Kizaki
Overview
Chef Toshi Kizaki introduces Kizaki, his highly anticipated omakase concept, which marks the pinnacle of his remarkable career as one of Denver’s most influential chefs. With Kizaki, Chef Toshi reconnects with his roots, paying deep respect to the edomae tradition as a celebration of his heritage and what he loves doing most — making sushi. Sushi Chef Toshi Kizaki is widely recognized for introducing Japanese cuisine to Denver with the opening of Sushi Den on South Pearl Street in December 1984. At the time, he and his brother, Yasu Kizaki, were among the first chefs in the U.S. to import fresh fish directly from international markets, including their native Japan—often sourcing from the renowned Nagahama Fish Market in Kyushu. Kizaki’s love for food began in childhood, when he and his brother, Yasu, took on the responsibility of preparing family dinners while their parents worked long hours as farmers in their rural hometown. This early connection to cooking laid the foundation for what would become a lifelong journey in Japanese food. Now, 40 years later, Chef Toshi’s influence on Denver’s restaurant culture is undeniable. He has set the standard for Japanese dining in the city, leading four of its most acclaimed restaurants—Sushi Den, Temaki Den, Izakaya Den, Ototo, and now, Kizaki.
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