Denver's five best expense-account restaurants

Mark Manger

Fruition, 1313 East Sixth Avenue
We realize that you're frequently using the business tab to woo a big client, a member of the board or a potential investor, and the temptation is understandably strong to head to the showiest -- and priciest -- place in town. But trust us, your refined palate and exquisite taste in venue is infinitely more impressive to a VIP -- which means you should consider Fruition, which I review this week. The atmosphere is unpretentious and the staff is unobtrusive, so you'll have a good shot at really engaging your target in conversation, forging a better connection than one based on the bottom line. It helps, too, that the food is always perfect, made from some of the finest ingredients you can find locally, which gives your guest of honor a great taste of what this town has to offer outside of the corporate world of downtown.

Jim Wills

1. Sushi Sasa, 2401 15th Street
When Wayne Conwell opened Sushi Sasa between LoDo and LoHi, he brought sushi in this land-locked town to a new level: Using impeccably sourced fish, the chef creates inventive dishes that bend the definition of this type of cuisine without straying into fusion. Sleek and modern, the space, like the food, is impressive but not ostentatious, and it can accommodate groups or private conversations for lunch or dinner. And as you enjoy the food and your evening your tab will definitely mount -- which makes this a very good bill to have the company pick up. That's why Sushi Sasa landed our Best Expense-Account Dinner award in the Best of Denver 2012.

Know of another great spot? Tell us about it below.

More Best of Denver® 2012 Lists:

- Denver's ten best new restaurants

- Denver's five best seafood restaurants

- Denver's ten best Italian restaurants

- Denver's five best Japanese restaurants

- Denver's five best ice cream parlors

- Denver's ten best restaurant patios

- Denver's five best Thai restaurants

All of these lists are also available on our Best of app; see it in action at http://bestof.voiceplaces.com/denver-boulder.