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KazuNori | Studio City
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
KazuNori | Studio City
8.3
The Original Hand Roll Bar specializes exclusively in fresh-made hand rolls with crispy nori and warm rice, served immediately from the bar. Sister concept to Sugarfish delivers pristine fish in cylindrical hand roll form with counter-only seating and no traditional cut rolls.
Must-Try Dishes:
Yellowtail Hand Roll, Scallop Hand Roll, Lobster Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: First hand roll-only bar with immediate counter service and pristine Nozawa-style fish
Who should go: Hand roll purists and quick quality-sushi seekers
When to visit: Early arrival best; counter seating opens randomly
What to order: 6-roll set menu, yellowtail, substitute any roll
Insider tip: Small hand rolls mean order more than expected; excellent crispy nori
KazuNori | Studio City
8.2
The Original Hand Roll Bar from the Sushi Nozawa Group opened in Studio City in 2022, specializing exclusively in fresh hand rolls made-to-order. Crispy nori, warm rice, and premium fish served at a counter-style bar with efficient turnover.
Must-Try Dishes:
Albacore Fried Onion Roll, Blue Crab Hand Roll, Toro Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Pioneering hand roll-only concept from legendary sushi master Kazunori Nozawa
Who should go: Sushi purists wanting fresh hand rolls without wait
When to visit: Weekday early dinners move fastest, open until 11pm
What to order: Set menus (4 or 6 rolls), albacore, lobster hand rolls
Insider tip: Eat hand rolls immediately while nori is crispy—they're designed for instant consumption
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free lot behind building (small, fills fast), street parking on Ventura Blvd after 6pm, paid lot across street $5-8
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - jeans and sneakers perfectly fine, common to see post-work office attire
Noise level: Moderate to lively - counter seating means proximity to neighbors, can hold conversation but not intimate
Weekend wait: 30-45 min peak hours (7-9pm), counter turnover is quick so moves faster than typical restaurants
Weekday lunch: Minimal to no wait, in and out in 20-25 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - cucumber and avocado hand rolls only, not designed for vegetarians
Vegan options: No - even veggie rolls contain traditional sushi rice seasoning, not a vegan-friendly concept
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications - can request tamari instead of soy sauce, but cross-contamination risk at shared prep counter
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd-3rd dates - counter seating means sitting side-by-side rather than face-to-face, quick turnover creates time pressure, but the casual vibe and interactive watching-the-chefs element works if you both love sushi
Can I get a table without a reservation? No tables - it's counter-only seating. Walk-ins accepted but expect 20-45 min wait on weekends. Best bet: arrive right at opening (5pm) or after 9pm, or book via Resy
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for sushi-loving kids 8+ who can sit still at a counter for 20-30 minutes. Fast service helps. Not ideal for toddlers - no high chairs, counter seating only, and you're ordering for everyone at once
How long does a meal take? 20-30 minutes total - this is fast-casual sushi. Rolls come out rapid-fire as they're made. Perfect for a quick quality dinner but not a lingering experience
Do I need to know sushi etiquette? No - this is intentionally casual. Eat with your hands (encouraged), no pressure on chopstick technique, staff is friendly and approachable. More accessible than traditional sushi bars
Best For
Better for: Speed + quality combo - when you want legitimate high-end sushi without the 2-hour omakase commitment or $200 price tag. Best hand roll nori crispness in LA. Solo dining at the counter. Quick weeknight dinner that still feels special
Skip if: You want a long leisurely meal, need extensive menu options beyond hand rolls, want face-to-face date seating, require vegetarian/vegan options, or prefer traditional nigiri/sashimi over hand rolls. For full Nozawa experience, go to Sugarfish instead
KazuNori | Studio City
8.1
The Original Hand Roll Bar revolutionized LA sushi with just-made hand rolls featuring crispy nori, warm rice, and pristine fish. This Sushi Nozawa Group concept focuses exclusively on Edomae-style hand rolls, served immediately at a communal square bar with no-reservation seating.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro Hand Roll, Yellowtail Eel Hand Roll, Blue and Dungeness Crab Hand Roll
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: First restaurant dedicated solely to premium hand rolls in LA
Who should go: Hand roll enthusiasts wanting fresh-made precision in casual setting
When to visit: Arrive early for shorter waits; peak times extremely busy
What to order: Six-piece set, add toro and albacore sashimi
Insider tip: 16% service fee included; it's a no-tipping establishment