I got the 4 hand roll for lunch and chose: - salmon…read more- spicy tuna - albacore - bluefin tuna It was pretty good, lunch menu is a pretty solid deal. I can't remember exactly how it compares to Kazunori but I want to say comparable if not better since it has minimal wait. Seaweed was crispy, rice was good. Ambiance was nice and much larger than Kazu so you don't feel as cramped. Of all the hand roll spots, would probably come back here as a go to

saijo is the best spot for a good lunch deal, which they offer everyday, including weekends! they…read moreoffer 3-5 hand rolls + a miso soup for $16-24. i've only been here for lunch, and i've never had to wait long for a seat. it's only bar seating, so it's not the best spot for a large group. parking is relatively easy, with a bunch of street parking nearby. food is served very quickly! they also offer a good selection of kushiyaki. - miso soup (5/5): so yummy! it was salty and light. i enjoyed the small bits of tofu and seaweed, and there were no green onions, which i actually liked - salmon hand roll (4.5/5): this was one of my favorites! the salmon was so soft and melted in my mouth. i thought the salmon had the most flavor compared to the other hand rolls with just plain fish - albacore hand roll (4/5): the albacore was also really soft but had a little less flavor than the salmon. i thought it was relatively plain - bluefin toro hand roll (3/5): the actual toro was good and so soft, but i was actually a little bit disappointed because i thought it was bland. i had to use soy sauce with this - spicy tuna hand roll (5/5): i thought this was very good and definitely had a kick! it was spicier than other spicy tuna mixes i've tried. i'm not usually the biggest fan of spicy tuna, but i liked this one because it had a lot of flavor - bay scallop hand roll (4/5): i tried this multiple on visits, and sometimes the mayo flavor was perfect, but other times it was just too subtle. the scallops were very soft, but i preferred other scallop hand rolls because of the consistency in flavor. the savory and creamy flavor really blended well when the seasoning was perfect. the small bits of green onion contributed to the flavor too - blue crab hand roll (4/5): it was supposed to be served cold, but i thought it was colder than usual. i liked that the crab was mixed in with mayo because it was one of the most flavorful rolls. the crab itself had a strong flavor - signature hand roll (4.5/5): this came with blue crab, shrimp, and salmon belly. i thought this one was tasty, even without a lot of seasoning, which was probably due to the variety in seafood. the blue crab definitely overpowered the other two, but they did add good textures. i also liked the addition of cucumber, which added some freshness. this one was bigger than the other hand rolls - chicken gizzard kushiyaki (4/5): the gizzard was just salted, so i wanted more depth of flavor. i loved the texture though! it wasn't too tough and crunchy for gizzards - pork chashu kushiyaki (4.5/5): minus points for consistency. the first time i tried this, i thought it could've been more tender, especially because it was thicker cut. it was a little dry. the second time i tried it, the pork was literally melting in my mouth. it would be a 5/5 if it could taste like that all the time! the marinade had some wasabi flavor mixed in with a sweet glaze, which was just delicious - a5 miyazaki wagyu kushiyaki (3/5): good savory flavor, but the beef was pretty chewy, even though it was cooked well. there was a pea-sized amount of a wasabi-based sauce on top, but it wasn't too strong. i was pretty disappointed by the texture, especially because this skewer was so expensive compared to the others the hand rolls at saijo are relatively big compared to other hand roll bars, so i can order less to feel full. the rice is good and moist, although i think that there's slightly too much rice compared to fish. i love that the nori stays crispy for most of the rolls, instead of getting chewy after the first bite. this really makes saijo stand out! although i enjoyed my experiences, i don't think that this is the best hand roll bar i've tried in terms of flavor, but i would definitely come back for the lunch deals.

I've been going to SunnyBlue since their first location opened in Santa Monica on Main Street!…read more I'm seeing people get confused between the locations and the CULVER CITY LOCATION HAS SEATING with a community table inside and several smaller tables outside. The Santa Monica one is more grab and go as it's their smaller flagship location. This business has been carried by the owner Keiko who has brought a slice of Japan outside of the designated communities of West LA's Sawtelle and DTLA's Japan Town! Here (at either location) you will find unique delicious flavors of omusubi but also called onigiri rice balls! That you won't find anywhere else! Rice balls are actually shaped into triangles and stuffed or mixed with simple ingredients like a salted plum called ume (it tastes salty, and tangy with a touch of sweetness) To more engaging offerings like the lucky cat with japanese pickles with fresh wasabi, ginger, and bonito(dried fish that is sliced paper thin) These finger foods can be enjoyed as a snack or grab a few to make a meal. The Culver City Location has a decor that immerses you in Japan. They have a small market section with alcohol such as saki, handmade dishware from Japan, cute claw machines for kids, and expanded meal offerings! Besides Keiko being absolutely amazing, the food is as well! From curry stuffed to fresh shisho leaves and pickled wasabi!!! There's lots to choose from and the best part.,,.they have always had an expansive vegan menu! Yes they are very Vegan Friendly! I love the Eggplant Chili Miso and Wasabi Tsukudani. I highly suggest checking out the Culver City location so you can sit down and enjoy a drink and the ambiance and expanded offerings. After going to this place for nearly 16 years there are rare days where things like the rice may be off due to a mistake, but I've only experienced that a total of 2 times in 16 years so it's pretty rare!

Ask anyone who's ever eaten Chinese food or Indian with me will tell you: I love rice…read more So I was excited to try this place, which makes omusubi, which is basically a hockey puck of rice stuffed with meat or fish or veggies. I had it once before, when I was Tokyo, but don't remember it. I won't soon forget this place. I tried 3 omusubi: the Sunny Blue Curry ("tender chicken and scallions simmered in wafu curry), the Miso Beef ("tender beef and caramelized onions cooked with homemade miso sauce"), and the Tokyo Tori ("chicken with sweet and sour sauce"). hard to pick a favorite; they were all really tasty. Though I kind of think the sushi-like nature of omusubi might work even better with fish, which they also offer; specifically the Kara Tuna ("albacore tuna with diced cucumbers and onions with spicy mayo sauce") and Spicy Salmon ("cured salmon with chili seasoning"). Maybe next time. As for the place itself, it was clean and neat, and while there was only one table inside, they had a nice outside area on the side. They also have a staff who were friendly and helpful. As for parking, I easily found a spot on a side street on a Wednesday around noon. There's also some metered parking on Washington. Just watch the signs. If I had a complaint -- and I don't, really -- it would be that I wish they had some coffee drinks. But that kind of wouldn't fit the vibe (and, to be honest, there were tons of coffee places on Washington on my way home). Instead, their beverages were fittingly rather Japanese. Like Ramune.

Fantastic high quality sushi in an intimate setting. Don't…read morelet the location in a shopping center fool you, this is an amazing experience. Highly recommend.

Unique and good spot for sushi!…read more Reserved on a Sunday at 12 through Resy and they were able to accommodate early. Unique place that reminded me of my 7 years in Japan. Remove shoes before entering, sunken dining, and loaner slippers for the bathroom. Food was good, sashimi slices were thick, shrimp and vegetable tempura had a variety of vegetables, crispy rice tuna appetizer was good, and garlic edamame was delicious. Again, good sushi and doesn't break the bank. Highly recommend!!!

The food was incredible but the service was even better. Alejandro was incredibly kind and…read moreattentive not only to myself and my friend but to everyone in the restaurant. Great guy

I really enjoyed KazuNori. I had never been but had driven past a many of times. My friend and I…read morewent for a weekday dinner. We waited in line for about 30-40mins before we were sat. Once we were sat, the service was amazing. Overall the food was delicious. I don't think you can go wrong with any of the options here. I believe I picked the 5 handroll options and it was the perfect amount.

Woweee! Arrived at 11a to find lines out the door!!! Oh my, but sooo worth the wait. So many…read moreoptions and sooo fresh! Squid salad and an array of cut rolls. Tuna sampler sushi too!!! Friendly folks behind the counter always! Highly recommended!!!

Rudest chefs. I waited in line to get some fish and when I asked if he can cut in a nigiri style,…read morehe said "he does not feel like doing it" and waved his hand. I asked for his recommendation on the fish that would be a good cut for the nigiri, then we moved on to say "it's all good. Just pick one" and grabbed the one closest to him and threw it on the counter. Previous times, we were always asked which way he wanted the fish cut. I feel like the business expanded too much and they don't really care for their customers anymore. This made me feel like I am a nuisance to them while I am their customer. Will not be back.

GREAT SUSHI & Service. Very nice staff and it wasn't too busy at 6:00 p.m. on a Thursday. And happy…read morehour runs until 6:30 so it worked out. I'd recommend the spicy tuna crispy rice!

Food - I like their rolls but $10 for edamame is crazy their Obama care roll is rly good…read more Service - good service , food came out quickly ! Ambiance - chic modern feel

If you know, you know -- Santouka inside the Mitsuwa Market in the Mar Vista area is a low-key gem…read morewhen you want legit ramen without the whole sit-down restaurant vibe. I actually like that it's inside a Japanese market because I can walk around after and grab some groceries or check out their really good quality beef, but this review is strictly for the ramen. I always go with the Spicy Shio Ramen and it never misses. It's perfect for when I'm on the clock and don't have time for a full dine-in spot but still want something that actually feels like a real meal and not just fast food. The broth has a nice kick without being overwhelming, and the noodles are always on point. I usually add the extra pork just because... why not? And it's super fire every time. If you're in the area and want something quick, warm, and legit, this spot definitely hits.

Finally got to get me some ramen from Hokkaido Ramen and they are still one of the best. Got 'the…read moreusual' combo B with salmon rice bowl. To my surprise, they now offer 'to go' containers as I recall how they used to not pre-Covid. I still recall seeing people bring their own Tupperware and pouring ramen into them in order to take it to go.

Bruh! We brought our family specifically for the yuzu scallop soba, and they friggin got rid of…read moreit!!! PLEASE BRING IT BACK! THE LUNCH SPECIALS are why ppl love it here. We won't be coming back unless they change the menu back, tbh, bc everything else was meh. We keep telling the waiter, who's so kind and hope this reaches the owners or chef!! Love the vibes, chill music, volume level is appropriate for having good conversations but not at all too silent. We're always relaxed coming here, especially with our newborn and toddler!

Contemporary Japanese inside, modern and not too minimal. One table, tons of bar seating, mostly…read morearound a long u-shaped bar that's surprisingly comfortable when it starts to fill up. Karaage is massive pieces, seems like they de-bone and de-skin chicken thighs but don't really cut them further-- would be nice if they did cut them a little smaller, because they were delicious otherwise. Sunomono is on-point. Soba menu seems to have evolved over time, the beef ribeye seems to be a constant one tho-- thin cold soba, thin sliced beef, with a soft-boiled egg. Execution is right, but was hoping to see the scallop soba, which apparently has rotated off the menu. 3.5 stars, but will round up. Solid enough I enjoyed my meal, but did not have me craving to come back.

Got a reservation here for brunch and got here at about 11:30. The restaurant was hardly busy. Our…read moreserver was really nice and attentive and patient in explaining the menu to us since it was our first time visiting the restaurant. We started off with the hand rolls - uni, tuna, and pork. They were just okay. I had high hopes for the uni. However I was a little disappointed because they rolled it with shiso leaf and it overpowered the sweetness of the uni. We got the tuna sashimi plate and the pork gyoza, both were okay. I like the citrus sauce that came on the side and it went really well with the gyoza. The server highly recommended us getting some vegetables and I'm so glad we took his advice. We got the roasted broccolini and sweet potatoes. The broccolini was surprisingly good and had a nice char to it. It went well with the sauce and was a very tasty dish. The sweet potato dish was a standout, very balanced, not too sweet. Overall the two vegetable dishes were surprising standouts. We also got to try an off-menu item: the Japanese curry with beef topped with an egg. It was hearty and we were pretty full by the end. Even though the server recommended us getting 6-9 dishes in total, excluding the hand roll, we felt like we ordered the right amount of food. They course out your meal for you so you definitely get full by the end. We spent about an hour and a half there in total and had a great time. We also enjoyed the ambiance of the restaurant with music from their vinyl record player. Great vibes.

Delicious food especially, if your a foodie that loves to try new foods…read more Tapas style, great ambience, amazing service! Our waiter checked in on us as it was my husband's birthday multiple times to give us wine and sake recs, and food recs. Food: Peach salad with mint was delicious! wild kapanchi with mint hand roll were 10/10 Mixed rice with duck confit: 10/10 Roasted Sweet potato, great flavor and melts in your mouth 10/10 Wagyu skewer- light and juicy Would definitely come again!

Food was great! Cocktails were amazing. We tried the crispy rice and it was fantastic.read more

Tiffany is the best server!! I've been coming here since the place opened up and it's only gotten…read morebetter! The sushi is fresh and so is everything else They have a good happy hour and if you order the teriyaki, you probably have food for a second meal Everything is freshly made here and the place is very clean Alex is a great chef