I didn't want to rehash the greatness other diners have extolled upon Mizuna, but I completely agree with them and must add my own words! We are fans of all the Frank Bonnano establishments we have tried (Osteria Marco, Green Russell, and Bones so far), and we were looking forward to this experience.
Service was professional. We were seated immediately after the hostesses offered to take our coats, and soon our server introduced himself. The restaurant filled up quickly after 7PM, but the staff remained discreet and efficient, and our water glasses never went empty. My only disappointment was that our main server was scurrying everywhere - he often glanced in our direction, but his movements were too quick to catch his eyes when we had a question. However, whenever we did manage to get him, he was attentive, and his knowledge on the menu and the house drinks was impeccable. I guess I just felt that though everyone was friendly, their business-like, on-the-go attitudes made them appear aloof, unlike the more down-to-earth servers at Bonnano's Larimer Square establishments. Plus, each time our food was brought to us, our server quickly explained each dish but then left before he could ask us if there was anything else we needed; we noticed that other servers DID ask their diners this question, so I guess our guy just forgot this part of his training. However, he did help make arrangements for a cab at the end of our meal upon our request, and one showed up within 5 minutes. **Note that you can also take advantage of the free valet parking!
Unpretentious but upscale, there is no dress code; however, you would not look out of place in a suit, sport coat, low cut gown, dressy jeans, or a turtleneck. Tables are quite close together, though not as close as at, say, Cholon Bistro downtown, but still, don't look forward to any private conversation time. Also, my fiancé visited the restroom and said that he was under-impressed with it (granted, this is an older building in an older area).
Food was fabulous. We were told the menu changes at least monthly, and for October the heirloom pumpkin was taking center stage. Appetizers: The Local Pumpkin soup was dotted with a few bits of broken pie crust and spiced pepitas to give it an amazing range of flavor, and the golden orange contrasted beautifully with the mascarpone, while the braised rabbit in the Kuri Squash Agnolotti was tender and lying in a pool of fragrant, buttery jus. Entrees: Probably the best lamb loin I have ever had - cooked to perfection, the normally rich and strong taste of lamb had been tamed here and I did not feel overwhelmed by it. The fiance's Veal tenderloin was equally beautiful and it had to be the top 2 veal dishes I've tasted, and it was accompanied by cute balls of butternut squash croquettes. The Hon Shimeji mushrooms were ok - I felt they could've used a different fungi to better complement the veal, but the Shimeji did not detract. We ended dinner with the Pumpkin Crème Caramel, a smooth and creamy finish that was both light and rich simultaneously. Throughout all this, I treated myself to the Luca du Soleil, a wickedly refreshing cocktail with no hint of alcoholic fumes... The danger is not realizing how strong it really is!
I recommend this as a Denver-must-eat, so if you're ever in the area, make plans to give it a go!! Prices are fair for the quality you receive. read more