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Hotaru Japanese Restaurant in South Australia

Experience traditional Japanese dining at Hotaru Japanese Restaurant in Adelaide. Check menu, hours, reviews, and location for quality sushi and more.

4.4 271 reviews Japanese Restaurant American · Southern

162-164 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia

FoodPlacee Passport Australia · South Australia · 59919
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Hotaru Japanese Restaurant

Adelaide, South Australia, Australia

Sushi Boat Miso Soup Tempura Vegetables Teppanyaki Beef Tenderloin
Rating★ 4.4 / 5
CategoryJapanese Restaurant
Today 11:30 AM - 03:00 PM 05:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Overview

About This Food Place

Hotaru Japanese Restaurant offers a relaxed dining experience in the heart of Adelaide’s Gouger Street. This casual and cozy spot serves generous portions of traditional sushi and rice-based Japanese meals, presented with care and freshness. Its simple decor creates a welcoming atmosphere perfect for enjoying authentic Japanese flavors without pretense.

Visitors can look forward to a diverse menu featuring everything from delicate sashimi and sushi to hearty teppanyaki and grilled dishes. With a focus on quality ingredients paired with a range of alcoholic beverages including beer and wine, Hotaru caters well to lunch, dinner, solo diners, and groups alike.

Gallery

Photos from Hotaru Japanese Restaurant

Real shots of the food, atmosphere, and signature dishes at this location.

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Local favorites

Why People Come Here

A welcoming Japanese dining spot offering authentic flavors and a cozy setting in the heart of Adelaide.

Highly Rated Japanese Cuisine

A solid 4.4 rating based on 271 reviews highlights the fresh sushi and well-prepared traditional dishes praised by patrons.

Casual & Cozy Atmosphere

Enjoy relaxed dining with simple decor perfect for groups, tourists, solo diners, and family meals.

Wide Beverage Selection

Complement meals with a variety of alcohol options including beer, wine, and hard liquor.

Accessible & Family Friendly

Wheelchair accessible entrance and seating along with provisions for children, including high chairs and kid-friendly options.

Convenient Service Options

Flexible dining with takeout and dine-in available, suited for lunch, dinner, and solo dining occasions.

Central Adelaide Location

Located on Gouger Street, a popular dining precinct, making it easily accessible for locals and visitors alike.

Popular Signature Dishes

Must-try items include the Sushi Boat, Tempura Prawns, Teppanyaki Beef Tenderloin, and savory Octopus Balls.

Experience

When & How to Enjoy This Place

Experience authentic Japanese dishes accompanied by excellent service and a cozy setting, suited for various dining occasions at Hotaru Japanese Restaurant.

Fresh ingredients and carefully prepared meals make this venue a standout for anyone seeking genuine Japanese cuisine in Adelaide. — FoodPlacee editorial note

Lunch Break Delight

The lunch menu features popular dishes like sushi, teppanyaki fried rice, and clear soup. Perfect for a refreshing midday meal whether dining solo or with colleagues.

Group Dinner Gathering

Enjoy larger plates such as the teppanyaki beef tenderloin and assorted tempura in a relaxed atmosphere suited for friendly groups or tourists looking to share great food.

Takeout Convenience

Offering takeout service, Hotaru is a convenient option for craving quality Japanese food on the go without compromising on flavor.

Casual Evening Dining

The cozy setting and variety of alcoholic beverages including beer, hard liquor, and wine make it ideal for a relaxed dinner or a casual night out.

Reservation Friendly Visits

Advance booking is accepted, providing added convenience for group events or special occasions, ensuring a smooth dining experience.

Best for

Lunch Dinner Solo dining Groups Takeout Reservations Alcohol & Beer Accessibility

Guest sentiment

What People Feel

A snapshot of what local diners frequently mention about this location.

SX
Steamed Xi 1 month ago

"The dishes were tasty, but the waiting time for food was a bit long."

FP
First P 1 month ago

"Hotaru is such a hidden gem! The sashimi and sushi are super fresh and full of flavor. You can really taste the quality. Their clear soup is also perfect for cold weather like this, warm and comforting."

BD
Bianca Davidson 1 month ago

"The best japanese food in adelaide hands down. Whenever we have anyone visit from interstate, this place is a must. The best ingredients for high quality flavours. I recommend this place to everyone, 10/10!!"

JB
Jinitha Babe 2 month ago

"I cannot believe how empty this restaurant was on a Friday night! Honestly had my doubts when we first entered… BUT I was SO wrong. We have just returned from Japan a week ago and we were having withdrawal symptoms lol. We did not set unrealistic expectations of Japanese food in Adelaide. But let me tell you… the food here is CHEFS KISS! We ordered the salmon sushi $6.50 for 2 big pieces, the assorted tempura $18, beef teppanyaki $28 and 2 Kirin beers. Everything had so much freshness in it, absolutely loved it! OISHI! Anyone who loves the Japanese cuisine here in Adelaide, take my word, you do not want to miss out on this hidden gem. Thank me later"

M
McNaccas 3 month ago

"Friendly, welcoming service, was seated quickly, menu had a diverse range of items, food came out in a good timeframe and was presented nicely with fresh, tasty ingredients."

TC
Tess Clark 3 month ago

"Wednesday lunch May 25. No booking but no problems. Incredibly fresh seafood, couldn't fault the quality of the sashimi plate. 6 options, all equally fresh and lovely. Edamame were said and served got, takoyaki balls were light and full of flavour. Tempura soft shell crab, beautifully cleaned and crunchy. Good range of Japanese beers and sake. Best Japanese we've had in ages. Bathrooms available, including disabled. Thankyou"

MV
Marilyn Victor 4 month ago

"Amazing service! Had a sushi boat, tempura, beef and scallop teppanyaki and chicken fried rice. All dishes were amazing and generous servings, highly recommend!"

V
VindictiV 4 month ago

"Quite possibly the most beautiful Japanese I've eaten in my life. Everything was melt in your mouth. The chef was amazing. His wife, who served us, was absolutely lovely and explained everything to us for our daughter. They were great people, the atmosphere was great. We will be coming back in the next few weeks it was that good we already discussed having birthday parties too!"

Visit info

When to Visit

Weekly hours below — always confirm with the business before holidays or special events.

Today Open now · until 3:00 PM
Weekly hours
Monday Closed
Tuesday 11:30 AM - 03:00 PM 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Wednesday 11:30 AM - 03:00 PM 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Thursday 11:30 AM - 03:00 PM 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Friday 11:30 AM - 03:00 PM 05:30 PM - 10:30 PM
Saturday 11:30 AM - 03:00 PM 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Sunday 05:30 PM - 10:00 PM
Hours may change. Please confirm with the business before visiting.

Best time to visit

Lunch and dinner hours provide ample opportunity to enjoy freshly prepared Japanese fare in a welcoming environment.

Tuesdays to Saturdays: Lunch 11:30 AM–3:00 PM, Dinner 5:30 PM–10:00/10:30 PM Sunday evenings open from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM for relaxed dinners Ideal for group dining and family meals during weekend peak hours Reservations accepted, plan ahead especially on Fridays for smooth seating Perfect time to enjoy specialty drinks paired with dinner offerings

On the map

Where This Food Place Lives

Find your way to Hotaru Japanese Restaurant in South Australia .

Address 162-164 Gouger St, Adelaide SA 5000, Australia
Phone +61 8 8410 2838
Area South Australia
Call Address copied ✓

Questions answered

Food Place Questions

Find answers to common questions about Hotaru Japanese Restaurant, including dining options, services, and cuisine details to help plan your visit.

The restaurant is closed on Mondays. From Tuesday to Thursday, it operates 11:30 AM–3:00 PM and 5:30 PM–10:00 PM. On Fridays, it opens until 10:30 PM. Saturday hours are 11:30 AM–3:00 PM and 5:30 PM–10:00 PM, while Sunday is open only for dinner from 5:30 PM–10:00 PM. Hours may change seasonally.

Takeout and dine-in options are available at Hotaru Japanese Restaurant. However, delivery service is not offered at this location.

Some customer favorites include the Sushi Boat, Miso Soup, Tempura Vegetables, Teppanyaki Beef Tenderloin, Tempura Prawns, Octopus Balls, Satay Chicken Skewers, and a selection of beers. The menu features a broad variety of Japanese dishes.

The restaurant provides both wheelchair accessible entrances and seating, ensuring a comfortable experience for guests with accessibility needs.

Reservations are accepted to help secure a table. Payment options include credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for convenience.

This location is good for kids and offers high chairs. Its casual and cozy atmosphere makes it family-friendly for lunch and dinner visits.

Guests will enjoy a casual and cozy setting popular with groups and tourists. The relaxed dining space features simple decor focused on traditional sushi and rice meals.

The restaurant specializes in traditional Japanese food such as sushi, sashimi, tempura, teppanyaki, and grilled dishes. Healthy options, small plates, and alcoholic beverages including beer and wine are also available.

For owners

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Menus, prices, hours, services, and availability may change. Please contact the food place directly before visiting or ordering.