Denver Food｜Japanese Restaurant Recommendations

🍣 Sushi Den / Izakaya Den — Michelin Recommended These two spots share a wall and are owned by the same person — post-pandemic they basically operate as one. A Michelin Recommended restaurant (no stars, but impressive for landlocked Colorado). One of Colorado’s older upscale Japanese spots — fish is flown in directly from Japan. Tuna toro, bluefin tuna, uni, and sweet shrimp are all fresh and delicious. ⚠️ No reservations — walk-in only, so be prepared to wait. 🍣 Uchi Another high-end Japanese spot in Colorado, opened by James Beard Award-winning chef Tyson Cole. Located in Denver’s RiNo district — leans more modern American in style, but the Japanese cuisine is top-tier. Sometimes features specials like ikura uni rice or foie gras sushi — quality is solid. 🍣 Matsuhisa A national upscale chain by Japanese culinary icon Nobu Matsuhisa. Three locations in Colorado: Denver, Aspen, and Vail. Prices are steep — Denver’s omakase runs $175 per person (likely Denver’s priciest). While ingredient quality may not be the absolute best in Denver for the price, the dining experience is still strong. 🍣 Sushi Ronin Located in the Highland area near the popular Little Man Ice Cream. The chef (American) previously worked at Sushi Den. Cozy, intimate space with just a few tables — simple menu focused on nigiri and sashimi, no rice bowls or noodles. Great if you love fresh hand-pressed sushi. 🍣 Temaki Den Inside The Source Hotel in RiNo — famous for their hand rolls (temaki). Wide variety from veggie to wagyu and bluefin tuna. Very small — reservations are a must; walk-ins rarely get in. 🍣 Mizu Izakaya Chinese-owned Japanese spot — good if you want more hot dishes alongside sushi. Ramen, yakisoba, wagyu fried rice — solid options if raw fish isn’t your thing. 🍣 Tokio Ramen-focused but a full Japanese restaurant with sushi and hot dishes. Known for their "Ramen Challenge" — finish a 5.5-pound bowl in 22 minutes and it’s free! #Colorado #Denver #JapaneseFood 🏮🍱🗻