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ZipPicks Awards
Best Business Lunch Japanese in Santa Monica
Best Japanese in Santa Monica
Best Sushi in Santa Monica
Best Instagram Worthy Sushi in Santa Monica
Master Critic Review
KazuNori
8.3
The Original Hand Roll Bar from the Sushi Nozawa Group offers a streamlined counter experience where crispy nori meets warm rice in perfectly timed succession. Each hand roll is crafted and passed directly from chef to guest within seconds for optimal texture contrast.
Must-Try Dishes:
Toro Hand Roll, Blue Crab Hand Roll, The Sexy Set
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 9.1
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 7.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: First hand roll-only concept in the US with signature warm rice
Who should go: Busy professionals needing quality quick lunch
When to visit: 11:45 AM to beat the lunch rush
What to order: 6-piece set menu, add toro if available
Insider tip: No reservations but turnover is fast at lunch
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking with meters ($2/hr, 2hr limit), paid lots within 2 blocks ($8-15)
Dress code: Casual - come as you are, popular with office workers to beachgoers
Noise level: Moderate-high - counter seating creates buzzy atmosphere, fine for casual conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min typical, no reservations accepted
Weekday lunch: 5-15 min between 11:45am-1:30pm
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Very limited - cucumber and avocado rolls only
Vegan options: No - all rolls contain either fish or use non-vegan sauces
Gluten-free options: Possible with modifications - request no soy sauce, tamari available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal - counter seating means sitting side-by-side, meal is over in 20 minutes. Better for established couples wanting quick quality bite.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations taken at all - it's first come, first served counter seating only. Come at opening or after 1:30pm for minimal wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Not particularly - no kids menu, counter seating only, raw fish focus. Better for kids 10+ who like sushi.
Best For
Better for: Speed and consistency over traditional sushi bars - perfect hand rolls in 15 minutes vs 90-minute omakase
Skip if: You want variety, cooked options, or leisurely dining - this is laser-focused on hand rolls eaten immediately
Hours
Monday11:30am - 11pm
Tuesday11:30am - 11pm
Wednesday11:30am - 11pm
Thursday11:30am - 11pm
Friday11:30am - 11:30pm
Saturday11:30am - 11:30pm
Sunday11:30am - 11pm