We might not have Tokyo, but we do have Lakewood. During any season, it’s our delicious duty to seek out authentic ramen, delicate sushi, and sizzling hibachi. All that culinary exploration can make a person crave the real deal. Here are 12 spots to get a taste of Japan that are either a short drive from home or right in the neighborhood, and authentic enough that you’ll feel transported.
Tokyo Joe’s – Union
$ | (303) 988-1176 | WEBSITE
Tokyo Joe’s – Union is situated in Lakewood, which might make you feel, for a brief moment, that you have discovered a hidden gem. You have, and the excellent build-your-own bowls with their fresh, flavorful, consistently good ingredients will help you remember that. You’ll find a variety of options, from the salmon poke bowl to customizable teriyaki bowls.
Nori Japan
$ | (970) 401-8870 | WEBSITE
As much as we try to pretend otherwise, a mall food court is not a serene Japanese garden. That said, there are some spots in the food court that make you feel like you’re closer to Tokyo than to the food court at Colorado Mills. Nori Japan is one of these spots. It’s right in the middle of the bustling mall and they serve consistently delicious Japanese dishes like gyoza and teriyaki chicken.
Wasabi
$$ | (303) 935-8888 | WEBSITE
Wasabi is a reliable sushi spot in Lakewood, CO. It’s kind of like ordering food at an all-you-can-eat buffet, with options like blue fin tuna, uni, and ama ebi. Are you going to call all your friends after eating here to tell them about the sushi? Probably not, but it gets the job done when you’re too hungry to travel more than a few miles from home.
Eeny Meeny Sushi Roll
$$ | (303) 988-0870 | WEBSITE
Eeny Meeny Sushi Roll in Lakewood is a solid spot for a casual sushi fix after a long day. It’s also perfect for late-night cravings. They have fresh options like spicy tuna and salmon avocado rolls—all of which can help satisfy your hunger without breaking the bank.
Hana Matsuri Sushi
$$ | (303) 284-1278 | WEBSITE
If Lakewood’s sushi scene is a crowded conveyor belt, Hana Matsuri Sushi is a master chef’s private tasting. This hidden gem is tucked away in a strip mall, offering exceptional sushi with creative new sauces and presentation. It’s lively enough to hear families sharing edamame appetizers, and has dishes like the crispy rice tuna, Kobe beef roll, and Unagi bowl, which you can enjoy while sitting at the edge of the bar by the kitchen. There’s also Chef Duy’s impressive omakase experience.
It’s basically the sushi spot equivalent of a perfectly crafted nigiri.
Tokyo Hibachi Express & Poke
$ | (720) 666-1026 | WEBSITE
Lakewood happens to be home to Tokyo Hibachi Express & Poke, one of the best hibachi spots in the area, plus some great poke bowls. And though the rest of the food scene around here isn’t mind-blowing, spicy tuna nachos, pork belly fried rice, or drinks and generous portions at this must-visit spot can help you get through the last stretch of your errands. Make sure to cap your meal off with that ‘yum-yum’ sauce so you can justify dealing with the limited parking.
Kazoku Sushi
$$ | (303) 238-1199 | WEBSITE
Kazoku Sushi is easily the best place for a meal on the west side. This sit-down restaurant with ample parking and seating is right in Lakewood, which means minimal travel time between running errands and enjoying well-made food like the remarkably flavorful Hamachi Kama with ponzu sauce, the standout A-Z Roll, and a variety of other Japanese dishes. It’s exactly what you want after a long day and deciding that’s all the energy you’re going to exert for the evening.
Soho Hibachi Express
$ | (303) 234-1199 | WEBSITE
Yes, this place is a total letdown, but if you want Chinese food after running errands all day in Lakewood, this is where to grab it. The location is inside a strip mall with plenty of parking, and it’s a decent option if you happen to be craving crab cheese wontons or sesame chicken without breaking the bank. The interior might be nothing special, and some dishes can be dry or bland, but the portions are huge and the prices are low.
It’s quick, it’s affordable, and it gets the job done for a casual meal or takeout—especially if you’re in the mood for salt and pepper shrimp or butter potatoes with sweet and sour sauce. Vegetarians will find options like sesame tofu, and overall, it’s a satisfying enough spot when you just need something cheap and easy.
Motomaki – Sushi Burritos and Bowls
$ | (720) 262-9400 | WEBSITE
Motomaki – Sushi Burritos and Bowls is, delightfully, a family-friendly hybrid sushi spot and quick-service counter tucked into a shopping center. It’s primarily used for convenient, healthy meals on the go.
But there are plenty of people grabbing a seat inside enjoying standout options like the shrimp tempura sushi burrito, clearly marked gluten-free bowls, or the always fresh and flavorful sushi bowls while taking in the cheerful, friendly atmosphere created by staff like the super personable Degan, who remembers regular orders.
MARK SUSHI
$ | (720) 403-1294 | WEBSITE
The original MARK SUSHI is a very casual mall spot with a fun atmosphere, and this location is basically the exact same, except it’s inside the mall instead of a standalone store. You can expect fresh sushi rolls, salmon bento boxes, and mango avocado salads, and no one will judge you for grabbing a quick bite or casual sushi fix—even if they should.
Sushi Katsu
$$ | (720) 638-0879 | WEBSITE
Sushi Katsu is (unsurprisingly) right in Lakewood, which means you have a close view of the bustling parking lot and the pretty stretch of sushi bar right next to the kitchen. This is both an all-you-can-eat spot and a family-friendly destination, so just stick with unlimited sushi like the caterpillar roll, the yummy crunch, and lots of $3 drink specials.
Tokyo Joe’s – Denver West
$ | (303) 273-5363 | WEBSITE
You never quite made it to Tokyo for that authentic ramen pilgrimage, but Tokyo Joe’s – Denver West is here to help you pretend you did. This spot in Lakewood has a fast-casual vibe with an open layout and some solid Japanese-inspired bowls. And unlike that fancy omakase place downtown, you don’t have to come here with your entire paycheck.