meal includes the freshest catch available. The gorgeously decorated, lush interior and rich, delicious food are reflected in the price tag -- but all things considered, you get what you pay for at Japango. The wine and sake lists are dynamic and affordable (and the sake is available in flights, rated for your consuming pleasure); daily specials offer plenty of options for seafood lovers (and even vegetarians, who can order a fish-free sushi plate at dinner); and the reasonably priced Bento boxes are an excellent way to enjoy an upscale dining experience at lunch without breaking the bank.

3 articles

Japon

1028 S. Gaylord St. South Denver

303-744-0330

Japanese, Sushi, Recommended, Menu

The 1000 block of South Gaylord Street is swimming in dining options, but if you’re in the mood for sushi, you can’t beat Japon. Located right next door to the old Japon (which closed in 2005), Japon 2.0 has vaulted ceilings, an open kitchen and plenty of space where you can enjoy an intimate meal with a companion or celebrate with a big party – and you can always belly up to the sushi bar to watch the chefs cut and craft your meal. Japon’s lunch and dinner menus are expansive, with a la carte sushi, combos and cooked options; there are always a few house specials, too. And don’t forget the happy hour, with cheap sushi and sake, during the week.

10 articles

Jason's Thai Asian Bistro

2022 S. University Blvd. South Denver

303-777-8388

Asian, Japanese, Seafood, Sushi, Best Of, Menu

Jason’s Thai Asian Bistro is a clean, updated space in an otherwise seedy South University strip mall. The comprehensive eatery offers dine-in, carry-out and delivery service, beer and wine, and an Asian fusion menu of dishes from Thailand, Japan, China and Vietnam. Starters include summer rolls and edamame, seaweed salad and miso soup, while entrees like spicy stir-fried chicken and jalapeños and sriracha beef share space with vegetarian items made with tofu and eggplant. The culinary geography changes up with tempura, lo mein and udon noodles, classics dishes like drunken noodles and pad Thai, and more Thai curries than you can shake a pair of chopsticks at.

2 articles

John Holly's Asian Bistro

2422 S. Downing St. South Denver

303-722-8686

Asian, Asian Fusion, Bistro, Chinese, French, Sushi, Thai, Menu

1 article

John Holly's Asian Bistro

1028 S. Gaylord St. South Denver

303-942-0158

Asian, Japanese, Sushi, Thai, Menu

3 articles

Katana Sushi

955 Lincoln St. Downtown Denver

Japanese, Sushi

Kumoya

2400 W. 32nd Ave., Denver Highland/Lower Highland

303-862-6664

Sushi, Essentials

Corey Baker has had a two-decade-long career in some of Denver's most renowned sushi spots, so when he teamed up with chef Max MacKissock and the Culinary Creative Group in 2023 to open a new spot in LoHi, the bar was high. What this team has delivered is a place that should be on every sushi lover’s must-dine list. Sourcing the best ingredients is of the utmost importance to Baker, and it shows in everything from the sashimi and nigiri to the expertly balanced rolls and small plates. Bonus: It's attached to Bar Kumo, a connected space that can get a little rowdy (in a good way) after dark and offers snacks until midnight.

Sushi in Denver

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