by Erin Blakemore

JAPON
1028 S. Gaylord St.
Denver, CO 80209
(303) 744-0330

With a modern decor featuring a wall of bubbling water and a fearless selection of fresh fish, Japon brings brisk energy and enthusiasm to the age-old art of sushi.  Located on South Gaylord near chic boutiques and stately homes, Japon has been serving Japanese food to hungry Denverites for over a decade.  And executive chef Miki Hashimoto has quality in mind:  the restaurant serves only handmade shoyu (soy sauce) from a family recipe and features local tofu and top-barrel sushi rice to create elegant sushi for the fresh fish connoisseur.  In addition to standard nigiri, bento boxes and boats, the restaurant features specialty rolls such as the Washington, D.C. roll, a succulent collection of softshell crab, cucumber, burdock root, green leaf, asparagus, alfalfa, Japanese mayonnaise and smelt roe.

by Erin M. Blakemore

SUSHI DEN
1487 S. Pearl St., Denver, CO 80210
(303) 777-0826
Think it’s impossible to enjoy fresh sushi in Denver? Think again - Sushi Den flies in its fish selections daily from Japan. Master chef Toshi has created a nationally-renowned sushi experience in a hip, urbane setting that sparkles with vigor and life. You owe yourself any selection from the seemingly endless menu, but don’t miss the incredible twist on sashimi featuring sliced jalapeno and cilantro or mouthwatering special dishes specific to your own sushi chef. Those looking for cooked fish are in luck: entrees such as tender strip steak, crispy duck breast topped with balsamic soy and ginger-cilantro scallops are poised to compete with the sushi selection at this legendary Denver nightspot.

by Erin M. Blakemore

SONODA’S SUSHI AND SEAFOOD
1620 Market St, Denver, CO 80202
(303) 595-9500
Cradled in Denver’s hot LoDo district, Sonoda’s might seem as far from Japan as you can get. But the minute you go downstairs into the narrow restaurant, you’ll feel immersed in a low-key, authentic Japanese eating experience. Owner Kenny Sonoda has collaborated with a staff of expert sushi chefs to create a menu that highlights the best of sushi with no shortage of choice hot dishes, such as the superb nabeyaki udon and yakitori chicken. The sushi is selected daily from a selection imported from both coasts, with sushi chefs selecting only the freshest cuts. However handpicked the fish, prices remain reasonable for a sushi restaurant. The notable list of nigiri offers a traditional take on kaki (oyster), tako (octopus), or tamer fishes such as fatty tuna and salmon.