14 High End Colorado Seafood Spots Locals Recommend For A Special Night Out
Colorado might be miles away from any ocean, but that hasn’t stopped talented chefs from creating incredible seafood dining experiences right here in the Rocky Mountains.
Fresh catches flown in daily and expertly prepared dishes make these restaurants stand out as the best places to celebrate anniversaries, birthdays, or any moment worth remembering.
When you’re ready to treat yourself to something extraordinary, these local favorites deliver the kind of quality and atmosphere that turns dinner into an unforgettable event.
1. Stoic & Genuine
If you’re craving the freshest oysters in Denver, this Union Station gem will blow your mind with its rotating selection of East and West Coast varieties. I’ve watched the shuckers work their magic at the raw bar, and the attention to detail is simply stunning. Every piece of seafood here gets treated with respect, from the delicate crudo to the perfectly charred octopus carpaccio.
The restaurant focuses heavily on sustainability, which means you can feel good about what you’re eating while enjoying spectacular flavors. Their seasonal menu changes based on what’s available and freshest, so each visit brings new surprises.
Reservations fill up fast on weekends, so plan ahead if you want to snag a table near the bustling open kitchen.
2. Ocean Prime
When I think about celebrating something truly special, this LoDo restaurant always comes to mind because it combines excellent food with live music and an atmosphere that feels both classy and welcoming. The cocktails here have won multiple awards, and after trying their signature smoking berries bourbon smash, I completely understand why. Their seafood tower is an absolute showstopper, piled high with lobster, crab, shrimp, and oysters that taste like they just came from the ocean.
The prime steaks are equally impressive if someone in your party prefers land over sea. Service here feels attentive without being stuffy, making it perfect for both business dinners and romantic dates.
Dress nicely and prepare to be impressed by every course.
3. The Capital Grille
Did you know that this elegant steakhouse also serves some of Denver’s best seafood dishes, including a New England clam chowder that tastes like it came straight from Boston? Their pan-fried calamari has the perfect crispy coating without being greasy, which is harder to achieve than most people realize. What really stands out is the roasted swordfish topped with lump crab gratin, a combination that sounds fancy but delivers comfort food vibes with every bite.
The wine selection here is massive, with knowledgeable sommeliers ready to help you find the perfect pairing for your meal. Located in the heart of LoDo, it’s convenient for pre-dinner walks around downtown.
Expect to spend over a hundred dollars per person, but the quality justifies every penny.
4. Fish N Beer
It’s refreshing to find a high-end seafood spot that doesn’t take itself too seriously while still delivering restaurant-quality food. Located in Denver’s trendy RiNo arts district, this place changes its menu daily based on whatever fresh catches arrive that morning. I love how they pair their seafood with an impressive craft beer selection, offering combinations you won’t find at fancier establishments.
The cozy atmosphere makes it feel like a neighborhood hangout, but the food quality rivals any upscale restaurant in the city. Servers know their stuff and can recommend the best beer to complement your fish choice.
Prices hover in the fifty to hundred dollar range, making it more approachable than some other options on this list without sacrificing quality.
5. Jax Fish House & Oyster Bar
Are you someone who appreciates gourmet seafood but prefers a more relaxed vibe than traditional fine dining? This upscale chain has perfected the balance between casual and sophisticated, creating an environment where you can dress up or down and still feel comfortable. Their oyster selection is phenomenal, with knowledgeable staff who can explain the subtle flavor differences between varieties.
Creative cocktails here are just as impressive as the food, featuring unexpected ingredients that complement seafood beautifully. The menu offers everything from classic fish and chips to more adventurous preparations that showcase the chef’s creativity.
Located on 17th Street in Denver, it’s easily accessible and perfect for groups who want to share multiple dishes family-style.
6. Guard and Grace
Though primarily known as a steakhouse, this downtown Denver restaurant serves seafood that rivals dedicated fish houses across the country. Their dry-aged program extends beyond beef to include fish, creating unique flavors you simply can’t find elsewhere. I was skeptical at first, but the dry-aged halibut changed my entire perspective on what seafood could taste like.
The space itself feels modern and energetic, with floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning city views. Service is impeccable, with staff who anticipate your needs before you even ask.
It’s definitely a splurge-worthy spot, but when you want to impress someone or celebrate a major milestone, few places in Colorado deliver this level of culinary excellence and atmosphere combined.
7. Sushi Den
How does a landlocked state get some of the freshest sushi in the entire country? The owners of this South Pearl Street institution actually fly to fish markets themselves and have seafood air-shipped directly to Denver multiple times weekly. That commitment to quality shows in every piece of nigiri and every beautifully constructed roll.
I’ve been coming here for years, and the consistency never wavers, which is rare in the restaurant world. The omakase experience lets the chef showcase seasonal specialties you won’t see on the regular menu.
Reservations are absolutely essential because locals know this is the real deal when it comes to Japanese seafood. Expect authentic preparation methods and flavors that transport you straight to Tokyo.
8. Oceanaire Seafood Room
When you walk into this restaurant, you feel like you’ve stepped back in time to a glamorous 1930s supper club where seafood was king. The menu changes daily based on fresh availability, with servers presenting a list of options rather than handing you a static menu. This approach ensures you’re getting the absolute freshest seafood possible on any given night.
Their preparation styles range from simple grilled fish to elaborate presentations that look like edible art. The raw bar offerings are extensive, and the staff really knows their oysters.
Located in downtown Denver, it’s perfect for theater-goers or anyone wanting a classic fine dining experience without pretentious attitudes ruining the evening.
9. Matsuhisa Denver
It’s not every day you get to experience the culinary vision of world-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa right here in Colorado. This Cherry Creek restaurant brings his signature Japanese-Peruvian fusion style to Denver with dishes that challenge and delight in equal measure. The black cod with miso is legendary for good reason, with a sweet-savory glaze that creates an unforgettable flavor profile.
Everything here feels carefully considered, from the minimalist decor to the artful plating of each dish. The sake and wine list is extensive, with options that complement the unique flavor combinations.
Prices reflect the high-end experience, but for special occasions when you want something truly extraordinary, this restaurant delivers memories that last long after the meal ends.
10. Shanahan’s Steakhouse
Are you surprised to find a steakhouse on a seafood list? This Irish-American establishment takes its seafood just as seriously as its famous dry-aged beef, offering lobster tails, Chilean sea bass, and other premium options that rival any dedicated seafood restaurant. The preparation methods here lean classic, letting the natural quality of ingredients shine without unnecessary complications.
What sets this place apart is the impeccable service and old-school elegance that makes you feel like dining out is still a special event. The sommelier can guide you through their impressive wine cellar to find perfect pairings.
Located in a beautiful historic building, the atmosphere alone is worth the visit, but the food keeps people coming back for decades.
11. Rioja
Though Mediterranean cuisine encompasses many styles, chef Jennifer Jasinski brings a Colorado sensibility to her seafood preparations that feels both familiar and exciting. Her restaurant in Larimer Square has been a local favorite for years, earning national recognition for innovative dishes that respect traditional techniques. The seafood here often features Spanish and Italian influences, with preparations like grilled octopus and salt-baked fish that showcase her technical skills.
The intimate dining room creates a romantic atmosphere perfect for anniversaries or proposals. Seasonal ingredients drive the menu, so you’ll find different offerings throughout the year.
Reservations book up quickly, especially on weekends, so plan ahead if you want to experience one of Denver’s most celebrated chefs at work.
12. Duo Restaurant
If you prefer intimate dining experiences where the chef can interact directly with guests, this small restaurant offers exactly that kind of personal attention. With only a handful of tables, every guest receives focused service and beautifully executed dishes that change with the seasons. The seafood preparations here lean contemporary American with global influences, creating flavor combinations that surprise without overwhelming.
I appreciate how the chefs here aren’t afraid to feature less common seafood varieties, introducing diners to new tastes and textures. The tasting menu format lets you experience multiple courses, building a complete culinary story.
It’s one of those hidden gems that locals treasure and hesitate to share, but exceptional restaurants deserve recognition and support from the community.
13. Mizuna
When chef Frank Bonanno opened this restaurant years ago, he set out to prove that Denver could compete with coastal cities in culinary sophistication. His ever-changing menu features seafood prepared with French techniques but incorporating global flavors that keep things interesting. The attention to detail here extends beyond the plate to include thoughtful wine pairings and seamless service.
Small plates encourage sharing and trying multiple dishes, which I always recommend because everything is exceptional. The intimate space fills quickly, so reservations are essential for weekend dining.
Prices reflect the high quality and careful sourcing of ingredients, but compared to similar restaurants in larger cities, it offers excellent value for this caliber of cooking and experience.
14. Sushi Sasa
How many sushi restaurants can claim their chef trained in Japan and brings that authentic expertise to Colorado? This RiNo establishment combines traditional Japanese techniques with creative presentations that appeal to both purists and adventurous eaters. The omakase experience here is outstanding, with the chef selecting the best seasonal offerings and preparing them right in front of you.
I love watching the precision and care that goes into every piece, with chefs who truly respect their craft. The sake selection is one of Denver’s best, featuring hard-to-find bottles from small Japanese producers.
While not the cheapest option on this list, the quality and authenticity make it worth every dollar when you want an exceptional Japanese seafood experience in the mountains.
