Grand re-opening . . . and more dazzling than ever!

Xaga

1330 Broadway

Hewlett

(516) 295-4137 or 612-7185

www.xagasushi.com

After four years in business, Xaga’s Hewlett location has been moved down the block to larger quarters, and is stunning in every way. Owners, Louis, who is also head chef, and Tom, who hosts the restaurant, haven’t missed a beat when it comes to detail and quality. Their other location, which they opened two years ago, is located in Merrick.

From its ultra-modern décor to exquisitely presented sushi and Asian fusion cuisine, this restaurant is a recipe for success. On the Tuesday night we visited, the place was packed. Enter from the street and you’ll see a cocktail bar. The parking lot entrance lets one view the bustling sushi bar, manned by more sushi chefs than usual. Sleek dining areas fill both sides, accented by sparkling beaded curtains.

Service was surprisingly swift. Moist towels arrived, then tea, and a bowl of warm, salted Edam. One look at Tuna Flower and we were hooked. Melt-in-your-mouth rose-shaped tuna was capped with king crab meat and avocado, garnished with crunchy spank and tobiko (fish roe). Slices of Toro Carpaccio (tender fatty tuna) were nestled into four porcelain soup spoons, each topped with a different color caviar. Chicken wraps offered saucy diced white meat with leaves of Romaine lettuce. Spicy tuna sandwiched between seaweed crackers was incredibly enjoyable. The Love Roll, artfully displayed as a row of hearts, had tuna, salmon and avocado.

From the kitchen, Hawaiian fried rice was lush with jumbo shrimp, cashews and pineapple. Curry seafood was a tasty tangle of scallops, lobster and shrimp, with green beans, tomatoes, baby eggplant, and a variety of herbs.

Desserts are generous and look exactly as the images on the menu. We enjoyed a ball of fried vanilla ice cream garnished with fruits, topped with a cookie. Impressive other options include orange mousse, chocolate soufflé, coconut key lime and banana tempura.

Soups, salads and appetizers — from the sushi bar and kitchen — range from $2.50 to $13. Sushi rolls run from $4 to $15, and entrees include soup or salad, for $14 to $50 (for two). Kitchen/Asian Fusion entrees are $9 to $23. Desserts are $5 to $12.

Hours are 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11:30 a.m. to 3. p.m. and 4:30 to 11 p.m. on Friday; 1 to 11 p.m. on Saturday; and 2 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday. Catering, take-out and delivery are available. Reservations are suggested, especially for larger groups.

Recommendations:

■ Edamame

■ Chicken Lettuce Wrap

■ Tuna Flower

■ Spicy Tuna Cracker

■ Love Roll

■ Toro Carpaccio

■ Hawaiian Pineapple Fried Rice

■ Curry Seafood

■ Fried Ice Cream