Rice Monkey
A vibrant downtown Durango eatery offering creative sushi rolls and authentic Asian bowls with fresh ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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From TikTok & Reddit
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Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Rice Monkey
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant downtown Durango eatery offering creative sushi rolls and authentic Asian bowls with fresh ingredients and a cozy atmosphere.
"This tiny restaurant delivers big on flavor and quality; it's the kind of spot you almost want to keep secret!"
Reservations Recommended
Due to limited seating, consider making a reservation or be prepared for a potential wait.
Try Unique Dishes
Explore the menu for adventurous options like Tako Tiradito, a fresh octopus sashimi.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Asian Fusion
Price
Mid-range
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Creative Sushi Rolls
Experience sushi with a twist, featuring inventive rolls like the popular Funky Monkey and Red Phoenix.
Flavorful Beef Pho
Indulge in a rich and savory beef pho, a Vietnamese specialty prepared with a stock that takes a full day to make.
Cozy Downtown Atmosphere
Enjoy a warm and intimate dining experience in this popular, small spot located in the heart of downtown Durango.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reservations Recommended
Due to limited seating, consider making a reservation or be prepared for a potential wait.
Try Unique Dishes
Explore the menu for adventurous options like Tako Tiradito, a fresh octopus sashimi.
Visit Off-Peak
To avoid crowds, try visiting during non-busy hours for a more relaxed dining experience.
Gluten-Free Options
Dining gluten-free is stress-free with knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the menu.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reservations Recommended
Due to limited seating, consider making a reservation or be prepared for a potential wait.
Try Unique Dishes
Explore the menu for adventurous options like Tako Tiradito, a fresh octopus sashimi.
Visit Off-Peak
To avoid crowds, try visiting during non-busy hours for a more relaxed dining experience.
Gluten-Free Options
Dining gluten-free is stress-free with knowledgeable staff who can guide you through the menu.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Rice Monkey is highly praised as a 'hidden gem' in Durango, celebrated for its exceptionally fresh and flavorful sushi and authentic Asian dishes like pho. Diners rave about creative rolls and the quality of ingredients, noting the cozy, intimate atmosphere. While the small size is a common observation, it contributes to the charm and attentive service, making it a highly recommended spot despite potential waits.
"Sushi in Colorado is nearly always a bad idea. This place is the exception. Sushi chefs have been very creative with the quality fish they use.
Highly recommend.
Not much seating in the small dining area but great meal and service"
Eric Shabe
"Hidden gem! This tiny restaurant may have only a few tables, but it delivers big on flavor and quality. Every dish we tried was incredibly fresh, thoughtfully prepared, and absolutely delicious. The cozy, intimate atmosphere adds to its charm, and the attention to detail in both the food and service makes it clear this place is run with care and passion. It’s the kind of spot you almost want to keep secret—but it deserves all the praise. A must-visit for anyone who loves discovering truly special places to eat."
Helen
"Stopped in for dinner here with my son. He loves sushi and was very excited to try a new place. He ordered the Dragon roll and we also ordered the Lime Twist at the recommendation of the waiter. Both rolls were delicious. I ended up preferring the Dragon and my son the Lime Twist, so that worked out really well. I also ordered the Bang Bang Shrimp and I'm glad I did, as it was outstanding.
We were a bit surprised when we entered that the restaurant is very compact. There is a counter along the window side, 3 tables with a long bench along the wall and two stools on the aisle of each of those tables (so 3 cozy 4-tops), and a couple seats at the bar with very high stools. There is some outdoor seating as well. Luckily we were able to snag the 2 counter seats, and we could watch the staff at work. They were amazingly quick and efficient in the tiny kitchen, despite the amount of staff crammed in there. They obviously are very experienced working together, and were very professional. Because it was so busy when we arrived, we did have to wait a bit to get our food, but it certainly wasn't because anyone was slacking. They were in constant motion, but still polite. They even took the time to chat when they had a moment to do so. The prices were comparable to other sushi places we go to for this quality. Yes, it's small and can be crowded, but it's popularity is well deserved. My son wants to return to try their pho. From what we saw of the size of the servings, we will probably have to split a bowl!"
Deidre Jones
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Signature dishes include creative sushi rolls like the Funky Monkey and Red Phoenix, as well as flavorful Beef Pho.
Yes, dining gluten-free is stress-free here, and the waiter is very knowledgeable about accommodations.
It's recommended to make a reservation or be prepared to wait, as the restaurant has limited seating.
The restaurant has a cozy, intimate, and casual atmosphere, described as a small and popular spot in downtown Durango.
Yes, Rice Monkey is popular for both dine-in and takeout orders, with staff constantly hustling to serve both.
Popular items include the Funky Monkey roll, Red Phoenix roll, Fried Pork Rolls, and the Beef Pho.
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Featured in these publications
The 15 Best Restaurants In Durango, Colorado - Durango
The argument against sushi in land-locked towns is obsolete, and Rice Monkeys reaffirms this—they serve fish as fresh as what you’d find in a town right on the water. Located in a tiny corner space on Main Avenue, it’d be easy to walk right past the restaurant. Inside, the staff is warm and constantly hustling as they serve in-house diners and a revolving door of takeout orders.
4 Restaurants You Have to Try
Rice Monkeys is a creative Asian restaurant dedicated to taking a fresh approach to a variety of Asian dishes. The casual setting inside the restaurant is ideal for a comfortable chat with friends or for taking a moment to treat yourself to your favorite dish. The chefs on staff have served at restaurants around the country, and their experience goes into every meal they make—there's a good reason this is one of the most popular restaurants in Durango!
How (and Where) to Dine like a Local in Durango
If I’m hosting a get-together at my home, I stock up with shareables from Main Avenue’s Rice Monkeys. The Beef Pho with all the fixins’ is to die for, as are the Fried Pork Rolls with sweet chili sauce. If I plan to eat at the restaurant, a small, eclectic space always packed with diners, I make a point to order the Tako Tiradito, fresh octopus sashimi with Japanese citrus, chile oil, lime oil, Sriracha, cilantro and Hawaiian salt.
Durango Restaurant Directory
At Rice Monkeys we have a fresh approach to Asian cuisine by providing healthy, creative and delicious Asian food in a fast friendly environment. Our mission is to bring inspiring food to our guests in a setting which is comfortable and casual. Our team has worked in some of the best kitchens from around the country and strives to provide a dining experience which is both restorative and enjoyable.
Best Restaurants in Durango, Colorado
With a very diverse and wide range of customers throughout the durango area, local chefs have developed their individualism and talent, focusing on varying aspects such as organic foods and unique takes on traditional meals. Check Out More Restaurants In Durango
15 Best Restaurants in Durango, CO for 2024 (Top Eats!)
1050 Main AveDurango, CO 81301(970) 403-3852 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Located in the heart of the city, this is where to eat in Durango if you’re looking for authentic Asian dishes to satisfy your palate.
Durango is home to an array of fantastic restaurants and is a foodie paradise!
Check out Rice Monkey in the 1000 block of Main, offering creative and delicious Asian food. Looking for a sit-down casual meal?. Try China Café located just before the train bridge.
A world of noodles - The
Dung Tran, chef and co-owner of Rice Monkeys Rolls & Bowls, ladles a bowl of Pho, the Vietnamese specialty made of beef stock, brisket and herbs. The stock takes a day to make.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit