When asking yourself about something to do near me in Denver with a group of friends or family, consider
Temaki Den
Why Temaki Den is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Temaki Den is a standout sushi destination in Denver, renowned for its exceptional hand rolls and aburi sushi crafted by chefs Toshi Kizaki and Kenta Kamo. Located in the vibrant Source Market Hall, this restaurant combines innovative Japanese techniques with fresh, high-quality ingredients to create a memorable culinary experience. The concept centers around premium temaki — simple yet exquisite rolls of fresh fish and seasoned rice wrapped in crisp seaweed, meant to be enjoyed immediately for the perfect texture and flavor balance. Aburi sushi, featuring flame-seared fish atop rice, adds a modern touch highlighting complex tastes and unique textures. The venue's multiple seating options include a traditional sushi bar, a main dining room with reservation-required seating, the casual Bar Ikki with a full-service menu, and an Overflow Lounge open on weekends for a lively atmosphere. Temaki Den also boasts Colorado’s largest selection of Japanese whisky and cold sake, allowing guests to explore curated whisky and sake flights alongside their meal. Whether for an intimate dinner, a lively happy hour from Monday to Thursday, or a relaxed lunch on the weekend, Temaki Den offers a versatile and sophisticated environment that makes it an excellent spot to meet up with friends and enjoy authentic Japanese flavors in Denver’s trendy RiNo district.
Here's what people think of Temaki Den
As of recent, Temaki Den holds a 4.8-star rating based on 1146 reviews.
Reviews of Temaki Den consistently praise its fresh, delicious sushi and innovative hand rolls, earning it an outstanding 4.8-star rating across over a thousand reviews. Guests often highlight the quality of the yellowtail nigiri and the unique aburi flame-seared offerings as standout dishes. The welcoming atmosphere with multiple seating options, including the casual yet vibrant Bar Ikki, also receives frequent positive comments. Many reviewers appreciate the knowledgeable staff and the extensive selection of Japanese whisky and sake, which complement the food perfectly. Positive reviews often mention the great value of menu specials, such as the five-roll temaki set available during weekday happy hours and the chef-curated omakase experience for a refined, personalized meal. Some negatives noted in reviews include the limited parking options nearby and occasional wait times for walk-in seating at Bar Ikki, which can be busy during peak hours. A few mention that the bustling Market Hall location creates a lively, sometimes chaotic environment which might not suit those seeking a quiet dining experience. Overall, the multitude of glowing reviews and strong ratings underscore Temaki Den’s reputation as a top sushi spot in Denver, praised for its exceptional food quality, diverse beverage offerings, and varied seating that caters to both casual and special occasions.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Jacqueline
My favorite sushi restaurant in denver - i love the relaxed atmosphere for quality food at a fitting price. 5/5 butter scallops - this will make your eyes pop out of your head. So buttery, so good. Comes with 6 small scallops 5/5 aburi A5 wagyu - flame-seared and dripped in ponzu, MELTS in your mouth. My favorite aburi 5/5 aburi lobster - flame-seared and topped with caviar. 5/5 temaki blue crab - handroll, with touches of wasabi within. Seaweed so crispy. I love the uniqueness of each handroll (5/5 salmon as well - had crispy flakes inside) 4.5/5 Saba oshizushi - the most beautiful nigiri presentation ive ever seen. Delicious too, but just know its rice forward My friend said the salmon oshizushi is 5/5. She had to order another one it was so good. 5/5 hamachi sashimi - pretty ‘standard’ flavor combo profile if you will, w the ponzu and jalapeno but alwaysss satisfying. Fishies so freshy 5/5 miso soup - how do they create so much depth?! 5/5 edamame w/ spicy garlic - the flavor is soaked in. A true talent. I WILL BE HERE EVERY WEEK 🤣🤤 Im a happy customer.
Azzam Aziz
One of the best sushi places in Denver. We came in around happy hour. I didn't think much of the happy hour, wasn't planning for it. The price difference isn't much, but the items listed are all really good. Especially the rolls with the sea weed all over, it's really really good. Highly recommend giving it a try. Edit: Went once again. Good service, feast great sushi. We ordered a salmon skin roll, yellow tail roll, salmon Oshizushi, eel, and a steak roll. The Salmon Oshizushi is excellent. I wouldn't order the steak roll though.
Y W
Culinary pleasures delivered through a simple menu. Better than my experience at Sushi Den. We ordered individual pieces and quite enjoyed several of them. The bleu cheese bluefin akami is a must try with its delightful balance between the tangy creaminess of bleu cheese and a deep lean tuna flavor, punctuated by the popping texture of mustard seeds. Among the aburi nigiri we tried, the black snapper was the best in my opinion, which elevated the natural sweetness of the snapper with a hint of smokiness from char and a dash of savory sauce. The scallop aburi and the salmon oshizushi were also delectable. Saba aburi and blue crab temaki were fine but not particularly remarkable. We ended up ordering more of the bluefine, black snapper, and scallop nigiri. The rice was seasoned just right without getting mushy and had good individual grain integrity. Personally, I could have just a bit more stickiness and tender chewiness in the rice, but I’m particular with rice as an East Asian. As per side dishes, we had miso soup and kobacha tempura, which were balanced in flavors and texture. A pleasant surprise in our meal came at the end with yuzu black pepper sorbet. This humble-looking dessert was incredible. The punchy layer of peppery spiciness added unexpected complexity and depth to the lightly sweet and citrus sorbet with a velvety texture. Our server (male, lean, shaved head) was attentive, pleasant, and had a great sense of humor. Wish we got his name for the review!! It was overall a delightful experience. The only thing that left room for improvement was the seating, furniture, and plates. For the price, the overall seating arrangement and dinnerware could allow for more elegance to match that of the dishes. Lastly, you’ll need to pay for parking on their lot.
Isabella Perez (Bella)
Our server was fantastic. I wish I remembered his name to give him a proper shout out! Staff went above and beyond to ensure our dietary needs of gluten free were met. We loved the sake flights. They take time to discuss the sake flight with you while also offering a paper with information. And they do have hot sake it’s just not listed on the menu! We tried many hand rolls, but none of them blew me away except for the wagyu sukiyaki hand roll (which is not gluten free due to the use of soy sauce in the marinade). They put fried shallots in most of the hand rolls which I don’t prefer and think it would be helpful for this to be listed on the menu. I’d recommend the blue cheese bluefin akami nigiri; it’s delicious and not something you find elsewhere. It’s RiNo, so parking sucks. Either pay or take time to find a free parking spot on a side street.
Echo K
I have to say, this is the best restaurant in Denver! I won’t give too much away, haha — but don’t leave without trying the Shoyu Butter Scallops. You’ll love the amazing food, service, and vibe!
How to reach Temaki Den
None
Website: None
Why Temaki Den may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Temaki Den with your friends?
Temaki Den offers an exceptional experience that makes it the perfect destination for gathering with friends or family. Its outstanding rating of 4.8 from over 1,100 reviews speaks volumes about its consistent quality and customer satisfaction. At Temaki Den, you don’t just get a meal—you get a celebration of Japanese cuisine presented in a lively, engaging atmosphere, ideal for socializing and creating memorable moments. The restaurant specializes in hand rolls (temaki) and aburi sushi, which are served fresh and crafted with premium ingredients. This makes sharing plates and tasting new flavors with your group a delightful experience. Moreover, the restaurant’s location in Denver's vibrant Source Market Hall adds an energetic urban vibe that complements group meetups perfectly. Stylish seating options, including a sushi bar, main dining area, and a cocktail lounge, provide varied spaces that can accommodate diverse group sizes and moods. Whether you want to enjoy handcrafted sushi with friends or explore Japanese whisky flights with family, Temaki Den caters to all occasions, making it an ideal rally point for connection and enjoyment.
What activities and experiences does Temaki Den offer for group meetups?
Temaki Den shines in offering a range of culinary experiences that go beyond traditional sushi dining, making it highly suitable for groups seeking dynamic meal options. The centerpiece of the menu is their hand rolls, which are assembled with fresh neta (seafood or other ingredients), warm shari (vinegar rice), and crisp nori (seaweed), ensuring each bite is crispy and bursting with flavor. This fun, shareable format encourages group interaction and conversation as everyone samples different rolls. Additionally, the aburi sushi, which is flash-seared fish resting on rice, introduces an exciting modern twist that offers new textures and tastes. For groups wanting a personalized experience, the omakase option—where the chefs curate a multi-course meal reflecting the freshest daily ingredients—provides a culinary journey that can be deeply engaging and memorable to share.
Beyond the food, Temaki Den caters to group socializing with several seating environments. The main dining room and sushi bar offer a classic, intimate sushi experience suited for groups who want to focus on the food and interaction with sushi chefs. The vibrant Bar Ikki cocktail bar welcomes walk-ins with a full menu and an impressive selection of Japanese whisky and sake, including tasting flights that make for fun group activities exploring flavors together. Finally, the overflow lounge, open on weekend evenings, provides additional space for more casual and flexible group gatherings. All these settings foster shared experiences, lively conversations, and an easy-going atmosphere perfect for meetups.
Why is Temaki Den’s location and ambiance perfect for hosting meetups?
Situated in The Source Market Hall in Denver, Temaki Den benefits from a lively cultural and culinary setting that enriches any group visit. The Source Market Hall is known as a trendy gathering spot, offering an urban, industrial-chic environment that blends historic charm with contemporary design. This atmosphere resonates well with groups seeking a place that’s both comfortable and stylish to socialize. It is accessible, with nearby parking garages facilitating easy arrival for attendees coming from different parts of the city. Inside, Temaki Den is thoughtfully arranged to accommodate intimate dinners as well as larger social gatherings. The combination of brick-wall aesthetics, ambient lighting, and sleek sushi bar design creates a warm but sophisticated vibe.
The availability of different seating arrangements—from the sushi bar for engaging interactions with chefs to the more relaxed lounge and bar areas—means groups can find the perfect spot to match their mood or style of gathering. Moreover, the focus on Japanese whisky and sake, coupled with happy hour specials on weekdays, adds additional appeal as a place to unwind after work or enjoy a festive weekend outing. All these elements combined make Temaki Den not only a sushi restaurant but a social destination where friends or families can comfortably connect, celebrate, and create lasting memories.
How does Temaki Den cater to diverse tastes in a group setting?
One of the strongest draws of Temaki Den for group events is its ability to satisfy a wide range of palates and preferences. Despite being a sushi-centric restaurant, the menu's design around hand rolls and aburi sushi provides approachable options for sushi novices and enthusiasts alike. The hand rolls are individually crafted, allowing diners to sample many varieties without committing to a full roll, which is ideal for groups who want to try multiple flavors without ordering large portions. The aburi sushi options add a layer of complexity for those who appreciate nuanced textures and partially seared flavors, appealing to more adventurous eaters.
For groups with differing dietary needs or preferences, Temaki Den offers a range of ingredients that can accommodate pescatarians, seafood lovers, and those looking for lighter options. Additionally, the well-curated beverage menu featuring Japan’s finest whisky and cold sake flights ensures that drink selections can match every mood and complement the sushi flavors perfectly. Happy hour specials also provide value for larger groups aiming to enjoy premium dining without straining the budget. This adaptability and variety make Temaki Den a versatile venue where every member of a group can feel delighted and included.
What makes Temaki Den an ideal place for celebrations and special occasions?
Temaki Den’s boutique dining experience, combined with its high-quality cuisine and selection of Japanese alcoholic beverages, creates an inviting environment suited for celebrations. The omakase experience is particularly well-suited for special occasions, offering a chef-curated meal that turns dinner into a unique event. This multi-course tasting allows group members to experience the artistry of Japanese cuisine in a way that feels personalized and exclusive, establishing a memorable highlight for birthday dinners, anniversaries, or reunions.
The restaurant’s attentive service and ability to accommodate larger parties with prior arrangement further enhance its appeal for celebrations. The ambient yet lively setting strikes a balance between sophistication and relaxed enjoyment, allowing for both formal and casual events. The location at The Source Market Hall means that guests can naturally extend their visit to explore other local spots, adding a festive layer to the experience. Together, these factors make Temaki Den not just a place to eat but a destination to celebrate life’s moments with friends and family in style.
How accessible and convenient is Temaki Den for group visits?
Temaki Den ensures convenience for group visitors both in terms of location and scheduling. Located at 3350 Brighton Blvd, Denver, in The Source Market Hall, it is centrally positioned within the city’s exciting culinary district. The proximity to a public parking garage behind The Source Hotel, with free parking for the first hour and reasonable rates thereafter, helps address typical urban parking challenges—important for groups arriving from various parts of the city. Although the restaurant currently does not validate parking, its clear guidance on entering through The Source Market Hall makes it easy for new visitors to find.
The operating hours of Temaki Den are group-friendly, offering lunch service Friday through Sunday and dinner service Sunday through Saturday with extended hours on weekends. This flexibility accommodates different meetup times, whether it be a weekend brunch, late afternoon happy hour, or dinner gathering. The walk-in availability of Bar Ikki for full-menu service also benefits spontaneous group plans, reducing the stress of needing reservations for smaller or more casual gatherings. For larger parties over six people, Temaki Den provides direct contact options to coordinate reservations, ensuring groups can plan well in advance and enjoy a seamless experience.
What distinguishes Temaki Den from other sushi restaurants in Denver?
Temaki Den stands out because of its singular focus on hand rolls and aburi sushi, which contrasts with traditional full-roll sushi restaurants. This concept plays to the strength of fresh, quality ingredients and quick, shareable servings that foster interaction and variety during the meal. The dynamic presentation of aburi sushi—flash-seared for enhanced flavor—adds a creative edge that is not commonly found elsewhere, giving diners a modern twist on a classic cuisine.
Further distinguishing Temaki Den is its dedication to pairing its dishes with an extensive selection of Japanese whisky and sake, positioning it as a destination for aficionados and novices eager to explore these traditional beverages. The multi-space seating arrangement from formal sushi bars to casual cocktail lounges also provides versatility unmatched by many sushi venues, catering to different group sizes and social preferences. The combination of inventive cuisine, curated drink offerings, and distinctive setting within The Source Market Hall makes Temaki Den a premier choice in Denver for sushi lovers and social diners alike.