Sushi Zanmai

4.2 (70)

$30 and under

Sushi

1221 Spruce St, Boulder, CO 80302

Make a booking

Sushi Zanmai

4.2

$30 and under

Sushi

Boulder

Make a booking

2 people

7 Nov 2026

7:00 pm

Booked 13 times today

About this restaurant

Charming
Good for groups
Healthy

Sushi Zanmai is celebrating its 38th year as Boulder's favorite sushi spot! Zanmai provides family friendly dining. Our daily happy hour features popular rolls and appetizers and of course, Sake Bombs!
Sushi Zanmai has intimate dining for dates, sushi bar seating for guests who want to watch the chefs make their food, large tables for parties, and private Japanese tatami rooms for business meetings or raucous gatherings. The menu boasts both traditional Japanese kitchen food, sushi, and sashimi, as well as creative rolls and appetizers. Zanmai has vegetarian, pescatarian, gluten-free, and vegan offerings. Reservations are encouraged for parties of 6 or more. This restaurant also offers to-go services.

Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Sushi, Japanese, Ramen
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri–Sun 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(303) 440-0733
Website
http://www.sushizanmai.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
1221 Spruce St, Boulder, CO 80302
Area
Boulder
Cross street
Spruce between Broadway and 13th, next to the Hotel Boulderado
Parking Details
Street Parking
Public transport
Bus stops on both cross streets allow for easy access
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wine

Concierge
AI Beta

Our AI assistant, Concierge, is here to answer your questions about this restaurant.

Sake USD 3.75
Salmon
Maguro USD 3.75
Tuna
Hamachi USD 3.75
Yellowtail
Bincho USD 3.75
Albacore
Ebi USD 3.75
Shrimp
Unagi USD 5.00
Fresh Water Eel
Tako USD 3.75
Octopus
Masago USD 4.00
Smelt Roe
Kaibashira USD 4.25
Bay Scallop
Kani USD 5.50
Crab
Escolar USD 5.50
Super White Tuna
HotateUSD 4.50
Sea Scallop
HokkigaiUSD 3.75
Surf Clam
IkaUSD 3.75
Squid
SabaUSD 3.75
Mackeral
TamagoUSD 3.25
Egg Omelet
InariUSD 3.25
Tofu
UzuraUSD 3.25
Quail Egg
Maguro TatakiUSD 4.50
Seared Tuna
BuriUSD 5.00
Fatty Yellowtail
Sumoku SakeUSD 4.25
Smoked Salmon
TobikoUSD 4.50
Flying Fish Roe
Wasabi Tobiko USD 4.50
IkuraUSD 6.00
Salmon Roe
AmaebiUSD 7.50
Sweet Shrimp
Toro
Fatty Tuna
Uni
Sea Urchin

Sushi Starters

Salmon CarpaccioUSD 21.00
5pc Salmon, with Chef Special Sauce
Yellowtail Jalapeno USD 19.00
5pc Hamachi, Served with Ponzu Sauce
Sashimi AppetizerUSD 20.00
5pc, Tuna, Salmon or Yellowtail
Seafood Sunomono SaladUSD 12.95
Crab, Octopus, Shrimp, Mirin Dressing
TsukemonoUSD 12.00
Mixed Pickled Vegetable Platter

Sashimi Combinations

Chef Choice

Sashimi RegularUSD 34.95
Assorted 15 Pcs
Sashimi DeluxeUSD 39.95
Assorted 18 Pcs

Sushi Combinations

Chef Choice

Combination #1USD 34.95
8 Pcs Nigiri, Tuna Poke and California Roll
Combination #2USD 39.95
10 Pcs Nigiri, Salmon Avocado and Tuna Poke Roll
Veggie CombinationUSD 27.95
7 Pcs Nigiri, 2 Vegetarian Maki

Chirashi Boxes

Scattered Fish over Rice w/ House Salad and Miso Soup

Shake Chirashi USD 29.95
12 Pcs Salmon and Avocado and Ikura Garnish
Combination ChirashiUSD 34.95
15 Pcs of Assorted Sashimi
UnajyuUSD 41.95
10 Pcs Freshwater Eel over Rice

Maki Rolls

Kappa Maki USD 6.50
Cucumber
Avocado Maki USD 6.50
Avocado
Unakyu Maki USD 7.95
Eel and Cucumber
Negi Hama Maki USD 7.50
Yellowtail Scallion
Shake Maki USD 7.50
Salmon
Tekka Maki USD 7.50
Tuna
Ume Shiso Maki USD 7.95
Plum Paste, Cucumber, and Shiso

Temaki (Hand Rolls)

Avocado Temaki USD 6.00
Cucumber Temaki USD 5.95
Shiso Plum Temaki USD 6.50
Natto Temaki USD 6.00
Mushroom TemakiUSD 6.00
Albacore TemakiUSD 6.50
Yellowtail Scallion Temaki USD 6.50
Spicy Yellowtail Temaki USD 6.50
Spicy Salmon TemakiUSD 6.50
Unagi Temaki USD 6.95
Spicy Tuna Poki Temaki USD 6.50
Kaibashira Temaki USD 6.50
Salmon Skin Temaki USD 6.50

Special Rolls

Tuna Poki USD 13.00
Tuna Poki, Avocado, Negi, Kaiware
CaliforniaUSD 9.50
Crab, Avocado, Cucumber
Salmon Avocado USD 10.50
Salmon, Avocado
PhiladelphiaUSD 11.00
Smoked Salmon, Cream Cheese
Shrimp Tempura RollUSD 15.95
Shrimp Tempura, Avocado, Cucumber, Masago, Mixed Greens
SpiderUSD 17.95
Soft Shell Crab, Masago, Carrot, Mixed Greens, Avocado
RainbowUSD 19.95
Assorted Fish, Avocado, Cucumber, Crab
Premium FirecrackerUSD 20.50
Tuna, Avocado, Negi, Crunch
Orange SunshineUSD 20.50
Salmon, Avocado, Negi, Crunch
ColoradoUSD 17.95
Seared Filet, Avocado, Carrot, Cucumber, Masago, Negi
Spicy Girl USD 20.50
Spicy Mix, Crunch, Masago
BoulderUSD 17.95
Tuna, Yellowtail, Avocado, Negi
Futomaki USD 15.95
Assorted Vegetables, Tamago
Death USD 10.50
Grilled Salmon Skin, Carrot, Cucumber, Masago, Death Sauce, Shichimi
CaterpillarUSD 17.95
Unagi, Carrot, Avocado, Cucumber
ShredderUSD 20.50
Tempura Fried, Crab, Eel, Cream Cheese, Masago, Negi
HamachileUSD 19.95
Yellowtail, Jalapeno, Carrot, Avocado, Masago
Z- No.6 USD 19.95
Kewpie, Masago, Avocado, Cucumber, Ebi, Shichimi
Z-No.9 USD 19.95
Shrimp Tempura, Avocado, Masago, Kewpie, Shichimi, Salmon
Dragon - ZUSD 19.95
Eel, Avocado, Shrimp Tempura, Siracha
King Crab USD 20.50
Cucumber, Avocado, Baked w/ King Crab Mix, Topped w/ Tobiko
Heart Attack USD 19.95
Tempura Jalapeno stuffed w/ Cream Cheese and Spicy Tuna, topped w/ Tobiko
Monkey Brain USD 19.95
1/2 Avocado stuffed w/ Crab and Spicy Tuna, Deep Fried, w/ Tobiko
Hawaiian USD 20.50
Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Crab wrapped in Cucumber and Ponzu
VegasUSD 19.95
Tempura Fried, Salmon, Cream Cheese, Avocado, Tobiko
TigerUSD 20.50
Crunchy Spicy Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Avocado, Habanero Masago, Traditional Masago, Negi
Zanmai USD 20.50
Shrimp Tempura, Cucumber topped w/ Avocado, Crab, Masago
Lobster Roll USD 21.95
Mouth Watering Lobster Tail with Cucumber topped w/ avocado and Assorted Tobiko and Chef Special Garlic Butter
OMG! USD 19.95
Tempura Fried New Zealand Oysters w/ Cucumber and Avocado, topped w/ Salmon, Ikura and Spicy Aoili

Reviews

OpenTable reviews from verified diners

Reviews from people who have dined at Sushi Zanmai.

4.2

(70)

4.2Food
4.5Service
4.1Ambience
3.7Value

Noise • Moderate

Loved For

Boulder Area
Good for groups
Boulder Area
Healthy

Review summary

AI-generated from verified diner reviews

Sushi Zanmai offers a "warm celebratory environment" with "great sushi" and traditional seating options. The sushi bar experience is praised, with favorites like "yellowtail jalapeño" and "sashimi deluxe sampler." While some service issues exist, the "delightful server" and welcoming staff enhance the overall experience.

70 Reviews

T
Tom
Denver / Colorado3 reviews
1.0
Dined on 15 October 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 4
Sushi was good the hibachi food was horrible over cooked the 45 dollar seafood hibachi dinner was so overcooked I got sick waiter was nice we never said anything but never going back again
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M
Mark Gold
San Diego49 reviews
2.0
Dined on 13 October 2026
1. Overall 2
2. Food 3
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 1
I used to love this place. Used to have the best sushi in town. Now. Meh. All the food came out at once apps soup salad and main. Quality of fish was ok. Size of fish was huge. Salad was over dressed. Miso soup standard. Shumai- 1/10. All in all I will never go back. So many other good spots for sushi in Boulder
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K
Kelsey
New Orleans / Louisiana2 reviews
5.0
Dined on 10 October 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
I’ve been coming to Sushi Zanmai since 1990 and it is consistently one of the best sushi restaurants I’ve been to anywhere. It’s where I learned to eat sushi. Maki San has created a wonderful restaurant with a warm celebratory environment. I can’t wait to return with each visit back to Boulder.
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a
amelia
Denver / Colorado5 reviews
4.0
Dined on 12 August 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 4
4. Ambience 5
Fun vibe. Delightful server. Late food. Infrequent check-ins. Always delicious. Love this place!
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C
Cameron Gold
Denver / Colorado5 reviews
5.0
Dined on 25 July 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
We are in the private dining area, super cute and not expensive!
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R
Robin Gold
Denver / Colorado1 review
1.0
Dined on 19 July 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 1
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
Sushi was terrible. The ginger tasted like salted dish soap. Had to spit it out. Way over priced!
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L
Liz Gold
New York City105 reviews
5.0
Dined on 30 June 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
This is my go-to sushi in Boulder. I love sitting at the sushi bar and watching all the great food being prepared. My go to order is the yellowtail jalapeño, and the sashimi deluxe sampler. Both are so good and I’ve never been disappointed. Looking forward to a reason to going back.
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A
Alex Gold
Nashville12 reviews
5.0
Dined on 12 June 2026
1. Overall 5
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 5
An amazing place, great sushi, and traditional seating options. Staff is welcoming, kind, and thorough in their service!
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S
Susan Gold
Chicago / Illinois15 reviews
4.0
Dined on 10 June 2026
1. Overall 4
2. Food 5
3. Service 5
4. Ambience 3
Super great sushi, atmosphere a little generic. Lovely people
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E
Eve
Denver / Colorado5 reviews
1.0
Dined on 11 May 2026
1. Overall 1
2. Food 3
3. Service 1
4. Ambience 2
I am really sad to write such a poor review of a restaurant that used to be our "go to" sushi restaurant in Boulder. To begin with, I will say that the restaurant accommodated out time change to an earlier arrival; however, they did not tell us that we would be giving up our table. When I mentioned this, they said, "Well, that's all we have and we'll let you know if anything opens up." No one ever checked in with us, apologized, etc. The food was delicious, but it took much longer than it should've; it seemed like they were preparing many to go orders. Again, instead of apologizing or recognizing this, the waiter said, "we're really backed up." Dishes piled up next to us over the course of 30 minutes. Out water was not filled up, and we were not asked if we wanted refills on our other ordered drinks. The sushi was "handed" to us by the chefs; no one told us what roll we were eating, and when we noted that we still had one more roll to fulfill our order, the waiter couldn't tell which roll was left out. I credit most of this to poor management and not treating your customers with courtesy and a desire for them to come back.
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Dining areas

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Price
$30 and under
Cuisines
Sushi, Japanese, Ramen
Hours of Operation
Mon–Thu 11:30 am–10:00 pm Fri–Sun 12:00 pm–10:00 pm
Phone number
(303) 440-0733
Website
http://www.sushizanmai.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress code
Casual Dress

Location
1221 Spruce St, Boulder, CO 80302
Area
Boulder
Cross street
Spruce between Broadway and 13th, next to the Hotel Boulderado
Parking Details
Street Parking
Public transport
Bus stops on both cross streets allow for easy access
Additional
Beer, Cocktails, Counter Seating, Dog Friendly, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Non-Smoking, Private Room, Takeaway, Vegan, Wine

FAQs

Yes, Sushi Zanmai is family-friendly: the owner describes it as providing "family friendly dining, " and guests report successful family gatherings (for example, a Christmas family event where staff helped the youngest and made the visit memorable).

For a calmer visit, aim for an afternoon lunch or a weekday, guests specifically call Sushi Zanmai a great spot for a quiet afternoon lunch, while Friday nights and event evenings (like CU event nights) run much busier.

Sushi Zanmai fills up at peak evening times and event nights, guests report Friday nights with CU events and busy weekends as especially crowded. For a quieter visit, reviewers recommend tables away from the prep counter or one of the private tatami/back rooms, and Sunday lunch visits have been noted as calmer.

Casual dress is the guide, comfortable, informal clothing is appropriate and nothing formal is expected.

Portions at Sushi Zanmai are often described as generous, guests specifically praise generous portions on sushi and lunch nigiri, with several parties leaving comfortably full.

Sushi Zanmai is open Mon–Thu 11:30 am–10:00 pm and Fri–Sun 12:00 pm–10:00 pm; the restaurant also notes a daily happy hour.

Sushi Zanmai feels like a lively, welcoming sushi spot where the sushi bar invites people-watching and conversation, while private tatami and back rooms offer a quieter alternative for meetings or small groups.

Yes, Sushi Zanmai offers intimate dining for dates, and guests report using private tatami rooms and celebrating anniversaries and special occasions there.

How FAQ content is generated

Make a booking

Sushi Zanmai

4.2

$30 and under

Sushi

Boulder

Make a booking

2 people

7 Nov 2026

7:00 pm

Booked 13 times today

Sushi Zanmai

Make a booking

Sushi Zanmai

Make a booking

About this restaurant

Dining areas

Additional information

Nigiri/ Sashimi

Sake USD 3.75

Maguro USD 3.75

Hamachi USD 3.75

Bincho USD 3.75

Ebi USD 3.75

Unagi USD 5.00

Tako USD 3.75

Masago USD 4.00

Kaibashira USD 4.25

Kani USD 5.50

Escolar USD 5.50

HotateUSD 4.50

HokkigaiUSD 3.75

IkaUSD 3.75

SabaUSD 3.75

TamagoUSD 3.25

InariUSD 3.25

UzuraUSD 3.25

Maguro TatakiUSD 4.50

BuriUSD 5.00

Sumoku SakeUSD 4.25

TobikoUSD 4.50

Wasabi Tobiko USD 4.50

IkuraUSD 6.00

AmaebiUSD 7.50

Toro

Uni

Sushi Starters

Salmon CarpaccioUSD 21.00

Yellowtail Jalapeno USD 19.00

Sashimi AppetizerUSD 20.00

Seafood Sunomono SaladUSD 12.95

TsukemonoUSD 12.00

Sashimi Combinations

Sashimi RegularUSD 34.95

Sashimi DeluxeUSD 39.95

Sushi Combinations

Combination #1USD 34.95

Combination #2USD 39.95

Veggie CombinationUSD 27.95

Chirashi Boxes

Shake Chirashi USD 29.95

Combination ChirashiUSD 34.95

UnajyuUSD 41.95

Maki Rolls

Kappa Maki USD 6.50

Avocado Maki USD 6.50

Unakyu Maki USD 7.95

Negi Hama Maki USD 7.50

Shake Maki USD 7.50

Tekka Maki USD 7.50

Ume Shiso Maki USD 7.95

Temaki (Hand Rolls)

Avocado Temaki USD 6.00

Cucumber Temaki USD 5.95

Shiso Plum Temaki USD 6.50

Natto Temaki USD 6.00

Mushroom TemakiUSD 6.00

Albacore TemakiUSD 6.50

Yellowtail Scallion Temaki USD 6.50

Spicy Yellowtail Temaki USD 6.50

Spicy Salmon TemakiUSD 6.50

Unagi Temaki USD 6.95

Spicy Tuna Poki Temaki USD 6.50

Kaibashira Temaki USD 6.50

Salmon Skin Temaki USD 6.50

Special Rolls

Tuna Poki USD 13.00

CaliforniaUSD 9.50

Salmon Avocado USD 10.50

PhiladelphiaUSD 11.00

Shrimp Tempura RollUSD 15.95