Colorado may be a landlocked state, but Denver doesn't disappoint when it comes to fresh fish delicacies with a Japanese flair. And Denver's sushi scene benefits from the raw talent (pun intended) of restaurateurs who have brought the taste of the sea mile-high. From small and inexpensive to special-occasion dining experiences, read on to discover Denver's best sushi spots.
Cradled in Denver's hot LoDo district, Sonoda's might seem as far from Japan as you can get. But the minute you go downstairs into the narrow restaurant, you'll feel immersed in a low-key, authentic Japanese eating experience. Owner Kenny Sonoda has collaborated with a staff of expert sushi chefs to create a menu that highlights the best of sushi with no shortage of choice hot dishes, such as the superb nabeyaki udon and yakitori chicken. The sushi is selected daily from a selection imported from both coasts, with sushi chefs selecting only the freshest cuts. However handpicked the fish, prices remain reasonable for a sushi restaurant. The notable list of nigiri offers a traditional take on kaki (oyster), tako (octopus), or tamer fishes such as fatty tuna and salmon.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $15-25
JAPON 1028 S. Gaylord St., Denver, CO 80209 (303) 744-0330 Hours: Mon–Thu 11:30am–10:00pm; Fri 11:30am–Midnight; Sat 12:00pm–Midnight; Sun 5:00pm–10:00pm
With a modern decor featuring a wall of bubbling water and a fearless selection of fresh fish, Japon brings brisk energy and enthusiasm to the age-old art of sushi. Located on South Gaylord near chic boutiques and stately homes, Japon has been serving Japanese food to hungry Denverites for over a decade. And executive chef Miki Hashimoto has quality in mind: the restaurant serves only handmade shoyu (soy sauce) from a family recipe and features local tofu and top-barrel sushi rice to create elegant sushi for the fresh fish connoisseur. In addition to standard nigiri, bento boxes and boats, the restaurant features specialty rolls such as the Washington, D.C. roll, a succulent collection of softshell crab, cucumber, burdock root, green leaf, asparagus, alfalfa, Japanese mayonnaise and smelt roe.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $25-45
SUSHI DEN 1487 S. Pearl St., Denver, CO 80210 (303) 777-0826 Hours: Lunch: Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2:30 pm Dinner: Mon-Thurs 4:45-10:30 pm; Fri 4:45-12 am; Saturday 4:30 -12 am; Sunday 5-10:30 pm
Think it's impossible to enjoy fresh sushi in Denver? Think again - Sushi Den flies in its fish selections daily from Japan. Master chef Toshi has created a nationally-renowned sushi experience in a hip, urbane setting that sparkles with vigor and life. You owe yourself any selection from the seemingly endless menu, but don't miss the incredible twist on sashimi featuring sliced jalapeno and cilantro or mouthwatering special dishes specific to your own sushi chef. Those looking for cooked fish are in luck: entrees such as tender strip steak, crispy duck breast topped with balsamic soy and ginger-cilantro scallops are poised to compete with the sushi selection at this legendary Denver nightspot.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $30-60
HAPA SUSHI GRILL AND SAKE BAR 2780 E 2nd Avenue, Denver CO 80206 (303) 322-9554 Hours: Sunday-Wednesday 11:30 am - 10 pm; 11:30 am-12 am Thursday-Saturday
With names like Magic Mushrooms, Spicy Tuna Nachos and the Orgasm Roll, it's clear that Hapa Sushi offers more than your average sushi joint. What it serves up is deceptively simple: Japanese favorites with a chic, contemporary twist as fragrant and decorative as a fresh slice of lemon on a piece of salmon sashimi. Whether you're in the mood for sweet (plums, strawberries, mandarin oranges and sweet sauces come into play in several dishes), pungent (try the incredible fuji apple bleu cheese salad studded with candied pecans), or spicy (the hamapeno roll features both hamachi and jalapenos), you're in the right place. Add some warm sake and the attentions of a casual, young wait staff and you're in hip sushi heaven.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $20-25
SUSHI SASA 2401 15th St., Denver, CO 80202 (303) 433-7272
Veteran foodster Wayne Conwell has brought sushi to East Highland, and he's done so with style. Specializing in meticulously cut and plated sushi, Sushi Sasa is a sushi lover's retreat, complete with minimalist ambience, state-of-the-art sushi chefs and a to-die for mix of flavor and flair. If you're feeling adventurous, settle down at the sushi bar for a surprising - and ever-changing omakase tasting dinner selected by your chef and sure to present you with new textures and flavors. If you're in the mood for something tamer, the spider roll or smoky unagi (freshwater eel) is sure to satisfy. Those with slender wallets might want to bypass dinner and opt instead for the makani (chef's rations) at lunchtime; the selection changes daily but is sure to be filling and memorable.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $40-60
SUSHI HAN 1512 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202 (303) 820-3331
The words "Downtown Denver" don't exactly call to mind a mecca for affordable, yummy sushi. Luckily, Sushi Han is that place - an unlikely, if under-the-radar, location nestled in Writer's Square and serving up inexpensive, tasty rolls and traditional sushi fare. Its modest list of sushi is spiked with a few surprises, such as the exotic akimo (monk fish liver) and sweet raw shrimp. And a long list of non-sushi entrees fail to break the $20 mark - a boon for starving cubicle workers looking for a teriyaki fix midday. And rolls start at only $1.50, which means there will be plenty of sushi to go around.
Estimated cost per person for dinner: $15-20
SUSHI ZANMAI 1221 Spruce St, Boulder, CO 80302 (303) 440-0733
Wooden walls, a cheerful and service-oriented sushi staff, delicate fish and a raucous sake bar: Sushi Zanmai has long been Boulder's sushi standby restaurant. And with good reason: its sushi doesn't fail to satisfy. Start your meal by chatting with the almost frustratingly eager-to-please wait staff, then move on to edamame, hot tea and conversation among the paper and light wood screens. Then move on to a selection of sushi rolls (try the signature Z-No.9 roll, which features shrimp tempura, avocado, salmon, and eel sauce). Finish with some green tea ice cream and low-key conversation. But watch out - there's often a wait at this popular night spot, a favorite for birthdays and special occasions.
The Top List of Sushi Restaurants - Denver, CO