Denver may not be lucky enough to be by the coast, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t some innovative sushi chefs setting up shop here in the Mile High City. Even with the unfortunate close of Sushi Den, one of Denver’s favorite spots, there are still a ton of innovative sushi chefs doing awesome things with rice, sushi, and seaweed. Of course, there’s a lot more to it than that, and we’re here to highlight exactly what that means in Denver. We’ve rounded up a list of Denver’s favorite sushi spots–from high-end to cheap, AYCE to Omasake-so without further ado, here’s 10 of the best places to order sushi.
1. Uchi
Uchi is doing high-end and extravagant sushi here in Uchi. The Japanese word for home, Uchi is where James-Beard nominated, Chef Tyson Cole, has decided to set its second location’s roots. They’ve got three omasake menus to try from: Chef’s choice, signature, or vegetarian at market price, as well as two different menus of nigiri: cold and hot. On the cold side, you can try orange, chili yellow tail or salmon with asian pear and berries. On the hot side, you can sample king crab with miso butter and kimchi bok choy or wagyu beef with grilled mushroom and radish. You can be guaranteed that you’re in for a delectable experience here at Uchi. Reservations are required and they can be made by calling 303-444-1922.
Where: 2500 Lawrence St, Denver, CO 80205
2. Sushi Sasa
From their raw bar of oysters or salmon tartare to their extensive list of nigiri and hand rolls that combine different slices of fish, there’s something for everyone here at Sushi Sasa. That’s not even mentioning their ramen, which we hear is a fan favorite. To pair with your fresh sushi, Sasa is serving up hand-crafted cocktails inspired by the seasons and Japanese ingredients, and if you’re into Sake, don’t leave without trying one of their sake flights!
Where: 2401 15th St #80, Denver, CO 80202
3. Bamboo Sushi
Tucked away in LoHi is Bamboo Sushi, a restaurant serving nigiri, signature rolls, and Japanese plates to share. Aside from freshness, Bamboo is also dedicated to sustainability. Their menu shows some of their sourcing partners from their rice which they get from a partner making non-GMA Japanese short grain, to their albacore caught off the coast of the Pacific Northwest. Try a delicious hand roll–like salmon or avocado–or roll called the Green Machine, with tempura-fried green beans and green onions topped with avocado and cilantro chili oil.
Where: 2715 17th St, Denver, CO 80211
4. Sushi Katsu
Sushi Katsu will fulfill all your AYCE desires with their affordable lunch and dinner specials. Start with a salad or soup, then choose from over 50 selections of rolls. Rolls with salmon, eel, tuna, spicy tuna, and crabmeat with a variety of combinations are available to choose from. Try a tempura-fried Philadelphia roll or fresh Hawaiian, or go for the Denver roll with fresh salmon, tuna, white fish, shrimp, avocado, and crabmeat wrapped in cucumber.
Where: 1862 S Wadsworth Blvd, Lakewood, CO 80232,
5. Matsuisha
This is Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s third Denver location here in Cherry Creek. Chef Matsuhisha was trained in Tokyo, Japan and his food draws influences from his training as well as his life abroad in places like Peru, Argentina, and around the world. The menu is high-class and looks absolutely delicious, but does range on the pricier side. The menu is so extensive, we recommend reading it for yourself here.
Where: 98 Steele St, Denver, CO 80206
6. Sushi Ronin
If you’ve heard of Sushi Den, you’ll know it was a Denver favorite until its unfortunate close. Welcome Sushi Ronin, a new restaurant that a previous Sushi Den employee opened. They’ve got six different types of sushi to choose from–Hosomaki, Tatemaki, Temaki, Uramaki, Sashimi and Tempura with a bunch of different types of fresh ingredients incorporated in each.
Where: 2930 Umatilla St, Denver, CO 80211
7. Jett Sushi
Another high-end sushi joint is Jett Sushi. Their plates are stunning, with fresh and yummy ingredients. Just check out the presentation. Not only do they have sushi like a Spicy Mango Roll, Rainbow Roll, or Surf & Turf, but they also have a dinner menu with Japanese-inspired plates like Ginger Prawn, Sesame Chicken and Tonkatsu Ramen.
Where: 5007 E Colfax Ave, Denver, CO 80220
8. Izakaya
Izakaya is a gastropub serving global cuisine in a lovely restaurant, one so lovely it won the American Architecture Award. But how does the food stand up? With its connections to Sushi Den and extensive, fresh menu, Izakaya has the entire package. Their ingredients are also locally sourced, so you can enjoy a place that practices sustainability. Try their Miso Black Cod or their Sashimi or Sushi combos which offer a mix of different types to try.
Where: 1487A S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210
9. Hana Matsuri
Hana Matsuri is a lower cost but still tasty sushi spot here in Denver. Each of their sushi combos come with salads and either sushi on its own, sashimi on its own, sushi and sashimi combined, or a maki combo. They’ve also got a menu of global tapas like golden mussels, duck udon, and crispy calamari.
Where: 150 S Union Blvd #103, Lakewood, CO 80228
10. Cherry Hills
Cherry Hills is a traditional style neighborhood sushi joint. They have a bit of a no-frills approach with the promise to sell high-end and fresh ingredients for reasonable prices. The experience usually involves recommendations from the chef from their simple selection of traditional sushi paired with craft beer and Japanese whisky. You can call (303) 953-9581 for dine-in reservations or order take out.
Where: 4900 East Colfax Avenue Denver, Colorado 80220