Michigan Eats | Nagoya Sushi: All-You-Can-Eat Japanese Goodness 🍣

Michigan Eats | Nagoya Sushi: All-You-Can-Eat Japanese Goodness 🍣 This weekend was extra special—we celebrated my mom’s birthday, and what better way to honor the occasion than treating her to an all-you-can-eat sushi feast at Nagoya Sushi in Grand Rapids! 🎂 As soon as we walked in, I knew it’d be a fun meal: cozy booths, soft Japanese-inspired decor, and a menu full of sushi rolls, sashimi, and tempura. The best part? It’s only $28.95 per person for all-you-can-eat—and they don’t charge for tea! No hidden fees, just unlimited sushi? That’s already a win in my book. Let’s start with the vibe: it’s a casual, family-friendly spot—no stuffy “fine dining” rules here. We sat down, got our tea right away (hot, steamy, and perfect for chasing sushi), and started scrolling through the menu. There were so many options—classic rolls like California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and more creative ones like the Monkey Roll (which we had to try). My mom’s not a huge sushi fan, but even she found a few things she loved—win-win! Overall, the food was “solid but not mind-blowing”—nothing made us go “this is the best sushi ever,” but nothing was a letdown either. It’s the kind of spot where you can eat your fill without stressing about overspending, which is perfect for a birthday meal (or any day you’re craving sushi!). But there were two dishes that stood out for me—let’s gush about those! First up: Monkey Roll 🐒🍣. This roll was a total surprise—and in the best way! It’s made with crab sticks and avocado inside, which is classic and creamy, but the star is the fried banana on top. Oh my goodness, that fried banana was insanely sweet—crispy on the outside, soft and oozing on the inside, like a little dessert on top of sushi. At first, I was worried the sweet banana would clash with the savory crab and avocado… but no! It was the perfect balance—creamy, sweet, and a little salty (from the soy sauce we dipped it in). My mom even stole a bite and said, “Wow, that’s actually really good!” High praise from someone who usually skips sushi rolls! 😂 Second: Eel Avocado Hand Roll 🦈🥑. Hand rolls are my favorite because you get that perfect “wrap” of rice, filling, and crispy seaweed in every bite—and this one did not disappoint. The eel was tender, sweet, and coated in that classic eel sauce (sticky, savory, with a hint of sweetness), and the avocado was ripe and creamy. But the real MVP? The seaweed. It was so fresh and crispy—no soggy, chewy seaweed here! When you bite into a hand roll, the seaweed’s crunch is make-or-break, and this one was perfect. Every bite was a mix of soft eel, creamy avocado, fluffy rice, and crispy seaweed—simple, but so delicious I could’ve eaten three of them (and I almost did… oops!). We tried a few other things too—spicy tuna rolls (good, but not super spicy), tempura shrimp (crispy, but the batter was a little thick), and miso soup (warm, savory, with just the right amount of tofu and seaweed). Nothing was bad, but nothing compared to the Monkey Roll and Eel Avocado Hand Roll. For $28.95 per person, though, being able to try so many things without feeling guilty? Totally worth it. The service was friendly too—our server checked in on us regularly to refill our tea and take more orders, and she even brought out a little slice of green tea ice cream for my mom’s birthday (free of charge!). It was a small touch, but it made the day feel extra special. If you’re in Grand Rapids and craving sushi but don’t want to splurge on fancy spots, Nagoya Sushi is a great pick. It’s casual, affordable, and has enough options to keep everyone happy—whether you’re a sushi pro or a newbie (like my mom!). Plus, no tea fees? That’s a detail that makes me want to come back. 📍 Address: 2915 28th St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49512, United States #FoodExploration#DailyEats#MichiganFood#AllYouCanEatSushi#GrandRapidsEats