Denver’s Ukiyo is the Ultimate Fine-Dining Flex

Behind a black door in an alley unbeknownst to those passing by off of Larimer Square and directly under Bao Brewhouse, is a luxury dinner experience unlike the typical fare in Denver. After spotting the “Ukiyo” red neon sign, diners enter the black door and are greeted with a welcome drink, then led to the 12-seat bar where an 18-course tasting menu will unfold. 

The 2-hour experience is $175 per person (not including drinks and tip) and features courses specially crafted right in front of your eyes. Ukiyo offers an intimate setting for those looking to experience and taste Japanese cuisine in an upscale and unique way. With an extensive list of specialty cocktails, sake, wine and drinks you can’t get anywhere else to accompany the experience, guests are sure to leave feeling full and content. 

We tasted the Season 4 menu, featuring delicacies from land and sea filled with flavor. The couple next to us were returning to Ukiyo as they had experienced a previous testing menu, and shared how eager they were to get their hands (and tastebuds) on the newest curated selection. 

After initial drink orders were taken and poured, two chefs introduced themselves to the intimate group and set expectations for the evening. The experience kicked off with Otoshi: Japanese cucumber pickled in rice wine vinegar, finished with sesame seeds and micro shiso. It was light, refreshing and the perfect start to our meal ahead.

Next was a series of Sashimi, with 5 total pieces served. Ukiyo’s presentation is visual and captures the attention of diners, setting the tone before the flavorful bite of fish even hits your tongue. From a dill-cured Tasmanian Ocean Trout to Aji Brined with jalapeños, each piece of sashimi tasted incredibly different than the last. 

The experience continued with a selection of nigiri, followed by a sushi terrine, or cucumber-wrapped layers of nikiri dashi jelly, Tasmanian ocean trout, pickled albacore, kuro-dai, asparagus and shiso served with aji amarillo sauce. It’s not every day that Denverites can experience well-prepared fish at the level that Ukiyo offers, and each bite leaves a taste of luxury that is unlike any other Denver restaurant. 

Courses to follow included a Crab Curry Chawanmushi, or silky egg custard with negi and crisp rice crackers, served in the egg itself and nestled in a glass hand. The Ame Ebi Oyster Lemongrass Granita was one of the prettiest dishes I’ve ever laid eyes on, as shigoku oysters with ponzu, sweet Japanese prawns, lemongrass granita, and shiso flowers were placed on an iridescent plate. 

The best presentation of the evening was the dessert, a banana foster walnut dish presented as a banana-flavored cotton candy bonsai tree with banana foster tiramisu and walnuts, served with a chocolate “tree trunk” and pretzels. 

Typical curated experiences like this are not filling and feel like a hefty price for the dishes presented. Ukiyo is the exact opposite. Not only do you leave feeling like you got your money’s worth, you leave with a full stomach and lips still tingling with the unique flavors that don’t exist anywhere else. 

Since each tasting menu is different, Ukiyo doesn’t list the menu on its website. You have to book a reservation to taste it for yourself, making this exclusive dining experience a must for foodies and those seeking a tasteful dinner alike. 

Book your reservation and don’t forget to read the “Know Before You Go” prior to your experience.