Mizuna

One of my favorites in denver. Spendy but worth every penny. more

In theory, I should love Mizuna. Anyone who continues to serve foie gras and other culinary delights regardless of backlash from militant vegan groups almost always gets a gold star in my book. My husband, bless his heart, took me out to Mizuna for my birthday back in May, as Bonanno's flagship restaurant had been on my ""Must Try"" list due to the numerous glowing reviews. The actual experience, however, was so incredibly disappointing that I doubt we'll give the place a second try. First off, our waiter was more than annoyed that we chose to split a half-bottle of wine for our meal and didn't bother to hide it. Bear in mind, I fully understand that restaurants make most of their money off of alcohol orders and I understand that the profit margin on food is virtually nil. I am also well aware that, due to our preferred choices of remembering our meal AND keeping it down rather than throwing it all back up again from over-enjoying the wine selection, we are most likely not the most favored of patrons in Denver metro restaurants. This does not, however, excuse this sort of behavior from the staff. Treat all your patrons with respect or eventually, you'll have no business at all. We have not had the same experience with any other restaurant in town. That being said, any establishment that is willing to treat their patrons that poorly over a less profitable tab than other tables (the table next to ours was treated as if they were kings--and you guessed it, cocktails and two bottles of wine were downed before the appetizer arrived) had better have some spectacular food for us to return, and Mizuna didn't deliver. At best, our meals were average and uncreative. There was absolutely nothing on the menu that we hadn't seen before. I ordered the crab & artichoke appetizer, the baby romaine salad, and the scallops in miso broth and my husband ordered the baby romaine salad, and the salmon. Neither of us remember what he ordered as an appetizer. Everything was oversalted, INCLUDING THE BREAD! We bake our own bread at home, and let me tell you, it's pretty darned difficult to screw that up...but somehow, the cooking crew at Mizuna managed even that. For added fun, the cooks apparently misplaced our orders for the main course. We waited over 45 minutes for it after we finished our salads. Because of it, they offered to comp our dessert selections, which we were pleased with...until the chef brought them out. Did we receive the desserts we ordered? Nope. We didn't. We received the two desserts on the menu we weren't interested in eating, neither of which I remember much about. Last, but certainly not least, I should mention that when we got home, I was violently ill for two days...and as previously mentioned, it was not from overindulgence from wine or from food. Frank Bonanno may be the little darling of Denver, but I have absolutely no idea why. Had we had good experiences at his other restaurants, I'd be willing to give his staff at Mizuna a pass, but he's batting 0-2 for our family. He has no excuses, in my opinion, and we'll be passing him over in favor of Fruition, Table 6, and Frasca. Pros: decent wine list Cons: average & oversalted food, poor service more

This has been my favorite restaurant in Denver for years. My recent visit was a bit disappointing. I ordered the duo of Meyer beef for my entree. It included a NY that was cut extra thick like a filet. The meat was not cooked properly - pretty clear that they tried to cook it too fast and did not let it rest. When paying 40+ for an entree, I expect it to be cooked perfectly. The atmosphere and service was great as usual. more

We were excited to dine at Mizuna after reading and hearing so very much about it., but sadly disappointed at the flavor and preparation of the food. The abalone appetizer was just a sad waste of a lovely ingredient---the abalone was so finely minced it lost all its characteristic texture and flavor. My dish of scallops was lovely, I'll admit. My partner had duck which neither of us can remember much about except that the waiter asked if it's flavor was too bold as it was a new dish the chef was putting out. Desert of pain perdu was a shockingly bad---the fried bread tasted of old skillet. The service was ho-hum at best---the sommelier visited every table in the room expect ours except when he had to reach across our table several times to pull wine off a rack on the wall. Overall, over-hyped. Pros: Popular! Cons: Not up to the hype in flavor or service more

If I could give 4.5 I would the tasting menu we had this past weekend was just fantastic. From the heirloom... more

If I could give 4.5 I would the tasting menu we had this past weekend was just fantastic. From the heirloom tomato soup served chilled to the duck ... more

We absolutely love Mizuna. My wife and I are huge foodies and every time we go to Mizuna we are blown away. Call us creatures of habit, but everytime we go we get the same thing - Lobster Mac & Cheese followed by the seasonal Ostrich and she'll get either salmon, tuna, or vegetarian. My brother-in-law is the manager of one of Denver's finest restaurants and he will even admit that the lamb chops at Mizuna are the best he's ever had. Mizuna's seasonal menu changes all the time, which keeps us on our toes and kees us coming back for more! Pros: Attentive service, creative food more

We have tried the Tasting Menu paired with wine on several occasions. I must say that each time is better than the last. This past Saturday, we were treated to some of the best ostrich we've ever had. We heard so much about the lobster macaroni and cheese (which had never been presented as part of the tasting menu), we asked to have it added to the pasta course. Not only was it exceptional, it came with a wine pairing which was unexpected. If you are looking for the finest dining Denver has to offer, visit Mizuna and order the tasting menu paired with wine. If you are looking for a quick bite to eat before the theater? you won?t get to experience everything Mizuna has to offer. Pros: Best food money can buy Cons: Tables a little too close together for intimate conversations more

My name is Frank Bonanno and I own Mizuna. I've never responded to a Citysearch review before, but to ""cassidyguin:"" we do not have a tuna appetizer on the March menu (we haven't had a tuna app in over a year); we do not have halibut on this month's menu (it's been out of season for about six months); our lamb bourguignonne is a far cry from Mediterannean; and although I spoke with every table Thursday evening, you were not among them. I'm very suspicious of this review. Pros: Best food and service in the city Cons: Can be difficult to get a spot on weekends more

My wife and I dined at Mizuna on a thursday evening, when we arived the room was nearly empty yet we were told that our table was not ready, we had reservations. After fifteen minutes looking at a nearly empty room we were seat at a table set for six, there were just the two of us. Our server made us feel as though it was a burden to deal with us and did explain dishes even when asked to. We each ordered three courses and intended on later ordering dessert. The first courses that arived were plate very nicely and seasoned well, I thought maybe it was worth the earlier unpleasentries. The next course arived quickly, I had a halibut dish that was very overcooked and cold and had no seasoning at all just down right tastless. My next course was a lamb dish (the only dish thaty the server explained ""a wonderful dish ful of mediterranean flavors"") Again the dish was overcooked and cold and not just not the plate had condensation like it had just come out of the fridge. we opted not to stay for dessert. After diner we met the Chef and told him that diner had not lived up to the expectations, and we were told ""you don't know what youre talking about"". My wife and I have dined at some of the worlds greatest restaurants from Boucse in Lyon to The French Laundry and all I can say is Mizuna is by far the worst "" Fine Dinning"" restaurant I have visited. Pros: great tuna starter Cons: everything else more

Let me start by saying this the first review I've ever posted, but I felt compelled to write something after the extraordinary meal that I just had. My girlfriend and I have had a hand full of great meals in Denver and I've come to realize that it's the little things that take a good meal over the top an make it a great meal. I was definitely taken over the top tonight by incredibly fresh food coupled with impeccable service and a warm friendly atmosphere. Our waiter was very knowledgeable, but not that know-it-all pushy type that has ruined a meal in the past. When I wanted more info about a dish, he was quick with some first-hand insight that left my mouth watering, but he wasn't trying to sell me on the catch of the day that was on it's last leg back in the kitchen. I had done a little reading about the lobster mac&cheese before dinner and it didn't disappoint. My girlfriend started out with the lobster bisque and it had great flavor with chunks of fresh lobster in every bite. For dinner, I had the lamb and it was straight up butter.... Cooked perfectly and melted in my mouth. You aren't going to find too many cheap bottles of wine, but a really nice selection of mid-priced bottles on the menu. We finished up the night with the creme brule and it was the best I've ever had. I'm not a big dessert guy, but it was excellent. A+ experience that I would recommend to all. Satisfied... more

I recently went to Mizuna for Restaurant Week and while it was a limited menu, I would definitely go back. This is not a cheap restaurant, but the food is fantastic. more

Mizuna always has excellent food! The scallops are some of the best in Denver. The waitstaff is always attentive and eager to help. On the weekends, I would highly recommend a reservation. Pros: Excellent Food Cons: Close tables more

I had heard wonderful things about Mizuna, and was interested to see if it would live up to all the good press. I went with my fiance for the fist time last week, and the entire experience was just perfect. The dining room was a great size for a special occasion/romantic date, and our waiter was extremely helpful in explaining the menu and assisting us in selecting a good bottle of wine. I had the lamb and my fiancee had the sole, and both were cooked perfectly. I would highly recommend Mizuna based on the atmosphere alone, not to mention the incredible food and very friendly service. Pros: Service was friendly and unpretentious, food was spectacular Cons: Definitely make reservations, the small dining room fills up fast more

I'm always looking for remarkable food experiences in Denver, and I finally found a perfect spot. After my first unbelievable evening--stealth server who miraculously appeared just when needed, truly the best sole I've EVER tasted--I had to go back to try it again before I started wildly recommending Mizuna. Two more visits later: it's just such a special spot for a genuine food lover. Cozy and tight, but no one's elbows bumping up to yours--beautiful hostess framing the view of chefs at work, service that is tight and professional--and the food . . .oh my gosh. . the cranberry-apple bread pudding is rich, warm and so satisfying, melt-in-your mouth foie gras . . . Pros: Unbelievable service, finely crafted food unlike anything in The West Cons: Teeny tiny bathroom, but the mirror is very flattering more

We'd heard all the hype about Mizuna and so thought we'd treat ourselves for a birthday celebration. From the grumpy valet to the inattentive waitress, the service could not have been worse. The food was good, but it is higher priced than many other fine Denver restaurants we've visited, and the portions are so extremely small that we all left feeling hungry. The seating is tight and the dining room was fairly noisy the evening we went, compounded by the noise from the open kitchen. There are plenty of other restaurants that actually want your evening out to be a great experience, so skip this one and spend your money elsewhere. more

It was my friend?s birthday, so I decided to take him someplace new. I informed the waiter upon being seated of this momentous occasion. We decided we would try the 7 course tasting menu and were informed some of items were a ?surprise?. Fine with us, but we weren?t happy with the last item: pork. We asked to switch it out for something else and were told no. I explained to our less than welcoming waiter that if money were an issue, I had no problem paying more. He said ?sorry, no substitutions? like we were at some taco-bell or something. I asked for the manager, and he came over, after explaining the situation, he asked the chef, and the answer was still no. I was told, it?s something the chef set?s up, and doesn?t like to change. For the amount of money, was I not only disappointed in the service (they didn?t even wish my friend a happy birthday), they didn?t try to accommodate the simplest request, and all night long, people were boasting about their mac ?n cheese with lobster, which we both had, and found the lobster to be way over-cooked and rubber-like. For $140 for the two of us, go someplace that wants your money, not a place like this. Pros: Outside Seating Cons: Bad waitstaff, A Cheif who thinks he's god more

After all the rave reviews, my husband and I rushed to try Mizuna. We classify ourselves as foodies and were jumping at a chance to eat at a decent restaurant here in Denver. We were promptly seated (even a ? hour before our reservation). The room we sat in was in the back, very small, almost claustrophobic. The tables were right on top of each other and we could not help but hear the couple two tables down from us entire conversation. We asked about the 7 course tasting menu and got a less than stellar ?sell? from the waiter, so we passed. The appetizers arrived quickly and for the most part, good, although bland. The dinner service took way to long to arrive and was unimpressive. The portions were tiny and the blandness continued. The dessert course was no better, what should have been a crispy napoleon ended up being a mushy berry sponge cake stack. While the number of good restaurants in Denver are few, you can find a better one than this for the price. Pros: quick seating, easy parking Cons: bland food, overall price more

Eating at Mizuna, after reading reviews here, inspired me to write my first review. It absolutely lived up to all of the 5-star ratings. We recently moved here from the SF Bay Area and this place rivals the places we've been to in Berkeley and SF. The macaroni and cheese with lobster is named the best in the country for a very good reason - it's amazing. Generally I'm not a fan of beets, but the salad with goat cheese was outstanding. The warm spinach salad with brie was divine. I had the veal for my main course and it stopped our conversation - I had to just savor it! It was cooked to perfection and the accompanying baby asparagus, wrapped in prosciutto and then phyllo, was glorious. The flavors and textures were so fun! My husband had the beef tenderloin and it hardly needed chewing - just melted in your mouth! And our friend had the halibut with crispy rice in a curry lemongrass sauce that was just so fresh and clean tasting. We finished off our meal with the warm chocolate cake, the ice cream sampler, and the toffee cake - all outstanding. All great ways to end the meal. Pros: Ambience, changing menu to reflect seasons, service, flavors more

By far, my favorite restaurant in Denver. The restaurant is small and quiet. You will never wait for any service. I like to return every month or so, to try the newest menu selections. Extremely professional staff. Ask for reccommendations. They will never let you down. Plan in advance, especially for larger groups and busy times. It is intimate. Tell Frank, Miko sent you!! Enjoy!! Pros: You will be treated to a taste sensation. New menu monthly. Cons: You will be disappointed with other restaurants around Denver. more