Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver

Sushi restaurant · Union Station

Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver

Sushi restaurant · Union Station

1

1441 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202

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Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null
Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver by null

Highlights

Intimate 10-seat omakase with creative nigiri & unique cocktails  

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1441 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202 Get directions

sushibyscratchrestaurants.com

$100+

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1441 Larimer St, Denver, CO 80202 Get directions

+1 720 724 7729
sushibyscratchrestaurants.com

$100+

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reservations

Last updated

Aug 9, 2025

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The Best New Restaurants in Denver Right Now, Spring 2025 | Eater Denver

"Ten seats, 17 courses, one extraordinary experience. That’s Phillip Frankland Lee’s subterranean sushi counter in a nutshell. From the welcome reception to each piece of nigiri and beverage pairing, it’s not just a meal that unfolds but a fascinating tale of Japanese ingredients, techniques, and traditions — come hungry for knowledge as well as exquisite seafood. (Needless to say, reservations are required.)" - Ruth Tobias

https://denver.eater.com/maps/best-new-restaurants-denver-heatmap
View Postcard for Sushi by Scratch Restaurants: Denver

Marco Buchmayer

Google
This was a TOP NOTCH omakase experience with insanely fresh, unique and delicious takes on each bite by the chefs. The whole team provided a great experience from beginning to end. I love sushi and an omakase experience, my wife and I agreed this one of, if not, the best we’ve had (from NYC to Seattle to other Denver spots). We spring for the truffle and caviar upgrade since it was my wife’s birthdays which was good, but increased the already high price tag. Wouldn’t necessarily say it was worth it, but it was good. Based on observing others, Recommend not doing the drink pairing but rather ordering your own beverages. They did serve beer out of a box which was unique though. The cocktails we had were all very tasty. Bartender even went off menu to create a tailored bourbon beverage for another patron and myself. Intimate sushi counter experience and a staff with a keen eye for detail and welcoming demeanor make for a great experience from beginning to end. If you like sushi - you must do this. It’s well worth it!

Noodle Man

Google
Easily one of the most unique and best dining experiences I have been a part of! Abridged version: *18 course chef’s selection preset meal (omakase) in speakeasy-type secret location *arrive 30 min before reservation for included apps/drinks *10 person max occupancy in restaurant *Booze - can do sake pairing for extra $ or individual drinks/bottles Definitely arrive 30 minutes early for the optional apps and drinks! Comes with 4 mini apps and 2 drinks! You get to talk to one of the chefs and pick their brain. Entry chef used to work at Matsuhisa. After that you enter the main dining room with 4 chefs (3 for food and 1 for alcohol) and max of 10 people dining. So intimate! All the chefs were warm, friendly, and easy to engage in conversation! 18 course omakase and each selection honestly was delicious and thoughtfully curated. You can pair it with a sake pairing, cocktail pairing, individual drinks, or a bottle of sake (which is what we did). At the end, if you loved any one dish you can order it again for additional cost (usually about $18-30 per person). Such a fun and unique experience that I can’t recommend enough for a special occasion. If you love sushi and learning about it, this is it !!

Rebecca Saguin

Google
What an awesome experience. You show up at a burger joint and get brought thru the kitchen and to the basement to a hidden restaurant. If you arrive 30 minutes early, you get to enjoy some complimentary drinks and apps. It was amazing from the beginning to end. At the end, he asked if anyone wanted to purchase one more bite and we said yes, it was one of my favorite bites of the evening. Our group was fun and chatty, happy about that! The chefs were friendly and I loved the mixologist too. I opted for non alcoholic drinks and had some of the best mocktails of my life. My husband got the alcoholic beverages and enjoyed them. Here are each course. What an amazing experience and amazing food. We did valet for $15 plus tip.

Andrew Schneider

Google
Spectacular! The best sushi experience we have had in Denver. Incredible service, intimate ambiance, great drinks, and an amazing chef-selected omakase. We brought our kids (10 and 12) and everyone was great to them. A special shout out to Jeff (I think?) and Zach. And everyone else, too!

Erin Henry

Google
WOW! This was hands down the best sushi experience I’ve ever had. The entire evening is perfectly thought out and no detail is spared. The welcome drink and bites are such a fun start to the meal! The whole team is so friendly and knowledgeable. We added the sake tasting and I highly recommend!! The sushi is so fresh and each bite is incredibly creative. Treat yourself and check this place out!

Kim Tran

Google
I brought my husband here for his birthday and we were both blown away by the amazing food and service provided. We arrived 30 minutes early for their pre-dinner canapé and drink and I strongly recommend others to not skip out on that experience. The pacing of the food was perfect - not too fast and not too slow. Every dish was unique and displayed beautifully. The chefs were engaging and pleasant to talk to. Overall we enjoyed our experience here and encourage others to try this spot.

Krista

Google
The fish here is amazing as are the service and overall experience. Going early for the canapés is a must. They were delicious and interesting and the speakeasy atmosphere of the bar was a great start. Even though it's not traditional, every bite was delicious and great care and pride was taken for each preparation. The menu also consisted of fish that aren't normally accessible. They didn't have their liquor license when we were there but the mocktail pairing was fun and we didn't miss the alcohol. We did the upgrade and a couple of additional bites but in the future we would skip the upgrade and still do the additional bites. There were a couple non-fish courses so in the future I would specify beforehand that I don't eat red meat and they are willing to accommodate that. The intimate setting allows for the chef to explain the dishes which we also appreciated. The entire staff was welcoming and polished. It was a truly great experience, worth the price, and we highly recommend if you want high end, delicious, non-traditional sushi.

Abraham Cruz

Google
Place was really good. The experience all around was amazing and everyone inside is really welcoming. The chefs were all amazing and their skills were clearly shown during the whole time. Recommend for special occasions since it is a bit pricey but for sure worth it.
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Marissa F.

Yelp
Incredible experience from start to finish! We showed up 1/2 an hour before for our welcome appetizers and drinks. I wish I had a written list of everything we had because I can't remember it all!! You take the elevator to the basement and there's a chef preparing the first bites and a hostess to check you in. A small candle lit bar area set the scene for an incredible meal. For our appetizers and drinks we had a tomato &sake shot with a guacamole mousse. It was topped with peppers and some other things I can't remember. We also had a gin yuzu cocktail as a palate cleanser between appetizers. We had something in a seaweed cup, a shrimp dish with tofu foam and crisped rice and to finish off the appetizer bites was an egg custard with Waygu crisps. Then we were moved into the dining room. With only 10 people it felt very intimate and such an exciting experience. There were 3 chefs and a "liquid chef" mixing up drinks. They were all so great. The two chefs to the side would cut up the fish and portion the rice, while the chef in the middle handled all the fine details. We had 17 courses and each bite kept getting better. There was a board behind them of everything we were eating but again I wish I had a list because all the details get lost in my brain. The hamachi, salmon, shima aji, mash and bonito were my favorites. We used our hands, there were no chopsticks. There was a frozen matcha ice cream bite over a coconut cookie and some hot tea to finish the meal. This was a truly unique culinary experience for me and my husband!
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Hang L.

Yelp
Sushi by Scratch is an incredible omakase experience tucked away in the basement of NADC downtown. Finding parking took some time (valet is available at Ocean Prime), and unfortunately, we missed the complimentary drink and appetizers offered 30 minutes before the reservation. The entrance is a bit hidden--you can use the door next to NADC or go through NADC itself, as they are owned by the same company. Once inside, the dimly lit, intimate setting makes for a perfect date night. You wait in a cozy lounge area before being seated at the U-shaped bar, which accommodates only 12 guests. Reservations are a must! The experience is well-orchestrated, with three chefs and a bartender ensuring everything runs smoothly. A thoughtful touch was having the menu on the back of the seating area so you could follow along with each course. The 17-course nigiri omakase was exceptional. Every piece was carefully crafted and meant to be eaten as is--no soy sauce needed. I loved that they grated fresh wasabi in front of us, and the side of pickled cucumbers acted as a refreshing palate cleanser. My favorite bites were the toro, which melted like butter, the salmon, yellowtail, and uni--all incredibly fresh and flavorful. The dry-aged akami, is tuna shoulder which had a deeper red color and rich taste, and the eel, torched with bone marrow fat, was the best I've ever had. Even the jellyfish, a new experience for me, was a delightful surprise. Mackerel is usually too fishy for my taste, but here, it was well-balanced and enjoyable. They ended the meal with dessert and tea, which I absolutely loved--I wish they sold that tea because I'd drink it daily! The only downside was leaving still hungry. For the price, I expected to feel more satisfied. Adding a few more exotic or seasonal fish options, like jellyfish, would elevate the experience even more. Also, exiting through the kitchen into the alley and paying there felt a bit odd. Overall, Sushi by Scratch is one of the best omakase experiences in Denver, and I would definitely recommend it. Just make sure to arrive early to enjoy the pre-dinner drinks and apps, and be prepared for a smaller portioned but unforgettable meal!
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Rachel M.

Yelp
Bravo! Truly superb service and care throughout the experience. You will receive access details by email prior to your reservation. The location is below NADC Burger, taking the elevator down. Join the group 30 minutes early for the complimentary welcome experience, where you are met with small bites and a cocktail. Then the entire group is relocated to the next seating around the chefs. I dined solo, but never felt alone. The seating and small group promotes good conversation if you're open for it. There was an option for beer, cocktail, or sake flights to accompany the $190pp omakase. With the cocktail flight, I certainly didn't leave with the same faculties I walked in with but the experience was divine.
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Rebecca S.

Yelp
What an awesome experience. You show up at a burger joint and get brought thru the kitchen and to the basement to a hidden restaurant. If you arrive 30 minutes early, you get to enjoy some complimentary drinks and apps. It was amazing from the beginning to end. At the end, he asked if anyone wanted to purchase one more bite and we said yes, it was one of my favorite bites of the evening. Our group was fun and chatty, happy about that! The chefs were friendly and I loved the mixologist too. I opted for non alcoholic drinks and had some of the best mocktails of my life. My husband got the alcoholic beverages and enjoyed them. Here are each course. What an amazing experience and amazing food.
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Michelle K.

Yelp
This speakeasy style sushi tasting experience left our entire group of 8 in awe! The attention to detail, the welcoming service, and the entire night was a hit! Pricey but well worth it!
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Thiri Z.

Yelp
Great experience. It was about $400 with the sake pairing. It was a fun night and the fish was fresh. Speak easy vibe and staff was fun!
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Karina C.

Yelp
Sushi by scratch was an incredible omakase experience from beginning to end! They literally make almost everything from scratch (they educate you on each bite and was so fascinated by all the processes to prep for our dinner). I highly recommend this for special occasions and worth having this experience in an intimate setting with up to 10 people in attendance. The restaurant itself is cozy and has such a relaxing vibe with the dark underground aspect, the burning candles, and dim lighting. The service was phenomenal and I cannot wait to try this experience again and try some other locations too! Thank you chefs for making this an unforgettable dinner, by far some of the best sushi I've ever had!
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Ash B.

Yelp
Great service! Delicious fresh sushi! Best sushi in Colorado hands down! It's a smaller resturaunt so spots get booked very far in advanced.
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Clare G.

Yelp
Best restaurant in Denver. The fish is flown in fresh from Japan. Incredible quality and experience. Don't want to give too much away about the experience, just go check it out!
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Ann H.

Yelp
What a fun omakase experience! Sushi by Scratch is not quite your traditional omakase. The chef is not afraid to take traditional concepts and liven them up with modern takes and even French culinary influence. From a micro brûlée atop your nigiri to torch-rendered bone marrow to elevate your eel, the surprises never end! I also don't love the taste of alcohol and they were glad to accommodate a 50% NA, 50% original version of the welcome shot -- which not only was the first edible shot I've taken (with mussel, uni, and avocado puree), but the only shot I've actually liked! That says a lot! This is such a great spot to celebrate a special occasion as they make sure to highlight your day and even send you home with a signed menu and Polaroid of your experience to capture all the memories. Sushi by Scratch may be a chain and may not be the cheapest omakase in town but it's certainly one of the most fun and most cute/aesthetic and memorable experiences! Props to all the chefs who were so kind and had the best energy! Epic fish but not at all a stuffy formal experience, although you won't be out of place either if you want to dress up. 10/10!