Interested in trying some new spots for fresh sushi in Denver? You're in luck: we've found the freshest businesses to fill the bill. Here are the newest places to check out the next time you're in the mood for some sushi.
Sushi-Rama
4960 S. Newport St., Southmoor Park
Sushi-Rama is a sushi bar utilizing a conveyor belt system – called a kaiten in Japan – to serve color-coded plates of Japanese fare and sushi rolls from chef/owner Jeff Osaka.
According to Westword, the technology helps streamline the sushi-making process and keeps prices low for customers. Along with the conveyor belt itself, Osaka uses a "sushi printer" to press layers of warm rice onto sheets of nori.
Menu items include a variety of small plate nigiri such as ikura (salmon roe), unagi (fresh water eel) and tamago (Japanese omelet). Specialty sushi roll options are also available. One is the Kokonatsu, which consists of soy paper, salmon, cream cheese, toasted coconut, jalapeno, avocado and spicy kokonatsu sauce. Another, the Pumpkin Dragon, is made with Japanese pumpkin tempura, marinated kelp, avocado and a honey glaze. (You can check out the full menu here.)
Sushi-Rama currently holds four stars out of 13 reviews on Yelp, indicating good early reviews.
Yelper Etana D., who visited onMarch 31, wrote: "The sushi was delicious. The service was great. Great location and fairly quiet area. I recommend this place!"
"Sushi-Rama opened recently, and I have to say, I'm smitten," noted Marissa H. "It was delicious and decently priced. The conveyor belt system is always entertaining, and honestly, more efficient than waiting on the kitchen at other restaurants."
Yelper Mary D. said: "Great sushi at a great price. Love that you can get so many different flavors since they are small portions."
Sushi-Rama is open from 11 a.m.–9 p.m. on Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.–10 p.m. on Friday, and noon–10 p.m. on Saturday. (It's closed on Sunday.)
Motomaki
500 16th St., Unit 184C.
Motomaki is a new sushi bar and Japanese restaurant located in the Denver Pavilions Mall, offering bowls, wraps, salads and more.
The fast-casual restaurant comes from the team behind Hapa Sushi, according to The Know.
Menu items include customizable sushi burritos and build-your-own rice bowls. Look for the Nacho Tuna with spicy tuna, tempura asparagus, mango salsa and guacamole; and the Mean Green with edamame poke, blanched spinach, spicy sprouts and more.
Need a little pick-me-up? Come by during happy hour, when Motomaki serves a variety of Japanese beers, as well as hot and cold sake. (The regular and happy hour menus are available here.)
The restaurant's current Yelp rating of four stars out of 15 reviews indicates the newcomer is finding its way, but it's still early days.
Adriana C., who was among the first Yelpers to review the new spot on April 10th, said: "This place is life-changing. The last thing I needed was another poke place to tempt me. They have been popping up all over downtown, but this one sticks out. Great customer service!"
"This location is super easy to find and there is tons of seating," said Grecia P. "Their menu is huge and vegetarian friendly! "
Motomaki is open from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. daily.
Bamboo Sushi
2715 17th St., Ste. 102, Highland
Bamboo Sushi is a sushi bar, cocktail bar and Japanese spot offering only sustainably sourced fish on its menu.
Its flagship Portland location was honored by the Marine Stewardship Council as the first sustainable sushi restaurant in the U.S. and it brings this same approach to Denver, Westword reports.
Menu options include a full sushi bar filled with signature rolls such as the Ocean Farmer—a roll consisting of garlic butter crab, avocado, cucumber and topped with seared kanpachi, momiji, and ponzu. Shareable plates are also available including Oysters At A Bonfire—grilled oysters over charred alderwood topped with brown butter, pickled maitake mushrooms, horseradish and basil. (You can view the full menu here.)
Yelp users are excited about Bamboo Sushi, which currently holds 4.5 stars out of 59 reviews on the site.
Yelper Heather T., who was one of the first users to visit on April 23, wrote: "For starters the space is awesome and beautifully decorated. Then the menu and style allows you to keep ordering plates and sushi throughout the night."
"There was a fresh twist on the flavors you love," Yelper Doug L. said. "It was nice to have a little creativity to the regular flavors to enjoy."
Bamboo Sushi is open from 5 p.m.–10 p.m. daily.
Izakaya Ronin
3053 Brighton Blvd., Five Points
Izakaya Ronin is a sushi bar, izakaya (a Japanese pub) and speakeasy for those seeking a little late-night adventure.
Executive chef Corey Baker delivers a creative assortment of rolls and sashimi dishes. Look for offerings like the Wagyu beef culotte or the Godzilla roll, which includes tempura snow crab and avocado topped with seared beef and garlic butter. Diners can also opt for the omakase menu featuring the chef's selections. For libations, expect a wide selection of sake, Japanese whisky and cocktails. (Take a look at the main dining room menu and the speakeasy menu, as well as the bar and drinks menu here.)
Izakaya Ronin currently holds four stars out of 46 reviews on Yelp, indicating good reviews.
Yelper Laura Y., who reviewed it on January 16th, wrote: "This place just kills it along all fronts. The decor is absolutely stunning: dark and sexy, it's a fantastic date night spot to set the night off on a good foot."
Yelper Sal S. added: "I loved this place! Delicious food — we got the ramen and the soft shell crab. The ramen was spicy and incredibly flavorful with bits of crispy pork. There is an impressive collection of Japanese whisky and great cocktails. Definitely worth a visit, I highly recommend."
Izakaya Ronin is open from 5 p.m.–1:30 a.m. on Tuesday-Saturday. (It's closed on Monday and Sunday.)
