Brothers Yasu and Toshi Kizaki are Denver sushi pioneers. They opened Sushi Den in 1984 on South Pearl Street and have expanded their empire on that block and beyond in the years since. Their first addition was Izakaya Den in 2007, followed by the Japanese robata-focused Ototo in 2010. After a three-year pandemic-induced break, Ototo finally made its comeback last April.
The most recent addition was Temaki Den, which is co-owned by Toshi Kizaki and chef Kenta Kamo. It debuted inside the Source in late 2020 and has racked up accolades of its own, including being our 2023 Best of Denver pick for Best Sushi Restaurant.
Sushi Den co-founder Toshi Kizaki.
Stephen Werk
The working name for the concept is Denchu. It will have an intimate dining room and "will showcase the highest-quality ingredients and traditional techniques found in upscale omakase experiences in Japan," Yasu Kizaki says. It is expected to open in late summer or early fall at 1551 South Pearl Street, an address that was formerly home to Gaia Bistro.
With recent additions like Kumoya, Kawa Ni and the Glendale outpost of Hana Matsuri, which is co-owned by chef Duy Pham, the Japanese dining scene is strong in the Mile High, and this addition is set to continue that trend.
