Koko Ni
Day 2: 5-Course Farm-Driven Omakase Tasting Series
Opened in June of 2021 - and then reopened after its move this past November - this omakase eatery in the heart of RiNo offers a fascinating fusion of Japanese and French cuisines, featuring local seasonal ingredients and sustainable American seafood. It’s a culinary event for the Mile-High City as its founding chef, Paul Qui, WON the James Beard “Best Chef: Southwest” Award and was the winner of Top Chef Season 11. Thrillist named Koko Ni to its 2023 List of “Best Denver Restaurants,” and no surprise, with one-of-a-kind dishes like local wagyu with squid emulsion, fish caramel, and pickled ramps, scallops with smoked olive oil, umami salt, smoked garlic greens, and lemon, and “ice cream,” with albino caviar, crema ice cream, and spinach cornet. “Koko Ni focuses on simplicity and lets each dish shine on its own while working cohesively to create a thoughtful, intentional tasting experience,” raves 303 Magazine, and so we are very excited to visit here. See you there!
About the Host:

James Gnizak
Chef de Cuisine
With over 15 years in the Food and Hospitality industry under his belt, Chef James Gnizak has worked at some of the best restaurants in Denver, including spots like Rioja, Mercantile and La Fillette. His craft is deeply influenced by his connection to farms and agriculture, making him a natural fit at Koko Ni.
The Lineup
All courses will be individually plated. For this event’s dietary restriction accommodation policy, see the Event FAQs below.
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Chips & Dip (& Caviar)
truffle cauliflower puree, sweet potato, pickle
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A Bouquet for Our Farmers
bitter & spicy leaves, parmesan, granola, pickled beet, honey mustard
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American Yellowtail Sashimi
tomato ponzu, horseradish, spicy greens, truffle
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Spaghetti alla Chittarra
tom kha braised greens, poached lobster
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Coconut Milk Panna Cotta
peach-yuzu curd, matcha streusel
Koko Ni
1441 26th St
Denver, CO 80205
Event FAQs
- Do I have to bring printed tickets to the event?
- No tickets are needed.
- What does the ticket price cover?
- The ticket price covers the full cost of the meal.
- Do guests need to be of a certain age to attend this event?
- Yes. All attendees must be 21+ to gain entry.
- Does this restaurant allow BYOB?
- No. This restaurant is a non-BYO establishment. Outside alcohol will not be permitted at this event.
- What must I bring to the event?
- Please make sure to bring a government-issued photo ID.
- Can I bring guests/non-members to this event?
- Yep! For this event, guest tickets are $90 + tax & tip, and you can bring up to 3 guests. Please note, guests are not allowed to attend unaccompanied by a member.
- What dietary restrictions/food allergies can be accommodated at this event?
- At this event we will be able to accommodate all dietary restrictions and food allergies except for those with garlic or allium allergies. Just make sure to update your dietary restrictions within your Account Info before or after you purchase tickets, or email us at support@tastingcollective.com after you purchase tickets to let us know what your allergies/restrictions are so we can give the chef a heads up.
- What is the event ticket cancellation/refund policy?
- Restaurants purchase the food for our events 14 days before the event date, at which point we are on the hook for the cost of your ticket. As such, we are not able to offer refunds (or credits towards future events) for any cancellation requests submitted within 14 days of the event date. We will, however, issue full refunds for all cancellation requests submitted at least 14 days before the event date. All cancellation requests must be submitted via email to support@tastingcollective.com.
- Will this event be handicap acccessible?
- According to the restaurant, this event is handicap accessible. If applicable however, please email support@tastingcollective.com with your needs to ensure proper accommodations.
- What parking information has the restaurant provided for this event?
- According to the restaurant, there is nearby street parking available. Availability may be low however, so please plan accordingly.