HOTARU

HOTARU

Order Now arrow
Scroll down

Hotaru — Where Fire Meets Stillness.

Modern Japanese Omakase dining — premium sushi, omakase, and quiet craft in the heart of Southport.

Order Online

Hotaru means firefly in Japanese, a symbol of quiet beauty and fleeting moments in nature. Inspired by this idea, we created a space that is cozy and intimate, where guests can slow down and enjoy the simple elegance of Japanese cuisine.

The Experience

Modern Omakase, Reimagined

Hotaru brings Tokyo's Omakase culture to Southport redefined for those who value intimacy and authenticity.

Every dish reflects balance smoky, silky, crisp, subtle an invitation to slow down and share in the artistry of food, drink, and connection.

Discover the Experienceicon
Modern Omakase interior showcasing Japanese minimalism
Artfully presented sushi and signature dishes
Intimate dining experience with warm lighting
Authentic Craftsmanship

Traditional Japanese methods elevated through modern precision.

Authentic Craftsmanship
Intimate Setting

30 seats, handcrafted interiors, an experience that feels private yet inviting.

Intimate Setting
Curated Pairings

A sake and whiskey list designed to complement our Premium Sushi and Omakase.

Curated Pairings
Our Restaurants

A Glimpse Into The Glow

Step inside our world—a harmony of fire, texture, and light. Each photo captures what defines Hotaru: craft, calm, and connection.

Hotaru Gallery 1
Hotaru Gallery 2
Hotaru Gallery 3
Hotaru Gallery 4
Hotaru Gallery 5
Hotaru Gallery 6
Hotaru Gallery 7
Hotaru Gallery 8
Hotaru Gallery 9
Hotaru Gallery 10
Hotaru Gallery 11
Hotaru Gallery 12
Hotaru Gallery 13
Hotaru Gallery 14
Hotaru Gallery 15
Hotaru Gallery 16
Hotaru Gallery 17
Hotaru Gallery 18
Hotaru Gallery 19
Hotaru Gallery 20
Hotaru Gallery 21
Signature Menu

Every Bite, Handcrafted

From the delicate balance of Bluefin Tuna Carpaccio to the comforting depth of Gyu Don and the refined artistry of Omakase, each dish at Hotaru tells a story of technique, patience, and passion.

Whether it's a quiet dinner for two or a celebratory evening, our menu offers a journey through flavor — one crafted to awaken all senses.

Omakase Experience

A chef-curated journey of seasonal fish, delicate nigiri, and refined small plates — prepared and served piece by piece for a truly immersive dining experience.

Signature Rolls

Creative house rolls layered with premium seafood, fresh ingredients, and balanced textures — crafted to deliver bold flavor in every bite.

Skewers

Charcoal-grilled skewers featuring wagyu, seafood, and seasonal vegetables — lightly glazed and finished with traditional Japanese seasoning.

Desserts

Light and elegant Japanese-inspired desserts — from matcha creations to delicate sweets designed to end your meal with balance and finesse.

Donburi Rice Bowls

Warm rice bowls topped with premium cuts of fish, wagyu, or seasonal ingredients — comforting, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.

View Full Menu

icon
Sharpening for Precision

Knife Preparation

Sharpening for Precision

Cutting, Cleaning & Deboning

Fish Butchery

Cutting, Cleaning & Deboning

Hand‑Shaping Fresh Tuna Nigiri

Nigiri Formation

Hand‑Shaping Fresh Tuna Nigiri

Topping with Premium Caviar

Caviar Finish

Topping with Premium Caviar

Served Directly to Your Seat

Guest Presentation

Served Directly to Your Seat

Omakase Preparation

From Blade to Bite,
Crafted with Precision

Great sushi begins before it reaches your plate. At Hotaru, chefs sharpen their knives, break down whole fish, and shape each slice into delicate nigiri. Finished with premium caviar and plated before your eyes, every piece reflects precision, craftsmanship, and quiet mastery.

Knife sharpeningFish cutting & deboningNigiri shapingCaviar toppingFinal platingGuest presentation
Top Chef

An Art of Quiet
Mastery

Behind every plate at Hotaru lies years of discipline and devotion. Our chefs approach food as both art and meditation — selecting each ingredient by hand, mastering each cut, and refining every flame until balance is achieved. It’s not just cooking. It’s a practice of stillness, patience, and precision.

Chef Team 1
Chef Team 2
Chef Team 3
Chef Team 4
Client Say

Client's Feedback

“The omakase was super special. Definitely best quality fish and best tasting sushi you’ll find in this area.”

Julia Antonicelli

Visit Us

In The Heart of Southport

Nestled on Post Road, Hotaru invites you to slow down and savor. We welcome guests from Southport, Fairfield, and Westport — to dine, connect, and experience the balance of light and flavor.

Contact
Hours
  • Monday: 11:30 to 9:30
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 11:30 to 9:30
  • Thursday: 11:30 to 9:30
  • Friday: 11:30 to 10:00
  • Saturday: 11:30 to 10:00
  • Sunday: 11:30 to 9:30
Get Directionsicon