Sushi Hotaru

My family and I dined here last night, there was a queue when we arrived but there were three of us so we didn’t wait long. The wait staff were attentive and wanted us to be mindful that they were closing at 8: 15, which we did get reminded about a few times. We had about 15 plates between the three of us, the portion sizes were good, the quality was excellent and so was the taste. The variety on the sushi train I think was a reflection of the time of day, they were winding down so there was not as much variety but they made up for it by being very prompt when we ordered from the iPad in front of us. My favourite was the sashimi, probably the salmon but the beef tataki was also excellent. I was curious by the addition of onions and sauce to some of the salmon nigiri and my kids were not fans but it was a nice change on the average salmon nigiri. My kids also particularly loved the lolly bags available for dessert and both took one each.

They have already asked to come again and talked all the way home about how much they enjoyed it. The staff are Japanese and were very polite, welcoming and efficient. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this place to others.

It can be tough to find as it is not signposted well and is on the second floor of the plaza.

The most authentic Sushi train in Melbourne. Fresh authentic Japanese Sushi, fast service and friendly staff that are actually all Japanese. The IPad service is rapid fast how it’s meant to be as real sushi train in Japan and freshly made in front of you, worth the money and the atmosphere reminds me of an authentic sushi train establishment back home. Won’t find a better place in Melbourne.
If you are looking for “Japanese sushi train” please visit here.
Most of sushi places in Cbd aren’t running by Japanese but here:)

I loved Sushi Hotaru before but now the food got bad. Every dish I tried was underwhelming, even the ones that are hard to go wrong with.
When I ordered an omelet roll, I was shocked that they just microwaved a pre-made one. It tasted rubbery and.microwaved.
Never going back no more.

1. Eat early 2. Obey the signs 3. Respect the food.

Terrific sushi train experience guaranteed!

Food was good, a bit small and thin for the raw fishes but overall a nice atmosphere with friendly staffs.

A great sushi train spot in Melbourne CBD. They are busy during dinner times so expect very long wait for a table (1 hour or more). The sushi was delicious and fresh. However, the venue was small and didn’t have lots of seats. Lighting could be improved as well.

One of the better sushi train place in Melbourne. The downside is the wait but if you’re lucky to get a spot without having to wait too long, then it’ll be a treat.

My new fav is the agedashi tofu & soft shell crab. The rest of the usual items are fresh. Service is efficient. Pricing is still reasonable although it increases slightly from my last visit.

The only thumbs down is the chicken karaage. It’s overly fried but then, who orders a ck in a sushi train place?

Very good sushi with lovely staff and quality ingredients.
The sushi has good topping to rice ratio unlike others who put as much rice as possible with very little other ingredients

This place is amazing. Great food. Love scallop suchi, probably order 3-4 times highly recommend and definitely going back again.

SMALLER PORTIONS post-Covid.

Have been going here for years and the Nigiri as of recent has little more than half the amount of toppings & rice, karaage pieces were also fewer and smaller in size.

Quality is still decent but you'll find much better quality & portions at other Sushi train restaurants within the CBD.

Absolutely MOST delicious sushi train in Melbourne for affordable prices! This train is located in the most decrepit, unviable location - but it's quality lead to incredibly strong word of mouth so it's always bustling and most days there's a queue to get in. I'm very critical of businesses and food in general, but there is nothing to complain about this train. The soft shelled crab hand rolls is to die for. One of my favorite places to eat ever!

Been there about 4 times now. Great little place with a nice selection of food. The staff are very friendly and the food is always served promptly. If you're ever peckish and looking a casual feed then I'd definitely recommend.

Love this place and I keep coming back for their variety and great prices. They’ve been very consistent every time and are super friendly. It may feel like just small bites here and there, but it gets you full surprisingly quickly!

The sushi is fresh and the portion on the plates are decent, great price too.enjoyed eating here, I think I'm going be a regular.

Hidden in the Cinema Chinatown complex on first floor, this sushi train resto features a long queue but totally worth it. Ample dish selection to choose from. Ala cart choices were delivered within few minutes, and always served with smile. Prices were a bit cheaper than similar sushi train restos in Melbourne. $3.7 for most selection.

Wasn't too bad, the service was fast and friendly. The sushi was fresh and tasty. Only things that are of complaint are is that the menu is not large and the spicy Mayo isn't spicy.

Service is great but the food is nightmare…
everything is too salty…
chicken katsu nigiri ：katsu was not crisp
the rice of all sushi was not press well ，it is hard to using the chopsticks to eat ，when u touch the sushi it will separate …
the wagyu beef nigiri also terrible…
not fresh and have very bad smell…
all the food only have 2 taste ：sour （cause some food not fresh…）and salty
I know its cheap sushi train store，but the sushi not meet the average…even some fast food sushi store better than this

Subpar sushi, I was expecting something awesome, but there was no sushi on the belt at 6pm.
Very disappointing.
The cooking staff also touched food with hands no gloves or utensils.saw him stick his finger in a sauce and use it on a takeaway dish.

This place is magical. First came here in 2013, and the lines are just as big 8 years on! I’ve been dozens of times since and it’s just as good each visit. Super fun atmosphere that feels like you’re in Tokyo, energetic and attentive staff, great prices and delicious sushi.

Our favourite sushi place.everything is so fresh and amazing! Staff are so polite and welcoming. Never a disappointment always the best! Would recommend 100%