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KazuNori
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
KazuNori
8.3
The Original Hand Roll Bar from the Sushi Nozawa Group offers a streamlined counter experience where crispy nori meets warm rice in perfectly timed succession. Each hand roll is crafted and passed directly from chef to guest within seconds for optimal texture contrast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro Hand Roll, Blue Crab Hand Roll, The Sexy Set
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: First hand roll-only concept in the US with signature warm rice
Who should go: Busy professionals needing quality quick lunch
When to visit: 11:45 AM to beat the lunch rush
What to order: 6-piece set menu, add toro if available
Insider tip: No reservations but turnover is fast at lunch
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking with meters ($2/hr, 2hr limit), paid lots within 2 blocks ($8-15)
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, popular with office workers to beachgoers
Noise level: Moderate-high - counter seating creates buzzy atmosphere, fine for casual conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, no reservations accepted
Weekday lunch: 5-15 min between 11:45am-1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - cucumber and avocado rolls only
Vegan options: No - all rolls contain either fish or use non-vegan sauces
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications - request no soy sauce, tamari available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - counter seating means sitting side-by-side, meal is over in 20 minutes. Better for established couples wanting quick quality bite.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken at all - it's first come, first served counter seating only. Come at opening or after 1:30pm for minimal wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly - no kids menu, counter seating only, raw fish focus. Better for kids 10+ who like sushi.
Best For
Better for: Speed and consistency over traditional sushi bars - perfect hand rolls in 15 minutes vs 90-minute omakase
Skip if: You want variety, cooked options, or leisurely dining - this is laser-focused on hand rolls eaten immediately
KazuNori
7.9
Nozawa's hand roll bar serves pristine temaki in rapid succession at the 24-seat counter, delivering warm rice and cold fish in perfect harmony. The streamlined menu and efficient service make this the city's premier destination for traditional hand rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue Crab Hand Roll, Toro Hand Roll, The Classic Set
Scores:
Value: 8.3
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 6.9
Cultural Relevance: 7.1
What makes it special: Original hand roll bar concept from sushi legend
Who should go: Solo diners and hand roll purists
When to visit: Off-peak hours to avoid lines
What to order: The Classic Set with blue crab addition
Insider tip: Eat each roll within 30 seconds of serving
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking $2/hour, nearby public garages $3-10, weekends easier
Dress code: Ultra casual - come as you are, beachwear acceptable
Noise level: Moderate buzz - counter conversations easy, energetic atmosphere
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min during rush, minimal wait after 2pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cucumber and avocado rolls, inari options
Vegan options: Very limited - cucumber roll only, not ideal for vegans
Gluten-free options: No - soy sauce integral to preparation, no substitutions
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - counter seating only, fast-paced eating leaves little room for conversation, better for established couples who love sushi
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - first come, first served only. Best strategy is arriving at opening or mid-afternoon lull
Is it kid-friendly? Not recommended for young children - counter seating only, no kids menu, fast service pace, better for teens who like sushi
Best For
Better for: Superior hand roll technique and rice temperature control compared to Sugarfish, more affordable than traditional omakase, faster service than sit-down sushi bars
Skip if: You want variety beyond hand rolls, prefer leisurely dining, need extensive cooked options, or want nigiri/sashimi selections
KazuNori
8.8
The original hand roll bar delivers pristine temaki at lightning speed with their signature warm rice and crisp nori. This Michelin-recognized concept from the Sugarfish team perfected the art of minimalist hand rolls with a focused menu and counter-only seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro Hand Roll, Blue Crab Roll, Salmon with Cucumber
Scores:
Value: 9.2
Service: 8.7
Consistency: 9.3
Food Quality: 9.1
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: First dedicated hand roll bar concept in Los Angeles
Who should go: Lunch crowd seeking quality without the wait
When to visit: Weekday lunch before noon beats crowds
What to order: The Set with all six signature rolls, salmon trio
Insider tip: Private bar experience available for groups of 7-12
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking scarce, nearby public lots $10-15, 2hr meters on side streets
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, counter seating makes anything work
Noise level: Moderate buzz - counter conversations audible but manageable
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: 5-15 min if before noon, 20-30 min peak lunch
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cucumber and avocado rolls available
Vegan options: Very limited - cucumber roll only, no vegan mayo options
Gluten-free options: Challenging - tamari available but cross-contamination likely
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual lunch dates - counter seating creates intimate side-by-side dynamic, quick service keeps things light, under $30/person
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - it's first-come first-served counter seating only. Best strategy is arriving right at opening or mid-afternoon lull
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids - counter-only seating with no high chairs, limited menu options, expect quick turnover. Better for teens who like sushi
Best For
Better for: Speed and consistency - get Sugarfish quality in 15 minutes vs 90-minute omakase elsewhere
Skip if: You want variety or cooked options - only 6 hand roll choices, no tempura or teriyaki alternatives
KazuNori
8.4
The original hand roll bar from the Sugarfish team specializes in perfectly crispy nori wrapped around warm rice and pristine fish. Counter seating lets you watch chefs craft each hand roll to order, creating engaging Instagram stories while the minimalist aesthetic provides clean backgrounds for food photography.
Must-Try Dishes:
Blue Crab Hand Roll, Toro Hand Roll, Lobster Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 9
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: First restaurant dedicated solely to hand rolls with 52K Instagram followers
Who should go: Hand roll purists and quick lunch seekers
When to visit: Weekday lunch avoids weekend crowds
What to order: Blue crab, toro, salmon set menu
Insider tip: Sit at the bar to watch roll-making action
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking with meters ($2-3/hour) or public garage 2 blocks away ($5 flat rate after 6pm)
Dress code: Casual - anything goes from workout clothes to business casual
Noise level: Moderate buzz - counter seating creates lively but manageable atmosphere
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, no reservations taken
Weekday lunch: 5-15 min max, often immediate seating
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cucumber, avocado, and shiitake mushroom rolls available
Vegan options: Limited - veggie rolls without mayo modification possible
Gluten-free options: No - hand rolls require nori wrapping, soy sauce contains gluten
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes if casual - counter seating creates natural conversation starter watching rolls being made, but not intimate
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations accepted - it's first-come counter seating only, arrive before 6pm or after 8pm for shorter waits
Is it kid-friendly? Better for kids 8+ who can handle hand rolls - no high chairs, limited menu flexibility, counter seating only
Best For
Better for: Hand roll perfection with crispy nori and faster service than Sugarfish - ideal when you want quality without the full omakase commitment
Skip if: You want variety beyond hand rolls, need large group seating, or prefer traditional sushi rolls and sashimi options