KazuNori: The Original Hand Roll Bar, created by the Sushi Nozawa Group, will open its newest location at 625 E Colorado Blvd, #102 in Pasadena.
The Pasadena restaurant will be the latest addition to the brand’s growing presence in Southern California, and it’s expected to open in Fall 2025, a representative tells What Now Los Angeles in an exclusive interview. It will sit steps away from the longtime SUGARFISH location in the city, bringing another concept from the same team to the neighborhood. The Sushi Nozawa Group also created Nozawa Bar, with co-founders including Kazunori Nozawa, Jerry Greenberg, Tom Nozawa, Lele Massimini, Clement Mok, and Cameron Broumand.
Founded in 2014, KazuNori is the first restaurant of its kind, pioneering the concept of a hand roll bar. It is a full-service, food-centric concept that focuses entirely on the cylindrical-style hand roll introduced to the U.S. by Chef Kazunori Nozawa more than 40 years ago. Since its founding, KazuNori has gained recognition for its dedication to quality and its intentionally minimalist approach to sushi.
“We are so excited to bring The Original Hand Roll Bar to Pasadena,” Lele Massimini said in a statement provided to What Now Los Angeles. “Pasadena has been home to KazuNori’s sister restaurant, SUGARFISH, for over 10 years, and we’re excited for our guests to enjoy our hand rolls, handed directly to them right after they’re made.”
The menu at KazuNori features five different hand roll sets, sashimi, as well as a selection of beer and sake. Hand rolls are made with the highest quality fish, signature warm rice, house-made sauces, and specially harvested nori sourced exclusively from Japan and custom roasted for the group’s restaurants. Signature offerings include Toro, Lobster, Salmon, Yellowtail, and Crab, along with more adventurous selections like Uni, Ankimo, Koika, and Yamaimo.
“At KazuNori, our hand rolls are intentionally simple and intentionally delicious,” Tom Nozawa said in a statement provided to What Now Los Angeles. “Utilizing the best ingredients, made by a hand roll chef directly in front of you. Simple isn’t easy, but in our view, it creates the most delicious bite.”
KazuNori continues to expand while maintaining its commitment to simplicity, quality ingredients, and traditional techniques. The new Pasadena location will reflect that same mission.
For more information, visit KazuNori’s website and follow along on Instagram for opening updates.
