My friend whom I was visiting Denver with managed to snag a reservation at Kizaki Den on Pearl Street, and I'm so glad she did. If you love Japanese cuisine and enjoy being taken on a culinary journey, this is an experience worth making time for. The evening featured an approximately 20-course omakase, with everyone in the restaurant moving through the courses together. I can appreciate this format - it created a wonderful sense of shared experience while still feeling intimate and personal. The September 25 menu had such a beautiful variety. Some of my favorites: Negitoro Caviar Temaki - rich, fatty tuna with scallions and caviar. An indulgent little bite that I immediately wanted more of. Nodoguro Konbujime -blackthroat sea perch marinated in kelp; delicate, silky and incredibly flavorful. Kurumaebi & Hokkaido Uni - beautifully showcasing the natural sweetness and quality of the seafood. Uni portion was generous and the tiger prawn was sweet. Toro & Aburi Toro - the rich fatty tuna followed by the lightly seared version was a delicious contrast. Amadai Kabura Mushi - steamed tilefish with grated turnip, chanterelles, thickened dashi and kizami wasabi; a lovely change of pace from the sushi courses. Sake Pudding with Sesame Cookie - a delicate finish to an already memorable meal. It was sake forward so be prepared on your first bite. What really made the evening special, though, was the hospitality. After dinner, Chef Toshi personally came out to greet us and even called us by our names. That personal touch made the experience feel incredibly warm and genuine. Kizaki isn't a quick sushi dinner, it's a full dining experience, with thoughtful pacing, beautiful ingredients. If you're in the area or visiting Denver like me and can get a reservation, come hungry, slow down, and let the chefs take you on the journey. read more

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Just go already. If you can get in. That said, I'm proud to say that Coloradans don't need to go to NYC for the best sushi experience -- New Yorkers need to come to Colorado to see what they are missing out on. No more spoilers, just go and enjoy the experience. read more

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Having been to practically all the other omakase experience in Denver, including the private-fish Chef Table at Sushi Den, as well as having the opportunity to eat at many kaiseki and omakase restaurant in Japan I was undoubtedly excited for Kizaki, and the experience did not disappoint. For those not in the know, Chef Toshi Kizaki is one of the OG sushi chef in Denver, responsible for many great restaurants such as Sushi Den, Izakaya Den, Ototo Den, and Temaki Den. Both him and his brother, Yasu Kizaki, serves some of the best nigiri in Denver, and Kizaki has received a Michelin star in the past. The service at Kizaki is impeccable, starting with some pre-dinner drink at the bar, which they share with Margot, another Michelin darling. Once our table was ready, we were led back to our sushi counter in the back, which has been beautiful decorated with the fresh catch straight from Japan. From there, we were served some of the best bites in Denver. The dishes were expertly crafted and beautiful served. The chef even asked about our preferences and replace my wife's uni nigiri with a lobster nigiri, which was wonderful. Each nigiri bite was divine, and given the nature of service, I did not want to disrupt them with pictures and chose to just enjoy the moment. Honestly, this is the best omakase experience in Denver. It is expensive, no doubt, but it's the closest I've had in Denver to a true Japanese omakase experience. I would highly recommend Kizaki for any special occasion, though I would note that the place is frequently booked out so advance planning is a must! read more

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Kizaki on S Pearl Street is one of the best openings in Denver in 2025 (and also just earned a Michelin star)! I'd put it in my top 2 Denver omakase restaurants along with Sushi by Scratch. The brilliant mind behind this, Chef Toshi Kizaki is a true icon in the Denver sushi world: back in 1984 he opened Sushi Den and helped pioneer Japanese dining in the city -- and he keeps filling seats nightly at this popular S Pearl hotspot. At Kizaki, expect ~23 courses of meticulous sushi, cured, seared, and raw dishes -- a true journey across sea and season. Chef Toshi sources some of the best fish around the world, including directly from his family in Japan. I discovered some completely new fish, including a new favorite of mine: the "nodoguro" blackthroat seaperch (the toro of white fish). The sake program is equally excellent and well-sourced, helmed by sake sommelier Yuki Minakawa. There are 9 seats at the chef's counter and an additional set of 2- and 4-person tables in the adjoining 2 side rooms. I recommend trying to get a spot at the counter if you can. The omakase menu is $225 per person (before tax, drinks & tip). read more

Kizaki - Sushi Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Best omakase in Denver so far! Dining here felt so authentic to some of our favorite dining experiences in Japan. The ambiance is truly one of a kind, you can either sit at the counter and watch and listen as the chefs prepare the courses right in front of you or sit in a private dining room with a beautiful tokonoma. I usually don't like wasabi but the fresh wasabi here was exceptional. The fish was hands down the best I've had in Denver. The pacing of the meal and amount of courses were perfect. Our waitress was very knowledgeable about the menu and welcoming. We celebrated a birthday here and they truly made it such a one of a kind experience. read more

Kizaki - Menu - Sushi Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

One of my favorite meals of the year, hands down, goes to Kizaki. Recently awarded a Michelin star, and I can absolutely see why. Every course was intentional, balanced, and unbelievably fresh. The ingredients worked together in perfect harmony, and somehow each bite topped the one before it. It's the kind of meal that keeps building and surprising you until the very end. Kizaki is thoughtful, refined, and showcases true Japanese dining excellence. Nothing showy or overdone, just pure precision and perfection. We did the experience with the wine pairing, which came out to around $400, and honestly, worth every penny. Tucked inside another Michelin-starred gem, Margot, it's an intimate, elegant space that feels special from the moment you sit down. If you appreciate detail, craft, and balance, this is a must-visit. read more

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I went here on a solo dinner to celebrate my birthday. By far one of the BEST experiences I've ever had. The sushi selection is top tier, and the chefs are so knowledgeable and nice. I sat at the counter which was an extra $50, and it's so worth it. The entire omakase experience was intimate and the focus is very much on the food. read more

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Authentic omakase! Wonderful service and experience. I'm not a big eater so I was content with the amount of dishes but my husband was left still wanting more... read more

Hands down the best omakase experience in Denver thus far!! At $225 per person, it is pricier than some others, but the quality is also higher and you will also leave stuffed. The flavors were all thoughtfully paired and the fish was so fresh. Location was a bit tricky to find at first as it is located inside of Margot. I went with a party of 4, so we got a table instead of sushi bar seating. Usually for omakase I do prefer being at the bar, however they still did an excellent job explaining each course and I thought table service was well-executed. We ordered a bottle of sake to share and a few of us also got cocktails. The cocktails were fine but not something I'd especially seek out next time. For the uni piece, they give you an option on the spot to have the lobster if you are not an uni fan, which I thought was very nice of them. You also have an opportunity to do some extra piece add ons at the end, so everyone who got uni and didn't get to try lobster ordered that. I can't wait for my next visit, whenever that may be! read more

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This newly opened omakase restaurant absolutely lives up to the high standards set by its sister locations - which I love all of them. So naturally, I had to check this one out. From the moment we arrived, the service was exceptional. Anything we needed, someone was there within seconds - attentive without ever being intrusive. The omakase itself leans into a traditional Japanese style, which I really appreciate. The quality of the fish was excellent, and I especially loved the simple cuts like the salmon and tuna - clean, fresh, buttery, and beautifully prepared. But what really blew me away? The dessert. Truly next level. It was inventive, balanced, and one of the most memorable parts of the entire experience. And I must say, the best desert I've ever had. I would genuinely return just for the dessert course.. it was that good! That said, while the sushi was very good, I've had more standout dishes in other omakase experiences. Nothing quite pushed boundaries or stood out flavor-wise the way I hoped and nothing was remarked memorable (besides the service and dessert). That being said, the technique and execution are clearly there and I absolutely see the Michelin potential everyone is talking about. A little more boldness in the sushi flavor profiles, and this place will be unstoppable. Still, this is a spot worth trying now and one I'm excited to keep coming back to as it evolves. read more

The restaurant is very clean in design and minimal in style. The warm woods and interesting drink choices help. Be prepared to wait a bit when you come in as they wait for all the guests to show for that reservation time slot and then seat in order of who arrived sooner it would seem. The 20 course meal is not quick, but there's plenty of time allotted to enjoy all the offerings. Everything was delicious. It was all seafood, and wonderful flavors were a treat for the taste buds. The creativity was very present and surprising, especially for Denver. I'm usually not a sushi fan (prefer sashimi) because rice tends to be boring in most sushi restaurants, but here, rice is marinated differently (possibly with different vinegars or combinations of them) to complement each piece of fish. If you liked a particular piece of fish or sushi you can order an extra piece or two at the end of the meal. The toasted buckwheat tea is a great non-caffeinated accompaniment to the desserts at the end, although there were other tea options as well. The whole meal was delicious and we will definitely be back. (See the menu photo for descriptions of every course offering). Definitely give it a try if you can. read more

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This is the best sushi and omakase experience in Denver right now. It has no gimmicks other than being a 20+ course sushi journey guided by the hands of a Denver sushi legend, Toshi Kizaki, owner of Sushi Den, Izakaya Den, Ototo, and more. It's $225 per person plus gratuity, and it's worth every dollar. The ambiance is simple, like a traditional sushi spot you'd find in Tokyo. The food is the star of the show here, and the simplicity of the restaurant (sushi bar and two small rooms) lets the food really shine. If you can, book a seat at the sushi bar. The rooms are fine, especially if you're dining with a group of 6 and can take the whole room, but the sushi bar is where the action is at. Expect to be there for 2.5 hours for the best sushi experience in Denver. Don't rush it or schedule anything for immediately after. You want to enjoy every course and piece of sushi you have here. read more

We had an absolutely amazing experience here - the food was delicious, the presentation and explanation of the dishes was superb, and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. We came here earlier this month to celebrate my husband's birthday - and what an amazing way to celebrate! We arrived, and took a seat in the open restaurant area that's in front of this restaurant (kizaki is in the back part). We were seated at the chefs counter (best seat in the house), and there were name tags in front of everyone, with their names, and any dietary restrictions in Japanese in the back. It has a cozy, very intimate feel, with about 9 seats at the chefs table, and two small rooms with two tables each in those rooms. I opted for the wine and sake pairing with my meal, and my husband just opted for bubbles. Each course was thoughtfully prepared, explained, and then put in front of us. I only took one picture of that handroll, and a lot of the sushi they prepared, and handed to us to eat right away (within 7 seconds) as it's much fresher that way. Those I didn't take photos of, and instead, stayed in the moment and truly savored what I was eating. This was some of the freshest, most unique fish I have eaten - it also restored my opinion of unagi. I loved the blend of raw, seared, cold, warm dishes, that just opened up all of your senses in a beautiful way, and the wine and sake pairings just enhanced this experience. While this meal was certainly not inexpensive, I can unequivocally say it was absolutely worth it. I honestly can't say enough good things - and if I could give more than 5 starts for this review, I absolutely would. read more

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Everything was immaculate from start to finish, from when we checked in for our reservation to the end of the dinner. The small touches, such as a sweet placard wishing us happy anniversary, attentive staff, and even thorough explanations of each course, was impressive. The dinner itself was phenomenal. We loved the exhibition of skill and care with each sushi preparation, such as wearing gloves when handling the nori for the hand roll to keep it as crisp as possible. This omakase stands out not only for the caliber of Edomae-style sushi, but also for the other courses that have a playful twist, such as the grilled Spanish mackerel with a yuzu beurre Blanc. We also made room for an extra piece of seared lobster and seared tuna collar, both of which were perfect. The dessert, both the Tamagoyaki as well as the kabocha crème brûlée were so good. The tamagoyaki was prepared in two different styles, one traditional and the other whipped into a chiffon cake-like texture. The crème brûlée complimented the natural nutty creaminess of the kabocha and was just a perfect way to end the meal. We cannot wait to be back, hopefully with a chance to be seated at the counter! read more

I would say this is one of the best sushi spots I've had in Denver! Very cozy and authentic spot for omakase and perfect for a celebration or date night. The chefs, ambience and quality of fish Reminded me of Japan! The hand roll w cavier and the otoro were my favorites. Also loved the lobster. They have a couple seatings per night so everyone eats at the same time. We got 8pm. Definitely did not rush us - it's 19 courses. The desserts were incredible as well read more

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5 stars for a reason. Michelin Star for a reason. Kizaki is an experience to behold. Chef Toshi and his staff did an amazing job. This was my first time going, and I have to say, it was a fantastic experience. I've had kaiseki in the past, and my all time favorite was Otoko in Austin. Note, I used past tense here. If all sushi were of this quality in Denver, Denver would be a true foodie haven for Japanese food, but sadly, no one but Kizaki can offer this experience. Quiet, charming dining room, cozy seating arrangement, and they even mark each seat for you with your name. Chef explains the experience to you, explains the sourcing of the fish. The what, and the why. If you want to have a truly outstanding time, and travel to Japan, this is your one stop shop for that experience. You won't be disappointed. read more

Absolutely no notes on this place. It was everything I expected it to be. We couldn't get the counter so sat in a room with a table of 4 (them and us 2) and it still was great. Our server was fantastic and told us what each course was (in more detail than the menu) and answered any questions we had. It's pricey, but it's fantastic. read more

Kizaki - Menu for the day we went. - Sushi Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Excellent sushi, service, and ambiance. Value, in terms of pricing is fair to poor for what you get. The restaurant is located inside of Margot. If you show up for their first service of the day, then you will need to wait outside until they open. The sushi bar is a much better experience than the tables. If you get the sushi bar, then value is fair because you get a much better experience. You can hear the sushi chefs explain everything, you get served first, and the nigiri and nori are fresher. If you get the tables in the back, then value is poor because the experience is much worse. I wish there were a discount for getting a table in the back. You can't hear the sushi chefs explain, although your server will re-explain. Your nigiri comes in more pieces at a time and not as freshly prepared, and the nori waits just that much longer before being served. The irony was not lost on us as our server echoed the sushi chef saying that nigiri should be eaten within 7 seconds of being made, while serving us table folk nigiri that was older than 7 seconds. At the same time, we watched the bar folk get nigiri immediately from the sushi chef after it was made. Rumor has it that Kizaki is seeking a michelin star. Sushi bar is probably a michelin star worthy experience, but the table is not. Then again, michelin seems to be all over the place and heavily influenced by factors outside of just the restaurant lately. So good luck to Kizaki! The food at Kizaki is elite. I rate the nigiri 93/100. I bet it would have been an even higher rating if it were served more immediately and not waiting on a plate for a while before being transported to my table and then given a lengthy re-explanation. The rice was seasoned and packed perfectly. The fish was cut perfectly. The nigiri was prepared very well. Temperature was not perfect. Ingredients were very high quality, but not absolute top. I wonder about the chef/owner and all of his restaurants. Why is this one so good and all of his others (sushi den, temaki den, and izakaya den) so bad? I remember going to sushi den a few decades ago and thinking about how average it was and how terrible the value was. Very expensive for average sushi. There had been times I went to sushi den and the sushi was actually bad with same high prices. As recently as less than a year ago, reservation omakase at sushi den was absolutely terrible and amongst the worst in Denver in that price range. What if sushi den was as good as kizaki when it first opened? Will kizaki become as bad as sushi den someday? And what in the world was the chef/owner doing all these years if Kizaki was what he's been able to do all along? I am confused and have so many questions. Out of all the omakase I've ever had, I'd rate Kizaki 4th or 5th best, competing world wide. In Denver, it's 2nd best. Within my top tier category, Kizaki is above average. read more

Best sushi experience in Denver by far including matsuhisa, all the partner restaurants (ototo, sushi den, izakaya den, temaki den), Hana matsuri, uchi, etc. just go here if you can get in. 100% worth the price. Do the wine/sake pairing as well. No complaints whatsoever, sit at the bar if you can but we were at a table and the experience was still amazing. read more

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Cool bar with 7+ tables (tables area named "Margot". We had a few Margot small plates at the bar FYI, the primary tasting room has no option for vegetarians, so for that be sure you eat seafood read more

Kizaki - Kizaki Bar food menu from "Margot". - Sushi Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

We were lucky to get a last minute reservation for the late seating on just their third weekend. The beautiful new location is about a block from the other restaurants on Pearl Street. You enter a long and dimly lit hallway that opens into a high-ceilinged bar and waiting area dominated by large slabs of granite and beautiful wooden beams. Bottom-lit bottles of Japanese whiskey and liquor line back of the bar (some are very rare and from the owner's personal collection). We enjoyed a craft cocktail before being invited to take our seats in the intimate dining area. Here name plates welcomed us to our seats and we were introduced to the chef and his team. What came next was one of the better omakase experiences one can enjoy in Denver. Expertly made and exquisitely presented sushi and Kaiseki dishes that are described and explained to enhance your enjoyment. The rice is a standout here and one should take note of how preparations are altered and paired with the toppings. Watching the chef deftly shape each piece is art in motion. We have been on a bit of an omakase survey of the Denver area and Kizaki is sure to find its place in the top two or three. It is an experience as much as it is a meal. read more

I went with the week after they opened. I consider it the best meal I've had in the United States. I walked in it felt exactly like I was in Japan. The quality and service was no less than fine sushi in Japan. I am going again to return the birthday dinner and I'm so excited because I know it is worth the hype. read more

The omakase dinner is incredible, we went for an anniversary celebration and couldn't have loved it more. The food was amazing and Chef Kizaki is incredible. read more