Located on University Place near Union Square Park, KazuNori sells simple yet tasty hand rolls. Unlike many other sushi restaurants I’ve been to, this place has very limited seating, as the layout features a single bar where the hand rolls are made right in front of you. I was able to observe the chef’s swift yet precise movements, which took him less than a minute to complete a single hand roll.

Each hand roll is very simply made, consisting of nori, rice, and fish. According to the Sushi Nozawa Group, the simplicity of the hand roll is actually their ultimate goal.¹ Tom Nozawa, the founder of KazuNori, strives to bring a traditional, high-quality sushi experience to America; however, making perfect sushi involves many meticulous steps.

First, selecting the perfect fish is the key to great sushi. They leverage the strong relationships they’ve built with fish suppliers and use several pieces of monitoring equipment, including temperature gauges and probes, to check for color, fat content, size, and freshness. Even down to the rice, they have consistently bought from a Japanese company that grows their harvest in the Sacramento Delta. They examine every batch of rice ordered, looking for moisture and the right amount of “chalk”, which can influence the flavor and texture of the grains.²

KazuNori isn’t simply a Japanese sushi restaurant but a place that has perfectly honed its craft to deliver high-quality sushi. Its simplicity is intentional; the fresh fish, soft rice, and crunchy nori come together to create the perfect balance of flavor and texture. Sometimes, minimalism isn’t a bad thing when it comes to food. It can enhance the natural flavors and textures of each ingredient, just like it does at KazuNori.

1. “Our Obsession.” KazuNori. Accessed April 6, 2026. https://www.handrollbar.com/our-food/. ↩︎
2. “Our Obsession.” KazuNori. Accessed April 6, 2026. https://www.handrollbar.com/our-food/. ↩︎