The 7,800-square-foot Matsuhisa Denver restaurant, crafted by local firm Rowland+Broughton (R+B), has opened in Denver’s Cherry Creek neighborhood. The restaurant’s style embodies a unique blend of Colorado-inspired designs and traditional Japanese culture to honor executive chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Owner Nobuko Kang’s recollection of life in Tokyo also influenced the design process, led by R+B principals John Rowland and Sarah Broughton.
“Our teams in Denver and Aspen combined their knowledge, skills, and spirit to create a design that addresses every detail of the restaurant operation, unites the sensibilities of Colorado and Japan, and showcases chef Matsuhisa’s remarkable cuisine,” says Broughton.
Elements include a muted color palette to complement food presentation, custom layered wooden window screens, and reclaimed Indonesian teak for the walls, ceilings, bar, and millwork. A sliding teak partition wall features resin panels with impressed prayer paper trimmings from Himalayan monks. Leathered Sandalwood sandstone from Colorado’s Western Slope graces the backbar wall and a custom-designed Zen garden features a rock fountain inspired by Japanese artist Masatoshi Izumi.
Situated within the multifunctional Steele Creek development, the restaurant is Matsuhisa’s third in Colorado, following Matsuhisa Aspen and Matsuhisa Vail.
