Denver’s Top 12 Sushi Spots — and the Explosion of Omakase Dining in 2025
When you think of great sushi, Denver might not be the first city that comes to mind — after all, we’re about as landlocked as it gets. But here’s the secret: Denver has direct daily flights from Tokyo, and many of our top chefs source their fish straight from Japan’s famed Toyosu Market. The result? A surprisingly strong and ever-evolving sushi scene.
Sure, that’s not always been the case here in landlocked Denver. The rise of sushi in Denver began as far back as the 80s though, when a handful of pioneering Japanese restaurants introduced locals to this once-exotic cuisine. One of the earliest was Sushi Den, opened in 1984 by Toshi Kizaki, who had been a chef in Tokyo and Los Angeles came to Denver to start the sushi restaurant. Sourcing fish directly from Japan long before it became the norm, Sushi Den set a new standard for quality and authenticity in the region. It remains icons in the Denver culinary world, and two of Toshi’s restaurants are actually featured as my current favorites in the list below. That kind of longevity and continued raising of the bar in the Denver dining scene is incredible!
Over the decades, as access to high-quality fish improved, the Mile High City embraced sushi wholeheartedly. The city’s growing population, adventurous food culture, and daily direct flights from Tokyo have spurred the growth of more and more sushi restaurants. Today, Denver is home to everything from casual neighborhood sushi joints to high-end omakase experiences, with chefs combining traditional Japanese techniques with local creativity. It was actually very difficult narrowing it down to just 12 sushi spots in Denver that are my favorites — but here they are below, with the first half devoted to omakase-specific experiences!
Top 6 Omakase Sushi Spots
The first 6 restaurants on this list showcase Denver’s rapidly growing love affair with omakase — a style of dining where you leave the menu in the chef’s hands.
“Omakase” (which means “I’ll leave it up to you” in Japanese) started as an insider move at small sushi counters in Japan, where regulars would sit in front of the itamae (sushi chef) and let them serve whatever was freshest that day. Today, it is typically a multi-course tasting experience featuring seasonal ingredients, pristine seafood, and plenty of wow moments.
With the first 4 of the spots below having opened in just the first half of 2025 — it’s safe to say it’s one of Denver’s hottest culinary trends right now.
1. Sushi by Scratch — Larimer Square, Downtown
Opened in January 2025, this immersive 10-seat sushi speakeasy is tucked behind a hidden entrance in Larimer Square, right under NADC Burger. Originally launched in California by award-winning chefs Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee, it offers a dramatic 17-course omakase experience with two seatings per night. Expect a cozy, elegant setting, a welcome cocktail, high-end sake pairing options, and a performance as much as a dinner. The vibe is intimate, theatrical, and unforgettable.
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2. The Counter at Odell’s Bagels — Highlands
This hidden gem operates out of Odell’s Bagels, transforming from a bustling daytime bagel shop into a refined kaiseki-inspired tasting experience by night. Launched in March 2025 by chef Miles Odell — who trained in Japan and worked at NYC’s Nobu — The Counter offers a highly seasonal omakase that fuses fine-dining precision with relaxed, neighborhood charm. Think moody lighting, jazzy vibes, and exquisite bites served over multiple courses.
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3. Sushi by SYC — Colorado Blvd & I-25
Opened just weeks ago, Sushi by SYC is the latest concept from SYC Concepts — the group behind Bronze Empire, GoFish, Miya Moon, Chubby Fish, Mikaku, and soon Blossom — led by brilliant female restaurateur Shuang “Sherry” Crossland. This stylish 12-seat omakase bar delivers a polished 16-course tasting menu that blends modern flair with traditional finesse. It’s already becoming one of the city’s most buzzed-about sushi destinations — not least due to its creative cocktail menu!
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4. Kizaki — South Pearl Street
From legendary Sushi Den founder Toshi Kizaki comes this deeply personal, reservation-only omakase spot that opened in April 2025. The fish is flown in daily from Japan, and every dish reflects decades of mastery. Guests can book the nine-seat counter or one of two intimate private dining rooms seating six. This is sushi at its most refined — perfect for the sushi purists.
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5. Hana Matsuri — Glendale
While not brand-new or exclusively omakase, Hana Matsuri remains a top pick for serious sushi lovers. Chef Duy Pham — who has led the Glendale omakase since its 2023 debut — crafts multi-course menus of around 20 dishes, often featuring rare selections like monkfish liver, sardine nigiri, and black cod. With a focus on aburi-style searing and a low-key vibe, it’s a favorite among local chefs and insiders alike.
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6. Makizushico — Littleton
This low-profile suburban gem offers one of the most affordable and underrated omakase experiences around. Chef Michael Kim sources excellent fish and serves it with care, warmth, and skill in a laid-back setting where the omakase counter sits alongside the main dining room. It may also be the last place in town still serving foie gras — a must-try!
And 6 More of My Favorite (Non-Omakase) Sushi Spots
Not every sushi craving calls for an omakase splurge. These next four spots offer standout sushi without the tasting menu format — perfect for casual nights, happy hours, or spontaneous roll cravings.
7. Uchi — RiNo
Trendy, creative, and always packed, Uchi delivers non-traditional sushi with serious flair. The Austin-born concept blends inventive flavor combinations with high-end ingredients in a vibrant, modern space. Don’t miss the hama chili, wagyu hot rock, or 72-hour short rib.
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8. GoFish Sushi — Broadway
GoFish is a go-to for happy hour deals and late-night cravings. Their daily happy hour (until 6:30pm, and again after 9pm) includes killer prices on rolls, sake, and appetizers. The aburi-style sampler here is one of my favorites in town. The vibe is friendly, upbeat, and great for groups.
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9. Taki Sushi — Baker / West Wash Park
A longtime neighborhood favorite, Taki Sushi offers consistently fresh, affordable sushi with generous portions and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s everything you want in a local sushi joint — no frills, just solid food and friendly service.
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10. Chubby Fish — Thornton
Chubby Fish is a top-tier all-you-can-eat sushi spot with made-to-order rolls, nigiri, appetizers, and even ramen. The decor is vibrant and modern, inspired by the neon-lit streets of Asian food alleys, making it a fun and trendy setting for a night out. Come hungry — and come early — because the line gets long.
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11. Bamboo Sushi – LoHi
Bamboo Sushi in Denver is part of the world’s very first certified sustainable sushi restaurant group, and it has two local spots — one in LoHi and another in Congress Park — but I prefer the original LoHi location for the beautiful patio. They have some great creative roll options and an excellent happy hour!
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12. Sushi Den – S Pearl
Coming full circle to the intro of this article, Sushi Den is still at the top of its game — and has been since Toshi Kizaki opened it in 1984 (which is an incredible run in this industry). Sushi Den still sources top-quality fish directly from Japan and maintains lines out the door for the quality of the experience here. (The miso-glazed black cod has been a famous non-sushi standout here for years, too.)