Kata Nori Hand Roll Bar

404 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States

Kata Nori Hand Roll Bar
About This Sushi Bar

Kata Nori Hand Roll Bar brings a unique and memorable dining experience to Kansas City. The seating arrangement consists of an intimate U-shaped counter, where patrons can watch as the sushi chefs prepare and present each hand roll individually meant to be eaten immediately to ensure optimal crunch and taste. Crudos, small plates, and sashimi completes the small yet flavorful menu.

Sushi Reviews
Sushi Experience №1

Our first impressions were unsettling and unsure of what to expect. We made a reservation in advance for our friend’s birthday and there was a wait time. Their waiting lounge area was nice and you can order drinks while you wait. As we approached the dining area, we were astounded by the concept! Everything is delicious here and we were blown away by how they’ve perfected the items on their menu! The handrolls, crudos, small plates - phenomenal!! If you do not have a palate of enjoying raw fish and the concoctions, this may not be for you. The owner even made a round to greet guests and we will most definitely be coming back!

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №2

The food is beautiful and incredibly flavorful, but I wouldn't recommend coming here hungry unless you have a very high budget. Each item is brought out separately, and is very small, and you dont receive the next until the first is finished. Service was ok, not fabulous. Wouldn't probably go here again but it was very interesting.

Visited 2 months ago

Sushi Experience №3

This might be the best sushi restaurant in KC. The food, flavors, drinks, and atmosphere were top tier. They know what they are doing here. You can get Otoro sashimi and hand rolls for a reasonable price and I haven’t been able to find that in Kansas City previously. Hats off!! 10/10 will be back!

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №4

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №5

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №6

The food was really good, however, my wife does not enjoy spicy food and even the rolls that she ordered that were not supposed to be spicy were spicy.

Aside from that, everything was delicious. Our only gripe was that the second we paid our bill, the server asked us to leave and make room for his next party. All around a nice experience but being rushed out the door put a damper on things. We understand not sitting around for an hour holding up things but to be shooed out like that is unnecessary.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №7

Made a crazy day + birthday a lot better. Food was on point and would go again.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №8

Fantastic every time, hand rolls are delicious

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №9

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №10

amazing experience! The service was fantastic—staff were friendly and attentive. The hand rolls were incredibly fresh, with a perfect balance of flavors. I loved that you get 4 rolls, which is just the right amount without feeling too heavy. Highly recommend this place for sushi lovers!

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №11

This place changed my life.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №12

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №13

Best handrolls I've ever had! The matcha IPA was really good.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №14

Best sushi experience in Kansas City hands down, the food and atmosphere are incredible. Service is impeccable, this is a must visit spot for any occasion.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №15

Beautiful place with beautiful food !
I order the five hand roll set and mocktail Lychee .
Everything was fresh and delicious, and I will definitely be back !!!
My favorite
Hamachi , spicy sake (ask chef to surprise you will spice ) , avacado , actually everything was delicious!!
Will be back with friends !!😇🍣

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №16

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №17

Service was great and so was the food. Extreamly expensive and that was a big turn off.

Atmosphere was nice but we took our daughter here for her birthday and had hoped for traditional table seating so we could have a conversation with her and her boyfriend. We ended up sitting at a bar and spending $300 on what could be called appetizers not a nice birthday dinner.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №18

My favorite dining experience in Kansas City

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №19

Food was FANTASTIC. Absolutely loved it, best and freshest sushi I have found in KC thus far. Server was pretty rude which completely ruined the experience and the made me very uncomfortable. My partner and I like to share our food, not because we don't want to spend the money but we like to try everything on the menu. We both got our own drinks and I finished mine before he finished his and I asked for another drink and he looked at my partner and said "did you want your own or were you going to share that too?". I was shocked... super condescending... Truly ruined the whole experience and I LOVED the food.

Visited 3 months ago

Sushi Experience №20

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №21

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №22

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №23

🔥

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №24

This little gem is in the top 3 sushi restaurant experiences of all time. One of two on the same trip. I never expected what I discovered in KC. SUBLIME!

Great job Kata Nori!

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №25

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №26

The food was perfect! Very friendly staff. Make sure you make a reservation for convenience!

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №27

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №28

If you want to feel like you are having sushi in New York, go here lol super authentic! There is only 28 seats here and it’s all bar seating so I recommend reservations because it stays busy. Also, if you’re not a raw fish person, I wouldn’t recommend unless you are happy getting a fantastic piece of wagyu for the spend. Which I didn’t have a problem doing, it was so worth it. The rice dish with the addition of wagyu was perfect with the cucumber addition. The cucumber saketini was excellent and super fresh. My only complaint would be the aesthetics behind the bar where the chefs are preparing the food, it could be better laid out and more aesthetically pleasing considering it’s essentially the only thing for guests to look at. Lovely sushi place.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №29

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №30

The only reason this place has a 4.9 is because it's in Missouri, where there is no good Asian food. Was seriously disappointed by the quality and taste. The A5 wagyu that was 20 dollars per oz tasted literally worse than USDA choice meat. How does someone mess up A5 wagyu that bad?

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №31

The service was impeccable throughout: the wonderful hostess, waitress and bartender all made me feel welcome and at home (while providing many excellent suggestions). The food and drinks were excellent and well worth the wait. I definitely recommend the crudos which are phenomenal.

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №32

Visited 4 months ago

Sushi Experience №33

Kata Nori provides a beautiful fresh culinary experience in front of you. This was my first time trying hand rolls. The staff were kind and friendly. I would definitely recommend this restaurant and would love to try it again.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №34

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №35

I thought Yellowtail in Ballagio was the best sushi experience I would ever have, I was wrong. Kata Nori is an unassuming masterpiece! The sushi chef hand rolls are without a doubt, the best sushi roll experience you will ever have. The warmed high quality seaweed wrap is so delicate, not only does it almost melt in your mouth, it is crisp to the bite with no rubbery palate. The experience was a journey down a path, that opened into an oasis. You will not be disappointed.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №36

Hands down the best Sushi in KC. Food was sublime and vibes were just right. Staff and waiters were attentive and helpful.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №37

These guys have it figured out. Best sushi experience I've ever had. flavor bomb in every dish..

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №38

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №39

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №40

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №41

Wow wow wow! Coming from dallas and houston, I eat at some the best sushi restaurants weekly. One of those restaurants is Uchi, but what is Uchi??? The food at Kata Nori is so amazing , had the best flavor profile, just can’t get over how good it was! I got the kinoko, hamachi crudo, and 3 handrolls (spicy tuna, hamachi, A5), which is definitely a lot for 1 person but so worth it.

Lynell was so sweet and provided great service, as did everyone else. I seriously can’t wait to come back to KC and eat here again. Or please come to Texas

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №42

This place has some of the best, freshest food I've had in a long time. The food was absolutely amazing everything I got did not disappoint. The staff was very attentive, but not over bearing. Love the small intimate dinning. I will definatly be back again. 🙏

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №43

I had high expectations of this place and all of them were blown away!! Book a reservation immediately and thank me later.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №44

Run, don’t walk.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №45

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №46

My son was planning to take me here for Mother’s Day but they’re closed on Sunday. So we came for lunch. Let me say it was totally worth the wait. I’ve never had real sushi and was apprehensive about trying it😬. I was blown away by how wrong my perception was! I LOVE sushi. We had the 3 hand roll set and furikaka rice. Each roll was prepared as we watched, and each roll was seasoned to perfection.

This was a true dining experience.The service was
excellent and I will definitely be making another trip to KATA NOTI very soon.

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №47

Visited 5 months ago

Sushi Experience №48

Absolutely incredible no notes

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №49

Awesome sushi, atmosphere and people!

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №50

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №51

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №52

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №53

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №54

food was fire 🔥 server we had was the nicest man ever.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №55

Excellent, fresh fish. It's the best sushi bar I've been to in KC. The prices aren't out of line for sushi, either.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №56

Went in having not read any of the other reviews here and was really happy with what we got and would definitely go again. The fish is great quality and everything we had was really well done.

For two people we did a 4 hand roll set, 3 hand roll set, one a la carte hand roll, and an order of otoro sashimi. I think at a lot of other sushi places, people typically order 2-4 rolls per person, eat them relatively quickly, and then feel very full. Usually when I go that route I feel like I overate. We went here in a group of 6 and, with how the rolls are put out one at a time, I thought it was a good pace to both eat your meal and talk with everyone in your group. I wasn’t sure I would be satiated after 4 rolls and a couple pieces of sashimi, but surprisingly with the pace we ate I actually left feeling like I ate the perfect amount.

Some people in these reviews have said you can go to other sushi places for less money and get more…which, sure? But a 4 hand roll set is 20 something dollars. Chipotle these days is ~$15. It’s really not that much of a premium over fast food/fast casual places to get a focused dining experience with higher quality ingredients and more care.

Some people also complained about there being no entertainment like a fish being cut up in front of you or certain songs being played that “don’t match the goal of an elevated dining experience”. I think people these days are so obsessed over trendy places that get popular on TikTok for a gimmick (and the places don’t actually have great food) or they are used to a more “premium” restaurant having a specific vibe with a more “refined” playlist and servers being stuck in dressier attire. I did not think of any of this when I was here and I don’t think anyone really should. Instead, I was more focused on the quality of what we were eating and the conversation with the group I came with. We had great service, the food was amazing, and we were happy with the amount we spent. Unfortunately, we are no longer local to the area, otherwise this would be a regular spot for us.

Also, in our hand roll sets we tried both the spicy salmon and spicy tuna rolls. They were not too spicy. Unlike some places, the spice actually had some flavor and I thought it was a nice amount of heat. If you are someone that is really just that sensitive spice, just ask the server if it can be a little bit milder.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №57

Freshest sushi I’ve had in the Midwest & AMAZING vibes & service! Plzzzz try, you won’t regret it 🫡

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №58

Get reservations they only seat 24. Perfect date location from the food to the atmosphere in my opinion probably the best sushi in Kansas City.

The service was great but you get what you give in life.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №59

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №60

So Damn Good

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №61

Excellent atmosphere, rolls and sashimi are prepared at the bar. The crudos is very unique and a good mix of raw, spice, and sweet.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №62

Fantastic food and experience.

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №63

Visited 6 months ago

Sushi Experience №64

Kata Nori had been on our list for a long time and we finally made it. The hand roll set was perfect to split between two people. We enjoyed discussing the flavors and comparing rolls. The rolls came out FAST, one by one, which we loved. The furikake rice was a great dish with a good mix of umami and crunch. Overall, 5/5. Loved our time at Kata Nori.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №65

To have a place like this in Kansas City is unheard of. We enjoy sushi all over, and Kata Nori has ruined us on everything else.

The service is wonderful. The bar height seats surrounding the hand roll stations invite the staff to have great conversations with the patrons. Everyone here is so friendly we often forget that they are working because they genuinely care about their guests.

And the food, people you just don’t understand. What hooked us on this place is the seaweed! We talked to one of the owners and he explained that the seaweed they use is a premium seaweed that stays crunchy while you are eating. So many other places with hand rolls have gummy seaweed, but not Kata Nori! The flavor combinations of every dish are phenomenal. We have our favorites but every time we try something new we are always so happy we did! The specials and crudos are the best matching of flavors ever!!

We cannot recommend Kata Nori enough. We would go every day if we could!

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №66

One of the best experiences in KC for sure. Pat and Nam were awesome. The rolls and sashimi were out of this world. First time going but we will definitely be going back regularly.

Thank you so much to Pat, Nam, and the staff for the experience!

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №67

Went here last night and was very disappointed. The food and price were okay but the service was terrible. We were a party of 4, none of us had been here before. This is a unique dining experience so I would assume they have folks ask questions about the menus and the general “how to” of the place. Our waiter gave us very little information other than “here is the specials list”. When my husband asked a basic question about the menu the waiter’s attitude was immediately aggressive and seemed annoyed we asked him a question. The place was dead by the way, the bar wasn’t even full so it’s not like we were taking his time from others tables. Our friend ordered a drink when we go there, took about 20mins to come out. And the waiter was just rude the rest of the time after we asked questions on the menu. Quite frankly it became uncomfortable and we left after 45 minutes. Coming off arrogant and pretentious just isn’t it. Be a nicer human man. We won’t be returning.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №68

High-quality food, the staff was very friendly and overall an excellent dining experience

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №69

Food quality exceed my expectations. It is surely one of the best Japanese restaurant in town.
The hand roll is very different from the normal Japanese hand roll.
Bar is the only dining area and not suitable for big party.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №70

Overall very lovely. I went with a friend to catch up. Between the two of us, we had 6 dishes, all of which were excellent. I have some dietary restrictions but was easily accomodated with no hesitation from our server, who was also well-informed about each dish, its ingredients, and its preparation. The only thing I didn't love were the acoustics of the space. It was difficult it was for me to hear my friend over the music and other conversations despite being right next to him. But it's a relatively minor thing and the experience was very enjoyable nonetheless.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №71

Probably the only restaurant in KC with completely omakase style. It was an absolute pleasure to dine here. Literally everything was delicious. Chu toro was the favorite. All the fish was of the highest quality. Would definitely be back.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №72

This is a must try if you’re in the crossroads area downtown KC. I’ll keep this sweet, short and simple because Kata Nori exudes all of that and then some. Yup I just contracted what I just said but here we go.
- Atmosphere = inviting, personal, cool, and chill vibes. Wall adorned by hand painted murals of notable fixtures around KC paired with touches of cherry blossoms and waves.
-Staff = knowledgeable about the menu, great service, and inviting
- Menu = simple and yet overwhelming because my wife and I wanted to try everything. A couple of fun facts both business and personal. 1) Fresh fish get delivered multiple times a week straight from Japan. 2) my wife is not a fish fan and yet Kata has made her a fan of Kata. Every dish ordered was fresh, crisp, and not fishy if that makes sense. Drinks were amazing. I had the Matcha IPA and it wasn’t bad lol. Not a huge matcha fan but a regular IPA connoisseur I found this choice refreshing. I ended the meal with a Kata’s spin on a Japanese old fashioned and it was delish. Wife ordered two lychee martinis because she enjoyed it that much.
Now for what we ordered
Hand rolls equivalent of the size of a street taco aka 2-3 bites worth
- spicy tuna, scallops, wagyu, spicy salmon, and blue crab (wife ordered another spicy tuna for round 2)
Crudos (Shareable)
- Hirame = flavored forward, sweet, citrusy
- Maguro = refreshing and I never thought watermelon and fish would be and is a good combo. 🤯
Small plates
- Kinoko = mind blowing. It’s genius and absolutely insane what they did with pure mushrooms.
Circling back to the staff, we couldn’t decide so our waitress took matters into her own hands and took care of us. The hand roll sets is an easy way to cover your bases if you can’t decide.

Eat, live, love and laugh. We sure did tonight.

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №73

Visited 7 months ago

Sushi Experience №74

Awesome food. We had one cocktail each, 4 hand rolls each, and shared two sharing dishes between two people and left satisfied but not weighed down. The half rolls were really satisfying but the shared dishes were amazingly flavorful and composed. Busy, but so fun.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №75

Loved the food. I can't handle spicy food very well, but I wasn't too overwhelmed and really enjoyed the selection.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №76

Outstanding experience. Unique food, amazing staff and service!

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №77

First visit; simple menu and concept, but excellently executed. Each item on the five-handroll progression showed thoughtful balance in the selection of ingredients.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №78

Delicious selection, fresh fish and sake! 🍶

Friendly staff, highly recommended!

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №79

The food, drinks and ambiance were exceptional. However, it is unacceptable that we were asked to move from our seats after only 65 minutes to make room for another party.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №80

Wow - the food here is so fresh and unique. We shared a few plates/rolls, and everything we tried was delicious. The staff was friendly and helped us decide on menu items. We also lived being able to see the handrolls being made in the middle of the seating area. Will definitely be back!

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №81

My brother has worked for the owner of the restaurant for several years at his coffee shop in Houston. I decided to check out Kata Nori, and the food and service is incredible. The five hand rolls and their scallop dishes are great. Flavors are very pronounced.

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №82

Visited 8 months ago

Sushi Experience №83

If I could I’d give this place 6 stars !! Sun was so nice and the team was great. Flavors are fantastic especially me coming from Houston- this is top tier would highly recommend

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №84

It is so incredibly difficult to fully express the immense joy and gratitude for a place like Kata Nori. The food is impeccable, the service is over the top, the space is beautiful and clean and spacious. I cannot get this place out of my mind and cannot wait to come back soon!

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №85

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №86

Amazing! What a wonderful date night, from start to finish! I do not eat raw sushi generally, and I was a little apprehensive. But I was pleasantly surprised at the hand rolls, made fresh in front of us. I ate salmon, hamachi (best!), and tuna. Eat them fresh as they come to you, and the seaweed wrap stays crispy. So good! We also shared some sides, including a cucumber dish, flavored rice, and.a very yummy thinly sliced mushroom dish. A Japanese gin and tonic for me and whiskey highball for my husband topped it off! Absolutely recommend this place, and I was particularly Impressed with Chef Luan.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №87

All around great experience, the Hamachi is incredible.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №88

🤌🔥

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №89

Wandered in for lunch on a Saturday. They were pretty full but said they could definitely fit me in. My bartender and waiter, Chris, was awesome! He helped explain the menu and was very helpful in recommending menu hits. I got the blue crab hand roll, salmon roll, furikake, kinoko, Jelly Shot sake, and their yuzu gin and tonic. While some the plates were small I found them to be very filling to the point I could barely finish lunch. Both drinks were tasty and their cocktail and liquor menu (especially sake) was very extensive. There was some confusion over something I ordered so they brought out the Sake crudo unprompted and it was AMAZING.

Every single dish was perfect. The fish was fresh and firm with no fish odor. The sushi chef was right in front of us so you could see every hand roll being made. All dishes were explained when served and chefs seemed eager to see positive reactions when biting in.

I came alone, but saw a family with kids ages 8-15 eat too. I would definitely come back for a nice lunch, or fancy dinner with friends.

Better than Antler Room or Ocean Prime for serivce, ambience, and food. A very very easy place to recommend to folks out of town with confidence!!

Chris and Lyland (so sorry if that is spelled wrong) were phenomenal from the first step in the door. Really hope this restaurant takes off!!!!

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №90

Very nice, upbeat sushi bar. There are no group tables. Food and staff were excellent. Made it difficult for the business client Meeting I planned. Food made up for that.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №91

Everything was absolutely delicious, but just go in prepared that the servings are small (meant to be savored) and if you're hungry, you're going to spend a lot of money. We were a party of 4 and that was hard to really talk to each other with the bar service the way it is. We also felt really rushed and like we were being forced along quickly. I'm glad we went, but I don't think I see a need to go back.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №92

Went here twice in one week because oh my GOODNESS this place is straight heat. If you’re debating on the wagyu rice JUST GET IT!! So fire, and I’m not usually a raw fish person. I’m 90% of the time scared of raw foods but I trust this place entirely and want to try everything on the menu once. They also state what they’re giving you each time with the handrolls and the plates which is nice. The mushrooms with yuzu vinaigrette? MUST GET!! brought me to tears no joke, and you actually get full off of less than you think because it’s spaced out. The employees are super nice too PLEASE STAY OPEN FOREVER!!!

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №93

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №94

Best sushi in Kc! Our bartender Sarayna was amazing too. Love the mushroom crudo.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №95

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №96

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №97

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №98

Exceptional. I can't recommend it more. From the waiting staff, to the delivery of the food, to the execution of the service. All was exceptional. I highly recommend this location for dinner. You will not be disappointed.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №99

I had an amazing experience at this restaurant! The staff was very thoughtful and helped to make the experience perfect. Our waitress had some great recommendations and made my friend and I feel very welcome. I had never been to a place with such intimate seating, it was so different from a lot of local spots. I'm ecstatic to have found this awesome hand roll bar. Wish I had more photos to share. We will be back again!

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №100

I was pleasantly surprised by how amazing Kata Nori is! The food and service was absolutely next level, far above many other sushi places in the area in terms of quality of ingredients and atmosphere. The spicy tuna and sea urchin (which was the special when I went) were absolutely to die for, and the Matcha IPA was delicious as well. Definitely a must try for any sushi loving person in the KC area!

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №101

New favorite place in Kansas City.

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №102

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №103

Visited 9 months ago

Sushi Experience №104

Excellent!! Everything we ate was great. Small place but enjoyed the atmosphere would definitely go back!

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №105

This place was perfect, we can’t wait to come back!

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №106

This is THE SPOT for no fuss artful sushi. As someone who loves bright wake-up-your-palette flavors, everything delivers. Started with the Gin Serrano Highball-- a new summer staple for me-- so refreshing and well balanced. The Kinoko was a perfect citrus punch of flavor. The Hotate ate like a crisp umami tide coming in from the sea. Flavor poetry be happenin at Kata Nori, okay! We split the 3 Hand Roll Set, taking a couple bites each before handing it off, which felt like a fun puff-pass situation. Overall, the dining experience felt exclusive and connected, refined and sensual-- perfect for a date or small group. Make a reservation as the room fills up fast... and we went on a Tuesday night!

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №107

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №108

Absolutely the best KC restaurant ever! They have something for everyone! I’m not a fish person but my husband loves sushi! They had a wagyu sushi roll and I can officially say I’ve tried sushi. The atmosphere and vibes were spot on. Everyone was so welcoming and they made our group of 6 feel so welcomed. My husband had an amazing birthday dinner and we absolutely cannot wait to come back. Everything is served so quickly and fresh.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №109

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №110

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №111

Best sushi and best Japanese in Kansas City. I almost don’t want to post this so it’s not too crowded.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №112

While visiting KC recently, we stumbled upon this fantastic restaurant! All the flavors were straight FIRE. Not kidding. The plates are small and encourage you to savor each bite and it's flavors. I LOVED everything about this place, and the service was very attentive and knowledgable. Bein hand delivered the hand-rolls by the preparer was pretty cool too, and also being able to thank them for the delicious bites they were serving up was a unique, unexpectedly nice touch. The atmosphere was sophisticated and relaxing- very nice. The mural painted on the wall was gorgeous! Highly recommend this place!

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №113

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №114

Straight fire.

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №115

Here for a work trip and decided to check this place out. It is SO good. My favorite bites were the hamachi crudo and the kinoko. I also got the 4 piece set + Hotate handroll. Very filling and delicious. The nori was nice and crispy

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №116

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №117

Unbelievable food quality and service. What a fantastic experience!

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №118

Visited 10 months ago

Sushi Experience №119

Amazing food that they make right in front of you. Service is great and the bar seating allows you to see all the food made.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №120

Questionable how worth the price it is, would NOT order the wagyu rice again, but otherwise the hand rolls themselves I think stand up to places I've been in big big places like Los Angeles.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №121

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №122

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №123

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №124

Good sushi and sashimi but For the price it didn’t meet my expectations.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №125

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №126

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №127

The food, atmosphere, service, people EVERYTHING was GREAT! I will without a doubt be back. If you’re thinking of going, just go!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №128

Wow, so happy to have this spot in KC!! Every bite of food was immaculate. We had hand rolls, crudo Hotate and Maguro, Sunomono, waygu and rice, and trumpet mushroom. They have a fun cocktail list and if you have a sweet tooth I recommend the canned Jelly Shot sake. This is definitely not a budget friendly meal but oh-so worth it!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №129

I had been looking forward to this experience for over a month. I was so excited and walked through the door and it was just what I expected. We looked over the menu and I had already seen the matcha ipa and I was so curious. I asked the waiter to understand.... so why is it $15? He immediately became rude and condescending. I honestly was prepared to pay the $15 I just wanted to understand more about it, it is rare?

The food was amazing, every dish was thought out. I truly enjoyed everything, except our waiter. He wasn't mean after that encounter but wish wasn't nice either. It took everything in me not to walk out. He ruined the atmosphere for me and the only reason there is not than 1 star for service is all the other people working were so kind.

So back to the food everything we had was amazing including the $15 beer. We tried 3 crudos and 4 hand rolls. My favorite crudos was the hotate and the best hand to was the waygu. So delicious and worth every penny as long as you get the right person serving you.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №130

The food and quality of all the food was top notch. Ambience and music was amazing too. Gotta try this place but def make reservations.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №131

10/10 visit here. Great food and cocktails. Unique restaurant experience. Will be recommending to friends and can’t wait to go back!

Specifically loved the cucumber cocktail, the spicy sake handroll, and hamachi crudo.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №132

Loved it! Make sure you stop in here for some amazing hand rolls and crudo. The wagyu beef is melt in your mouth tender and their scallop dishes, fantastic!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №133

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №134

Excellent lunch spot! Service was fantastic and the rolls were even better!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №135

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №136

Incredible food, intimate atmosphere, great service. Truly an amazing experience, can't wait to go back!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №137

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №138

Make sure you get a reservation because this small, intimate atmosphere fills up quickly. The hand rolls are mouth watering and the drinks will keep you satisfied between rolls. The staff is friendly and helpful.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №139

Best sushi I have had in this region of the country. I absolutely plan to return. Bar program is also good. Only negative was that the service felt slightly rushed. The mushroom dish was especially great.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №140

I had a lovely dinner as a solo guest. The Dasai 23 was perfect for the current hand roll selections and divine with Sea Bream sashimi. From the host to the chefs-all the staff was warm and attentive.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №141

At Kata Nori, immerse yourself in flavor heaven where tradition meets innovation. Step into an exclusive destination in the heart of Kansas City, where the art of sushi hand rolls is elevated to new heights. With a menu curated from the finest ingredients, each hand roll is a testament to craftsmanship and quality. Every bite was a symphony of flavor and texture. The warm hospitality and meticulous attention to detail ensure a dining experience that is both amazing and memorable. I highly suggest giving this place a try! The seafood was the freshest I’ve ever had. Can’t wait to come back when I’m in town.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №142

Such an awesome place! The service was phenomenal & the food was a solid 10/10! Highly recommend. Thank you to the staff at Kata Nori for being so kind.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №143

I have one word to describe this place, PHENOMENAL!!! Everything has been amazing starting from the customer service, the food, the atmosphere, it's all been perfect. I highly recommend the spicy tuna handroll and wagyu handroll. Caleb was an amazing server and the Chefs James and Sung were all incredible. We will definitely be coming back. This was the best sushi in KC and all together!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №144

Amazing experience! The hand rolls were amazing and staff was great! Will be back soon! Best sushi in KC!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №145

Incredible quality hand rolls, crudo, small plates and sashimi. Our favorite hand roll was the hamachi (yellowtail), but everything was excellent. Great cocktails and vibe.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №146

This review is in the spirit of constructive input. As a sushi lover, and frequent KC restauranteur I was sorely disappointed. Wildly overpriced Tiny portions that don’t do anything innovative with the flavors or presentation. I don’t mind paying $25 for some wagyu rice, but I expect the restaurant to take risks and make the dish interesting. As far as the “sushi” side, you don’t get to see the fish being cut up, just a chipotle style assembly line of scooped ingredients being rolled into a burrito style roll.

The crab & spicy salmon hand rolls were good, nothing better than some of the traditional 6 pc sushi rolls I’ve had elsewhere.

The seating set up is really cool and I like the atmosphere. The staff was kind and attentive. The Japanese old fashion w umami bitters was the highlight. Their fish was also fresh. I enjoyed the fatty tuna.

I really just wish they put more passion and creativity into the food. If I’m spending $200+ for a date here, at least introduce my palate to something new and adventurous.

You’ll come out better at a regular sushi/hibachi spot and spend 1/3rd of the price.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №147

Easily the best sushi I’ve ever had, arguably one of the best restaurants I’ve ever been to.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №148

This is Kanas City’s first hand roll bar, and it will not disappoint. The team is here to impress. Each roll is made in front of you and is carefully seasoned. The fish is fresh and bright. Don’t sleep on the wagyu hand roll. They have some unique sake selections too.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №149

Fun concept and an awesome vibe. Small plates so you can try a little of everything, the mushrooms were really good. Enjoyed it, will be back!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №150

Fantastic food and fresh-you can really taste every ingredient. The wagyu fried rice is ridiculously good (and expensive $25 for the portion size). It was worth it considering everything was delicious and fresh.

We were still hungry and went out afterwards for more food. I hope they reconsider their portion sizes or prices as this may not be feasible long term. Even though I loved it, I don't plan on returning anytime soon. Our bill was $180 excluding tip.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №151

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №152

Kata Nori Hand Roll Bar is a new spot for Japanese hand rolls in Kansas City. It's located in the east part of Crossroad, just opposite Mission Taco. This place sticks to the traditional style of a Nori bar, with counter seating only. This means you get your hand roll fresh right from the chef.

I visited with a close friend at 5pm, right when they open, and it got busy quickly, so booking ahead might be a good idea. It was my first visit, and I was pretty excited. I've eaten a lot of Japanese food and had omakase in NYC because of work trips, so I was looking forward to seeing if it matched up. And it did! The service was quick and friendly.

We began with a few hand rolls, then tried some crudos and sashimi from the menu. You can watch the chef make everything fresh and hand it to you directly. I loved my Hamachi handroll, and my friend KeeYoung's Uni Handroll was also incredible. We shared a variety of crudos that were all fresh, well put together, and tasty. The kanpachi sashimi was super fresh too. We also had the wagyu rice with seared Japanese A5 wagyu, and it was really good.

They've got a nice selection of cocktails, beer, and sake. The atmosphere was laid-back. My friend and I had a great time chatting, enjoying the food, and just having a relaxed evening.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №153

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №154

Absolutely phenomenal. I love that this exists in the heart of downtown!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №155

This is one of my favorite places I've ever been. Not just for sushi or seafood, but in general. It was delicious. I went with my partner to celebrate a belated Valentine's Day and we had the most amazing time. We each got a 3 hand roll set, an additional crab roll, we split the furikake rice and the sunomono. Everything was seasoned to perfection. The flavors were balanced and no additional soy sauce or seasonings were required. If you're a cocktail person, the ones here are INCREDIBLE. Some of the best I've had in my life. I highly recommend the Lychee Martini and the Gin and Serrano Highball. The staff was helpful, friendly, and their service was excellent. One of the owners, Nam, introduced himself to us and he was so friendly and helping all of the staff out. If you're curious about this place, make a reservation and try it out. You won't be disappointed. We will be back. 10/10. Cannot recommend this place enough.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №156

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №157

This place is hands down my new favorite spot. The dishes were nicely presented and even more importantly, they tasted so good. Very creative menu. Who knew watermelon could pair with sushi! The service was great and it was nice how they catered to my niece’s food restriction. Will be bringing some friends again soon.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №158

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №159

The way this place was sold and described to me, I was expecting a finer dining experience. The vibes were atrocious. Staff wearing sloppy clothing, beanies, jerseys, etc. and a playlist featuring Smack That by Akon playing over the speakers. The food and cocktails were excellent and service was kind and knowledgeable, I just feel like in an intimate setting with an elevated menu, the atmosphere was way too casual and unprofessional given the experience you’re advertising.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №160

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №161

I was pleasantly surprised on the quality and deliciousness of the hand rolls. My party and I were very impressed with the freshness lc the rolls. The staff were very knowledgeable, friendly and attentive. We will definitely be back in the future.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №162

Everything about this place says, you will pay,, dearly...

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №163

From the moment I stepped into Kata Nori, a new hand roll bar in downtown Kansas City, Missouri, I was immediately struck by the spacious lounge area and the intimate bar at the end of the restaurant. The bar counter seating was cozy, which might not suit everyone's preference for personal space.

One thing that stood out throughout my dining experience was the nuanced and balanced flavor profiles of all the dishes served. It was clear that much work had been put into preparing for the quality of food presented.

My culinary adventure began with Kanpachi sashimi, Japanese for Amberjack, from Hawaii. The chef's knife work was impressive, each slice of sashimi garnished with nikiri and yuzu, adding a spicy kick and a unique citrus flavor that danced on my tongue.

Next, I tried the Santa Barbara uni (sea urchin) hand roll. Its mild, creamy, and sweet profile was a delight. But the real star of the show was the Negi Toro, a delightful combination of spring onions and the fatty part of the tuna. Its rich flavors left a lasting impression on my palate.

The Spicy Salmon hand roll was a pleasant surprise. Instead of the typical Sriracha or mayo, it was spiced up with Japanese chili flakes and citrus seasoning, creating a unique flavor profile with just the right level of heat.

The Hamachi (yellowtail) hand roll, garnished with yuzu spice, and the Crab hand roll, featuring sweet and flavorful crab meat contrasted by crispy shallot bits, continued my gastronomic journey. I was a little surprised that the restaurant couldn't specify the type of the crab served, but it didn't detract from the overall enjoyment of the dish.

The meal concluded with a seemingly simple Avocado hand roll, which proved to be a delightful palate cleanser. Yet, I found myself yearning for another round of the unforgettable Negi Toro.

While the restaurant doesn't brew its own soy sauce, the quality of the food and the effort put into perfecting and balancing the flavor profiles more than made up for it. My experience at Kata Nori was memorable, and having explored most of their menu, I left feeling satisfied with my culinary adventure.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №164

Glad to have a hand roll place in Kansas City.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №165

Went for the first time this weekend. Absolutely loved the food. The food was incredible - very creative and tasted wonderful. Everyone that worked there was incredible - provided great recommendations and helped with serving suggestions. Can’t wait to go back.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №166

Best sushi in the city, hands down

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №167

"We don't just eat here," that is the slogan of our food blog. Boy and I glad we took the time to speak to thr staff and get to know the resturant.

My wife LOVES sushi, and well, I have just never found any that I think is even remotely good. We have eaten sushi on several trips and all over the metro. When I read about Kats Nori, it sounded like they did it differently. Fresh daily, made to order as you wait, and life changing "crispy" nori. Did you know seaweed could be crispy, well buddy, it can be. That was the key for me, a little texture and fresh ingredients, and you have a hit on your hands.

Make reservations in advance and still plan to wait. Kats Nori is small and a huge hit in KC, so trust me, it's worth the wait. Take the time to ask questions, and TRUST them because had we not, our experience would not have been this good. We each had three hand rolls, shared a crudos, wagyu rice, and we even had a chance to try one of their daily specials, which was a hirme (flounder) crudo. We even tried Yuki (sake) in a wooden box. The service was extremely fast, even with how busy they were.

When you can get me today, sushi 🍣 is fantastic, and I will be back (already have another reservations) you have a hit on your hands. I am so glad that they brought this concept to KCMO, first of its kind. Now all they need is a bigger location!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №168

A+ experience all around.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №169

I hope you like spicy food! Nearly everything on the menu is spicy. So disappointed. The couple of things I got with salmon was edible and definitely good. Plan to spend about $150 in order to not leave hungry. We're off to get pizza now 👍🏻

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №170

Amazing atmosphere! Out of this world food and wonderful staff. 10/10 highly recommend!!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №171

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №172

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №173

Ownership makes you feel very special. Best sushi quality in the city. Excellent vibe.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №174

Best sushi I have ever had!!!

Get the hamachi! It was outstanding

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №175

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №176

delicious rolls.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №177

Freshest fish and UNI I've had in kansas.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №178

Everything about this place is 5 stars. The staff are always super friendly and welcoming. Don't miss out on the mushrooms and avocado rolls either. 100000% would recommend

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №179

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №180

I recommend the maguro!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №181

hand rolls and sashimi were excellent, and the service was great...would highly recommend!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №182

fresh quality hand rolls, hospitable service, and great atmosphere…definitely recommend Kata Nori!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №183

Handroll and sashimi is very fresh. Service is very good and friendly. Plate presentation is excellent. Price is worth it to have. Definitely recommend friends to this restaurant.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №184

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №185

The food is incredible. I cant even begin to describe the freshness and complexity of the flavors. The plates might be small, but I'm a big guy and they hit the spot. Jesse was an amazing server and helped us with the menu. 10/10 would come again and again and again

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №186

The best Japanese hand rolled sushi in KC.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №187

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №188

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №189

Love this place. Moving from the Coast, I was skeptical about finding a trustworthy restaurant to fulfill my seafood cravings but Kata Nori delivers! Their kinoko mushroom dish, fresh sashimi, and hand rolls can have all of my money. Also, appreciate the variety of sake selection available.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №190

This was just an amazing experience. Exciting flavors all around, but I think the crudos were my favorite. We wouldn't have ordered it without the suggestion from Caleb, but the mushroom dish on the small plate menu was excellent. The hand rolls were very good as well, delicious cocktails and great service as well. They were very good at guiding us through the menu as well.
Loved the playlist!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №191

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №192

Dazzled by this super chill restaurant! Our entire experience exceeded our expectations. We were so anxious to try the delightful creations we failed to take photos. On a sad note we learned that our chef is leaving soon - hope he can come back as a guest chef next time he's in KC. Sorry I didn't catch our chefs name but he made the experience amaZing!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №193

Best hand rolls I've ever had!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №194

Such a great experience! And the food??? Amazing! So fresh and flavors were so unique. Can’t wait to go back!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №195

The vibe at Kata Nori reminds me of some omakase restaurants I’ve been to in New York - there’s nothing else like it in KC. The food, drinks, and service are all top notch. I will definitely be coming back.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №196

Everything was delicious and atmosphere and service were great as well. Would definitely go again!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №197

Incredible experience

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №198

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №199

My server was wonderful tonight. She was a delight. Had 5 handrolls and the crispybrice and the yellowtail with oranges. It was all a flavor explosion and would highly recommend. It's an intimate setting and perfect if flying solo or date night. Little pricey (but oh so worth it)so not an everyday place but ill definitely be back. Also the lychee martini was on point.

Visited a year ago

Sushi Experience №200

Had a long wait despite a reservation but the staff handled it very professionally and gave us a discount. food was absolutely INCREDIBLE. the crudos were out of this world. highly recommend for a date night and prices were reasonable. can’t wait to go back!!

Visited a year ago

Sushi Details
  • 13 sushi photos
  • 200 sushi reviews
  • 4.9 Sushi Rating
  • Reservations: +1 913-909-3954
  • Menu Website: http://www.katanorikc.com/
  • Sushi Address: 404 E 18th St, Kansas City, MO 64108, United States
  • Sushi Map: 39.0917636, -94.5787161
Specialties
  • Sushi restaurant
Sushi Hours
  • Sunday: Closed
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: 11 AM–2:30 PM–4:30–9 PM
  • Wednesday: 11 AM–2:30 PM–4:30–9 PM
  • Thursday: 11 AM–2:30 PM–4:30–9 PM
  • Friday: 11 AM–2:30 PM–4:30–10 PM
  • Saturday: 11 AM–10 PM
Service options
  • Dine-in: Available
  • Delivery: Available
Popular for
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
  • Solo dining: Available
Accessibility
  • Wheelchair-accessible car park: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible entrance: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible seating: Available
  • Wheelchair-accessible toilet: Available
  • Assistive hearing loop: Available
Offerings
  • Alcohol: Available
  • Beer: Available
  • Cocktails: Available
  • Healthy options: Available
  • Small plates: Available
  • Spirits: Available
  • Wine: Available
Dining options
  • Lunch: Available
  • Dinner: Available
  • Seating: Available
Amenities
  • Bar on site: Available
  • Toilets: Available
Atmosphere
  • Cosy: Available
  • Trendy: Available
  • Upmarket: Available
Crowd
  • Tourists: Available
Planning
  • Dinner reservations recommended: Available
  • Accepts reservations: Available
Payments
  • Credit cards: Available
  • Debit cards: Available
  • NFC mobile payments: Available
  • Credit cards: Available
Children
  • Has changing table(s): Available
  • High chairs: Available
Parking
  • Free of charge street parking: Available
  • Paid parking lot: Available
  • Parking: Available