A fairly recent addition to the Denver restaurant scene, Water Grill stands out as both a special-occasion spot and a seafood destination that always hits. In addition to always-fresh oysters (and an impressive selection at that), starters, sushi, and a refreshing wine and cocktail list, there’s always something new and exciting when it comes to seasonal specials. This is the place to be for crack-open lobster and king crab legs, whole fish, and an elevated version of essentially anything that lives underwater.

The OG restaurant of Den Corner’s three, Sushi Den isn’t just a top-tier sushi restaurant with incredible ambiance; it’s one where you’ll have some of the freshest fish you’ll taste in Denver. Owner Toshi flies in sushi-grade fish daily from the waters of Japan, meaning a hand roll here is likely the best you’ll have in the city. Enjoy a la carte selections, signature rolls, appetizers like grilled kama or seared gyoza, or shareable sushi platters for the whole group.

The name isn’t just a cute marketing tool: Everything about this place is truly Maine-centric, from the owner himself to the lobster regularly shipped in, straight from Maine’s rocky shores. Owner Drew Ryan missed New England seafood so much he took the leap in starting his own restaurant—now, it’s the go-to spot for a hot, buttery lobster however you like it: on a toasted bun, swimming in mac and cheese, or chilled, picked meat, no frills. Not a lobster fan? There’s plenty of “Fried Stuff” and fish sandwiches available, too.

Around the corner from other Cherry Creek Staples like Quality Italian and Forget Me Not, Blue Island retains the seafood title for the busy shopping district. Great for a drink at the bar and some oysters on the half shell or a full-on meal, the freshness and flavor here keeps it a locals’ (and visitors’) favorite. Find starters like peel & eat shrimp and Spanish octopus, mains like "Thai Style" fish and Chilean sea bass, and “Blue Island Classics” like fish and chips with tartar, shoestring fries, and house slaw.

A well-known name in the seafood biz around Denver, Jax has a clean, simple vibe and a similar take on its menu offerings no matter which of its locations you’re at. While the unique draw here is Jax’s own Emersum Oyster developed out of Virginia, you can also find standard fare across the board. Order steamed mussels with your choice of Chardonnay garlic or Thai curry sauce, shareable raw bar platters, an array of caviar plates, and rotating seasonal entrees a la Maine lobster rolls and seared New England sea scallops.

Fish N Beer is RiNo’s claim to seafood fame, offering guests a more casual place to slurp oysters and dig into scallops diavlo. Sitting at the bar means getting a firsthand look into the kitchen, where the clam and andouille sausage chowder is mixed, the Scottish salmon is grilled, and the rock fish is stuffed and baked. The happy hour deals and beer list are added bonuses.