Dining at Taki Sushi in West Wash Park feels like you’re in on a neighborhood secret. While not a destination restaurant like Sushi Den or Sushi Sasa, Taki caters to the surrounding community with a relaxed vibe, tasty eats, and on-point service.

The nigiri and sashimi menus–hamachi, mackerel, red snapper–seem pretty standard, but the rolls are creative standouts. Of the dozens (I counted upwards of 50) available, some are overly elaborate, but two solid bets include the black pepper tuna and the Tokyo.

The first roll combines delicately seared, peppered tuna with avocado and rice, and comes adorned with special sauce and mild black tobiko caviar. Pair that with the colorful Tokyo for spicy tuna wrapped with slivers of tuna, yellowtail, and avocado.

Bonus: Taki replaces the oranges that often punctuate the end of the meal with pieces of fresh, sweet pineapple.

420 E. Bayaud Ave., 303-282-0111

Amanda M. Faison
Amanda M. Faison
Freelance writer Amanda M. Faison spent 20 years at 5280 Magazine, 12 of those as Food Editor.