Kazunori

Classic and Basic Hand Rolls

We love keeping things basic - in the best way. There’s just something so satisfying about simple food done really well. So of course, we had to check out KazuNori, a place that focuses entirely on that concept.

From the name alone, it feels legit. And honestly, it is. The restaurant is proudly known as “The Original Hand Roll Bar,” and it truly lives up to that title. It’s always busy, and they don’t take reservations or waitlists - so yes, expect a line. But to our surprise, the turnover was quick. We got seated in under 15 minutes, which felt like a miracle given how packed it looked from the outside.

Once you’re inside, the setup is simple and efficient. There’s only bar-style seating, which allows the chefs to prepare each roll fresh and hand it directly to you over the counter - one by one. That format makes the whole experience feel a bit more intentional and intimate, even though it’s clearly built for speed.

We opted for the most classic and popular option: the 6-piece set menu, which gave us a great variety of rolls in one go. It’s also probably the best introduction for anyone trying KazuNori for the first time.

Before the food came out, we ordered a sparkling water, and this was an unexpected highlight. Instead of getting a can or bottle of some generic brand, they served us what seemed to be house-carbonated water in a glass bottle. We suspect they add the carbonation themselves, which makes it feel more intentional - and the gas level? Honestly perfect. Sometimes sparkling water can taste a bit flat, but this one had a clean taste and satisfying fizz. We were oddly impressed.

---

6-Course Set (May Vary Depending on the Day)

As promised, each hand roll was made fresh in front of us and passed directly across the bar. The chef worked with quiet focus, and watching the process was actually kind of soothing. Each roll was handed to us one by one, allowing time to savor each piece while it’s still warm and crisp.

• Toro (Fatty Tuna)
  Melt-in-your-mouth texture with a clean flavor. Rich, but not overpowering — just buttery and balanced.

• Yellowtail with Scallion
  So fresh. The sharpness of scallion cut through the fatty fish in a refreshing way. One of the lightest rolls, and one of our top picks.

• Salmon
  Simple and classic. The salmon was tender and cool against the warm rice. A great example of how minimal seasoning can still lead to maximum flavor.

• Bay Scallop
  Creamy and slightly sweet. The texture was smooth and a bit luxurious, offering a nice contrast to the crisp nori.

• Crab
  Very fresh and flaky. You could really taste the natural sweetness of the crab meat — nothing overly dressed or masked. Loved this one.

• Lobster
  The final roll of the set, and a strong finish. Slightly warm, meaty, and lightly seasoned with a dash of yuzu or citrus salt (we think). A nice way to end the meal.

The overall balance of the course was impressive. Every roll had its own texture and character, but they all felt part of a cohesive experience. Most importantly, the nori (seaweed wrap) stayed crispy throughout. That detail alone made each bite deeply satisfying — especially when paired with the seasoned warm rice and fresh toppings.

---

Small but Thoughtful: Their Restroom Detail

One thing we really appreciated was the thoughtful touch in the restroom. KazuNori provides two types of hand soap — one unscented (for before you eat) and one scented (for after your meal).

This might seem like a small thing, but if you’ve eaten hand rolls the proper way — with your hands — you’ll know how strong soap scents can interfere with the flavor of delicate fish. Having an unscented option shows how much they care about the integrity of the food experience from start to finish.

---

Our Top Picks?

We both agreed that our favorites were the Toro and Yellowtail with Scallion rolls. They were the simplest in terms of seasoning, which really allowed the quality of the fish and rice to shine. The Toro, in particular, was silky and indulgent without being heavy, and the Yellowtail had a refreshing brightness that kept us wanting more.

We were pleasantly full after the 6-piece course, though we did see quite a few diners ordering extras — especially a second Toro or Lobster. Honestly, if we had a bit more room, we might have done the same.

---

Seating and Vibe

The bar-style seating makes this place really solo-diner friendly. You can come alone, sit at the counter, enjoy your rolls in peace, and be out within 30 minutes. That said, if you come as a pair or small group, it can still work — just know you’ll be seated side by side, not across from each other. It’s less of a chatty catch-up space and more of a focused food experience.

The restaurant is clean, minimalist, and efficient. You get the sense that every part of the operation is built around maximizing freshness and turnover — but somehow, it doesn’t feel rushed or impersonal.

---

Final Thoughts: Should You Go?

If you’re a fan of clean, simple sushi made with high-quality ingredients, KazuNori is a must-visit. The 6-piece set runs around $28–$30, which feels more than fair for the quality you’re getting - especially in NYC. Also, there’s no tipping, which is pretty rare and refreshing these days.

This is the kind of place you could visit regularly without getting tired of it. It’s quick, affordable, and most importantly, consistently good. As people who love the basics done right, we’ll definitely be coming back again soon - maybe even just for a quick 3-piece set and a sparkling water next time.