Denver Restaurant Openings

Bamboo Sushi Upgrades Into a LoHi Bricks and Mortar

After a test run at Avanti, the sustainable sushi house moves into its permanent digs

by Lucy Beaugard Nov 20, 2017, 9:46am MST

After eight years operating in Portland as a certified sustainable sushi restaurant, the team behind Bamboo Sushi is opening its new Denver brick-and-mortar outpost. This expansion comes just shy of two months after the same team’s Denver launch of QuickFish, a poke counter in Avanti F&B. The Portland-based restaurateurs on November 27 will introduce their former Avanti concept Bamboo Sushi down the street in its permanent LoHi digs.

Tucked between Recess Beer Garden and Postino, Bamboo Sushi hopes to become a Highland community favorite while staying true to the same ideals that were born in Portland. “Let’s start with what is sushi in an art form. Master the understanding of ingredients — how they are all put together and why this is a culturally significant thing to Japanese cuisine. Understand all the rules, then figure out how we break them,” said Kristofor Lofgren, founder of Bamboo Sushi.

The restaurant takes pride in ensuring that every plate enhances a deeper dedication to sustainability. Every piece of fish the restaurant serves is approved by the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch program. Not only will the menu highlight fresh catches, but it will also dive into local, seasonal ingredients and flavors. Items include small plates, shared plates such as Saikyo miso scallops, signature rolls, sashimi, vegan and vegetarian friendly options, and even options for those who don’t enjoy raw fish (try the Snake River Farms wagyu burger).

Guests can also enjoy a cocktail from a full bar that focuses on fresh ingredients, local brews, and approachable wine and sake, including a proprietary rice wine. Diners can stop in for happy hour when certain items are full-size but half-off.

Status: Bamboo Sushi officially opens Monday, November 27 at 2715 17th Street in Lower Highlands. The restaurant will open from 5 to 6 p.m. for weekday happy hour and from 5 to 10 p.m. daily for dinner.