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KazuNori Hand Roll Bar

120 Broadway, Suite 104, Santa Monica, CA 90401
$
Sushi Rolls

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Master Critic Review

KazuNori Hand Roll Bar 8.2
Downtown Santa Monica
The original hand roll bar serves crispy nori wrapped around warm rice and pristine fish in a counter-service format that's both efficient and delicious. Sets of 3-5 handrolls arrive in perfect sequence, ensuring each bite maintains optimal temperature and texture.
Must-Try Dishes: Blue Crab Handroll, Salmon Skin Roll, Spicy Tuna Set
Scores:
Value: 9 Service: 8 Consistency: 8.9 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 6.8 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Revolutionary hand roll format with perfect nori-to-rice ratio
Who should go: Solo diners and quick lunch seekers
When to visit: Off-peak hours to avoid lines
What to order: 5-roll set, salmon, yellowtail, crab
Insider tip: Eat immediately - handrolls wait for no one
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only - expect to circle for 5-10 min, consider the public garage on 2nd Street ($2/hour)
Dress code: Come as you are - beach casual to business lunch all work at the counter
Noise level: Moderate buzz - counter seating makes conversation easy with your neighbor
Weekend wait: 15-30 min typical, no reservations taken - counter turns quickly
Weekday lunch: 5-15 min during 12-1pm rush, walk right in before noon
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - cucumber and avocado rolls, inari available
Vegan options: Very limited - cucumber roll only, better options elsewhere
Gluten-free options: No - soy sauce essential to experience, no tamari option
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - counter seating means sitting side-by-side, meal lasts only 20 minutes. Better for established couples who appreciate food over ambiance
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed or accepted - it's first-come counter seating only. Show up, put your name down, wait gets texted when ready
Is it kid-friendly? Not really - counter seating requires kids who can sit still, no kids menu, handrolls must be eaten immediately. Better for teens who like sushi
Best For
Better for: Purist handroll experience with better nori quality than Sugarfish, faster service than traditional sushi bars, and more affordable than omakase
Skip if: You want a leisurely meal, need extensive cooked options, prefer rolls you can share, or want sake/full bar service