Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Sonoda's Aurora

    4.1 (209 reviews)
    ModerateJapanese, Sushi Bars
    Closed 11:30 am - 2:00 pm, 4:30 PM - 9:00 PM

    Order Sonoda's Aurora Takeout or Delivery

    Sonoda's Aurora Photos

    SONODA'S AURORA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for groups
    Good for kids

    You might also consider

    More like Sonoda's Aurora

    Recommended Reviews - Sonoda's Aurora

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Steven S H C.

    Just an update. For that important days like Valentine's and falls on Friday and during HH, Google will assist with reservation. Normally, Sonoda is walk in most of the time but has hunch that I may need to make a reservation. For dinner, they do open at 4:30 pm and we were there at 4:25 pm and "Open" sign was on. As we walked in, one of the waitress greeted us and asked us if we had reservation. Of course. I did notice every table had "reserved" sign on it. We got the most preferred seat which is right next to the aquarium by the window. Our favorite l, most outstanding person "Rose" was taking care of us. She is perfect hostess and valuable to this establishment. She bought everything we needed and in timely manner. Our experience was perfect. I have been noticing their sushi rice consistency has improved a lot. In the past, it was slightly to the "too moist" side but lately, it's been perfect. Maybe the new machine they got is helping? It was definitely 5 star experience this evening. Perfect all the way. P.s. HH Friday early evening too. Hoot hoot!

    Sushi Dinner
    Jeff David G.

    WARNING! Wasabi between the rice and the fish in the nigiri. I am not a fan, but I know some people are. The rating disregards my personal disliking as this was still a pretty good spot to get reasonably priced sushi from friendly staff in an awesome environment. I ordered the sushi dinner which was a spicy tuna roll with 7 pieces of nigiri based on the chef's recommendation. The fish was fresh and was less expensive than I would've expected. I would love to go back and specify to hold the wasabi and I think it would have been an incredible meal.

    Michelle K.

    You honestly can't go wrong eating here. This place has been around since the 80's and the food is pure heaven. We come here often from Parker to get our sushi fix. We honestly go big and make it a feast. All the dishes are freshen and decent sized. Their nigiri are a mouthful! I love all their rolls. Try their Baked Green muscles and the yellow tail collar. We also enjoyed all their kitchen food items such has their udon and teriyaki chicken. My kids are always asking to come back. Don't expect to come here for the ambiance, this is a small mom and pop shop that is all about the food and service. I love how we've become regulars where Makoto (sushi chef and owner) will take time away to come greet us. I love seeing how they've established a business and built up regular customers! If you're local or in the area, highly recommend check them out.

    15. Avocado
    Emily K.

    I love Sonoda's. Not everything on their menu is a complete win but everything definitely tastes fresh. I order take out from here a lot. The quality is always good and they are fast. I really like the spicy lava roll, miso soup and gyoza.

    a variety of packets of food
    Erin L.

    Absolutely our new go to sushi spot - we ordered via door dash and everything got here fairly quickly and at a good temp. I am so happy of how affordable yet FRESH this place is. You can tell just from their bi-lingual menu and offerings that this place is more legit than others. Everything was very good. No complaints.

    Sashimi platter - lunch price is less than 20 dollars!
    Vivian C.

    You'd never guess from the outside that the food here is an absolute steal for their exceptional quality, price, and service. The servers were extremely attentive to the point where my water was never just half full. My friend was initially disappointed that they didn't serve her favorite udon dish during lunch, but she was very satisfied with the chirashi bowl she ordered instead. She said everything tasted great and was super filling by the time she was done. She also forced me to eat some of the rice from the chirashi bowl because of how delicious she thought it was and she needed me to taste what she tasted, haha! I ordered the sashimi platter which was about 16 dollars for lunch! I'm so used to paying 20+ dollars everywhere else, and the quality was still really great and this was just enough to fill me up. We also had cake at the end which was super tasty and a great way to end our spectacular sushi lunch! We will definitely be coming back in the future.

    Appetizers
    Bennett P.

    Easy parking. Brightly lit exterior and softly lit inside. I sat opposite the sushi bar. I started with Kawaba Snow Weizen, a wheat craft beer from Gunma, Japan. Very clean yellow colored beer. I ordered their version of Shumai ($8) which were steamed shrimp dumplings. Very nice with a spicy mustard versus horseradish. I ordered 2 sushi rolls: a smallish Salmon roll ($8) and much larger Crunchy Spicy Tuna ($11). The Spicy Tuna roll was better. My entree was broiled Mackerel (Yakizakana) served with miso soup, a lettuce salad, and rice ($19.50). Lots of food!! Mackerel is hard to find in Denver. My server, Katya R was very attentive and allowed me to space out my food choices. I tipped her 20% and entire tip goes to her. It is not shared. It was interesting how few people were here at 730pm. Only 1 party of 4 at sushi bar. Since I came in 2 other parties came in. So hopefully this was a slow night. Katya R said it was slow earlier.

    Shrimp tempura roll, crunchy spicy tuna roll
    Jessie B.

    Sonoda's Aurora restaurant is the spot for sushi! The service is amazing, fast and the food is delicious! The ambiance is family friendly and the kids love coming here! Everyone is so warm and welcoming! Everyone leaves so happy and tummy's so full with goodness! This is one of my favorite sushi places! Always so fresh and delicious! The owner always says hello to everyone and the vibe is just happy and food is wonderful! Come to Sonoda's for sushi!!!!!!

    Complimentary tsukemono and tako

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    9 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Payton T.
    239
    27
    6

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ron S.
    2
    19
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Sam L.
    1
    18
    1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 2

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M. M.
    0
    81
    0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Annie G.
    1222
    254
    1182

    6 years ago

    Helpful 10
    Thanks 0
    Love this 9
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Love this place! We are weekly patrons! So delicious and fish is always fresh! Service is usually on point!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Carson O.
    103
    30
    10

    2 years ago

    Spicy noodles were amazing, service was great. Food was great experience was great. Ambience was great.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Absolute trash sushi! It tasted spoiled. Dumplings were cold. I literally pitched it and will not return.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chu S.
    0
    22
    1

    2 years ago

    I've been with Sonoda since early 90s... and love the service and food. I am glad this gem in Aurora still going strong.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Great spot for sushi. Staff is super welcoming and happy hour is worth it even more! Love living right by this place

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Elisa G.
    3491
    3331
    15177

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Carly W.
    4898
    1260
    9494

    9 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 6

    Ask the Community - Sonoda's Aurora

    Is this location related to/owned by the one that was downtown some years ago?

    Yes, it was before the original owner retired. It is now owned by the chef who has been with Sonoda’s since 1988 when they originally opened.

    View All 2 Questions

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for Japanese 3,479 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Mikaku Ramen & Temaki

    Mikaku Ramen & Temaki

    (92 reviews)

    $$

    Food: I love the thick chashu pork slices, so tender & flavorful. The pork broth is so umami &…read moreeverything blend well together. Not too oily broth which I preferred. My partner ordered spicy shoyu tonkotsu ramen that very similar to mine, but has extra oily chilli sauce in it & thinly slice chilli flake topping that I like. We also love charshu bao bun & takoyaki appetizer. They are all very delicious :) Service: Great service with Robot food delivery. When we asked for a gift card. The owner came to politely explained to us that they only have online gift card version available. We like their fast & caring service. Ambiance: Modern, wooden, cozy & clean with some fun vending machine like in Japan. Sum up: Definitely go back & I want to try their live lobster ramen next time!

    When walking in it has a very big anime theme. I also love that it has small claw machine machines…read morein it's a little waiting area. We were seated fairly quick and was given water cups fast. We got a quick rundown of the menu, however we did have a newer server. We thought she did great as she constantly checked in on us and made sure that we were doing well. The takoyaki was a bit too doughy for my liking, but it was okay. The gyoza are on the other hand was absolutely perfect and needed no additional sauce except the one that came on it. When the black garlic Ramen came to the table, it had a slight flavor, but I would say it was pretty plain. We ended up asking for some of the sauce that was on the Gyoza for the soup base. When we added that to the soup base, it became 1000 times better. The noodles were cooked fairly well, but I would just say the broth needed a bit more flavor. Overall, it was a nice spot and we may be back to try other things.

    Fuyu Sushi

    Fuyu Sushi

    (96 reviews)

    Stopped by Fuyu Sushi for their lunch specials and left pretty satisfied. We ordered the sushi…read morelunch and sashimi lunch specials, and they actually combined everything onto two boats for us, which was a nice touch and made the presentation feel fun and generous. The fish tasted fresh, portions were solid for a lunch special ($14 is a steal), and everything came out nicely arranged. Definitely a good value if you're craving sushi midday during the week. Came with miso soup. Service-wise, our waitress/hostess was clearly hardworking and very kind. The only small thing was that she cleared our dishes super quickly. She took away my miso soup before I was fully finished! But she was genuinely nice and attentive otherwise, so it didn't take away from the overall experience. The restaurant itself is pretty nice. Bathroom may need cleaning up a bit, but I mainly care about the food and service. Would come back again for the lunch specials!

    Ordered via Doordash and it was by my own accord that some pieces of sushi could not be eaten…read more I made sure I put no wasabi on every single item, but almost every box had huge globs of wasabi, so due to the travel and movement, some pieces got that wasabi. Oh well. So although I can't talk about the ambiance, the quality it something I can. We ordered about $250 worth of food for 4 people. Delivery was about ~$20 because of a tip. Here is what we got: 1. Veggie Tempura: good assortment, however very small. 2. Gyoza: due to travel time it may have been less crispy, but it was good flavor. 3. Crispy Rice: the crispy rice was good, but almost stale like, so it was a bit texturally different. Sashimi: 1. King Salmon: it was good but disliked the wasabi on top. 2. Salmon: nice and fresh; I did like it. 3. Hamachi: it was fresh and very light. 4. Tuna: honestly disliked this one the most. It was a bit fish-y. 5. Octopus: I surprisingly liked this! It wasn't as chewy as I thought it would be. Nigiri: 1. Wagyu Nigiri: the meat was a bit too tough, and for almost $17 it was a bit spendy. 2. Salmon: Rice to fish ratio was okay. 3. King Salmon: Loved the flavor with rice better than just sashimi. Rolls: 1. House Roll: I loved the flavor and nice presentation. 2. Yellow Tail jalapeño: The yellowtail was great but the large chunks of Jalapeño was not my favorite. 3. Avocado: Basic, nothing special 4. Tuna Maki: it was good, but again the tuna was not my favorite. Miso soup and salad were all just basic. Overall I would love to try this in person

    Misaki - Lunch special $25

    Misaki

    (369 reviews)

    $$

    Came with a friends for dinner on a Sunday evening…read more It was busier than expected with most tables filled. The restaurant is open with a market like feel and a constant hustle and bustle. You order off the menu with an erasable pen which is very smart. Many Japanese restaurants (especially when ordering sashimi, nigiri, rolls) use a ton of paper for their orders. We did have a waitress but the staff helps one another running drinks and food. The food was very good, fresh and I'd definitely go back. My suggestions would be bringing the dishes out over time. We received almost everything at once and the table was very full. The bathrooms are part of Stanley and are fine. They are usually clean. The parking is shared with all the Stanley Marketplace so it depends on time/day as to how easy or hard it is to find a space.

    Came here post-workout after TWST Fitness and honestly... best decision. This spot is tucked inside…read morea food hall market and the vibes are on point--cool decor, fun energy, and although seating is limited, we had no trouble grabbing a table. I kept it light and fresh with the house salad, yellowtail sashimi with jalapeños, salmon sashimi, and ebi nigiri. Everything came out super fast and tasted incredibly fresh. The yellowtail had the perfect kick, but the ebi nigiri was the real star for me--so good. Such a cute little spot for a casual date or a food hall crawl. We also grabbed mochi to go and it was the perfect sweet ending. Already planning my next visit because I definitely want to try more of the menu.

    Tatsu Izakaya - Tantan

    Tatsu Izakaya

    (388 reviews)

    $$

    University Park, Southeast

    Yaki Ika and yes, I did it. I have been eyeing on stopping by at this restaurant for awhile…read morewanting to try it. It was good and glad I did. Commonly called ikayaki and checked off! You can try to park at the free parking, off the street or on the street. It was Sunday 3 pm and parking was no problem. Ambiance. Very Japanese like feeling with knick knacks every where with banners, akachõchin. Sushi bar takes one side and also a small bar to the back. Drink menu featured several imported Japanese bottled beers on top of the common ones at reasonable price. Ended up getting the house salad, chicken yakitori, spicy tonkatsu ramen and yaki ika. All tasted good, no complaints. Spicy tonkatsu ramen had rich broth, chatsu was grilled and plenty. Repeat

    Tatsu Izakaya is the kind of place you go when you want Japanese food that feels intentional…read morewithout being precious about it. The menu leans classic izakaya--small plates meant for sharing--but everything comes out with care and confidence. Skewers are grilled properly, not rushed, with just enough char to matter. The ramen is rich without being heavy, and the broth tastes like someone actually paid attention to it for hours. Even the simpler dishes feel deliberate, which isn't always the case with izakaya-style menus. The atmosphere hits a nice balance: lively without being chaotic, cozy without feeling cramped. It works just as well for a casual dinner as it does for lingering over drinks. Speaking of drinks, the sake and Japanese whiskey selection is thoughtful and well-paired to the food. Tatsu doesn't try to reinvent Japanese cuisine--it just executes it well.

    Domo - Curry Udon with pork cutlet

    Domo

    (1.3k reviews)

    $$

    Lincoln Park, Southwest

    This is my Japanese comfort restaurant…read more One of the hidden gems of Denver, Domo is a Japanese restaurant that has been around for a long time serving home-style tradional Japanese meals. You won't find fancy sushi here or fusion cooking here, but rather tasty home cooked style classic Japanese dishes. Dishes like Japanese curry, oyakodon, and other donburi and noodle dishes. Having been here multiple times, I cannot recommend this place enough for a homey style meal. No joke, each meal here makes you feel warm inside, like a good home cooked meal. It's comparable to many meals I've had traveling through out real Japan. The flavors are simple, but each dish is well prepared while emphasizing conform over fancy preparation. You just cannot go wrong with any dish here, though I'm partial to the donburi, the green tea soba, and the hot pot. And if the meal is not enough, there is a beautiful garden to enjoy. If you catch it at the right time, the cherry blossom in the spring is beautiful and transport you right to Japan. Overall, Domo is a place that I'm always down to visit. It's warm, comfy, and nostalgic, and I just know I'll miss it when it's gone.

    Domo was such a unique and memorable experience. We had dinner in the restaurant's beautiful garden…read moresanctuary, which felt peaceful and charming--and seeing the cats roaming around made it even more special. The service was pretty good. We were seated right away and given plenty of time to take in the restaurant's history and look through the menu. Our food came out quickly, and the staff was always nearby if we needed anything. We started with the cucumber salad and shrimp shumai. The cucumber salad was refreshing, but the shrimp shumai had a strong fishy smell and taste that didn't seem very fresh--I couldn't eat more than one. For my entrée, I ordered the nabeyaki soup with ramen noodles and chicken, and it was excellent. The soy-based broth was rich and flavorful without being too salty, and the ramen noodles were cooked perfectly--tender with just the right amount of bite. Overall, Domo offers a really special atmosphere and a memorable dining experience. I wouldn't recommend the shrimp shumai, but I'd definitely come back to try another ramen flavor, and to see the cats again.

    Sonoda's Aurora - japanese - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...