Everything I ate at Denver’s most anticipated sushi opening 🍣 Uchiko
Uchiko might my new favorite sushi spot in Denver, and I don’t say that lightly. 🍣
While it’s the sister restaurant to Uchi Denver, the menu feels different enough to make it its own experience, which I loved. They still offer both omakase and somakase, I love that they have a somakase option which I’ve never seen offered anywhere else before. A somakase is unique because you still get the experience of an omakase but it is a mixture of your own preferences and the chef’s creativity at a price point that works for you. For example, I could say that I’m looking to spend $100pp, I want it to be fish forward, nothing grilled and have my dinner curated to these preferences. In comparison to an omakase which can cost up to $250pp and the chef decides everything. Don’t get me wrong I love an omakase but this is a more affordable option for those looking for one. We love options here!
One thing that surprised me was how good their lunch deal is — you can get an app, entrée, and dessert for $29, which is kind of insane for the quality and location. Cherry Creek isn’t cheap haha They also have a great happy hour if you want to try a few dishes without committing to a full dinner.
Fair warning though: reservations are tough to get, so don’t count on walking in.
And if you sit at the sushi bar, ask for Dennis. He made the whole experience just that much better.
Here’s everything we ordered and my ratings👇
1. east coast oyster, root vegetable granita 6/10
2. hama chili yellowtail, ponzu, thai chili, orange supreme 9/10
3. spicy crunchy tuna takuan, shallots, tobanjan aioli 3/10
4. Nigiri: sake (Scottish salmon) 9/10, maguro (big eye tuna) 8/10
5. bluefin akami (tuna loin), bluefin chutoro (medium fatty tuna), bluefin otoro (fatty tuna) 100/10; santa barbara uni (santa barbara sea urchin) 200/10
6. Temaki (hand roll) chef’s choice 100/10
7. hot rock (prime beef, ponzu) 7/10
8. hotate (dayboat scallop) 1000/10
9. Chef’s gift (I forgot what this was called) 8/10
10. pork belly tamarind tamari sauce, plantain, tortilla xo 9/10
11. shiki (seasonal vegetables, crispy nori, shiso) 10/10
12. Nigiri: sake toro (Scottish salmon belly) 12/10
13. skirt steak shiso chimichurri, myoga, farofa, creamed kale 10/10
14. Nigiri: 1/2 Ikura 1/2 uni 10/10
15. gyutoro 72-hour westholme wagyu 10/10
16. Desserts: s'mores toasted barley, black sesame, torched marshmallow 9/10, seasonal sweet potato dessert 10000/10
#denverfoodscene #denversushi #newindenver #uchikodenver #bestofdenver
Visiting Uchiko offers more than just delicious sushi; it’s a culinary journey where personalization meets traditional artistry. One fascinating aspect is the somakase option, a customized alternative to the traditional omakase, allowing diners to tailor their meal preferences within a budget. This approach makes high-quality sushi approachable without compromising creativity or taste. During my visit, I found the quality of the bluefin tuna flight exceptional, highlighting the different cuts from akami to otoro, which provided a rich and varied tasting experience. The Santa Barbara uni was extraordinary, creamy and bursting with ocean freshness. Pairing sushi with seasonal vegetables like shiki with crispy nori and shiso nicely balanced the meal's richness. The lunch deal struck me as a fantastic value for Cherry Creek’s upscale dining scene, offering an appetizer, entrée, and dessert for $29—rare for sushi spots this quality. Happy hour at Uchiko also lets you sample multiple dishes without a full dinner commitment, a great option for newcomers. Sitting at the sushi bar enhances the experience, especially with a skilled chef like Dennis guiding your meal and sharing insider tips. I recommend trying the temaki hand roll, which came highly recommended by Dennis, accompanied by a delightful sweet soy dipping sauce that I wished I could replicate at home. For those planning a visit, booking reservations ahead is crucial due to Uchiko’s popularity. But the effort pays off with an intimate dining experience featuring innovative dishes like the pork belly with tamarind tamari, plantain, and tortilla xo that blend flavors uniquely. Finally, don’t miss dessert—the seasonal sweet potato treat was a surprising standout, far exceeding expectations with its comforting sweetness and texture. Uchiko isn't just a sushi spot; it’s a destination that redefines sushi dining in Denver with both creativity and accessibility, making it a must-visit for seafood lovers and adventurous eaters alike.
