Bonanno Concepts has opened Rōmyō, Denver's first dedicated itameshi restaurant, on Larimer Square. The restaurant represents a permanent iteration of the Denver restaurant group's popular annual pop-up, which has run at sister restaurant Luca since the group's founding 25 years ago. Itameshi—a fusion of Japanese and Italian cuisines—informs every dish on the menu. Offerings include Chicken Katsu alla Piccata, 'Nduja Dumplings, Udon Carbonara, Cacio e Pepe Ramen, Parma Prosciutto Roll, and Chitarra alla Sake, alongside chawanmushi reimagined through an Italian lens. The kitchen ages its own soy sauce in whiskey barrels in collaboration with Leopold Bros. and serves a Leopold Bros. Colorado peach vinegar as a dipping sauce for dumplings. Executive Chef Johnny Rodriguez and General Manager Tyler Bray oversee operations. Desserts include a trio of kakigōri—Japanese shaved ice—preparations. The dining room features design elements by co-owner Jacqueline Bonanno, including a nine-foot-tall giraffe that holds a chandelier above the host stand and a roving kakigōri cart arriving from FinArt Denver. Rōmyō draws culinary influences from across the Bonanno Concepts portfolio, including the broths of Bones, the Japanese-inspired techniques of Mizuna, the pastas and pizzas of Luca, the Asian comfort food of Dumplin', and the Italian spirit of Osteria Marco—a longtime Larimer Square neighbor. The opening coincides with Mizuna's 25th anniversary. The restaurant serves dinner seven nights a week and lunch Friday through Sunday. Reservations are available through OpenTable and the restaurant's website.
Why It Matters
The opening reflects how established restaurant groups are converting successful limited-run concepts into permanent venues, reducing operational complexity while capitalizing on proven demand. For Denver operators, Rōmyō's cross-cuisine positioning illustrates continued market appetite for sophisticated fusion dining beyond traditional category boundaries.
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Written by FBM Publications Editors
