KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar Introduce
New Yorkers are always on the hunt for unique dining experiences that offer both quality and efficiency, and when it comes to sushi, KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar delivers just that. Tucked away in the vibrant Greenwich Village, this isn't your typical sushi restaurant. KazuNori specializes in the art of the hand roll, providing a focused and incredibly fresh sushi experience that's become a favorite among locals seeking something special. If you’re in New York and craving perfectly constructed, warm rice, crisp seaweed, and incredibly fresh fish, KazuNori is a must-try.
What sets KazuNori apart is its dedication to the hand roll as a culinary art form. Here, the rolls are prepared right in front of you, ensuring that each bite is as fresh as possible, with the nori still crisp and the rice perfectly warm. This commitment to immediate consumption elevates the experience, making every visit a memorable one. It’s a place where the simplicity of fresh ingredients shines through, and the precision of the chefs is on full display. For those who appreciate the subtle nuances of perfectly crafted sushi, KazuNori offers a refreshing and direct approach to enjoying this Japanese delicacy.
---
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar is strategically located at 125 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA. This address places it squarely in the heart of Greenwich Village, a neighborhood known for its lively atmosphere, historic charm, and diverse culinary scene. Its proximity to Union Square also makes it incredibly convenient for a wide range of New Yorkers and visitors alike.
The accessibility of this location is one of its major advantages. Greenwich Village is extremely well-served by New York City’s extensive subway system. The nearest subway stations, including those for the 4, 5, 6, L, N, Q, R, and W lines at Union Square, are just a short walk away. This means that whether you're coming from Midtown for a quick lunch, traveling from Brooklyn, or exploring the downtown area, getting to KazuNori is straightforward and hassle-free. The neighborhood itself is also very pedestrian-friendly, allowing for a pleasant stroll through iconic streets before or after your meal. For those who cycle, bike racks are usually available in the area. Its central location makes it an ideal stop for anyone in the Manhattan area looking for a unique and high-quality sushi experience.
---
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar focuses on a specialized dining experience centered around its signature hand rolls. While their service model is streamlined, it’s highly effective and tailored to deliver the freshest possible product.
Counter-Style Dine-In: The core of KazuNori’s offering is its unique counter-style seating. Customers sit directly at the bar, where chefs prepare the hand rolls individually and serve them immediately. This ensures that the rice is warm and the seaweed is perfectly crisp—a critical element for the ideal hand roll experience. It’s an immersive and efficient way to enjoy your meal.
Made-to-Order Hand Rolls: Unlike traditional sushi restaurants where rolls might be pre-made, KazuNori’s hand rolls are crafted upon order, right in front of you. This commitment to freshness is paramount and contributes significantly to the superior taste and texture of their offerings.
Focused Menu: KazuNori offers a concise menu that allows them to master their craft. While the selection might not be as vast as a full-service sushi restaurant, each item is perfected. You’ll typically find options like Tuna, Salmon, Yellowtail, Bay Scallop, Crab, and Uni hand rolls, often available as part of curated sets.
Efficient Service: The dining experience at KazuNori is designed for efficiency without sacrificing quality. Once seated, orders are taken quickly, and the hand rolls are prepared and served in rapid succession. This makes it an excellent option for those seeking a high-quality meal even when time is limited.
No Tap-to-Pay (as per recent reviews): It's important for customers to note that, as of recent reviews, KazuNori does not support tap-to-pay options. Be prepared to use traditional card payment methods for your convenience.
---
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar distinguishes itself in New York’s competitive dining landscape through several key features that make it a unique and highly recommended destination for sushi lovers.
"The Original Hand Roll Bar" Concept: KazuNori pioneered the hand roll bar concept, focusing solely on this fresh, made-to-order sushi style. This specialization ensures an unparalleled quality in their hand rolls, making them distinctly different from conventional sushi restaurants.
Exceptional Freshness: The cornerstone of KazuNori's appeal is the incredible freshness of its ingredients. Hand rolls are prepared and served immediately after being rolled, ensuring the nori (seaweed) remains perfectly crisp and the rice is warm. This commitment to immediate consumption provides a textural and temperature contrast that elevates the sushi experience.
High-Quality Fish and Ingredients: KazuNori is renowned for its selection of premium fish, including Bluefin Toro, Uni, Yellowtail, and Salmon. They are committed to sourcing incredibly tasty and high-quality seafood, which is evident in every bite. The quality of the rice, perfectly seasoned and warm, also receives high praise from customers.
Interactive Dining Experience: Sitting at the counter, customers get to watch the chefs meticulously prepare each hand roll right in front of them. This transparency in preparation adds to the dining experience, showcasing the skill and precision involved in crafting each piece.
Streamlined Ordering Process: The ordering system is efficient and straightforward. Guests are provided with a menu where they mark their desired items, simplifying the process and allowing for quick service. This organized approach contributes to the overall smooth dining experience.
Value for Quality (though considered pricey by some): While some reviews note the experience can be "pricey," many customers feel the cost is "well worth it" given the exceptional quality of the food and the unique, fresh experience provided. It's an investment in a truly premium sushi experience.
---
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar, due to its specialized and high-demand nature, typically focuses on delivering a consistent, high-quality product rather than frequent, broad promotional discounts. However, there are a few ways to potentially experience their offerings at value or through specific arrangements.
Lunch Specials (Potential): While not explicitly advertised as ongoing, some high-end sushi establishments in NYC occasionally offer fixed-price lunch sets that can provide better value than ordering à la carte. It's always worth checking with the restaurant directly upon arrival or reviewing their menu for any such daily or weekly specials.
Pre-Set Hand Roll Combinations: KazuNori's menu often features pre-set combinations of hand rolls (e.g., a "3 Hand Roll Set" or "5 Hand Roll Set"). These sets are generally designed to offer a cohesive tasting experience and can sometimes be a more cost-effective way to sample a variety of their popular items compared to ordering each hand roll individually.
Loyalty Programs (Rare): Given their unique service model, KazuNori is less likely to participate in traditional loyalty programs or discount cards. However, if you are a frequent diner, it never hurts to inquire if they have any internal recognition for repeat customers, although this is uncommon for this type of establishment.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information on any potential offers or special combinations, your best bet is to visit KazuNori in person or check their official website or social media channels if available. They prioritize the consistent delivery of their signature hand roll experience.
---
For those in New York looking to experience KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar, here's how you can get in touch or find them:
Address: 125 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA
Phone: (929) 220-3447
---
For New Yorkers, KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar at 125 University Place isn't just another sushi restaurant; it’s a tailored dining experience that perfectly aligns with the city's unique pace and high standards. Locals appreciate efficiency without compromising on quality, and KazuNori excels here. The specialized focus on hand rolls means every piece is crafted right in front of you, ensuring that the seaweed remains crisp and the rice perfectly warm – a freshness level that's simply unparalleled in traditional sushi takeaway. This commitment to immediate consumption delivers a superior textural and flavor profile that discerning New Yorkers truly value.
Its prime location in Greenwich Village, coupled with excellent accessibility via multiple subway lines at Union Square, makes it incredibly convenient for residents across Manhattan and beyond. Whether you're grabbing a quick, high-quality lunch between meetings, enjoying an efficient dinner before a show, or simply seeking a unique culinary adventure, KazuNori fits seamlessly into a busy urban lifestyle. While some might find it on the pricier side, the consensus among many is that the exceptional quality of fish and the unique, focused dining experience make it "well worth it." It’s an ideal spot for those who appreciate the art of sushi in its purest, freshest form, offering a focused and incredibly satisfying meal that stands out in New York's vibrant food scene. It’s less about a grand dining spectacle and more about a perfect, quick, and remarkably fresh sushi fix, making it a true local gem.
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar Photos










KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar Location
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar
125 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA
KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar Reviews
Overall, had a pleasurable experience at the restaurant. After being seated quickly, we placed our orders and were eating in no time. By the end of the meal, my friend and I with our stomachs full, went to pay the check only to find out that they did not take tap to pay. During this unfortunate situation, we have to get crafty and find an alternative way to pay leaving a scar on our opinion of the restaurant. If I was in town again, it’s somewhere I might stop by, but it’s definitely not a must go. It’s a fun experience for those who have not tried it, but I hope Kazunori is able to figure out their payment situation in the future. I also went to the bathroom, which was quite far in the back of the restaurant nice nonetheless. (Full disclosure. It was a little pricey.)
Mar 15, 2025 · William CohenThis place simply has great the food and incredibly tasty, the price was expensive but well worth it. As you enter Kazu nori you are given a menu in which you mark off the items that you would like. The place is extremely organized and each person stand in a station ready to go. The rice is nice and warm and the seaweed it heaven. The fish is great as well. The only issues I foresee with this restaurant is that it is a bit depressing and the people working there had no emotion. The lighting was also very dim. But overall the food was great and also the food it made directly in front of you so you can see how it is made.Thank you,JO reviews out.
Mar 15, 2025 · John OlsenHigh quality sushi spot.Prices to match.All of the sushi pieces are soft and fresh. They don't have any fishy taste. The rolls are well prepared, rice is not mushy, the rolls hold together.16 Piece regular set rating 8/10Good quality at around $23The cucumber roll is only ok.The fishes are great.The sea bream in the other sets is very good so at an additional $5 it's worth it. I think this is the most worth it set at around $28.The 16 Piece with sashimi is decent but at $32 it's not as worth it. You still have a cucumber roll in there.This portion is the right amount of food, you're not going to be stuffed and you will not be hungry. You will have room for dessert and/or coffee/tea.The takeout packaging is very nice and professional including a wet wipe, and nothing spills over. The takeout box gives you a premium feel to your lunch.You can't get hand rolls for takeout because they need to be eaten right away.This is a no-tip establishment.
Apr 09, 2025 · FoodstahamI would give 10 stars if I could!! This place was recommended by a friend, and it was absolutely delicious. The service was excellent, the food was super fresh and fast. It was my first time trying sushi with warm rice, and it was sooo good! We usually don’t repeat restaurants when traveling, but we had to come back before heading back to Brasil!
Mar 10, 2025 · Carolina CottaA solid go to place for relatively quick and very tasty food. I desperately want to learn how to make rice as good as this.However, service was quite poor. Weird experience ordering, didn’t offer any ginger refills, took 25 minutes for first hand roll, and it’s strange they say they care about allergies and then don’t have any gluten free soy sauce available.Also potentially due to how strongly flavored the rice is and how much rice is in the rolls I felt all 6 hand rolls wound up tasting the same more or less.Would much prefer sugarfish imo.
Jan 19, 2025 · Dave Capra
More Japanese Restaurant Near Me

39 E 13th St 6th Floor, New York, NY 10003, USA

110 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA

47 E 12th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

90 University Pl, New York, NY 10003, USA

41 E 11th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

74 5th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

74 5th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

66 5th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

21 E 16th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

21 E 16th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

9 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA

122 E 17th St, New York, NY 10003, USA
Categories
Popular Japanese Restaurant Sites






Must-Read Japanese Food Blog Posts
Most Searched Japanese Restaurant Sites
Trending Japanese Food Blog Posts





