Best of Denver
🥂 Best Date Night Restaurants in Denver
Denver’s sushi scene surprises with exceptional freshness, chef-led omakase, and diverse Japanese culinary experiences. Whether you’re craving melt-in-your-mouth nigiri, innovative tasting menus, or a lively spot for happy hour, this city delivers.
Choose from serene chef’s counters, see-and-be-seen lounges, or intimate neighborhood finds—flavors here span from classic Edomae sushi to Japanese-Peruvian fusion and plant-based rolls. Many offer standout sake lists, creative cocktails, and expert wine pairings ideal for celebrations or date nights. This curated guide highlights the best sushi and omakase restaurants in Denver, breaking down what sets each apart.
🍣 Best Chef’s Choice Omakase: Ukiyo — 12-seat chef's table with dazzling seasonal tasting menus.
🍸 Best Date Night Sushi: Sushi Den — Legendary fish flown in daily from Tokyo, iconic for romantic dinners.
🌱 Best Sustainable & Gluten-Free: Bamboo Sushi — Modern spot with sustainable seafood and nearly all gluten-free menu.
🍣 Order Nigiri Over Rolls: Many locals prefer the nigiri selections as the best way to experience Sushi Den’s fresh imports from Japan.
🍸 Try the Lychee Margarita: Beyond sake, their unique cocktails like the lychee margarita are fan favorites and complement the sushi well.
📅 Reservations Recommended: Especially for lunch and dinner, booking ahead helps avoid wait times during peak hours on Pearl Street.
🚗 Parking Tips: Valet is available but can be pricey; free street parking is an option though somewhat limited, so plan accordingly.
🍶 Japanese Whiskey & Cocktails: Don’t miss the robust drink menu including unique cocktails and a curated Japanese whiskey list enhancing your dining experience.
🕓 Happy Hour Advantage: Visit between 4-6 PM for excellent happy hour deals on food and drinks, perfect for a trendy yet affordable outing.
🚗 Parking Tips: Street parking is limited; opting for the $5 valet garage is recommended for stress-free parking.
🎂 Personalized Celebrations: Staff often go the extra mile for special occasions, including personalized birthday cards and complimentary treats.
🍣 Sushi Bar Experience: Sitting at the sushi bar offers personalized interactions with chefs, enhancing the omakase journey.
🚗 Valet Convenience: Valet parking is available just steps from the entrance, easing access in bustling Cherry Creek.
🍨 Don’t Miss Dessert: The Nobu-style shaved ice is a must-try signature dessert that guests rave about.
🍷 Wine and Sake Pairings: The restaurant offers expert sommelier pairings to elevate your tasting menu experience.
🍣 Sushi Bar Seats Are Prime: Sitting at the sushi counter offers an engaging experience with freshly made-to-order nigiri and interaction with the chefs.
🍸 Happy Hour Highlights: Make the most of their happy-hour specials for excellent cocktails and discounted sushi selections.
📅 Reservations Recommended: Temaki Den fills quickly for lunch and dinner, so booking ahead ensures a spot, especially on weekends.
🍽️ Slow-Paced Dining: The dining experience is meant to be savored slowly with each sushi piece served individually, perfect for conversation and relaxation.
🍣 Happy Hour Heaven: Take advantage of the long happy hour from 11 AM to 6:30 PM daily, including Sundays, for great deals on sushi and drinks.
🍶 Sake Flights: Don’t miss trying the flights of sake to complement your meal, a favorite among regulars for pairing with their rolls.
🌱 Vegan Friendly: The vegan sushi options, especially the vegan Philadelphia roll, are exceptional and highly recommended by plant-based diners.
🎵 Lively Vibe: Opt for the sushi bar seating for a more interactive experience and enjoy occasional live music enhancing the trendy atmosphere.
🍣 Focus on Nigiri & Sashimi:The menu is intentionally small and refined, perfect for connoisseurs seeking quality over quantity.
🍸 Happy Hour Highlights:Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 5 PM with select food and drink specials, ideal for trying specialties at a lower cost.
📞 Reservations Recommended:Reservations are accepted via Yelp or by phone, especially on weekends to secure seating at the intimate sushi bar.
🚗 Parking Tips:Free parking is generally available but can fill up; street parking nearby is an alternative for those willing to walk a bit.
🍣 Reserve Early: Book at least two months in advance to secure a spot as this popular omakase experience fills quickly.
🥂 Opt for Drink Pairings: The expertly crafted sake and cocktail pairings elevate the tasting menu, though some recommend ordering your own beverages for a tailored experience.
🎉 Perfect for Special Occasions: Guests frequently choose Sushi by Scratch for anniversaries and celebrations due to its intimate and upscale vibe.
🎭 Speakeasy Atmosphere: The trendy, cozy setting adds to the unique ambiance, enhancing the overall dining experience.
🍣 Try the Specialty Nigiri: Seared wagyu nigiri and Hamachi Chili Sashimi come highly recommended by regulars.
🕯️ Cozy Evening Dining: Early dinner before 6 PM offers a quieter, more intimate experience with attentive service.
🚗 Plan Parking Ahead: Free street parking is usually available, but weekends can be busy, so arrive early for best spots.
🍵 Don’t Miss the Tea Selection: Their great tea variety enhances the sushi experience and is perfect for non-alcohol drinkers.
🍣 Gluten-Free Excellence: Nearly the entire menu caters to gluten-free diners, making it a rare and reliable sushi spot for celiac and gluten-intolerant guests.
🌞 Patio Bliss: The serene patio is a favorite during warmer months, perfect for enjoying sushi in a relaxed outdoor setting.
🍸 Happy Hour Deals: Happy hour offers notable deals on select sushi rolls and drinks, ideal for budget-conscious diners seeking quality.
🐕 Dog Friendly: Bamboo Sushi welcomes dogs, allowing guests to dine with their furry friends on the patio.
🎟️ Reserve Early: Seats are limited to 12, making advance reservations essential to secure your spot in this intimate setting.
🐟 Monthly Tuna Experience: Don't miss the 'Toast to Tuna' event for a rare, close-up look at tuna breakdown and exclusive tastings.
🍸 Tailored Drink Pairings: The mixologist crafts personalized cocktails that perfectly complement each course; ask for recommendations.
🌙 Evening Dinners Only: Ukiyo is closed on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Sundays; plan your visit Wednesday through Saturday starting at 5:30 PM.
Denver’s best sushi and omakase restaurants reflect true dedication to craft—whether you’re a lifelong aficionado or new to raw fish, these destinations bring artistry and flavor to every table. Bookmark this guide for your next sushi adventure and share it with friends who appreciate exquisite ingredients and culinary creativity.
Explore more with our full dining directory and check out related guides for the city’s top spots by cuisine or neighborhood.
Denver’s best sushi and omakase experiences include Sushi Den—renowned for its fish flown in daily from Japan and signature rolls—and Uchi Denver, which delivers inventive small plates and standout cocktails. For a chef-driven omakase, Ukiyo offers an intimate tasting menu, while Matsuhisa shines with Japanese-Peruvian innovation. Each provides a different atmosphere, from serene counters to stylish lounges.
Reservations are strongly recommended—sometimes required—at Denver’s leading sushi spots like Matsuhisa, Sushi by Scratch, and Ukiyo. Many venues book up days or weeks in advance, especially for omakase experiences or weekend evenings. Sushi Den, Uchi, and Temaki Den also recommend reserving ahead for dinner or special occasions to avoid long waits.
Omaksase menus are a highlight at several Denver restaurants. Ukiyo is renowned for its personalized, multi-course chef’s table. Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver offers an exclusive omakase counter experience. Matsuhisa Denver’s omakase explores elevated Japanese-Peruvian flavors, while Kin Nori Bar offers a more intimate and minimalist omakase for purists.
Bamboo Sushi stands out for its dedication to sustainability, offering nearly an entirely gluten-free menu that’s ideal for those with dietary restrictions. The restaurant also features vegan-friendly rolls. Blue Sushi Sake Grill caters to plant-based diners with inventive vegan options, while most upscale sushi bars can accommodate gluten-free or ingredient-sensitive requests if asked in advance.
Parking varies by location. Some venues, like Matsuhisa and Uchi, offer valet or paid garage parking. Sushi Den and Blue Sushi Sake Grill have nearby street or lot options, but spaces can be limited, especially during peak dining hours. Kin Nori Bar and Nozomi often have accessible street parking, but planning ahead is wise, particularly on weekends or busy nights.
Denver’s best sushi and omakase restaurants reflect true dedication to craft—whether you’re a lifelong aficionado or new to raw fish, these destinations bring artistry and flavor to every table. Bookmark this guide for your next sushi adventure and share it with friends who appreciate exquisite ingredients and culinary creativity.
Explore more with our full dining directory and check out related guides for the city’s top spots by cuisine or neighborhood.
Denver’s best sushi and omakase restaurants reflect true dedication to craft—whether you’re a lifelong aficionado or new to raw fish, these destinations bring artistry and flavor to every table. Bookmark this guide for your next sushi adventure and share it with friends who appreciate exquisite ingredients and culinary creativity.
Explore more with our full dining directory and check out related guides for the city’s top spots by cuisine or neighborhood.
Denver’s best sushi and omakase experiences include Sushi Den—renowned for its fish flown in daily from Japan and signature rolls—and Uchi Denver, which delivers inventive small plates and standout cocktails. For a chef-driven omakase, Ukiyo offers an intimate tasting menu, while Matsuhisa shines with Japanese-Peruvian innovation. Each provides a different atmosphere, from serene counters to stylish lounges.
Reservations are strongly recommended—sometimes required—at Denver’s leading sushi spots like Matsuhisa, Sushi by Scratch, and Ukiyo. Many venues book up days or weeks in advance, especially for omakase experiences or weekend evenings. Sushi Den, Uchi, and Temaki Den also recommend reserving ahead for dinner or special occasions to avoid long waits.
Yes, several top sushi restaurants in Denver offer happy hour deals. Uchi Denver has a popular daily happy hour with select food and drink specials. Blue Sushi Sake Grill is known for an extended happy hour that runs even on Sundays. At Temaki Den and Kin Nori Bar, happy hour brings affordable options and a chance to explore specialty nigiri and cocktails.
Omaksase menus are a highlight at several Denver restaurants. Ukiyo is renowned for its personalized, multi-course chef’s table. Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver offers an exclusive omakase counter experience. Matsuhisa Denver’s omakase explores elevated Japanese-Peruvian flavors, while Kin Nori Bar offers a more intimate and minimalist omakase for purists.
Bamboo Sushi stands out for its dedication to sustainability, offering nearly an entirely gluten-free menu that’s ideal for those with dietary restrictions. The restaurant also features vegan-friendly rolls. Blue Sushi Sake Grill caters to plant-based diners with inventive vegan options, while most upscale sushi bars can accommodate gluten-free or ingredient-sensitive requests if asked in advance.
Parking varies by location. Some venues, like Matsuhisa and Uchi, offer valet or paid garage parking. Sushi Den and Blue Sushi Sake Grill have nearby street or lot options, but spaces can be limited, especially during peak dining hours. Kin Nori Bar and Nozomi often have accessible street parking, but planning ahead is wise, particularly on weekends or busy nights.
