On my plate this week: Mizu Izakaya. Landlocked, who? What a world we live in — it doesn’t even matter that we aren’t a coastal town; we can serve up sushi like the best of them! And my favorite place to get fresh fish of late has been North Denver’s Mizu Izakaya.

The menu is expansive, offering traditional Japanese small plates — like chicken karaage, crispy gyoza, and steamed buns — as well as more than a dozen entrée options including ramen, yakitori, and other meat and seafood plates. But I don’t usually get that far, always reaching my fill somewhere in the sushi section, which features nigiri, sashimi, and signature rolls that range from classically simple to wildly creative. No matter which variation you order, you’re promised buttery, tender, melt-in-your-mouth fish accompanied by equally fresh veggies and garnishes. (Most recently, I opted for the Sweet Potato Tempura roll and the Eel Avocado roll — I highly recommend both!)

Additionally, Mizu’s beverage selection is as wide and varied as its food, offering Japanese teas, specialty lemonades, wines, beers, cocktails, and one of the largest sake collections in Denver. Plus, both the inside dining area (with its private omakase rooms!) and the expansive patio are gorgeous enough to leave you goggling.

Rating: 7/10; I always leave happy

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