Banzai in Denver Colorado

Banzai

Address: 6655 Leetsdale Dr.

Cross Streets: Leetsdale and Monaco

Phone: 303-329-3366

Price: $$

Reservations: No

Hours: L-D:Mon-Fri, D:Sat

The first thing the new Banzai diner needs to know is this: you’ll be treated like family. This southeast Denver restaurant has been a local favorite for over 20 years. Under new ownership, the chefs specialize in creative sushi rolls. The array is astounding with more than 90 specialty rolls—inside out, seaweed outside, fish on the outside, eel on the outside, avocado on the outside—whole roll deep-fried tempura style, and even a low-carb roll with no rice. Begin with the delicately prepared yudofu, a mild fish broth, with creamy tofu, fresh bok choy, carrots, mushrooms and clear noodles. Tako su, octopus salad with thinly sliced baby cucumbers and sesame-soy dressing, is not to be missed. The “caterpillar” roll—avocado on the outside, baked freshwater eel on the inside—explodes with flavor at the first bite. The “funky monkey baby 3” roll—crunchy tempura and crab outside, nitro-shrimp, teriyaki-chicken and asparagus inside—is a spicy delight. Sushi at Banzai is always fresh and delicately prepared. The chirachi is a huge serving of a wonderful combination of sticky rice with just a hint of sweet, topped with glorious pieces of fresh sashimi. More traditional Japanese fare—such as udon, tempura and teriyaki—is also available. And for those who love chocolate, do not despair. The chocolate wonton is a delightful confection of a fudgy-chocolate-sauce-filled wonton that is deep-fried, covered with rich chocolate sauce and laced with a tinge of lemon and powdered sugar. You’ll be delighted with Banzai.