Why South Pearl Street Is a Sushi Wonderland

Sushi Den, Izakaya Den, and Ototo are three of the best Japanese restaurants off South Pearl Street.

If you're a sushi-loving foodie, you've probably already been to one of the Kizaki's brothers acclaimed restaurants on Old South Pearl Street in Platt Park. If you have yet to experience the fantastic food, atmosphere, and service, you're in for a treat. For more than 30 years, Toshi and Yasu Kizaki have been delighting Denverites with authentic Japanese menus. Just know that you'll need a reservation, as these restaurants are wildly popular.

First came Sushi Den, which opened its doors in 1984. Named one of the best Denver restaurants of 2018 by 5280, Sushi Den is known for its fresh seafood, which is hand-selected daily by third brother Koichi Kizaki from the Nagahama fish market in southern Japan. Izakaya Den, the sister restaurant, is located next door. It features stunning architecture and an open-air rooftop bar. Ototo, the third and smallest restaurant, is located on the same street, and is known for its intimate atmosphere and its grilled meats and veggies over charcoal. It was named the best Japanese restaurant in 2018 by Westword.

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In addition to fresh fish sent from Japan, the trio of restaurants features fresh local produce. That's because, in 2011, the Kizaki brothers purchased a 6.5-acre farm in Brighton, where a small farm crew tends to dozens of types of produce, from tomatoes to eggplant to edamame beans.

"Toshi and Yasu really wanted to have something local and be able to plant a lot of Japanese vegetables," said Ellen Marchman, spokeswoman for the restaurants. "And they wanted the chefs to be able to drive out and pick what they needed."

In addition to serving the finest quality food, the Kizaki brothers hope to bring Japanese culture to Denver. “Eating is sensational, but I am also trying to give mental stimulation through education,” Yasu said. That was the idea behind the group's sushi-making classes, and more recently, their "progressive dinner series," The monthly event accommodates two seatings of 10 guests each and includes a course at each of the group's three restaurants. Guests will also get face-time with Yasu Kizaki, the master of ceremonies for the evening. The first event took place on October 3, with more dates to be announced on the website.

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What's next for the sushi wonderland on South Pearl Street? That remains to be seen, but the team recently purchased a new property on 1551 South Pearl Street, which was formerly Gaia Bistro. Platt Park residents petitioned to protect the building, which was set to be demolished to make way for a new development. Residents were successful, and the property went back on the market, ending up in very capable hands.

“We like to be responsible for what we do, including supporting the neighborhood. It was a fortunate circumstance the sale also saved a historic building from demolition,” the Kizaki brothers wrote in an email.

If you're wondering what menu items to try first, we recommend the Miso Eggplant at Izakaya Den or the Mesquite Grilled Seasonal Vegetables at Ototo to start. And of course, you can't go wrong with the sushi or sashimi, which is the best you'll find in Denver. Let's be real -- you're going to be satisfied with pretty much any menu item at this trio of restaurants. Trust us.

Which restaurant on South Pearl Street do you love the most? Let us know in the comments.