Classic and Basic Hand Rolls
We love keeping things basic — in the best way. So of course, we had to check out KazuNori, a spot that really showcases the essence of a good hand roll. From the name alone, it feels legit. And honestly, it lives up to the title of being “The Original Hand Roll Bar.” There’s always a line, and they don’t take waitlists — but thanks to the fast turnover, the wait wasn’t bad at all. We got in and seated pretty quickly! We went with the most classic and popular choice: the 6-piece set. Each hand roll is made fresh by the chef right in front of you, and handed over one at a time.
If you order sparkling water, they give you the whole bottle of sparking water. It seems like they put the gas by themselves. We were satisfied with the gas level. Sometimes, it taste weird if there are not enough of gas.
6 Course (may vary depending on when you go)
*Toro (Fatty Tuna)
*Yellowtail with Scallion
*Salmon
*Bay Scallop
*Crab
*Lobster
Everything was spot on — perfect rice temperature and seasoning, super fresh fish, and that crispy nori wrap that makes each bite satisfying.
And we love their simple details in their restroom. They have two types of hand soap, one for unscented (before eating) and another for scented (after eating). Strong scented soap can mess up the hand roll’s scent and flavor when we grab hand rolls with our hand.
Our top picks?
Definitely the Toro and Yellowtail — simple, clean, and really let the ingredients shine.
The portion size felt just right. We were full by the end, though we noticed a lot of people ordering extras — totally get it.
The seating is bar-style only, so it’s really solo-diner friendly. We saw quite a few people eating alone. That said, if you come with a group of two or more, seating might feel a bit awkward since everyone’s lined up in a row.
Final Thoughts : Should you go?
The 6-piece set was about $28–30, which feels very fair for this quality — especially in NYC. Also no tip! As people who love the basics done right, we’ll definitely be coming back for more.