Sushi Den — Restaurant in Denver

My most recent experience at Sushi Den over this past Memorial weekend was such a disappointment. My partner made a reservation weeks in advance to celebrate my birthday (also listed on the reservation) and was not mentioned whatsoever during our dining experience. I wasn't nearly as upset about that compared to the poor service we had that night.

When we were seated, the server came to greet us and inform us of what was on the catch of the day menu, only to realize we have never received it. She told us she would go back to retrieve it and disappeared for at least 5-10 mins. It took us at least 10-15 mins to get water at our table and even more time to wait for the server to come back so we can order. At this point, my partner and I decide to order everything at once since we did not want to wait any longer and we have been to this restaurant in the past and know what we want.

After we placed an order, the timing of the food was too rushed. Granted we did order all of the dishes at once, however, you would expect an upscale restaurant would pace out the timing dishes/courses so we weren't bombarded with dishes on every corner of our table. We felt pressured to eat the food quickly so they could make room for the other dishes. I'm not sure if it was also because the holiday weekend was a contributing factor and the restaurant wanted to turn as much tables as they could to accommodate the walk ins. We just wanted to finish our meal so we could go home because of how unpleasant the experience was.

I have dined at Sushi Den several times over the years and service has been inconsistent. There was a dining experience I had about two years ago where my food did not come out until almost an hour after placing my order. Another instance, my partner received the wrong entree and by the time the correct dish arrived, I was nearly finished with my meal.

My partner and I do not eat out often, so when we do, we like to splurge and eat out somewhere nice. While we do think the food itself is good, we can no longer justify spending a $200+ dinner at a restaurant with mediocre service. The dining experience at this restaurant has gone down over the years and hearing about the poor treatment of employees at this establishment makes us not want to come back any longer. It seems like they want to cram in as many people as possible in the restaurant to make as much money as they can and it honestly takes away from the experience as a consumer.

To take the cherry on top, we both became sick the day after and believe we got food poisoning from our dinner the night before. We did not eat any food from outside of our home that weekend so its highly suspect our dinner at Sushi Den was the culprit. I am still recovering from the food poisoning. It has become a little tradition with my partner and I to go to Sushi Den for my birthday and this experience has ruined it for me. Unfortunately, I can no longer recommend this...

I have been to Sushi Den a handful of times and have been blown away every time. Its at the Uchi level without being Uchi - which I love that alot about the experience. It is highly talked about in Denver by anyone who is a local and is recommending an amazing sushi spot. So I did the same, I recommended to my partner for a date night and he had never been before.

So it was extremely unfortunate to have experienced the meal my partner and I experienced. I honestly didn't want to write this review. I came back and forth to write one and stopped every time. I even looked at recent reviews and recent photos of the food and come to the realization that it must have been a really bad night for the restaurant and I suffered because of it. That is unfortunate and has left me wondering if I can even come back again...

The service was subpar honestly - which was the start to the experience. I am not sure what was off with it but it just didn't feel like the normal experience that I have had before at the restaurant. But truthfully this review isn't about the service it is about the food. But I will say this, checking in on the table minimally because we are deep in convo is one thing but ignoring pretty much completely is another. We ordered ~6-8 sashimi cuts from the fresh from Japan menu and the gentlemen who dropped them off said all of the Japanese names very quickly with no pause and left. And the server - though I attempted multiple times to make eye contact with her didn't come over to check in so we were left eating the pieces without knowing what each were which was disappointing.

I only took one photo because I prefer a no phone at the table approach but the one photo I did take can highlight exactly how our sushi was presented all night long.

The sushi was poorly wrapped. It lacked direction. We weren't sure if we were coming or going. The running theme from the kitchen tonight was cilantro, red/yellow bell peppers, and jalapeños. The kitchen prep on these veggies was horrendous. The jalapeños were sliced so large. There was no care in the presentation of the food. and worst of all - because the veggies were 1) cut poorly, 2) too large for the bite with the sushi, & 3) a poor flavor profile choice it just left an experience where they were so over powering that it left the actually sushi to be unrecognizable and not enjoyable.

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Sushi Den: A Culinary Oasis in Denver, Colorado

Walking into Sushi Den feels like crossing a culinary threshold. The authentic atmosphere transports diners to Japan with its minimalist décor and warm ambiance. This unassuming gem is renowned for its commitment to authenticity and quality.

The menu at Sushi Den showcases the artistry and dedication of the master chefs behind the counter. Their focus on sourcing sustainable seafood ensures that every piece of fish or shellfish is both delicious and environmentally conscious.

From traditional appetizers like edamame and gyoza to their exquisite omakase tasting menu, each dish at Sushi Den tells a story. The nigiri sushi delights with its fresh ingredients sourced from local waters as well as Tsukiji market in Japan. The sashimi platter presents an array of meticulously sliced raw seafood that shines under soft lighting.

But it's not just about raw fish; Sushi Den offers equally impressive cooked dishes too. The miso black cod, grilled to perfection, melts in your mouth with its delicate flavors. And their tempura selection achieves a perfect balance between crispiness and lightness.

To end this culinary journey, Sushi Den presents an array of desserts that fuse traditional Japanese flavors with innovative twists—like green tea tiramisu showcasing matcha notes alongside classic indulgence.

Beyond the exceptional food, what sets Sushi Den apart is the genuine warmth exuded by their staff—an attentive yet unpretentious approach that makes diners feel welcomed into their culinary sanctuary.

In his pursuit of authenticity and excellence, Yasu Kizaki has created more than just a restaurant—he has crafted an experience infused with passion, artistry, and the soul of Japanese cuisine.

Serving as an ambassador for Japanese culture through food, Sushi Den stands out as an extraordinary establishment where tradition meets innovation seamlessly—a place where guests can immerse themselves in a gastronomic symphony unlike any other outside Japan itself.

Leaving Sushi Den, one cannot help but long for another taste—a chance to reconnect with the culinary magic that unfolded within its walls. It is an experience that leaves an indelible mark on both the palate and the heart, leaving a deep admiration for this remarkable oasis of Japanese cuisine in...