Review: KazuNori, the first hand roll bar

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Photo credit: Liz Haltrecht

Pictured above is the salmon roll. This is one of the many menu items offered at KazuNori.

Los Angeles is an incredibly diverse city filled with countless restaurants, and one of the most popular types of food is sushi. With so much competition, it can be challenging for Japanese eateries to stand out. However, if you’re looking for a sushi restaurant that is simple and holds a focus on hand rolls, you are in luck.

KazuNori is a restaurant owned by Sushi Nozawa, a private restaurant group. Founded by KazuNori Nozawa and Jerry Greenberg, the group was created by the masterminds behind some of the most popular and successful Japanese restaurants such as Nobu and Sugarfish.

KazuNori is the first restaurant of its kind — a hand roll bar. The restaurant only offers hand rolls and sashimi. Although customers can order as many rolls as they want, I find three or four to be a substantial and filling amount for myself.

Although all of the menu items are inviting, my favorite rolls are the yellowtail and salmon. I also recommend the iced green tea, as it is refreshing and goes well with any type of sushi. If you are looking for a simple and tasty meal, KazuNori is the place to go.

A wall with the word “Hand Roll Bar” printed across it. The wall is the first thing customers see upon entering the restaurant.

The sleek wood and the dark coloring of the walls creates an overall trendy yet professional ambiance. The long line draws customers into the restaurant— it makes onlookers curious as to what people are waiting for. Simply put, it creates a hype, and once you try KazuNori for yourself, you will see that the restaurant is absolutely worth the excitement. Inside, the modern restaurant features a square bar with stools.

The restaurant has two locations— one in Downtown Los Angeles and one in Westwood. According to their websiteKazuNori is planning on expanding to New York. Both locations are open every day. For Westwood hours click here, and for Downtown hours click here.

Make sure to go at a less busy time, as the restaurant does not take reservations.

  • Service
  • Review
  • Ambiance
  • Diversity of Menu Options
4.3

Summary

KazuNori is the first hand bar roll. KazuNori serves sushi rolls and sashimi. The restaurant has two locations in Los Angeles, Downtown and Westwood.