Uchiko Brings Fire to Uchi's Japanese Fare in Denver

The new Cherry Creek restaurant from the Uchi brand offers a modern take on Japanese cuisine.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

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Uchiko, the latest restaurant from the Uchi brand, has officially opened in Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood. The new spot builds on the success of the original Uchi in RiNo, offering a menu that blends traditional Japanese dishes with modern, fire-driven cooking techniques. In addition to sushi and omakase, Uchiko features a central kitchen with a hearth that burns Post Oak, adding a Texas barbecue-inspired element to the menu.

Why it matters

Uchiko's opening is significant as it marks the continued expansion of the Uchi brand, which has become a prominent player in the national Japanese cuisine scene. The restaurant's blend of tradition and innovation is expected to make it a dining destination in Denver's thriving culinary landscape.

The details

Uchiko occupies a remodeled space that was previously the Ginny Williams Gallery, maintaining the continuity of the building's history. The restaurant is led by Chef de Cuisine Andres Araujo, who oversees both Uchiko and the original Uchi. In addition to sushi and omakase, Uchiko's menu features a variety of cooked dishes, including grilled wagyu steak nigiri, grilled swordfish, and a beef cheek dish with a cacao glaze. The restaurant also offers an extensive vegetarian menu, catering to a range of dietary preferences.

  • Uchiko officially opened less than a week ago.
  • The original plans for Uchiko were submitted before the pandemic, but construction was slow due to the decision to rework the interior of the former gallery space rather than razing the property.

The players

Uchiko

The new Japanese restaurant in Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood, which is part of the Uchi brand established by Hai Hospitality.

Uchi

The original restaurant in the Uchi brand, which opened in Denver's RiNo neighborhood in 2018 and has since expanded to other locations.

Hai Hospitality

The company owned by James Beard-awarded chef Tyson Cole, which operates the Uchi and Uchiko restaurants.

Andres Araujo

The Chef de Cuisine who oversees both Uchiko and the original Uchi restaurant.

Jack Yoss

The chief culinary officer for Hai Hospitality, who was in Denver to help with the launch of Uchiko.

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What they’re saying

“We do a lot of fish and fruit. Tyson, when he originally started the Uchi concept, started playing around with fish and fruit. It pairs the sweet, sour and salty.”

— Jack Yoss, Chief Culinary Officer, Hai Hospitality (westword.com)

“You should feel at home, so we have pretty extensive vegetarian menus.”

— Jack Yoss, Chief Culinary Officer, Hai Hospitality (westword.com)

The takeaway

Uchiko's opening in Denver's Cherry Creek neighborhood marks the continued expansion of the Uchi brand, which has become known for its innovative approach to Japanese cuisine. The restaurant's blend of traditional dishes and modern, fire-driven cooking techniques is expected to make it a dining destination in the city's thriving culinary scene.