Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Rocky Yama Sushi

    4.7 (315 reviews)
    ModerateJapanese, Sushi Bars
    Closed • 12:00 pm - 9:15 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Order Rocky Yama Sushi Takeout or Delivery

    Rocky Yama Sushi Photos

    ROCKY YAMA SUSHI ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Trendy
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - Rocky Yama Sushi

    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

    Seaweed Salad
    Robert F.

    I usually have a magical ability to select a good restaurant by glancing at the facade, but my instinct just wasn't sure about this place and I walked past many times without considering it. That was a big mistake. My friend was in the mood for fish and we also wanted to visit a couple of the galleries on Santa Fe Drive, so we took a chance for an early dinner. We were amply rewarded--the food was terrific, the space was comfortable, and the service was efficient and friendly. There's a small sushi bar at the entrance and a large, covered and enclosed patio to the south of the building (warm weather use only). You can't see the main dining room from the street, but it is tucked in the back of the building. The menu is not huge, but there's a good selection of starters/small plates, an interesting selection of entrées, plus fried rice and ramen options. There are multiple vegetarian choices in every part of the menu. The raw menu includes 26 sushi/sashimi choices, 26 regular rolls, eight vegetable rolls, and ten special rolls. Everything we tried was fresh and delicious. The seaweed salad was particularly good. The Unagi (freshwater eel) was extremely tender and flavorful. We also tried the Dragon Roll and the flavor and texture combination was great. Our other nigiri selections were beautifully sliced and at the peak of perfection. The place was totally packed by 6:00 p.m., but the service continued to be attentive and fast. We had a really great time and the bill was very reasonable. Give this place a try!

    Amy B.

    This was a great dinner. I appreciated that there were plenty of vegetarian options (and not just bland cucumber rolls)--having a delicious and large tofu roll, large veggie roll, and fresh avocado roll left me full and happy! The service was friendly, and the atmosphere was lovely with outdoor seating and plenty of space on the table and between each party. So glad we tried this place out!

    Isobel R.

    Came here just after 7pm on a Friday and got seated immediately. The restaurant is very clean with a relaxed, casual atmosphere, and the service was very quick! We tried a variety of rolls including salmon avocado, Philly, unagi, red dragon, Orenji, and an order of gyoza to start. Everything was enjoyable, but the Philly roll and salmon avocado roll stood out the most. The fish was fresh, the flavors were balanced, and nothing felt heavy or overdone. It's not trying to be over-the-top by any means it's just solid sushi at a fair price point. Would definitely return!

    Hailey G.

    Such a gem! The fish was fresh, rich, and buttery, and everything was prepared with care. For how casual and easygoing the vibe is, the quality of the sushi is impressive and the prices are very reasonable. The staff was friendly and attentive, and the whole experience felt relaxed and welcoming. It's the perfect spot to enjoy top-notch sushi without the hassle of reservations. We'll definitely be back to try more + the happy hour!

    BOGO wine happy hour
    Ann K.

    We recently discovered Rocky Yama through Yelp reviews. What a great find! We came before seeing a play at the Buell and it was a great place for happy hour. The service was so friendly and quick. From the outside, it looked empty but once inside, we saw almost all the tables were full in the back room. Tables are clean and we sat in the half booth. We loved the BOGO wine and sake and beer options. The sushi was fresh. Lots of rolls to choose from. The hamachi collar was one of my favorites. I probably would order my own next time! The orenji roll and tempura shrimp were delicious. I tried the fatty tuna piece and it melted in my mouth. We will think of this place everytime we are craving sushi! Parking is easy along the street and we don't mind walking a block or two after a full meal.

    Maguro, Salmon, and Eel
    Rick K.

    We had such a lovely dinner at Rocky Yama. The sushi was excellent and at a fair price. I wish I had found this place sooner. Service was charming and ambiance was nice. Firecracker roll was my favorite but the maguro sushi was also delicious.

    Rainbow Roll
    Rachel S.

    BIG FAN. Stopped in for sushi happy hour and was so pleased with quite a few GF options!! Enjoyed a rainbow roll and tuna roll, as well as fresh edamame. Efficient and kind service too.

    4 of their specialty rolls! SO delicious!  I believe we went with Lava, Red Dragon Roll, Philly, and I think Samurai?
    Nawaal F.

    My husband and I frequent Rocky often. I crave it regularly-- some of the best sushi I've had in general (and definitely in Denver). Everything is always so fresh and delicious, regardless of eating in restaurant or by delivery. I've been obsessed since they opened less than a decade ago. The flavors all go so well together and rolls are so perfectly crafted -- rolls never fall apart and are always a perfect bite. Service is always excellent as well-- we love chatting with the owners when we are there and service from others is excellent. I personally love the ambiance -- can come in casually and have an incredible meal and it's inviting + relaxing while there. The special BonBon roll is one of my favorites, it has torched salmon on top which is simply delectable.

    Hamachi Kama
    Laureen O.

    We came here on the recommendation of a friend. We were here twice at lunchtime. We are very particular about our sushi so I will qualify why we gave so many stars on this review. This is a place you can come to often and get your money's worth of good sushi. We ordered the Hamachi Kama (yellowtail collar) which was quite sizable and well prepared. We also ordered an unagi on rice which well prepared. The best roll they have is the Samurai roll if you like fresh flavors. Rex the owner is personable and attentive to his customers. I would recommend this place is you are looking for solid, every day sushi that will satisfy you, but might not excite you.

    Niles C.

    Portions were great here. Went with 2 friends and we had a little bit of everything. I had heard of this spot before and was thrilled at the chance to finally try it out for myself. I think it is a good mid tier sushi spot here in Denver. Everything was good but no wow factor. Solid but not my favorite.

    Kate Y.

    Explored the beautiful Santa Fe art district on foot and came to Rocky Yama Sushi. The first thing that impressed me is people hanging out and bantering with the sushi chefs! What a great vibe! I sat at the bar and enjoyed myself. There is a happy hour every single day - even Saturday! 3-6. But once I tasted the sushi - I was floored. Just how do they make it so melt-in-your-mouth fresh?? I am from southern California and we have an ocean!! Where did they get this sushi?! Wonderfully prepared, with great service. This is now my weekly go-to place!!

    Lava Roll, Fire Cracker Roll, Spicy Tuna Roll, & the Red Dragon Roll. All were EXCELLENT!!!

    See all

    2 days ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 9
    Thanks 5
    Love this 4
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rick K.
    0
    132
    8

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kate Y.
    30
    17
    22

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jonna H.
    360
    25
    16

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    4 months ago

    Their food is always top tier quality and I went to the happy hour earlier this week with a gal pal. It's a great neighborhood spot

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    The best!! Fabulous shushi that doesn't break the bank!! So, so delicious!! Great service and atmosphere! So fresh!!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    We love Rocky Yama! They have great sushi, good saki great service and good prices. Try the lunch special! What a deal!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Such a great sushi joint! Everything we ordered was fresh and tasted great. The staff were fantastic as well.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 8

    Ask the Community - Rocky Yama Sushi

    You might also consider

    Sushi Den

    Sushi Den

    4.4(2.6k reviews)
    2.9 mi•Southwest
    •$$$

    We came here to celebrate! We've heard about this place from several people, but wanted to save it…read morefor a celebration due to the prices ($$$). I saw, from the reviews, that to come here without a reservation, you want to come right when they open. We saw a wave of people start lining up and congregating as we were parking. Luckily, we made it in the first wave of people seated. We were offered the choice to sit inside/outside. Our server was very attentive and friendly. The drinks and food came out quickly. We ordered the sake and the sake mule. Both were good! We also got 2 pieces of nigiri from Japan and it was heavenly! Other items that piqued our interest were the tuna firecracker roll, a salmon roll, and another tuna roll. Everything tasted delicious, although I was surprised by the asparagus in my rolls. I don't know that that is my favorite! We had a great experience and would love to come back.

    If there is lychee on the menu, I will be having it. The lychee margarita was fabulous!! It was…read moreperfect parts of sweet and tart. A nice balance I like to call its A couple of friends and I had an amazing dinner recently and our waiter was very attentive and helpful. The gyoza had the perfect outside crisp and the filling was delicious. I had the red shrimp and tamago were flavorful (the red shrimp was so good! The shrimp tempura, cucumber and avocado rolls were just as delicious. The inside of sushi-den was gorgeous and lively! I will definitely have to stop in when I'm in Denver next time!

    Photos
    Sushi Den - Inside

    Inside

    Sushi Den - Chocolate cake.

    Chocolate cake.

    Sushi Den - Hold steady  @dangit.all

    See all

    Hold steady @dangit.all

    Temaki Den

    Temaki Den

    4.6(421 reviews)
    2.9 mi•Ballpark, Five Points, Northwest
    •$$$$

    this place is one of my favorite hand roll places ever (from a girl coming from California who had…read moremany options)! I was in Denver to visit my friend, and I was telling her how I really liked hand rolls and so she recommended this place and it did not disappoint. We got here during happy hour when at first opened and immediately there was already a line luckily we were early so we did get seated a few minutes after arriving, and we were served relatively quickly. We got to sit at the bar and we ordered off of the happy hour menu, which was great because it had more than enough of what I wanted to try. We got several hand rolls and several of their other appetizers, but my favorite has to be their hand rolls. Their seaweed was so crispy and rolled so nicely. The rice was flavorful and their fish was so fresh. I felt like their prices were also pretty reasonable and I was more than content after having that dinner. Overall, I would put this very much on par with a place called Kazunori in LA. I heard that this restaurant has a sister restaurant called sushi Den that I heard was really good and that I will be trying out next time I'm in town. Please come try out Tamaki done if you're ever in the area the food will not disappoint. The restaurant is big with plenty indoor seating, but it will get packed and for good reasons because the food is so good!

    To celebrate our anniversary, we decided to come to Temaki Den and it did not disappoint (the hype…read moremakes a lot of sense). We thought we made a mistake choosing sushi bar instead of a table because we'll have back issues. Surprisingly, the chairs had a mini back so you could lean back occasionally. And we think our experience was better because the sushi chefs would explain the origin of the fish and all the ingredients they used into each roll and order. We also got a complimentary piece for sitting at the sushi bar which was a light fried yellow tail which was so good. Service is amazing. They're attentive and check in on you often. It does take some time to get your rolls but give its time to digest. From watching the sushi chefs at the bar, they're very precise in how they make each roll. Every roll has similar proportions from the slight wasabi they use to the amount of rice and fish. Everything that we had was amazing. The hamachi and salmon sashimi felt like butter. It just melts in your mouth. The aged toro was so delicious. Even the edamame was just so good. The unagi nigiri is some of the best I've had in the state (the nigri was better than the handroll and I think it's because I love unagi so I love the ratio in nigiri form). The Spicy Tuna Oshizushi was a surprising favorite of the night along with the Crème Fresh Salmon Belly. I could've done without the wagyu but it was good. Every order does come with only 1 so order based on the amount of people that are with your party. Some items we were unsure of like the wagyu so we ordered 1 and shared a bite. Overall, I understand the hype and the reservations. But it was worth it and I'm surprised we can get high quality fish in a landlock state. Of the high end sushi restaurants in CO, Temaki Den is probably my fave.

    Photos
    Temaki Den
    Temaki Den - American wagyu and Salmon Oshizushi

    American wagyu and Salmon Oshizushi

    Temaki Den - Unagi Handroll

    See all

    Unagi Handroll

    Uchi Denver

    Uchi Denver

    4.5(1.1k reviews)
    2.0 mi•Five Points, Northwest
    •$$$$

    I went today with my sister to enjoy their omakase happy hour. 1) don't be fooled by the nine…read morecourses, we came out pretty satiated with a serving size and the tastes! 2) I firmly believe that UCHI is a seafood restaurant for people who love seafood; as opposed to many seafood restaurants in Denver, which are seafood places for people who don't necessarily like seafood. (Hahaha!) The place is beautiful and the first thing my sister and I noticed waa the detailed design of their ceiling. There was so much intention placed in many things in the restaurant drom the little menu cubby under the table, to the hair ties in the girls's bathroom, or even the not so uncommon foot pull on their bathroom door so you don't have to open it after washing. The dishes were all delicious. All aspects of it thought of very well. Balanced meals with not too much salt, the proper acidity to liven the dish and even the textures were intentionally made. The BEST thing from this visit was our server, Hailey, who made the visit so personal. She made sure we had the right pacing to our courses and gave proper recommendations. We were excited to share the experience with hee whenever she came by. I think it is safe to say that Uchi is my current favorite restaurant in Denver right now.

    I visit Denver yearly because my daughter lives here. She visits a lot of restaurants, including…read moretake out delivery etc.. (Idaho donot have Uchi restaurant!) Uchi is my favorite Japanese Restaurant in Denver. While I am not a sashimi lover, I prefer my food warm, my daughter is open to try anything that's food delish! This trip I invited her Denver "mama" and her BF. The food was just as delicious! But the best part was watching the 2 new guests eat every bite, savor each dish and watch them: chopsticks in hand, delivery to their palate, and their expressions OMG..."this is so delicious! It's their first Uchi visit. My favorite dish is the Wagyu, grilled on a "hot rock." In fact, all the dishes I chose were perfect! I even ordered the bone marrow although it was a little salty for me, it was still tasty (not big on too much salt). It is a pricey restaurant, however, if you want quality /excellent food one should expect to pay for what it's worth. The service and our server was excellent: uniquely friendly, patient and I just love it when it's totally a genuine smile on their faces! The best part about Uchi - they deliver a complimentary dish for keeping you waiting (as if...). We felt they were quick to deliver and yes you may have a "wait" but this place gets really busy! Recommend making a reservation ahead of time. I have not been on the rooftop, but I understand they grow their herbs up there! Take a chance when you're in Denver for high end Japanese food. Make sure your "pocket" is loaded with "greens!"

    Photos
    Uchi Denver
    Uchi Denver - Spicy Crunchy Tuna

    Spicy Crunchy Tuna

    Uchi Denver - Hot sake.

    See all

    Hot sake.

    Nozomi - Alaska Maki

    Nozomi

    4.6(223 reviews)
    3.1 mi•Sunnyside, Northwest

    From the moment I walked in, the ambiance was inviting and lively, with music pumping that created…read morean energetic and fun vibe. It was the perfect setting for a great night out. The menu offers an impressive selection of sushi, sashimi, and Japanese-inspired dishes. The food was incredibly fresh, and each bite showcased the high quality of ingredients. I highly recommend trying their signature rolls, which are beautifully crafted and bursting with flavor. The presentation was as stunning as the taste. The staff was friendly, attentive, and knowledgeable about the menu, making great recommendations that enhanced our experience. Prices are reasonable for the quality and artistry of the food. Overall, Nozomi is a fantastic spot for sushi lovers and anyone looking to enjoy authentic Japanese cuisine in Denver with a lively, energetic atmosphere. DEFENETLY WILL BE BACK!!!!

    Good food, good service and clean restaurant. The happy hour menu had a lot of selections and the…read moresushi was nicely done with filling to rice ratios, especially the temaki. The karaage was yum and so was the age tofu. Not to be mixed up with agedashi tofu - as there is no soup, just fried tofu. I wish the tofu was fried more crispy - would be awesome if it was double fried - some outside parts of the tofu were soft and not crispy. The crab salad, seaweed salad and the cucumbers salad were all very refreshing. There was some service mix up where we had to asked for our food order - I don't think it was the waiters, but maybe the communication from the ordering system to the kitchen, and also the beers we ordered didn't come until we had asked for it towards the end of our meal. All in all the food and most of the experience were decent - we shall be back again!

    Photos
    Nozomi - Sushi Bar

    Sushi Bar

    Nozomi - Seaweed Salad (~$8)

    Seaweed Salad (~$8)

    Nozomi - Some sushi classics and signatures

    See all

    Some sushi classics and signatures

    Kumoya - Salmon, unagi, and needlefish Sashimi. Smeltfish roe

    Kumoya

    4.4(170 reviews)
    2.4 mi•Northwest, Highland

    Wow. Was visiting Denver and wanted to check out some high end sushi w fam we were visiting. Had a…read morerecomendation to check out kumoya & was very impressed. Despite being a bazillion miles from the ocean, our fish was fresh, the creativity, presentation, and the flavor profiles were over the top. We loved every dish. Our server was great. Very Helpful & Friendly. We could have eaten fish all night, but eventually switched to desert. 3 different deserts & each was great

    I've been to Kumoya twice now, once in 2023 and again recently, and I really wanted to love it. The…read morefood is good, the ambiance is great, and the staff is kind when you interact with them. Unfortunately, both visits had the same issue: very long gaps between dishes. On my most recent visit, we waited nearly 50 minutes between courses and never received the remaining three dishes. We ended up asking for the check instead. What made it more frustrating was the lack of service. No one checked on us, and we had to flag down another staff member just to get the check. Our server never came by. It was also surprising because the restaurant wasn't busy. There were open bar seats and plenty of open tables, so I'd be nervous to see what the experience is like on a busy night. It's disappointing because the food is solid, but the pacing and service make it hard to come back.

    Photos
    Kumoya - The cocktail bar

    The cocktail bar

    Kumoya - Wagyu tartare

    Wagyu tartare

    Kumoya - Booth in the main dining room

    See all

    Booth in the main dining room

    Mizu Izakaya - Breakfast Roll

    Mizu Izakaya

    4.2(895 reviews)
    2.1 mi•Northwest, Highland
    •$$

    If you're looking for a dining experience that perfectly balances a vibrant, high-energy atmosphere…read morewith an effortlessly cool vibe, this sushi spot absolutely delivers. The staff were incredibly attentive, welcoming. The menu is quite extensive and they have other food apart from Japanese, such as Chinese inspired dumplings and fried rice. The food itself was quite good. The plating was absolutely stunning. Definitely one of those sushi places that has more sauce on everything but if you enjoy that type of sushi then you're in for a treat!

    This is a Japanese restaurant that's occasionally on our rotation for casual date night…read more That said, it's doesn't really have a proper izakaya vibe and a little bit more upscale. The ramen is really good. The nigiri is also pretty good. The rolls are usually a let down for us unfortunately. That said, the happy hour menu is a good deal for a hang out, especially in large group, and the brunch menu is pretty nice. In my opinion, Mizu was probably one of the better Japanese options back in the day. However, with so many other good spots now, especially with Kawa Ni close by with a better izakaya hang out spot, it's not as attractive of an option, especially given the higher price. It really is not a restaurant that specializes in any particular food, but is certainly a crowd pleaser if you have people that want different things.

    Photos
    Mizu Izakaya - Interior

    Interior

    Mizu Izakaya - Crispy Spicy Tuna

    Crispy Spicy Tuna

    Mizu Izakaya - Hot sake.

    See all

    Hot sake.

    Taki Sushi

    Taki Sushi

    4.3(677 reviews)
    1.3 mi•Speer, Southwest
    •$$

    My partner and I have been going to this place frequently this past year and it's always solid…read more Great service and consistent tasty sushi!

    They've been my go to for 4 years when I want solid, quality mid-priced sushi (I do Temaki Den for…read morespecial events). The quality of the fish has always been excellent and the portions were fantastic. There was never an issue of way too much rice to fish ratio. I've always been about simple rolls with raw ingredients. I am very fond of scallops in particular but eat most anything that is fresh. I know prices are going up astronomically and completely understand why. I am fine paying more for the same amount I normally get. However, ordering a simple roll and getting half the portion size really sucks. Ordering 2 higher priced rolls and getting much less than I expected isn't remotely ok. I would have been absolutely fine ordering what I normally would and having the price increased so they can make a profit. Getting rolls at the previous prices that are much smaller than before doesn't work! Had I known the portion sizes had changed I would have gladly bought more so I would have enough to eat. I saw that they revamped their menu and nearly doubled the items on the menu in non sushi areas and I don't begrudge them. I want them to be in business. However, the menu now does not accurately reflect what you get and that needs to change. In addition, the AI descriptions aren't remotely accurate as to the ingredients. I would literally fix your menu for free to reflect the actual ingredients and portion sizes for you because it's made it MUCH harder to order, especially if you have allergies.

    Photos
    Taki Sushi - Bar area

    Bar area

    Taki Sushi
    Taki Sushi - Chirashi dinner (really sashimi with a small rice side)

    See all

    Chirashi dinner (really sashimi with a small rice side)

    Rocky Yama Sushi - japanese - Updated September 2026

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