Izakaya Den Reveals Design Details of Its New Home Set to Open In May

Last year, Izakaya Den announced that it was going to pack up its kitchen and move next door to sister-restaurant Sushi Den into a new home that would be custom-designed and built from the ground up to accommodate all its needs. That announcement was one of Denver's biggest food stories in 2012 . Now, details of the new building promise that this new location will be among the best things to happen in the restaurant world in 2013.

Toshi and Yasu Kizaki, the brothers who own Sushi Den and Izakaya Den, commissioned Denver-based Roth Sheppard Architects for the design of the new Izakya Den and hired Jordy Construction, a company that just completed the massive remodel a Tamayo, to manage the construction on the approximately 14,000 square feet Izakaya Den building.

The new restaurant will sit on two stories and will offer seating for 247 people inside with an additional 34 seats on the patio. The first floor will feature a grand staircase, glass enclosed elevator, bamboo garden, as well as a signature sushi bar. On the second level, guests will enjoy a full bar and private dining areas, but also a summer patio and a retractable glass ceiling over the bar and seating areas that will give access to sky views and open air in the summer.

Izakaya Den will maintain the spirit of its first iteration continuing to serve an extensive sushi menu, global kitchen selection along with new Izakaya-style small plates. An expansive sake selection along with handcrafted cocktails, thoughtful wines and local beers will round out the beverage list.

The team behind the restaurant is currently working with a curated group of Japanese craftsmen who will work to create signature design elements. Favorite items from the original Izakaya Den will be brought into the new restaurant. These include red lacquer wall boxes, lanterns made of antique Kimono fabric, bamboo partitions, custom made chairs from Japan, sliding doors decorated in hand-painted poetry and the large sushi bar made from one large single piece of camphor wood along with its communal table.

The anticipated opening is in May.

· Pearl Street Grill Building to be Demolished and Rebuilt [EDen]
· Yasu Kizaki of Sushi Den and Izakaya Den on Sourcing Fish [EDen]