🍣 Best Japanese Restaurants in Denver

From refined sushi counters to bustling ramen bars, Denver’s Japanese dining scene has never been more exciting. Whether you want pristine sashimi, smoky robata skewers, comforting noodles, or even Japanese pastries, this list covers the top-rated Japanese restaurants in the Denver metro area — complete with price ranges, vibes, and must-try dishes.

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Upscale Sushi & Izakaya

Izakaya Den

Price: $$$$ | Type: Japanese, Sushi | Location: Denver
Vibe: Chic, modern, and lively.
Known for: Elevated sushi and creative izakaya plates, sister restaurant to Sushi Den.

Sushi Den

Price: $$$$ | Type: Japanese, International | Location: Denver
Vibe: Iconic Denver institution.
Known for: Fresh fish flown in daily from Japan.

Matsuhisa Denver

Price: $$$$ | Type: Japanese, Peruvian | Location: Cherry Creek
Vibe: Elegant and exclusive.
Known for: Chef Nobu’s signature fusion sushi and fine dining experience.

Ototo

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Seafood | Location: Denver
Vibe: Cozy, intimate, and sophisticated.
Known for: Robata skewers, jumbo prawns, and fresh sashimi.

Mizu Izakaya

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Sushi | Location: LoHi Denver
Vibe: Stylish yet casual.
Known for: Artisan sushi, creative rolls, and small plates.

Ramen & Noodle Specialists

Menya Noodle Bar

Price: $ | Type: Japanese, Asian | Location: Denver
Vibe: Friendly and casual.
Known for: Kimchi ramen and poke bowls.

Uncle

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Asian | Location: Denver
Vibe: Modern minimalist.
Known for: Rich, flavorful ramen and steamed buns.

JINYA Ramen Bar – Union Station

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Asian | Location: Denver
Vibe: Trendy and upbeat.
Known for: Deep tonkotsu ramen and customizable toppings.

Neighborhood Sushi Favorites

Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar (Downtown)

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Sushi | Location: Denver
Vibe: Fun and casual.
Known for: Playful roll names and fresh fish.

Hapa Sushi Grill & Sake Bar (Cherry Creek)

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Sushi | Location: Denver
Vibe: Energetic with a social buzz.
Known for: Great sake selection and happy hour deals.

Sasa Sushi

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Sushi | Location: Highland Denver
Vibe: Modern and polished.
Known for: Inventive rolls and spicy edamame.

Okinawa

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Sushi | Location: Denver
Vibe: Relaxed neighborhood spot.
Known for: 2-roll lunch specials with soup or salad.

Osaka Sushi

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Sushi | Location: Denver
Vibe: Welcoming and family-friendly.
Known for: The Playboy Roll and tempura.

Zen Asian Sushi Bar and Grill

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Sushi | Location: Denver
Vibe: Stylish, with vegetarian sushi options.
Known for: Eggplant rolls and variety.

Sweet Ginger

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Sushi | Location: Denver
Vibe: Cozy and casual.
Known for: Lunch specials and dragon rolls.

Go Fish

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Seafood | Location: Denver
Vibe: Lounge atmosphere.
Known for: Sushi and cocktails.

Blue Fin Sushi Bar & Restaurant

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Seafood | Location: Denver
Vibe: Friendly service.
Known for: Sushi combos at great prices.

Kobe An LoHi

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Sushi | Location: Denver
Vibe: Modern take on traditional dining.
Known for: Hot pot cooking at the table.

Jett Sushi

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Sushi, Japanese | Location: Denver
Vibe: Welcoming and friendly.
Known for: Udon, teriyaki, and assorted sushi rolls.

Chubby Cattle

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Sushi | Location: Denver
Vibe: Interactive dining.
Known for: Hot pot and sushi combos.

Banzai Sushi

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Sushi | Location: Denver
Vibe: Casual and long-standing favorite.
Known for: Great deals and loyal regulars.

Unique Japanese Eats

Kokoro Restaurant

Price: $ | Type: Japanese, Asian | Location: Denver
Vibe: Simple and healthy.
Known for: Rice bowls and udon with brown rice options.

Tokio

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Sushi | Location: Denver
Vibe: Modern urban.
Known for: Ramen, pork belly, and chicken dishes.

TPB Tokyo Premium Bakery

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Dessert, Japanese | Location: Denver
Vibe: Bright and cozy.
Known for: Japanese pastries, donuts, and cakes.

DOMO Japanese Country Foods

Price: $$-$$$ | Type: Japanese, Asian | Location: Denver
Vibe: Outdoor garden, country-style plates.
Known for: “Wanko” style sushi and hearty Japanese comfort food.