Top Five Sushi Bars in Denver

Sushi with Altitude

By Nina Snyder

Updated 08/29/17

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 this landlocked state.

  • 01 of 05

    Domo Restaurant

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    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

    Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

  • 02 of 05

    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

    Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, and dinner only on Saturday and Sunday.

  • 03 of 05

    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 Monday - Saturday, as well as late-night happy hours on Friday and Saturday. Call the restaurant for current happy hour times.


    Sushi Den
    1487 S. Pearl St.
    Denver, CO 80210
    303-777-0826

    Open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, and dinner only on Saturday and Sunday.

  • 04 of 05

    Bara Sushi + Thai

    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 rib-eye beef steak are also available.


    Bara Sushi + Thai
    8000 E. Bellview Ave.
    Greenwood Village, CO 80111
    303-221-8880

    Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

    Continue to 5 of 5 below.
  • 05 of 05

    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. Look for original sushi creations such as the Heartburn Roll at the upscale location near Park Meadows Mall.


    John Holly's Asian Bistro
    9232 Park Meadows Dr.
    Lone Tree, CO 80124
    303-768-9088

    Open for lunch and dinner seven days a week.

    If you are a newcomer to sushi, visit What is sushi? 

    Nina Snyder is the author of "Good Day, Broncos," a children's e-book, and "ABCs of Balls," a children's picture book. Visit her website at ninasnyder.com.