LA Handroll Guide to Kazunori

Kazunori is home to the concept of the original handroll bar. If you’re looking for delicious nigiri, you can always check out their sister location, Sugarfish. Kazunori is great for handroll sets and a la carte (handroll) orders. They focus on serving fish over warm rice, so your best bet is to finish the handroll as soon as possible.

The first time I went to Kazunori was in 2016. I was fresh out of college and had a project in Downtown LA. I honestly wanted to go home but was somewhat glad I went. I was amazed by the concept of a handroll bar to the point where I dedicated a whole Yelp review to the process.

Read Nancy‘s review of KazuNori | The Original Hand Roll Bar on Yelp

Over the years, I went to different handroll bars. I’ve dined at Tekka at The Cosmopolitan and Nori Bar at Resorts World in Las Vegas. Even last week, I visited HRB Experience a few blocks away. Today, we’re talking about Kazunori.

Kazunori Menu

I always recommend ordering the 6-handroll set for starters. This set comes with the following:

• Toro
• Yellowtail
• Salmon
• Bay Scallop
• Crab (Cooked)
• Lobster (Cooked)

The yellowtail and salmon are always my favorites. Less is more when it comes to sauce. Since the rice is warm, the handroll is more prone to break apart. You’ll probably be picking the loose rice off your plate. I usually dip my chopsticks into the soy sauce and dab it over the handroll. Is this the most etiquette thing to do? No, but it’s logical.

If you’re looking for a la carte handrolls, Kazunori also serves the following handrolls:

• Cucumber (best for vegetarian/vegan guests)
• Bay Scallop
• Shrimp (cooked; but a combination of white shrimp and langostino)
• Yamaimo
• Salmon
• Eel (cooked and seasoned with eel sauce)
• Ko Ika
• Albacore
• Nz Sea Bream
• Yellowtail
• Toro
• Crab (cooked)
• Lobster (cooked)

From time to time, Kazunori may include seasonal selections. If you’re fancying for some sashimi, you can choose between albacore, salmon, and toro. They will look like the ones you get at Sugarfish.

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For the Adventurous

One time, I ordered The Nozie, aka. The Nozawa flagship set, out of curiosity. The Nozie comes with:

• Tuna Handroll
• Sea Bream Handroll
• Lobster (Cooked) Handroll
• Yamaimo Handroll
• Monkfish Liver Handroll
• Eel (Cooled) Handroll

This set was more on the exotic side than other options at Kazunori. Yamaimo is basically a slimy yam, which I don’t know why it is considered in a handroll. Maybe it has something to do with the cod roe sauce?

I had monkfish liver pate for the first time a few months ago with Mario. I classify it as being on the exotic side because it is an acquired taste. I tried The Nozie, so you don’t have to. Stick to the 6-handroll set.

dine la menu

Kazunori participates in Los Angeles’ Dine LA week – their offer varies, but it is usually a handroll set, and you would pay an extra dollar or two for the sashimi. You’re not going for a steal or a unique experience here. The rolls are typically the same.

life is simple and fresh like handrolls

Overall, Kazunori is a great lunch and dinner option, especially if you’re looking for a super affordable omakase-style option. There were times when Mario and I would drive 15 miles just to have Kazunori for lunch. The only concern is the parking situation for certain locations such as Downtown LA.

Presentation plays a key role in grabbing people’s attention. The handrolls are already rolled for you, so you don’t have the chance to verify whether the fish looks squeezed. Some things are meant to be loosely packed.

Kazunori
421 S Main St
Los Angeles, CA 90013