Visiting from Miami--where we frequent the location back home--this Denver spot felt both familiar and uniquely its own. It was a little tricky to find at first, but once you figure it out, it adds to the charm. It was an absolute pleasure sitting with Chef Han and the team. The use of local ingredients really stood out throughout the experience, and the final tasting of Pacific octopus was a memorable highlight. The entire evening was intimate, engaging, and thoughtfully executed. Overall, a fantastic experience. read more

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Celebrated my 40th here and it was so memorable and delicious. The sushi chefs were fun and skilled, every bite was amazing and the drink and sake pairings were great. The ambiance was so dark and lovely. I look forward to coming back! read more

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This was a great experience overall. We had the 7:15 seating and I can see why some people commented that the pace is fast, but it was the only slight negative. The cocktail pre-dinner was a lovely start. Each nigiri was perfectly prepared and the flavors were amazing. I'm always skeptical of stingy pours in paired dinners but the sake pairing was generous and hit the spot each time. Service was great. I have to say this is the best omakase I've had so far and although I haven't yet been to Japan I've been to 50+ here in US and Europe and many Michelins. I think this place has a great system and I'm eager to try their Miami location next. read more

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One of my favorite recent openings in Denver and probably my new favorite sushi restaurant and special occasion experience. Denver's sleekest new sushi spot yet -- a Michelin-level 10-seat omakase experience in a speakeasy-style intimate setting under Larimer Square. Officially, it's 17 courses, but it's really at least 20 if you count the welcome bites in the lounge -- including indulgent bites like lean tuna akami, slightly-crunchy cuttlefish, perfectly tender toro, melt-in-your-mouth bone marrow and wagyu, flavorful eel crisped with that same bone marrow fat, and so much more! Don't miss out on the sake pairings! Thoughtfully selected to match all the different bites, they feature options you won't be able to find anywhere else (like a unique cedar-aged sake that tastes like nothing I've tried). Yes, it's quite the price tag -- but we honestly left feeling like we'd had one of the best dining experiences in Denver. Three seatings every night: 5pm, 7:15pm and 9:30pm (but plan to get there 30min early for some extra cocktails and bites in the lounge!) The base price is $195, then a sake pairing will cost you $135, an optional truffle/caviar add-on $125, plus service charge. From Michelin-starred husband-and-wife team Phillip Frankland Lee and Margarita Kallas-Lee -- and helmed by Denver head chef Munetoshi Taira. read more

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Phenomenal from start to finish. Sushi By Scratch isn't just dinner, it's an experience. Every single course was intentional, beautifully presented, and incredibly delicious. The fish was pristine, the flavor combinations were thoughtful and surprising, and each bite somehow managed to outdo the last. The intimate setting makes it feel special without being stuffy, and the chefs clearly take so much pride in their craft. You can feel the passion behind what they're doing, and it shows in every detail..from the pacing to the storytelling to the flawless execution. Hands down one of the best sushi experiences I've had in Denver (and honestly, anywhere). Worth every penny and then some. If you're even considering going- do it! You'll be thinking about this meal long after it's over. read more

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This was one of the greatest culinary experiences I have ever had. Each of the (18 I think) courses were thoughtfully curated with the freshest ingredients you can ever imagine. Each piece was better than the last with truly unique flavor combinations that surprised our group in the best way possible. Your reservation will feel elevated, intimate and incredibly special. This is a HIGH recommendation for someone looking for an experience unlike any other in Denver. It absolutely does live up to the hype. read more

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Phenomenal experience! 10/10 absolutely no notes. It was interactive. It was educational. It was FUN. It was delicious. All the nigiri was so good but also a combo of flavors I hadn't had before and I've been to my fair share of omakase experiences so I really appreciate all the thought and care that went into every single serving. read more

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This place was absolutely amazing. Every bite was crafted for excellence. The price was really fair for all the sushi that you get. I highly recommend this place if you are in town. read more

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It wasn't the most impressive meal I've had regarding the flavors and given the price point, I don't think I'll be returning. The small bites before entering were pleasant. The fish was ok, but the last 4 bites (wagyu, bone marrow, eel and sea urchin) were foul. Additionally, on a cold night we were really looking forward to a warm drink. We asked for hot sake and were told it wasn't available and given flimsy reasons why, only to then be served a hot mixed drink containing tea, whiskey, and sake. That was frustrating, especially considering the high prices. It felt snobbish. This is what puts Sushi Den above this restaurant in my opinion. At the end of the meal, we were rushed out for the next seating and didn't have time to chat with our friends. Throughout the meal, we were rushed to eat each bite, leaving me feeling overly full and taking the novelty out of each bite. Everything felt rushed. We were even escorted out through a back alley, which felt abrupt and impersonal. I understand the speakeasy vibe, but it felt forced. While the servers were exceptionally kind and talented, and the ambiance was pleasant, the overall experience felt overly corporate and transactional. Overpriced for the quality of the food. Unfortunately, it's not a place we plan to revisit. I'll add that I felt slightly sick after the meal and had to take pepto bismol before bed. I woke up in the middle of the night from stomach upset. read more

One of the coolest experiences I've ever done, and some of the best food I've ever had.

We loved this experience! Probably one of the better chefs counter experiences we've been to in the Denver area. From the moment you walk in you are greeted with a towel to wash your hands. Then you are met with a bite and asked if you would like wager and a cocktail. Then you are seated in a very relaxed, cozy seating area. From there you are moved into a private room where you are seated at the counter. The staff was amazing and the curated drink menu heightened the whole experience. If you can, add the sake drink pairing. You won't regret it. read more

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Cool spot in a touristy area. Once in the basement the 17+++ omekase dinner is fantastic. Three bites and welcome drinks followed by the "main event." Delicious nigiri, great add-ons (saw caviar being served), sake and beer pairings. Not cheap but the food, alcohol, and service were top notch and well worth it. read more

Best sushi experience in Sonoma County hands down. The cocktail service was great. The chefs are so knowledgeable about the food they prepare. Dinner has a hefty price tag but it's 100% worth it. read more

10/10 one of the best dinners and experiences I've ever had. Super cool location, kind of a speakeasy below a dope burger place NADC and it's so intimate that you get to know the chefs and servers so well. It's 18 courses but you also get a few courses before being sat at the sushi bar too + a complimentary cocktail. You can buy cocktails or sake pairings when you sit and the Bees Japanese was unreal. I can't wait to go back for a special occasion!! read more

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Went for a celebration and the whole experience was exactly what we wanted. The food was outstanding, the service was spot on, and the environment was impeccable. Every dish was interesting, creative, and full of complex and complementary flavors. Make sure you go early for the canape service which adds to the whole experience. read more

Incredible experience from start to finish! We showed up 1/2 an hour before for our welcome appetizers and drinks. I wish I had a written list of everything we had because I can't remember it all!! You take the elevator to the basement and there's a chef preparing the first bites and a hostess to check you in. A small candle lit bar area set the scene for an incredible meal. For our appetizers and drinks we had a tomato &sake shot with a guacamole mousse. It was topped with peppers and some other things I can't remember. We also had a gin yuzu cocktail as a palate cleanser between appetizers. We had something in a seaweed cup, a shrimp dish with tofu foam and crisped rice and to finish off the appetizer bites was an egg custard with Waygu crisps. Then we were moved into the dining room. With only 10 people it felt very intimate and such an exciting experience. There were 3 chefs and a "liquid chef" mixing up drinks. They were all so great. The two chefs to the side would cut up the fish and portion the rice, while the chef in the middle handled all the fine details. We had 17 courses and each bite kept getting better. There was a board behind them of everything we were eating but again I wish I had a list because all the details get lost in my brain. The hamachi, salmon, shima aji, mash and bonito were my favorites. We used our hands, there were no chopsticks. There was a frozen matcha ice cream bite over a coconut cookie and some hot tea to finish the meal. This was a truly unique culinary experience for me and my husband! read more

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Incredible experience all around. Best sushi my husband and I have ever had. I absolutely recommend dining here. read more

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Bravo! Truly superb service and care throughout the experience. You will receive access details by email prior to your reservation. The location is below NADC Burger, taking the elevator down. Join the group 30 minutes early for the complimentary welcome experience, where you are met with small bites and a cocktail. Then the entire group is relocated to the next seating around the chefs. I dined solo, but never felt alone. The seating and small group promotes good conversation if you're open for it. There was an option for beer, cocktail, or sake flights to accompany the $190pp omakase. With the cocktail flight, I certainly didn't leave with the same faculties I walked in with but the experience was divine. read more

Sushi By Scratch Restaurants - Sushi Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

Great experience. It was about $400 with the sake pairing. It was a fun night and the fish was fresh. Speak easy vibe and staff was fun! read more

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What an awesome experience. You show up at a burger joint and get brought thru the kitchen and to the basement to a hidden restaurant. If you arrive 30 minutes early, you get to enjoy some complimentary drinks and apps. It was amazing from the beginning to end. At the end, he asked if anyone wanted to purchase one more bite and we said yes, it was one of my favorite bites of the evening. Our group was fun and chatty, happy about that! The chefs were friendly and I loved the mixologist too. I opted for non alcoholic drinks and had some of the best mocktails of my life. My husband got the alcoholic beverages and enjoyed them. Here are each course. What an amazing experience and amazing food. read more

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Sat on a slow weeknight for the first seating which started at 5, we arrived at 4:30 for the cocktail welcome. The cocktail experience was a nice opener and set the mood. The early bites were good, not excellent. There was an inventive fish and I'm a sucker for chawanmushi... though, maybe not as delicate as I'd like for the opener. The actual seating was an introduction to 16 bites and assorted pairing options. The sake pairing we did was excellent - wide variety and some new things to try. Each course of bites was very nice. The fish quality was very high and the flavor profiles were delicious. There was nothing offered I would have considered exotic, challenging, or truly inventive which one does come to expect at this price point when compared to offerings in other cities. The ambiance was great. This was a small seating with 5 guests and we really hit it off. Two birthdays and a random guy who likes fish... everyone was in a great mood and the table was intimate and could accommodate cross talk. Where this restaurant lost me was on general hospitality. As I noted above, the food was very good and shy of exceptional. The service, however, really lacked. I believe because of the time window for the next seating we are at a run. As one bit was being dressed, the fish was being cut for the next. I believe we got through sitting, bites, dessert and the check in under 90 minutes. This led to feeling overly full and each bite became less special. We were interrupted several times and you could feel the pressure to hurry, break conversation, get on with it... So, it was nice and likely some of the nicest sushi in Denver. Personally, I won't be back. This felt almost inhospitable and lacked the focus and magic of an actual omakase. In any setting I'd be disappointed but at 1300 for 2 people, it felt grubby and off putting. read more

Sushi by Scratch is an incredible omakase experience tucked away in the basement of NADC downtown. Finding parking took some time (valet is available at Ocean Prime), and unfortunately, we missed the complimentary drink and appetizers offered 30 minutes before the reservation. The entrance is a bit hidden--you can use the door next to NADC or go through NADC itself, as they are owned by the same company. Once inside, the dimly lit, intimate setting makes for a perfect date night. You wait in a cozy lounge area before being seated at the U-shaped bar, which accommodates only 12 guests. Reservations are a must! The experience is well-orchestrated, with three chefs and a bartender ensuring everything runs smoothly. A thoughtful touch was having the menu on the back of the seating area so you could follow along with each course. The 17-course nigiri omakase was exceptional. Every piece was carefully crafted and meant to be eaten as is--no soy sauce needed. I loved that they grated fresh wasabi in front of us, and the side of pickled cucumbers acted as a refreshing palate cleanser. My favorite bites were the toro, which melted like butter, the salmon, yellowtail, and uni--all incredibly fresh and flavorful. The dry-aged akami, is tuna shoulder which had a deeper red color and rich taste, and the eel, torched with bone marrow fat, was the best I've ever had. Even the jellyfish, a new experience for me, was a delightful surprise. Mackerel is usually too fishy for my taste, but here, it was well-balanced and enjoyable. They ended the meal with dessert and tea, which I absolutely loved--I wish they sold that tea because I'd drink it daily! The only downside was leaving still hungry. For the price, I expected to feel more satisfied. Adding a few more exotic or seasonal fish options, like jellyfish, would elevate the experience even more. Also, exiting through the kitchen into the alley and paying there felt a bit odd. Overall, Sushi by Scratch is one of the best omakase experiences in Denver, and I would definitely recommend it. Just make sure to arrive early to enjoy the pre-dinner drinks and apps, and be prepared for a smaller portioned but unforgettable meal! read more

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This speakeasy style sushi tasting experience left our entire group of 8 in awe! The attention to detail, the welcoming service, and the entire night was a hit! Pricey but well worth it! read more

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Came here with my sister to celebrate her birthday in July, and this was one of our best evenings together. The fresh and tasty seafood and meat courses, entertaining service and decor were all stellar. The exit via a grimy alley was a bit of a letdown after the amazing experience, but this still deserves the full 5 stars. read more

Sushi by scratch was an incredible omakase experience from beginning to end! They literally make almost everything from scratch (they educate you on each bite and was so fascinated by all the processes to prep for our dinner). I highly recommend this for special occasions and worth having this experience in an intimate setting with up to 10 people in attendance. The restaurant itself is cozy and has such a relaxing vibe with the dark underground aspect, the burning candles, and dim lighting. The service was phenomenal and I cannot wait to try this experience again and try some other locations too! Thank you chefs for making this an unforgettable dinner, by far some of the best sushi I've ever had! read more

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Great service! Delicious fresh sushi! Best sushi in Colorado hands down! It's a smaller resturaunt so spots get booked very far in advanced. read more

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What a fun omakase experience! Sushi by Scratch is not quite your traditional omakase. The chef is not afraid to take traditional concepts and liven them up with modern takes and even French culinary influence. From a micro brûlée atop your nigiri to torch-rendered bone marrow to elevate your eel, the surprises never end! I also don't love the taste of alcohol and they were glad to accommodate a 50% NA, 50% original version of the welcome shot -- which not only was the first edible shot I've taken (with mussel, uni, and avocado puree), but the only shot I've actually liked! That says a lot! This is such a great spot to celebrate a special occasion as they make sure to highlight your day and even send you home with a signed menu and Polaroid of your experience to capture all the memories. Sushi by Scratch may be a chain and may not be the cheapest omakase in town but it's certainly one of the most fun and most cute/aesthetic and memorable experiences! Props to all the chefs who were so kind and had the best energy! Epic fish but not at all a stuffy formal experience, although you won't be out of place either if you want to dress up. 10/10! read more

Sushi By Scratch Restaurants - Sushi Bars Near Me - Denver, Colorado

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Best restaurant in Denver. The fish is flown in fresh from Japan. Incredible quality and experience. Don't want to give too much away about the experience, just go check it out! read more

Hands down top 3 meals I've had in Denver. Sushi was a step above anything I've had in some time