
Izakaya Den
A hip Japanese gastropub known for high-grade sushi flown from Japan and adventurous small plates in a stylish, multi-level space.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Izakaya Den

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A hip Japanese gastropub known for high-grade sushi flown from Japan and adventurous small plates in a stylish, multi-level space.
Reserve Your Table
Reservations are highly recommended due to popularity, especially for larger groups.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers are knowledgeable and can guide you to unique flavors and the freshest specials.

Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Fresh Fish Flown from Japan
Experience sushi and sashimi crafted with the freshest fish, flown in daily from Japan for unparalleled quality.

Elegant Ambiance & Rooftop Views
A stylish, two-story restaurant with a vibrant atmosphere and a sought-after rooftop patio, perfect for date nights.

Adventurous Izakaya Small Plates
Explore a diverse menu blending traditional Japanese dishes with exotic flavors and creative fusion creations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve Your Table
Reservations are highly recommended due to popularity, especially for larger groups.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers are knowledgeable and can guide you to unique flavors and the freshest specials.
Explore Drink Flights
Try whisky or sake flights to discover new favorites from their extensive selection.
Dine on Beautiful Days
Enjoy the patio or the glass-enclosed dining area upstairs when the weather is pleasant.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve Your Table
Reservations are highly recommended due to popularity, especially for larger groups.
Ask for Recommendations
Servers are knowledgeable and can guide you to unique flavors and the freshest specials.
Explore Drink Flights
Try whisky or sake flights to discover new favorites from their extensive selection.
Dine on Beautiful Days
Enjoy the patio or the glass-enclosed dining area upstairs when the weather is pleasant.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Izakaya Den is lauded for its exceptionally fresh, high-grade sushi and Japanese small plates, often described as the best in Denver. Diners rave about the impeccable service, stylish ambiance, and extensive drink selection. While most experiences are overwhelmingly positive, a few reviews mention occasional slips in consistency or service speed.
"You won’t find better fish in Denver! With many items freshly flown in from Japan, this menu is boasting with cuts and flavors for everyone.
The restaurant features two floors, with elevator and stair access to the second floor. They can accommodate both small and large groups, and a reservation is recommended. I suggest dining on a beautiful day to enjoy either the patio or glass enclosed dining area upstairs.
Our server Dante helped walk us through the menu on our first visit. His suggestions were some of our favorite items of the evening, especially the miso black cod! Cocktails are well made, and their whisky and sake selections are extensive. The flight options are a great way to dive in if you’re not sure where to start.
The team is attentive to keep the dining room clean and is consistently clearing empty plates. I did feel a bit rushed at moments when asked if we were finished but there was still a small amount of food on the plate. Otherwise, I have no suggestions for improving the dining experience. Overall we had a wonderful evening!"
Liv R
"We sat at the sushi bar and had a really lovely dinner. As people said, the fish is very fresh. The chef who we spoke with made really delicious recommendations. My favorite was the new style salmon. The whole staff was polite, prompt, and didn’t rush us. They offered some ice cream for our anniversary celebration. We had a lovely dinner. Thank you for hosting us, Izakaya!"
Katie Brown
"I wanted to take pictures of everything we ate, but by the 3rd plate I was just too excited to eat!!! I have been told numerous times I must get sushi here. Finally did it and boy was it worth it! Decadent, rich, fresh fish, artfully put together and presented, so DELICIOUS. Add to this, service that is absolute perfection, it's a great place for date night or a special occasion. Interior is beautiful. Literally cannot think of a single negative moment. We stuck to the recommendations of the waiter and specials that were flown in fresh, as well as had some tempura. We left very happy! Can't wait to come here again!"
Jenn E
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends and larger groups, as the restaurant is quite popular.
The sushi features high-grade fish that is often flown in daily from Japan, ensuring exceptional freshness and quality.
Yes, Izakaya Den has a patio and a glass-enclosed dining area upstairs that can be enjoyed on beautiful days.
While some dishes can be adapted with tamari, the menu is quite limited for those with gluten sensitivities.
Customers often praise the miso black cod, wagyu beef roll, and various sushi and sashimi selections. Ask your server for recommendations!
Yes, Izakaya Den's elegant atmosphere, romantic ambiance, and shareable tapas-style dishes make it a popular choice for date nights.
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The sushi at these sister spots, occupying swanky digs right next door to each other on bustling Old South Pearl Street in Platt Park, is so fresh you’ll swear you’re in Japan. Why we love it: You’d be right, kinda, about that Japan feeling; the Kizaki brothers, who own the two spots and have been setting the sushi standard in Denver since 1984, have another brother in Japan who sources the catch from one of the biggest fish markets. That sashimi on your plate?
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South PearlThe elegantly designed interior of Izakaya Den makes it hard to break away, but if the interior looks so good, the exterior can’t fall short, right?
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The scene: Denver’s popular Japanese gastropub serving international cuisine, Izakaya Den delivers a tapas-style menu which blends traditional Japanese dishes with exotic flavours from all over the world. Run by the Kizaki brothers who created the famous Sushi Den next door, Izakaya Den offers up an even more fresh and creative Asian fusion menu, jam packed with one-of-a-kind adventurous eats you won’t find anywhere else. From the sake steamed duck breast and the grilled tuna steamed buns on the global menu to the deluxe sushi platter and the lobster ramen noodles on the Japanese menu, each dish is so carefully put together and highlights such tempting, intriguing ingredients that you’ll end up ordering more than you can eat, just to sample a little bit of everything.
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Izakaya Den, 1518 South Pearl Street Toshi and Yasu Kizaki are responsible for Sushi Den, the decades-old sushi house that was the first restaurant in town to prove not only that sushi could be done here, but that it could be done at a quality that rivals any spot on the coast. And for their second venture, the brothers aimed to do the same with broader Japanese cuisine at Izakaya Den. At this restaurant, traditional Japanese items are definitely on the list, but the menu also bends the limits of exactly what Japanese food is, integrating New American flavors and other influences where the kitchen sees fit: Korean short ribs, duck in udon, buckwheat gnocchi, even crepes made with pork and brie.
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As the sister restaurant to Sushi Den, Izakaya Den offers a unique twist on traditional Japanese dining, blending contemporary aesthetics with time-honored culinary techniques. This innovative approach results in a menu that seamlessly marries innovative sushi creations with a diverse selection of small plates and grilled delicacies. From the vibrant and bustling atmosphere to the expertly curated sake list, Izakaya Den captures the essence of modern Japanese dining while maintaining a deep respect for tradition, making it a haven for those seeking a dynamic and memorable dining experience.
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Sushi Den’s younger sibling and next-door neighbor rises above Old South Pearl Street with two stories of elegant and modern Japanese dining. In fact, the two eateries share a kitchen; accordingly, the sushi at Izakaya Den is on par with Sushi Den’s, but you’ll want to take a deeper dive into the menu to experience the true purpose of an izakaya — to tantalize with small plates while you also enjoy sake, Japanese whiskey, cocktails, wine and beer. Scallop risotto, grilled hamachi collar and Korean short ribs are good bets, as is the light sunomono salad plumped up with shrimp and snow crab.
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Everything about Izakaya Den screams “date night in Denver.” The stunning two-story sushi restaurant has easily one of the best rooftop patios in the entire city — which is saying a lot because there are some pretty incredible views from restaurants downtown. Izakaya Den is what we call swanky, but not at all over the top, which is what makes it one of the most romantic restaurants in Denver. The sushi is also phenomenal (if you need more convincing, know this: the Kizaki brothers, the geniuses behind Sushi Den, own it), and it comes tapas-style, perfect for sharing with your date.
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Details: open Monday – Sunday first seating 4:30 – 7:00 pm and second seating 7:30 – 10:00 pmUnique features: Two-story, hip, and vibey place showing off one of the best patios in townRecommended dish(es): for something a little different, locals love the wagyu beef roll and the miso black cod (buttery and delicious!). Izakaya Den is a little different from the usual sushi spots in the city (even though it’s located right next door to its sister restaurant, Sushi Den). The atmosphere is said to be almost sexy, showing off candle-lit lighting and intimate dining booths.
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The rooftop terrace at Platt Park’s Izakaya Den is like a refined garden soiree high above the spirited party that goes on South Pearl Street. Ascend the stairwell, flanked with foliage and stone accents to reach your private oasis of serenity decked out in leafy greenery surrounded by marble seating areas complete with a retractable roof for a cozy conservatory during unpredictable summer storms!. A bowlful of immorally delicious lobster ramen will make you want to stay even longer after the night sky fades away into black.
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Izakaya Den is your place if you’re after the best sushi in Denver. The front door opens to a beautiful, dynamic interior that you wouldn’t expect from the outside of the building—a warm, low-lit seating area that feels more like an intimate lounge greets you right away, or you can head upstairs to be surrounded by towering bamboo stalks for a bright and airy dining experience. Choose your own adventure, then get ready to eat some of the best sushi of all time!
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Meaning "Sake house with small plates," Izakaya Den lives up to its name by serving up traditional Japanese dishes in tapas form. By using this small-plate serving style, guests are able to enjoy a variety of the brilliant dishes from the menu while sipping on specialty cocktails and Sake. Izakaya Den is an excellent example of the modern culinary scene developing in Denver, and is sure to make a fitting choice for any diner in search of creative Japanese food.
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1487A S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210(303) 777-0691Recommended dish(es): For something a little different, locals love the Wagyu beef roll and the miso black cod (buttery and delicious!). Izakaya Den is a little different from the usual sushi spots in the city (even though it’s located right next door to its sister restaurant, Sushi Den). The atmosphere is said to be almost sexy, showing off candle-lit lighting and intimate dining booths.
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Izakaya Den offers a modern twist on the traditional Japanese izakaya experience. Located next door to its sister restaurant, Sushi Den, on Old South Pearl Street, Izakaya Den features a refined design that pays homage to its Japanese roots and is even awarded the American Architecture Award. Head Chef Jarrod Di Blasi and Sous Chef Paul Martini craft seasonal modern Japanese dishes with depth, authenticity, and flavor.
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If you’re looking for something a little more upscale—perhaps for a birthday or anniversary dinner—Izakaya Den should be at the top of your list. Self-described as a “Sake House with Tapas,” the eatery offers a zen Japanese-inspired upper level with expansive three seasons windows. This spot is also not too far from DU’s campus—try cheekily convincing your parents to foot the bill for dinner next time they’re in town!
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Izakaya Den is often compared to Sushi Den, as both restaurants get their fish and seafood from the same Tokyo markets. However, the main difference between the two is the atmosphere, as Izakaya Den has a hipper and livelier vibe. Another difference is that although Izakaya Den is a sushi restaurant, it also has a tapas menu, which means there are options for people in your party who are not sushi fans.
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The Lowdown: Calling all sushi lovers — one of the best sushi restaurants in the city also happens to have one of the coolest interiors and rooftop patios as well. Izakaya Den— sister restaurant to Sushi Den and on the same block — is a Japanese oasis surrounded with bamboo and modern light fixtures and décor. If you’re trying to impress someone or give them a unique experience — this is a good choice.
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A sister restaurant to the famed Sushi Den, Izakaya Den is located at the heart of Old South Pearl Street. The restaurant has even won the American Architecture Award for its refined design with an homage to its Japanese roots, so when you snag a spot on the open-air patio, you’re in an award-winning space. And with fresh-caught fish and expertly crafted sushi as accompaniment, every meal is memorable.
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Pearl St. With 4.5 stars out of 385 reviews on Yelp, the sushi bar and Japanese spot has proven to be a local favorite for those looking to indulge. The sake house offers a Japanese-style menu that dabbles in both international and Asian flavors. The small plates include gyoza (pan fried pork dumplings), jalapeño sashimi (hamachi, yuzu soy and cilantro), edamame (lightly salted soybean pods) and more.
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Izakaya Den is a very popular Japanese-style gastro pub which is great for a romantic night out, provided you both love fish and seafood. The cuisine features the freshest of fresh sushi and sashimi served tapas-style, ideal for sharing. Alongside the raw offerings diners can enjoy a variety of freshly-made Japanese favorites including gyoza, noodles, tofu, beef and short-rib dishes.
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Izakaya Den: Elevated above the lively scene of South Pearl Street, the rooftop terrace at Izakaya Den in Platt Park resembles a refined garden gathering. Discover an alfresco oasis adorned with verdant greenery, marble, stone, and wood elements. With a retractable roof offering shelter from unpredictable summer storms, this serene setting evokes the ambiance of a cozy conservatory.
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This legendary sushi joint provides an authentic take on Japanese cuisine, making use of fresh ingredients shipped daily from a fish market in the south of Japan. The Izakaya Den menu features traditional sushi and sashimi dishes served in a peaceful setting that blends the decor and aesthetics of West and East. Both the food and the design of the space have won awards.
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Izakaya Den is a popular Japanese gastropub with a cool vibe and one of our favorite rooftop bars in Denver. They serve a delicious tapas-style menu with a focus on traditional Japanese dishes alongside internationally-inspired plates. Their rooftop terrace is a real oasis and feels like an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city from the moment you arrive.
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Izakaya Den is Sushi Den’s sleek little sister, located next door on Old South Pearl Street in Denver. This local spot has taken home the American Architecture Award for its refined design that pays homage to its Japanese roots. Head to the second floor, and you’ll see the retractable glass ceiling, making it the perfect spot to eat and drink al fresco.
Izakaya Den is a popular Japanese gastro pub serving global top-notch cuisine. It boasts a gorgeous, two-story space featuring an upstairs lounge with a retractable roof and one of the best patios in town. Izakaya Den exudes a sexy atmosphere with candles and soft music playing, something that’s unusual outside of downtown, making it a great date spot.
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Izakaya Den is Sushi Den’s sleek little sister, right next door on Old South Pearl Street. Izakaya Den is the winner of the American Architecture Award for its refined design with an homage to its Japanese roots. Serving global cuisine and the same freshly sourced sushi as her big sister, Izakaya Den provides a memorable dining experience.
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One of the best sushi restaurants in town also has one of the coolest interiors and rooftop patios. Izakaya Den, located on the same block as Sushi Den, is a Japanese oasis surrounded by bamboo and modern light fixtures and décor. This is a good option if you want to impress someone or provide them with a one-of-a-kind experience.
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Let me start by saying that Izakaya Den has some of the best sushi I've ever tasted in Denver. Every bite was a burst of flavor and the fish was incredibly fresh. From traditional favorites like the California roll to more adventurous options like the spicy tuna roll, the sushi menu offers a wide variety to suit every palate.
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The 5280 Magazine (my Bible) has rated Sushi Den and Izakaya Den the Readers Choice and Critics Choice for many years. Sushi Den (Denver Pearl Street) is actually rated one of the best restaurants in the state in any category at #6. Sushi Den and Izakaya Den are actually sister restaurants across the street from eachother.
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The chic lights that warm the modish outdoor patios at Izakaya Den make the popular Japanese gastro pub a surefire pick for dates. An extensive dinner menu brims with options: traditional Japanese, seafood, meats, salads, sushi and globally inspired plates from across the world. A guaranteed treat, if you can grab a seat.
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Go behind the scenes of highly regarded sushi restaurant, Sushi Den, and its sister restaurant Izakaya Den, to learn their chefs’ secrets to creating all styles of sushi rolls and nigiri sushi. Then enjoy the company of your fellow classmates during a feast of more than 20 pieces of sushi, plus miso soup and green tea.
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Izakaya Den is tucked away in the heart of Old South Pearl Street. The zen interior design won the American Architecture Award due to its magnificent tribute to Japanese design. Apart from dining and drinking in the awesome, open-air patio, you will be treated to a great atmosphere and wonderful views of the area.
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1487A S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210303-777-0691 Visit Website. Last but not least is Izakaya Den, located on South Pearl Street. As the next-door sister restaurant to Sushi Den, this refined restaurant embraces its Japanese inspiration in dining rooms with hanging lights, bamboo partitions, and wooden rafters.
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Sushi, sake and sights of Denver are served up here from Tuesday through Saturday. The translation of Isakaya is “sake house with small plates” and that’s what you get, and more. Slow food means taking time to enjoy the global cuisine with balanced flavors and sauces called “liquid gems”.
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Happy Hour ( 4:30 pm - 6:00 pm ): $5 house wines, $8 signature cocktails, $5 and $10 sake, $4 Kirin, $5 local drafts, and $6 Sapporo bottles and select spirits; $5-7 small plates, $6 Sashimi and Nigiri and $3-4 appetizers (happy hour is in the bar only and food is from 5-6 PM)
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Izakaya Den is the spot of choice if you are looking for great Japanese seafood. All the seafood is fresh and dishes are authentic. Specific items that have earned praise from previous customers include the sushi, salmon belly and live scallop.
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- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (336 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (5.0/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.5/5)- Type of cuisine: Japanese, Sushi- Price: $$$$- Address: 1487A S Pearl St, Denver, CO 80210-2226- Read more on Tripadvisor
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Izakaya Den offers sushi, traditional Japanese seafood dishes, and internationally-inspired cuisine, served up in a sophisticated atmosphere filled with small plates, sake, and romance. Get your fill at Izakaya at 1487 South Pearl Street.
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Different textures and flavors from all over the world come together to create new taste sensations. The menu is tapas style. The smaller portions allow you to order a few dishes and share, taking advantage of the exhilarating variety.
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Pictures do not do justice to the magical ambiance and rooftop wonderland at Izakaya Den. And fortunately for us, the food is as scrumptious as the digs, so sprint on down to South Pearl Street and get you some tapas and sake!
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In May 2013, Yasu Yoshi opened Izakaya Den years after starting its sister, Sushi Den. Inside this award-winning restaurant is where Asian design meets Western design. Izakaya is undoubtedly an enchanting place.
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Izakaya Den is a sister restaurant to Sushi Den with a smaller space designed for ambiance. There are seasonal offerings, ten featured sushi rolls, plus all of the original sushi you always love to order.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit