While Denver is far from Japan geographically, both cultures have a love for the mountains, and also for delicious food. So whether the view from the sushi bar is Mt. Evans or Mt. Fuji, settle in with a platter of sushi and sashimi. One caveat: sushi in Colorado tends to be more expensive because fresh fish needs to be flown into our landlocked state.
1. Domo Restaurant
Photo (c) 2008 Domo Restaurant
Domo's picturesque patio and generous portions of sushi put this restaurant at the head of the class. Domo also shares space with Denver's largest Aikido school, and the restaurant features country-style Japanese food. The sushi arrives in individual bowls with wasabi on the side, but no soy sauce. Adding soy sauce to sushi is considered poor taste in Japan. Domo also serves other Japanese specialties such as teriyaki, udon noodles and soba noodles.
Domo Restaurant
1365 Osage St.
Denver, CO 80204
303-593-3666
2. Banzai Sushi
If variety is the spice of sushi, then Banzai is the restaurant for adventurous sushi lovers. Banzai, located next to Monaco Lanes Bowling Center, features more than 100 varieties of sushi rolls. Banzai features inside-out rolls with fish on the outside, as well as low-carb rolls with no rice. The crunchy tempura rolls also hit the spot, with tempura crumbles on the outside of the rolls. Banzai also has teriyaki, tempura, and hibachi items on the menu. Banzai Sushi
6655 Leetsdale Dr.
Denver, CO 80224
303-329-3366
Closed on Sundays.
3. Sushi Den
Sush Den is definitely Denver's trendiest sushi scene, but it can be difficult to find a table at the perpetually-crowded restaurant. Reservations are recommended for the Pearl Street institution, especially on weekends. The Sushi Den features several caviar rolls, as well as inventive vegetarian rolls such as eggplant and portobella mushroom. Don't miss happy hour sushi at discounted prices from 4:45 p.m. - 6 p.m. and 10:30 p.m. - 12 midnight every day except Sunday. Sushi Den
1487 S. Pearl St.
Denver, CO 80210
303-777-0826
4. Bara Sushi
The Denver Tech Center restaurant caters to the after-work crowd in this intimate space next to Cool River Cafe. Local favorites include sushi named after Denver neighborhoods, from the Belleview (shrimp tempura, mango and eel) to the Centennial (spicy crab meat, cooked eggs and spicy tuna.) Dinner entrees such as grilled thyme swordfish and ribeye beef steak are also available. Bara Sushi
8000 E. Bellview Ave.
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
720-489-5509
5. John Holly’s Sushi
Don't worry, the all-American moniker John Holly is only an alias for Denver chef John Ye, who also helms Little Ollie's in Cherry Creek. John Holly's three locations have menus that vary slightly, but look for original sushi creations at all three restaurants. The South Denver location features a casual dining room and sushi bar, while the Lone Tree location is a bit more upscale. John Holly's Sushi
Three Denver Locations:
Lone Tree, Highlands Ranch and South Denver
