"Menya is the latest opening to join in Denver’s ramen, poke, and izakaya obsessions. This new two-floor restaurant at 600 East Colfax — formerly Los Tacos — offers all-weather options, serving a menu split between ramen and DIY poke bowls, as well as a handful of small plates. The group behind three other Menya locations, as well as a Wasabi Sushi Bar in Belmar, took over Los Tacos’ space in November and opened by the end of the year. Thirteen types of ramen and build-your-own bowls with choices of tuna and salmon as well as janjan chicken, chashu pork, and beef bulgogi are all available. Upstairs, a casual izakaya bar offers sports on TV, sakes, and beers, as well as small plates including buns, salads, fried rice, and gyoza. Three Denver chefs are behind the Menya restaurants, which include a sushi bar in Greenwood Village, a noodle bar on 16th Street, and most recently the ramen and poke restaurants on Little Raven and now Colfax. Co-owner J.W. Lee says he and partners Yamaguchi Katsuhisa and Munehiro Kitasato are looking to further expand their “fast-casual but chef-driven” concepts around Denver. While poke is only half the Menya story, the restaurant also is part of a wave of new poke places, including Poke House and Denver Poke Co., which both opened in late fall around Platte Street." - Josie Sexton
