My time at Uchi was second to none.
It was an experience that took me to Japan, a country that attracts so many visitors yearly for its rich history and cuisine. Yet, here I was, having one of the best representations of modern Japanese cuisine and hospitality at the heart of downtown Denver, Colorado. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that we were going to have a memorable night, one that was about to be an immersive culinary journey, a harmonious blend of exceptional food, impeccable service, and thoughtful ambiance.
It started on a crisp December evening, the fifth to be exact. Arriving promptly at 4:00 PM, Uchi Denver had a magical glow as the setting sun flickered through its tiny square windows, like snowflakes dancing in the air. Inside, there seemed to be a 1:1 ratio of staff to patrons, and everything felt perfectly orchestrated. The seating arrangements themselves were a prelude to what would unfold over the next two and a half hours, and trust me when I say this: it was sublime.
Call it a twist of luck or fate being funny, but one of the newer staff members recognized me from Jackson, Wyoming. He had previously served my family and me regularly at Glorietta, where we were frequent diners. At our table, he shared his story about how he came to work at Uchi. One of the things that I remembered the most about Glorietta is their motto, “You’re a stranger here but once.” That idea seems equally fitting for Uchi, where a sense of connection and familiarity is woven into every interaction.
My companion and I chose the 11-course non-traditional omakase experience, a Japanese word that directly translates to “I leave it up to you”; in this case, it is otherwise known as the chef’s choice. Uchi’s interpretation of this meticulous and delicate culinary art form delivered a flawless balance of the familiar and the unexpected. The dishes alternated between raw and cooked, hot and cold, surf and turf. Each plate arrived with a succinct explanation, including guidance on the preferred utensil. This small but thoughtful touch is similar to how traditional sushi-yas in Japan would act, especially with foreign visitors coming in for the first time.
While every course was extraordinary, a few highlights stood out. Namahotate, or dayboat scallop, was served cold with chopsticks, a minimalist preparation that emphasized the ingredient’s natural sweetness. Lobster miso served hot with a spoon, was equally memorable. Its rich and comforting flavors left a lasting impression that would stay with my palette for a long time. Refreshingly absent were ingredients often overused in similar settings, allowing Uchi’s chefs to be creative.
Adding to the overall experience, each dish was presented by a different staff member who was knowledgeable about its components and the philosophy behind the chefs’ culinary principles. Despite the staff’s individual roles, they shared a unified, approachable front that perfectly embodied Uchi’s brand, creating an unforgettable dining experience.
On a personal note, I’ve always thought that some experiences are deemed bucket-list-worthy, for others, it could be sky-diving in Dubai, an experience that would have you pummeling down the sky with the Burj Khalifa in sight for others, it would be seeing the other ancient wonders of the world, those once-in-a-lifetime events that we treasure and reflect upon. But for most people, the everyday moments are often quieter and overshadowed. Uchi, however, belongs to a rare third category; it’s the kind of experience that, for me, is so exceptional that it needs to be revisited as much as possible.
Whether you’re a sushi lover, a foodie looking for an adventure, or someone who craves a connection through dining, don’t leave Denver without visiting Uchi. It’s not just a meal—it’s a journey.
