Sushi rolls are star attraction at Nagoya Sushi

Radford’s Main Street has been recognized nationally by the Virginia Main Street program, and for good reason. Shops, offices and restaurants line the sidewalk, but don’t walk too fast — you don’t want to miss Nagoya Sushi .

Step into this well-lit Asian restaurant, with its high ceiling and big chalkboard menu, and you will not leave hungry. Sean Ashwell, a veteran of more than one restaurant, runs the front of the house with a smile and a wealth of knowledge about the cuisine on the menu.

The walls at Nagoya Sushi are adorned with large backlit photos, including a striking aerial photo of Hong Kong that makes you want to go there. A big-screen television on one wall created an amusing scene as patrons eating with chopsticks tried to solve Wheel of Fortune puzzles.

We found some of our favorite Chinese dishes on the front of the menu available in small or large portions or as combos, which include a California roll and white rice. A favorite of American palates is General Tso’s chicken (small, $4; large, $8; combo, $7.95), and it does not disappoint. The crispy fried chunks of chicken in a thick, spicy sauce with a hint of sweetness will satisfy even a skittish eater. For a milder treat, the sweet and sour chicken is better than others we have tried.

An appetizer we can recommend is shumai ($4.95). This is a steamed shrimp dumpling with eel sauce and sesame seeds. Some may not appreciate the soft texture of the steamed dumpling, but the bite-sized morsels are flavorful. Other appetizers include a seaweed salad ($4.50) and an avocado salad ($4.25).

The Chinese menu features 16 choices but is not the real reason to visit Nagoya Sushi. The sushi rolls, crafted by owner Lin Yang, are the star attraction. There are too many to list in this review, but we can speak for a few standouts.

The AK-47 ($10.95) features white fish, salmon, crab meat, avocado and cream cheese. It is deep fried, so it must be Yang’s homage to Southern American cooking. The cream cheese mellows the fish, and the crispy shell makes it a unique experience. The tuna sandwich roll ($9.95) features eel, avocado and a spicy tuna mixture. The spider roll ($7.45) includes deep-fried soft shell crab with lettuce and cucumber.

Handmade rolls start at $4 , and every night features a special where you get a free California roll, a cup of miso soup and a drink if you order two hand rolls .

Food is served in bowls shaped like boats, with the bow providing a small area for dipping sauces. Generous portions of wasabi and pickled ginger accompany sushi orders. We like to mix wasabi and soy sauce in the bow of the boat for dipping.

A neighborhood atmosphere permeates the small dining area at Nagoya Sushi, and frequent visits by the staff make customers feel welcome. The staffers are quick to answer questions and suggest items from the extensive menu based on what you want to eat.

Several of our dining guests had to be persuaded to try sushi or dared to add some wasabi. But there was something for everyone on the menu at Nagoya Sushi, and we always left thinking, How did we get so full?

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