Discover the Best Sushi in Denver

Some people are willing to sacrifice having the best sushi in Denver just to have their food delivered. This isn’t necessary, thanks to Banzai Sushi. And while eating at home may sound appealing, the soft lighting, artsy décor, and traditional Japanese architecture make staying in a far more attractive option. The eatery is also known as the home of “100 rolls,” and this isn’t just an exaggeration. There are more sushi combinations than most people have encountered in their lifetimes. While traditional rolls have their place on the menu, options like the Roll in the Hay — featuring quail eggs, sea urchin, salmon, and smelt roe — keep the adventurous coming back.

Sitting in the River North Art District is one of the “new kids on the block” when it comes to the best sushi in Denver. The concept was originally founded in Texas, so it’s no surprise that the eatery takes a non-traditional approach to Japanese cuisine. This approach focuses on sustainability and provides unique dishes like onion ring tempura, 72-hour short ribs, and pistachio choux — among other offerings. The deviation from traditional norms, however, hasn’t stopped Uchi from being called “the best sushi this side of Japan” by the Wall Street Journal.

The tiny building footprint of this location deceptively hides the open-yet-intimate spatial dining area. Even the aquarium is strategically placed to make this hot spot appear roomier than many larger eateries. This, combined with contemporary décor, creates a welcoming ambiance that diners love. Menu items here can periodically change as the owners focus on innovation and keeping track of Japanese cuisine trends. Patrons enjoy the Chef’s weekly specials, but the staples — ranging from tiramisu to monkey brain (relax, it’s not really monkey brain) — have remained popular for two decades.

Specialty oyster dishes, a large sushi variety, and cocktails that resemble works of art are just the tip of the iceberg. World-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa provides Japanese-Peruvian cuisine in an intimate setting. The dining area is expansive, and the sushi kitchen is visible from most spots. Start out with caviar or one of the other unique appetizers and then move on to a huge selection of tempura, nigiri, sashimi, and other options.

Bright colors, perfect lighting, and private dining areas with sliding shoji doors create an atmosphere that’s unique among Denver’s sushi offerings. Anyone who hasn’t experienced the cozy downstairs lounge is doing themselves a disservice. This eatery focuses on providing traditional Japanese cuisine and “new style” all under a single roof. The Diablo Roll, sautéed calamari, and the Sasa Trio are all popular dishes, and over a dozen sake options are perfect for making a great night out even better.

The Blake Street location isn’t the only option for Hapa Sushi Grill, but it does offer an easily accessible eatery in the Downtown area. “Hapa” takes traditional Japanese cuisine and blends it with other types of cooking. This eatery implements a Hawaiian style that creates something entirely new. The lighting provides what patrons have dubbed “the lava look,” and other contemporary traits create a hip atmosphere that people of all ages can appreciate. The Monkey Brain, Magic Mushrooms, and Hapa Roll are among the most popular offerings.

Creations from local artists line the walls of this eatery, and the modern — if not post-industrial — décor creates an ambiance unattainable anywhere else. It’s also home to the Highlands Comedy Room, so patrons will experience a great show every Thursday. The owners have foregone huge, multi-page menus in lieu of a thoughtful selection that focuses specifically on traditional Japanese cuisine. Signature rolls are especially popular and include the HaiLands Roll, Green Hornet Roll, Hia Lobster Roll, and Tidal Wave.

If a unique concept is as important as finding the best sushi in Denver, Sushi-Rama is the obvious choice. Menu options are served via kaiten-zushi — what most Americans would call a conveyor belt. Instead of seeing another patron’s food pass by and thinking “I should’ve gotten that,” everyone just grabs what they want as it comes by. Quirky music, poppy-bright colors, and a massive sushi art will appeal to the eyes as much as the Salmon 3-Way and Philly Roll appeal to the appetite.

Bar-style seating, pendant lights, and contemporary décor give this eatery an ambiance that’s all its own. Patrons wearing everything from button-up shirts to sports jerseys can be found here all hours of the day. While the modern and welcoming atmosphere is certainly appealing, it’s the traditional Japanese cuisine that really stands out. Whether inside or posted up at the New York-style outdoor seating, everyone enjoys staple dishes such as the yakitori and Seven Course Tasting Menu.

Tucked away in the downtown area of LoDo, Denver’s oldest neighborhood, is a sushi restaurant that offers fun and updated takes on traditional Japanese fare. Large Buddha statues, a big screen TV, and an expansive aquarium all add to the ambiance. Even the neon-lit robotic octopus that serves as storefront signage proclaims that this is a novel concept. The happy hour menu is extensive, and offerings ranging from the Godzilla Bomb to the Lion King make this a truly unique place. Plate delivery is staggered by the chefs to ensure a communal experience, which is perfect for patrons new to Japanese cuisine.

This local hot spot is typically considered the preeminent sushi restaurant in Denver. After starting on shaky ground in 1984 due to a nearly non-existent demand for the Asian staple, it quickly pioneered the sushi scene in the city and even throughout America. Its corner location provides great opportunities for people-watching, and expansive offerings ranging from pan-roasted Scottish salmon to duck udon keep everyone coming back. This is without even mentioning the sushi platters and tempura. What really stands out is the fact that fresh fish is flown in from a Japanese market every day!

This gastropub was featured on Denver’s 9 News during Asian Heritage Month, but sushi lovers have long known the founders as the same people who brought Sushi Den to the city. Patrons are treated to a tapas-style menu that features traditional Japanese offerings along with gluten-free and vegan options to satisfy every taste. Japanese carpenters and local architects worked together to create a strictly Asian feel. Intimate settings combined with skylights and expansive windows provide an atmosphere that’s both relaxing and contemporary. Patrons can even enjoy a sushi-making class in their free time!