Denver's Best Japanese Restaurants

Tastes of the Far East

Despite the constant condescension of cities on the coastline, Denver truly does have some amazing Japanese food, desert climate or no. If you've been avoiding sushi because of the lack of seas, wait no longer. The fish at these restaurants is as fresh as anywhere else in the nation and the talent of the chefs is breathtaking. Whether you're feeling like a fancy sit-down Japanese meal or just a quick dish to fill up your stomach, there are choices here that will send you hunting for the car keys.

1. Sushi Sasa

"Kokoro bebop" is the best way to describe what's done at Sushi Sasa: a blending of Japanese traditions and new innovation that morphs and progresses every day. For a real experience of this unique craftsmanship, try the Omakase special where the chef chooses what to prepare for you. It's a bit unnerving to not know what you'll get next, but well worth it if you're an adventurous eater. With an upscale ambiance and some of the most talented sushi chefs in the region, save this LoHi restaurant for a special day and then indulge completely.

2. Sushi Den

For many years Sushi Den has been hands-down among the top sushi restaurants in Denver. This is reflected in everything from the elegant ambiance to the perpetual wait during the dinner hour. Top-notch sushi rolls, made of fresh fish flown in straight from Japan, are perfectly prepared by master chefs. One of the best ways to enjoy the sushi at its full potential is to grab a seat at the sushi bar, where each piece you eat will be prepared right in front of you. Tables are best for groups or if any of your party would prefer a prepared dish over fresh sushi.

Since there are no reservations for Friday or Saturday, to get a table promptly show up before the 6:00 dinner rush or late since the restaurant is open until midnight. Even if you do arrive during the rush, the South Pearl neighborhood is a wonderful place to wait: head across the street to check out Stella's espresso bar, live music and walls of books.

3. Domo Restaurant

From the street, Domo looks more like a bulk landscaping warehouse than a classy Japanese restaurant. But don't be dissuaded by the exterior, once inside you're surrounded in an authentic-seeming Japanese dining room. If it's summer time, try to get a table outdoors in the lovely garden and enjoy your meal surrounded by plants, running water and sculptures. Perfect for lovers of Japanese food, one thing Domo won't do is humor you if you attempt to drown a dish in soy sauce. There is simply no soy sauce provided at the table and unless it's part of your meal, you won't be getting any from the server either. Should money be a factor in your dining plans, head to Domo during lunch hour. You'll still get a filling meal but at a much lower price.

4. Go Fish

It's not complicated or exactly authentic, but the Japanese-American food served up at Go Fish is delicious, filling and fun. Sit at the bar and watch the skilled sushi chefs put together beautiful rolls or opt for a table that is invariably manned by an attentive waiter. Friendly service is important in an amateur-friendly sushi place like this SoBo restaurant. Even if you mangle the process of getting a roll of sushi to your mouth via chopsticks, you won't get any condescending sneers (though maybe a well-hidden grin if you really manage to screw it up). While the “all you can eat” special on some nights is tempting, there are limits to what's available and prices aren't that high to start: it's really better to order from the regular menu unless you're planning on gorging for the week.

5. Kokoro Restaurant

How can you say no to healthy, delicious, quick food? A quick in-and-out kind of restaurant, Kokoro doesn't have a fancy menu or a fancy dining area, but it does have good food and cheap prices. It's the perfect stop when a craving for Japanese food hits, as long as you aren't very picky about what you dine on; the menu is fairly limited, as befits a fast sit-down establishment. What is available is done well, from sushi rolls to noodle bowls. Kokoro's three locations (at 6th & Broadway, on S. Colorado past I-25 and in Arvada) means there's bound to be one close by during your commute. Drop in for a bite or even head to the drive-through to get a meal to go.