Best Sushi in Denver: Top 10 Favorites

Denver’s restaurant roster is constantly changing, growing, and becoming better than ever, so it should come as no surprise that this city is home to some incredible sushi restaurants despite the fact that it’s landlocked. There are so many options to choose from, in fact, that we’ve taken on the task of narrowing it down and creating a guide to the best sushi in Denver.

So sushi lovers, get those chopsticks ready! Whether you’re eating at home or dining out, looking for a classic sushi menu or something a little more innovative, there is something for everyone on our guide to the best sushi in Denver.

10. Namiko’s

Located in a strip mall in Arvada and serving up fresh fish since the 1980s (!!), Namiko’s is a great family-owned sushi spot that’s a favorite for visitors and locals alike. Their menu is both expansive and family-friendly, with options to satisfy even the pickiest of eaters. The must-order item here is the Nami Roll, featuring crab, shrimp, cucumber, and mayo topped with spicy tuna tempura crunch and Nami’s special sauce. But for fun, you should definitely order from their specialty sushi menu where you’ll find rolls that correspond with each astrological sign. Come hungry and find a table by one of their several aquariums throughout the restaurant (yes we see the irony here).

9. Sushi Ronin

A chic little sushi restaurant tucked away in the Highlands (also seen here in our guide to Denver’s Highland neighborhood), Sushi Ronin’s menu is concise and to the point and we love that they’re not messing around with too many options. Only open for dinner, this upscale eatery is the perfect venue for a nice date night or for any time you’re craving some of the best sushi in Denver. Be sure to try their signature roll, the Ronin, made with tempura albacore, avocado, and topped with spicy tuna and creme fraiche. Or stay a little more minimal with a fresh piece of nigiri—if they have bluefin akami available (only available when they can get it fresh) be sure to order it, though the regular akami nigiri is fantastic as well.

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8. Fontana Sushi

Drive too fast past this restaurant and you might miss it! Located on busy 6th Ave, you’ve likely driven past some of the best sushi in Denver without even realizing it. We’re here to advise you to take a pause next time you’re driving by and give them a try. You won’t regret it. Pull up a chair at their sushi bar and order a roll or two (or three…the prices here are great, especially during happy hour!) off of their extensive menu. Choose traditional, well-known rolls or order from their special roll menu. You’ll be in for both a visual and flavorful treat if you choose the Summer Roll that is built with tempura shrimp, yellowtail, avocado, and topped with kani, tobiko, and special sauce.

7. Berkeley Park Sushi

Berkeley Park Sushi is relatively new to the Denver sushi scene but is no doubt serving up some of the best sushi in Denver. Ordering is a bit different here—they only offer hand rolls, Chirashi bowls, and sashimi cups—but that’s okay because everything offered is out of this world. If you’re going for the hand rolls, it’s important to know that there’s an order minimum of three, including one off of the special menu (we highly recommend the Negihama, which is yellowtail belly with green onions). They’re brought out one at a time, so the seaweed stays perfectly fresh and crispy, which we really appreciate. For our vegetarian friends, the Veg Roll, consisting of shiitake mushroom, spinach, and cucumber, is not to be missed! 

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6. Bamboo Sushi

Though Bamboo Sushi originally hails from Oregon and now also has locations in the Bay Area and Seattle, it absolutely had to be included in our guide to the best sushi in Denver as a standout spot. In 2008, Bamboo Sushi became the world’s first certified sustainable sushi restaurant. They are committed to being transparent about their food sourcing (you can actually view the map of where they source all their fish from on their website!) and we are here for it. But to top it all off, of course, their sushi is insanely delicious. The vibe is a little louder here than most places on our guide, so come with friends and come for a good time! Bamboo Sushi offers just the right amount of variety with their rolls so that it’s not too overwhelming, but still interesting, and they’re really taking care of vegetarians here as well with two signature rolls that are veg-friendly. Rumor has it that once you try the green machine roll (pictured above) you’ll be hooked and needing to get your fix regularly. We’re here to confirm that rumor. Whatever is in the sauce they top this roll with is truly addicting (we won’t judge if you dip your other rolls in it too). Take it to the next level by adding salmon or tuna, but this roll shines even without fish.

5. Temaki Den

Temaki Den might be newer to the sushi scene in Denver, but you can cast any doubts aside because it’s coming from the same ownership as Sushi Den and Izakaya Den, so you know it’s got to be good. Unlike the latter restaurants, the focus on the menu here is a more no-frills approach to hand rolls and aburi sushi. Temaki (which literally means hand roll sushi) is similar to other hand roll sushi bars in that they serve each roll one at a time to ensure peak temperature and crispness. Though their handrolls are their namesake and you’ll definitely want to order a few, their aburi is also not to be missed. If you’re feeling bold, we recommend trying the bluefin tsukami that comes topped with uni and hackleback caviar and has a deliciously distinct taste—truly a choice for the adventurous! Located inside the Source Market Hall, you will not want to miss Temaki as an option for the best sushi in Denver.

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4. Sushi Sasa

Sushi Sasa is a Female-foodie favorite for the best sushi in Denver where you’re guaranteed to have a great dining experience whether you’re dining in or ordering to go. They’ve got plenty of indoor and outdoor seating, and the menu is both traditionally Japanese and innovative with influences from Italy, France, and other places around the world. Try our favorite, the Diablo Roll, that comes topped with melt in-your-mouth seared tuna, or for a little more variety go with their seven-piece nigiri plate for a nice progression of flavors. Come here for your next date night or for an elevated lunch break and prepare to be blown away!

3. Uchi

For one of the most unique sushi experiences in Denver, we highly recommend a visit to Uchi. Though don’t come here on a whim, as reservations are basically a requirement for dinners at this RiNo hotspot. Chef Tyson Cole is one of the few American sushi masters and trained for more than 10 years in Tokyo, New York, and Austin, and it shows. The menu here is full of unique dishes and ingredients, so have your server help guide you in ordering a nice selection of complementary items. You’ll find their sushi-style dishes on the “cool tastings” menu, with exciting options like the Hirame Usuzukuri with thinly sliced flounder, candied quinoa and olive oil, or one of our favorites, the hama chili with yellowtail, ponzu, Thai chili and orange. You’ll also find a small but curated selection of rolls under the makimono section of the menu. Every offering is a flavorful culinary adventure, so come to this highly regarded spot for some of the best sushi in Denver.

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2. Matsuhisa

Matsuhisa is very well-known in the sushi community, coming from none other than celebrity chef and restaurateur Nobu Matsuhisa. This is truly a destination dining spot—decadent, classical, and extravagant. Simply put, it’s one for the bucket list. Family-style ordering is encouraged, as the menu is mostly composed of small plates. We beg you to start with the spicy tuna with crispy rice (two orders if you’re coming with a group) or the black cod lettuce cups (honestly, why not order both?). For your entree? An off-menu favorite (a roll that’s always available, just not listed on the menu) is the Tiridito Roll which is composed of tempura fried shishito peppers and avocado, then topped with umami cured whitefish with ricotto chili, dehydrated soy, yuzu lemon, and micro cilantro. To really put the icing on the cake you’ve got to order the Nobu-style shaved ice for dessert. All eyes will be on your table once this tower of frozen delight arrives at your table and you’ll soon realize that it’s as delicious as it is pretty. Truly the perfect ending to some of the very best sushi in Denver.

1. Izakaya Den

Izakaya Den is your place if you’re after the best sushi in Denver. The front door opens to a beautiful, dynamic interior that you wouldn’t expect from the outside of the building—a warm, low-lit seating area that feels more like an intimate lounge greets you right away, or you can head upstairs to be surrounded by towering bamboo stalks for a bright and airy dining experience. Choose your own adventure, then get ready to eat some of the best sushi of all time! The menu does offer variety, but you’ll find mostly traditional Japanese-style sushi here. While the Red Dragon Roll and salmon roll are all-stars on their signature menu, it’s not a bad idea to go with a group and try a little of everything. It’s ALL amazing. If you can’t decide what to order on your first visit, get the crispy spicy tuna, maybe a few pieces of nigiri and a roll or two, and finish off with a tasty treat off their dessert menu if you still have room. We recommend getting here 10-15 minutes before they open on weekends as they don’t take reservations and the line is guaranteed to be long. Don’t let that scare you away, though, becauseIzakaya Den is worth any wait you might have to endure.

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