KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar

- Level, 157 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022

KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar, located at Level, 157 E 53rd St, brings a unique and highly specialized sushi concept to the heart of Midtown Manhattan. This is not your typical sushi restaurant; it's a place dedicated to the art of the hand roll. The experience is centered around a counter-style seating arrangement where skilled chefs prepare each hand roll to order, serving them one at a time. This allows you to enjoy each roll immediately, while the nori (seaweed) is at its crispiest and the rice is still perfectly warm. It’s a fast-paced, high-quality experience that is both engaging and incredibly delicious.

The philosophy behind KazuNori is simple: focus on a few things and do them exceptionally well. The menu is intentionally limited, highlighting the freshness and quality of the ingredients. They use specially harvested seaweed, signature warm rice, and a selection of fresh, top-grade fish. This dedication to quality is evident in every bite, from the delicate flavor of the Bay Scallop hand roll to the rich and satisfying taste of the Toro. While the service is fast, it is also friendly and attentive, with staff and chefs who are committed to providing a great experience.

The unique counter-only seating and no-reservations policy might seem unconventional, but it’s part of the authentic, streamlined experience. The line, though sometimes long, moves quickly because the service is so efficient. This makes it a perfect spot for solo dining or a quick, satisfying meal for two. The atmosphere is casual yet trendy, a perfect reflection of the modern New York City dining scene. It's a place where you can grab a quick lunch or dinner that feels far more special than your average fast-food joint, proving that speed and quality can go hand-in-hand.

KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar is situated at Level, 157 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA. This prime location places it in a busy commercial area of Midtown East, making it an ideal spot for office workers, shoppers, and tourists alike. The restaurant is easily accessible via public transportation, with several subway lines and bus routes serving the area. For those who are driving, paid parking garages are available in the vicinity.

The restaurant provides a wheelchair-accessible entrance, which is a great feature for ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests. The seating, however, is exclusively at a counter, which can make it challenging for larger groups to sit together and have a conversation. It's an ideal setup for solo diners or a couple but not recommended for a group outing. This unique seating arrangement is part of the efficient, focused dining experience that the restaurant offers.

• Dine-in: The signature counter-seating experience, where you can watch the chefs prepare your hand rolls and enjoy them immediately.

• Takeout: For a delicious meal on the go, KazuNori offers pre-packaged "Cut Rolls" and to-go bento boxes that are perfect for a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner.

• Delivery: The restaurant offers delivery and no-contact delivery, so you can enjoy their fresh hand rolls and sashimi from the comfort of your home or office.

• No-contact delivery: A safe and convenient way to have your food delivered, ensuring a contactless experience from the restaurant to your door.

• The Hand Roll Experience: A unique dining concept where hand rolls are made and served one at a time to ensure the crispy texture of the nori and the warm rice.

• High-Quality Ingredients: Known for using only the freshest fish, specially sourced seaweed, and signature warm rice, which together create a perfect balance of flavor and texture.

• Fast Service: The streamlined counter service ensures that customers get their food quickly, making it a great option for a fast, delicious meal.

• Perfect for Solo Dining: The counter-seating layout is ideal for a quick and peaceful meal by yourself, a popular choice in New York City.

• To-Go Options: For those who can't dine in, the convenient to-go boxes offer the same high-quality ingredients in a portable format.

Address: Level, 157 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA
Phone: (518) 823-6387

At KazuNori, the menu is simple and focused, and the best way to experience it is through one of their set menus. A popular choice is the chef special set, which one customer noted left them feeling "so full by the 4th one." These sets are a great way to try a variety of their best offerings, including the star of the show, their hand rolls. The Toro, Yellowtail, and Bay Scallop hand rolls are highly recommended, with the Bay Scallop being described as "so light and smooth and supple and creamy." The Crab hand roll is also a customer favorite, made with real crab meat, not imitation.

For those who prefer a different protein, the Lobster hand roll is an excellent, albeit pricier, choice. The freshness and high quality of the ingredients make every roll a standout. If you're dining in, be sure to eat the hand rolls as soon as they are placed in front of you to enjoy the full effect of the crispy nori and warm rice. For takeout, the 16-Piece W/ Sea Bream set is a fantastic option, offering a generous and perfectly portioned meal for both lunch and dinner.

Beyond the hand rolls, the Salmon Sashimi is also worth trying for a taste of their incredibly fresh fish. For drinks, their simple selection of beverages, including Iced Green Tea and Sapporo Premium beer, pairs perfectly with the meal. The no-fuss approach at KazuNori ensures that the focus remains squarely on the quality of the food. For any New Yorker looking for a unique, delicious, and fast sushi experience, KazuNori is a must-try.

KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar

Level, 157 E 53rd St, New York, NY 10022, USA