Update 2/10/24: After several more visits to KazuNori, I can safely say that I love this place. It's such a great, casual option for a weeknight meal, and the sushi always tastes super fresh. I'd be delighted to go back any time, and if that's not love, what is?
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TLDR: KazuNori is a great walk-in only sushi option in NoMad for a quick lunch or an early dinner. With its simple, fresh fish and signature warm rice, you won’t even mind waiting in the line out the door to get seated. Make it part of the adventure and eat up!
Image credit: ny.eater.com
The first time I walked by KazuNori on a weeknight I was floored by the line. Out the door, at least 20 people long, I thought “what could this be that it’s worth waiting for on a Tuesday?” I had to see for myself.
I’m glad I did. KazuNori is a national chain of hand roll-focused sushi restaurants. The one in NoMad is sleek, with wood paneling covering most surfaces and counter seating. A combination of the nice interior and shockingly low prices for high quality sushi ($20-$30 for a full meal) drives this restaurant’s undeniably long line.
However, there’s something fun about lining up at KazuNori. The line may be long, but it moves quickly. In the several times I’ve gone, I’ve made waiting part of the meal itself, offering an opportunity to catch up with a friend and prolong what is otherwise a super quick meal – as short as 30 minutes.
To make the business work, the restaurant needs to seat as many diners as possible; I don’t think the meal feels rushed, but it’s not where you want to go for a drawn out conversation or leisurely omakase-style experience. I find it’s perfect for a work lunch or would even be great to dine solo. Everything is efficient and the servers are attentive to coursing, switching out plates almost as soon as you clear them.
As always, I’m here for the food. KazuNori has a straightforward menu with handroll combos, sashimi add ons, or choose your own rolls, all of which are checked on a brown paper menu and handed to your server. What arrives are fresh, ehoumaki rolls (aka, uncut-style) with signature warm rice contrasting the cold fish. Biting in is so freaking delicious, you’ll never want to have cold rice again. You can really taste the freshness without the bells and whistles sometimes used to hide subpar fish at similarly affordable spots. I also enjoy that the rolls are eaten burrito style, though I have yet to figure out how to do so without making a small mess of my plate (and yes, I’d like to see you do better).
If you make it to KazuNori for dinner, I recommend getting there right at 6 to ensure you miss the extra long line and get to eating a little before 7. But if you don’t plan ahead, that’s fine too, since there are no reservations you can always make a last minute call to come here. Just don’t get in line too hungry!
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