A host of “sushi chef’s” call Denver home. You can get ready-made rolls at such incongruous locations as King Soopers or Whole Foods, lending to the myth that sushi is a simple, one-dimensional dish. But there is little to compare those factory-made products with the real thing, found only at two or three sushi specialty restaurants in this berg. Sushi Katsuya can be added to that list.
It’s easy to miss. Sushi Katsuya sits in the center of a strip mall on Havana, blending into the nondescript Asian storefront signs of the L, hiding (essentially) in plain sight. But what it lacks in façade, this gustatory gem more than makes up for in substance. Take, for example, the Pepper Seared Tuna Sashimi, quick seared with a crust of black pepper, garlic sauce and butter (served with onion crunch, shredded radish, scallion and a hunk of wasabi molded in the shape of a jalapeno), magically transforming this harvest of the sea into the tenderest filet mignon you’ve ever had.
Or the Creamy Jalapeno appetizer, a cream cheese center wrapped with crab meat and spicy tuna, then stuffed into a hollowed out jalapeno, then dipped in tempura and deep fried. It is unexpectedly light, creamy and not as hot as it looks. You get the full flavor of the pepper without any of the tearful hurt.
All of their Udon soups are homemade, and their rolls are mostly original designs, carrying such peculiar and irreverent handles as the 9-11 Roll, the Marilyn Mon Roll (spicy tuna, spicy albacore, spicy scallop, smelt eggs with avocado and soy pepper: the hottest of the hot), the Hot Night Roll (the most popular dish on their impressive menu), and the Mom and Daughter Roll (because it’s made with both baked salmon tempura and salmon roe).
The TNT Roll appetizer (served with exploding masago) is an uncommon mix of sweet, savory and spicy in an unsuspecting baked salmon tempura. It really is delicious, and a real bargain as well. And the 9-11 Roll (spicy tuna, jalapeno, and cucumber topped with fresh tuna, salmon, albacore, red snapper and shrimp inside an avocado wrap) is a refreshing but filling treat.
A night out at Sushi Katsuya will not break the bank for ambiance. After all, what makes the event of sushi dining extraordinary in the first place, is the food. Sushi Katsuya’s consistently inventive combinations of ingredients is far from ordinary, and can testify to their devotion and extensive knowledge of the art of sushi. Strip mall sensibilities belie this true treasure’s elegance. Tucked away in an unremarkable parking lot just north of Iliff at 2222 South Havana in Aurora, Sushi Katsuya is hard to find, but definitely worth the hunt. Elaborate and creative plating will open your eyes to the lengths they go to bring you only the finest and freshest seafood and produce; the tastes will make you a believer.

2222 S Havana St.
Aurora, CO 80014
Phone: 303.368.8778


Hours:
Mon - Thur 10 am - 10 pm
Fri - Sat 10 am - 11 pm
Sun 4 pm - 10 pm

Sushi Katsuya Sample Menu

Salads
Seafood Sunomono $11.00
Octopus, shrimp, jumbo scallop, stick.

House Special Salad $13.00
Assorted sashimi
(7 pcs: Tuna, salmon, albacore, yellowtail, tako, shrimp, white fish) crabmeat and mixed greens with dressing

Appetizers
Ankimo $9.95
Steamed monkfish liver

Stuffed Calamari $9.00
Calamari tempura inside crabmeat, avocado

Entrees/ Sushi/Sashimi
Red Snapper $12.95
with roasted garlic and hot olive oil
Salmon Teriyaki $18.95
Chilean Sea Bass Misoyaki $18.95
Unagi Donburi $13.00

Katsuya Roll $10.95
Salmon, onion, smelt eggs mixed with mayo, crabmeat, cucumber, avocado and shrimp tempura with soy pepper.

Volcano Roll $8.95
Crabmeat, cucumber and avocado topped with baked whitefish and spicy mago, scallion and smelt eggs.

Sushi Pizza $11.95
Baked Yellowtail and crabmeat topped with smelt
eggs and scallions.