421 S Main St,
Phone: (213) 493-6956
(16 pc. with Lobster – Cut Rolls Set Menu from the Take-Out menu : $16)
(Cold Brew from Black Top Coffee [ 826 E 3rd St, Los Angeles, CA 90013] : $4)
I have a hour break from work for lunch, so I decided that I needed some sushi hand rolls. Originally, there is usually a line out the door and it takes about an hour to sit inside the restaurant so I ordered ahead of time and asked Kazu Nori nicely if I could have my takeout order exactly by 12:40pm, and guess what? They had it done and ready by 12:39pm and I have never been so impressed at a restaurant for making my takeout order EXACTLY on time so that it was still fresh. (Thank you, you guys are the best!)
I had the 16 pc. with Lobster box with consisted of 4pc. yellow tail, 4 pc. cucumber, 4 pc. lobster, and 4 pc. blue crab rolls. They included the most adorable dainty packages of soy sauce, ginger, and wasabi along with a pair of chopsticks and napkins. The display itself it a eye-catcher and also that aesthetic makes eating more enjoyable. I mean how nicely presented is their to-go box!? I paired it with a nice ice cold brew from Black Top Coffee in the Los Angeles Arts District. (The coffee shop only takes card so don’t bring cash if you go.)
For me the best part of Kazu Nori is the vinegar rice they use for their sushi. (Don’t get me wrong, the fish and everything is also incredibly delicious.) But it is definitely the sweet tanginess of perfection in each grain of rice that impresses me the most. I believe that the rice is one of the most important aspects of a good sushi restaurant.
I would strongly advise though, if you have the time WAIT THE 1 HOUR and sit inside where they make you the rolls in front of you. Nice, fresh, and warm – melt in your mouth experience. But if you have to rush back to work like me, to-go is the definite answer.