EAST DENVER. This Japanese restaurant knows how to prepare sushi, and with over 100 options available, the menu offers plenty of choices. Select rolls prepared with either fish, seaweed, eel, or avocado on the outside; try whole fried rolls; or opt for a low-carb selection, made without rice. If you prefer a cooked meal, a tempting array of traditional dishes features everything from tempura and teriyaki to katsu and hibachi offerings. Reservations accepted only for groups of four or more.

SOUTH DENVER. This sushi authority appears small and unassuming from the outside, especially given its strip mall location, but once you're inside and sample a sushi roll or a serving of perfectly marinated teriyaki chicken, you'll realize that Japon does indeed have bragging rights. Tasty cuisine and a sure hand in the kitchen as well as on the floor add up to a most rewarding experience.

LODO. At Mori, they pride themselves on using only fresh ingredients in seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes. Try a combination dinner (most are named for train and subway stops in Tokyo) and sample many different flavors on one plate. Tempura, teriyaki, and maki selections provide plenty of temptation, and the extensive menu offers many more reasons to dine. Mori also hosts sushi happy hours. Sake lovers enjoy refreshing libations in the fully stocked lounge, which also hosts karaoke on weekends after 10pm.

EAST DENVER. Tucked away from the hustle of Colorado Boulevard, Osaka Sushi is a real find for those who love authentic Japanese cuisine. Expertly prepared by veteran chefs, flavorful dishes come proudly presented by attentive servers. Try a Denver roll, delicately filled with yellowtail tuna, crab, cucumber, and radish sprouts, or sample a vegetarian dish of tofu and steamed vegetables. Cooked options are available, and sushi happy hours offer tasty treats at reduced prices. A pleasant atmosphere, an enclosed patio, and small white lights dangling above set the dining scene.

LODO. Consistent quality and fresh ingredients are hallmarks of this Japanese eatery. Plus, prices won't make you grimace. It's such a good buy, Sonoda keeps locals returning time after time. For folks who don't relish sushi, the menu offers a selection of cooked and vegetarian offerings. For starters, try yakitori, a tender chicken kabob cooked in savory teriyaki sauce. Follow up with something like the Deluxe Seafood Combo, a large platter of lobster, calamari, shrimp, scallops, sushi, and other delicacies.