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Guide to Denver

Sake and Japanese food

A traditional Japanese meal feels balanced with a glass of chilled sake.

Based on 616 Opinions
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Updated May 2026
01
Kizaki image 1
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Sushi restaurant

Sushi restaurant offers an intimate, elegant space with a gorgeous sushi counter and quiet, calm atmosphere. Guests at the counter enjoy a close interaction with chefs that elevates the dining experience. The vibe balances refined craftsmanship with a warm, inviting setting.

Four unique sake pours come paired with the omakaze menu, curated to complement each dish. The sake pairing offers a thoughtful selection guided by a sommelier familiar with sake and wine.

Omakase features more than a dozen courses showcasing classical Japanese techniques and ingredients like nori and akazu from Japan. Sushi quality rivals premium spots and offers a generous selection at a competitive price.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is authentic, with high-quality fish and ingredients."

"This is one of the best date spots for an exceptional sushi experience."

"I had the best meal Iโ€™ve ever had in Denver."

Good to know

1

Getting a reservation at Kizaki is difficult; book well in advance.

2

Parking costs $2.50 an hour, up to $10 for a 5pm reservation.

3

The Omakase menu costs $300 per person, excluding drinks.

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Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver image 1

Japanese speakeasy-style sushi counter offers an intimate and modern setting with a clean, cool vibe. Staff provide attentive, welcoming service while chefs deliver an innovative, expertly crafted omakase experience. Guests often enjoy tailored cocktails and sake pairings that complement the fresh, creative sushi dishes.

Sake comes with detailed explanations that enhance understanding. The pairings perfectly complement the food and elevate the experience.

Sushi here offers an incredible omakase experience with well-presented, delicious dishes. Staff guide you through a curated meal that stands out for its quality and uniqueness.

People are saying

"The sushi here is outstanding, truly one of the best I've had."

"The sake here is inventive and delicious, a truly memorable experience."

"The chefs here are so fun and engaging during dinner."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required online up to 48 hours in advance for a maximum of 8 people.

2

Arrive 30 minutes early to enjoy cocktails and canapes before dinner.

3

Valet parking is available for $15 plus tip.

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Restaurant

Small plates and an open kitchen create an intimate, relaxed atmosphere with garage doors opening to the outside. Close tables and a bar top by the kitchen foster a cozy, hidden gem vibe. The place offers a bold take on Japanese cuisine with a dry sake selection complementing fresh sushi and ramen.

Exceptional sake selection enhances the meal with a full sensory experience. Staff offer thoughtful curation and expert recommendations, serving sake that remains enjoyable even when very dry.

Freshness stands out with fresh sushi and sashimi catch of the day. The menu includes tonkotsu ramen and tonkatsu ramen, plus brunch and dessert options.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here is imaginative and full of flavor."

"The cocktails here are outstanding and add to the overall experience."

"I loved their thoughtful sake selection."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs daily with a variety of features showcasing the chef's creativity.

2

Reservations are not required, and walk-ins are usually accommodated.

3

The happy hour menu offers discounted drinks and appetizers.

04
Denver Comedy Lounge image 1

Comedy club hides behind a sake bar with a speakeasy vibe and intimate seating featuring comfy chairs and a stage decorated with aspen trees. Atmosphere feels funky and inviting, blending live comedy with unique sake-based cocktails and Japanese tapas. Space offers a hidden gem experience combining entertainment and dining in one spot.

Sake here stands out with delicious sake-based cocktails and an incredible variety. The attached brewery adds a unique twist to the experience.

Good sushi and a sushi and sake bar create a nice vibe. The menu includes Gyoza, spicy edamame, Seared Mushroom Buns, Okonomi Fries, and Shrimp Tempura Sushi Roll, all served fresh with ginger.

People are saying

"The comedy here is endless laughter and amazing talent."

"The sake cocktails here are unique and to die for."

"The Japanese food, especially the sushi and gyoza, was incredible."

Good to know

1

Tickets cost $24 per person, with a minimum of three for table seating.

2

Parking can be challenging; plan to arrive early.

3

The entrance is through a sushi restaurant, which may be confusing.

05
Mecha Noodle Bar image 1
Noodle shop

Noodle shop features unique wood ceiling designs and a vinyl record collection that sets a cool vibe. Music plays a key role, with anime visuals adding to the atmosphere. Outdoor patio offers a relaxed space away from the street, while seating includes backless stools and varied options.

Happy hour offers 50% off sake with a solid selection including Joto nigori. Sake flights provide a good way to sample different options alongside tasty appetizers.

Menu includes munchies, noodle bowls, and mochi for dessert. Poutine fries blend Japanese curry with Canadian cheese bites and fries. Service features warm, friendly interaction enhancing the meal.

People are saying

"The pork belly bao was spot on."

"I loved the ramen and pho here."

"The happy hour sake was 50% off and a great deal."

Good to know

1

Happy hour offers 50% off appetizers and sake from 4-6pm daily.

2

Expect small portion sizes; consider ordering multiple dishes.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted, but cash is preferred for tips.

06
Kumoya - Denver image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant combines elegant decor with fun jazz music and a vibrant cocktail lounge in the back. Atmosphere feels warm and inviting, with attentive staff and a lively bar area. Unique sushi offerings and rare sake selections set it apart from typical spots.

A wide sake selection includes some super rare bottles made for the emperor of Japan. The bartender offers sake flights and explains each option carefully.

Sushi stands out with unique rolls like yellow tail and spicy tuna, plus fresh sashimi. The menu also includes dishes like pork and miso, all served in a welcoming atmosphere.

People are saying

"The Japanese food omakase here is impressive."

"They automatically added a 20% service fee to the Sushi bill."

"I loved the sake flight options they offered."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 5-7 PM, but only at the bar.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially for larger groups, with wait times up to 2 hours.

3

Kumoya adds a 20% gratuity to all bills automatically.

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Restaurant

Basement setting with intimate 12-seat layout creates a calm, elegant atmosphere. Minimalist dรฉcor and subtle lighting highlight the fresh sushi and precise sake pairings. Personal chef interaction and custom cocktails add a unique, thoughtful touch.

Sake pairings showcase balance and precision with each course. They complement the meal perfectly and include options like Japanese whiskey and Chu-hai for variety.

Multi-course omakase features 18 courses blending sushi with dishes inspired by Lao heritage. The menu shows seasonal ingredients and creative craftsmanship beyond typical sushi.

People are saying

"This Omakase felt like a culinary journey with unique, playful flavors."

"The food here was so good, I kept saying 'ohhhhh that was soooo good!'"

"The Japanese food's sake pairings elevated the entire experience."

Good to know

1

Reservations are required due to limited seating with only 12 seats available.

2

Expect a high price point, with Valentine's Day costing around $460 prepaid.

3

Ukiyo offers a new seasonal menu, providing fresh and creative dishes.

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Fusion restaurant

Small space with Japanese/Italian fusion creates a warm and inviting atmosphere that feels like dining at a friend's house. Lively energy and a creative cocktail menu complement the cozy, neighborhood vibe. Outdoor seating stands out as the most generous on the street.

House-made sake features alongside a $5 Lemongrass sake carafe that tastes fresh and light. Friendly staff offer sparkling sake and complimentary pours, creating a warm, inviting vibe for sake lovers.

Lobster Ramen stands out with its unique flavor. Yakisoba without bacon and yakitori noodles with bacon and pecorino offer interesting twists. Edamame, whipped tofu, and filet mignon add variety to the menu.

People are saying

"The food here is inventive and delicious, especially the ramen."

"The Japanese food here is unique and bursting with flavor."

"The house-made sake was a tasty addition to the meal."

Good to know

1

During happy hour, dumplings cost $1 each.

2

Whiskey Wednesday offers special drinks and promotions.

3

A 22% automatic gratuity is added to all bills.

09
Mizu Izakaya image 1
Japanese restaurant

Japanese restaurant offers a beautiful outdoor patio and vibey decor with flowers throughout. Atmosphere feels like an upscale club at night with DJ music creating a lively vibe, especially on weekends. Space suits celebrations and casual gatherings alike.

Cold sake stands out with excellent quality. A vast and sophisticated selection offers many choices. Sake bottles go half off on Tuesdays, and happy hour features $5 Sake bombs.

Sushi and sashimi stand out with great quality and a varied menu including rainbow sushi and wagyu beef skewers. Friendly, efficient service complements the hybrid patio seating and a solid ramen option.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be rich and full of flavor."

"The Japanese food here is great, and the staff are really friendly."

"You should try the hot sake with salt."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm with discounted drinks and food options.

2

Reservations are recommended, especially during peak hours.

3

Parking is available nearby, but can be challenging to find.

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TOKIO image 1
Japanese restaurant

Small space with wood accents and a loft-like second floor creates an intimate setting. Atmosphere stays quiet and welcoming with excellent music enhancing the experience. Known for fresh sushi and delicious ramen, it draws those seeking authentic Japanese flavors.

An adventurous sake collection offers unique options like fruit sake flights featuring yuzu, plus treats like Umepon and chocolate sake. The setting includes a wall of sake masu and natural wooden tones that enhance the experience.

Sushi here shows expert craftsmanship with excellent nigiri and rolls like the dynamite roll. The tonkotsu ramen stands out as rich and incredible, matching the quality of the sushi.

People are saying

"The Japanese food here has a really nice, chill atmosphere."

"The sushi here is so fresh, especially the tuna roll."

"The sake service was impeccable and attentive."

Good to know

1

Monday is $2 salmon night.

2

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks.

3

Parking is tough downtown, so plan accordingly.

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