A great shabu spot with good quality meat and unlimited veggies! I was recommended the most popular soup base, which was a mixture of the miso and pork broth. The broth itself was very rich and flavorful, I could've drank it all! I also loved how they offer refillable veggies, they also paired well with the broth and sauces. The interior was well maintained and I liked having individual pots to cook our food in. Service was excellent and I enjoyed all of the recommendations that were given. Overall I think it was a great spot for a comforting balanced meal! read more

Mokkoji - Large Brisket and large Flat Iron "Mokkoji Cut" - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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I have visited this establishment frequently over the years, likely since its opening. I appreciate both dining in and taking food to go. However, I have encountered some challenges with the to-go ordering process. There have been instances where I've called to place an order only to be informed that they were too busy to take it. Yet, when I arrive in person and request a to-go order after being seated, it seems more manageable for them. I've noticed this discrepancy a few times, discovering they weren't as busy as suggested, with some staff members on break. Additionally, I've been advised to call back a few hours later to place a pickup order. While I understand the restaurant can get quite busy, I have had similar experiences during quieter times when I was able to walk in or place an online order without issue. The consistency of service has varied; sometimes it is very attentive, while other times it seems to fall short, regardless of the restaurant's busyness. On a positive note, the food is quite enjoyable. I particularly appreciate their sesame sauce and ponzu, and I like that they offer extra greens like bok choy, kale, and cabbage for those who prefer more vegetables with their shabu. They also have a variety of additional toppings, such as fish balls and shrimp, which are quite tasty. Personally, I enjoy adding onions to my shabu, although they don't seem to offer that option here. The mushrooms are consistently fresh, which I appreciate. However, it would be helpful to have a way to order additional broth to go, as the containers provided are somewhat small for the amount needed for cooking. I choose this restaurant for its delicious food and convenient location, and while the prices are somewhat average, they fall in line with expectations for the area. I will continue to frequent this place, as I enjoy the offerings, though I am aware that I may occasionally encounter service-related challenges. read more

My party of 5 was told it would be a 10 minute wait. We kept checking in with the front desk because people around us who came later kept getting seated. After 30 minutes, someone came out and took a name. What? Us checking in 3x with the front desk and they didn't put us on the wait list? After another 15 minutes my friend straight up asked if we were getting seated. They were getting ready for last call. What a waste of time. Why tell me 10 minutes if you're making us wait 45? Where was the integrity? We were beyond understanding and patient. This was so icky. read more

Looking for random shabu shabu we stumbled upon here. You choose your broth, your meats, and other selections. We selected a split pot with original and chicken broth. Then had to get the seafood platter as well as flat iron Mokkoji cut- which was so delicious that I got 2 orders. You get unlimited Napa cabbage and bok Choi i think. Ordered some ramen noodles too. Everything was so good. Service was excellent and helpful for a first time here. They have an ice cream freezer where a few selections. The blue and pink ice cream tasted like vanilla extract so not the best for me. Chocolate is a go to. We sat inside but there were also tables outside in a covered patio. read more

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Came here for dinner on a Saturday, and the waitlist was only about 15 minutes - so nice they have the yelp waitlist. I got the original broth with the combo of toro and salmon. The broth itself wasn't notable flavorful. The toro was surprisingly good - fatty and tender! The salmon was pretty good too as long as it's not overcooked. It probably would have been better marinated. The dipping sauces were pretty good - my fave was the peanut-tasting one. The food portion was filling since it came with vegetables, rice, and udon. The amount of meat seemed more than the Costa Mesa location if I remember correctly, so I would say this location is better. read more

Update! This location is STILL popping, even after so many years, so many different shabu shabu places, AND with a current heat wave in SoCal. I came right when it opened and people were outside waiting! Your entire party MUST be there to all be sat. The entire staff all work together and everyone is excellent. I love the sukiyaki and miso broths best. I still agree the meat should be marinated (for free!) and the hot drops always add a sizzle. Literally. I'm already drooling. read more

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2nd time at Mokkoji and first time at this location. They are consistent with food quality and taste. Will definitely go back again! I got the regular size brisket with regular miso broth. I asked for 1 drop of their special spicy oil in my sesame sauce. Super full and satisfied! read more

Stopped by on a weekend close to closing and there was no wait, which was nice. We hadn't been here in a few years and were surprised by how much more expensive it felt compared to what we remembered. The cheapest meat options were around $23+ for just 10 pieces, which felt a little steep, especially since the quality of the meat didn't really stand out. One thing to note is that every broth besides the original comes with an additional charge. I got the spicy miso broth and while it definitely had spice, it lacked the depth of flavor I was hoping for. The sauces were good. Meals come with a vegetable platter, and some of the items are available for free refill. The dining room itself could use a refresh. The tables, chairs, and overall interior felt a bit dated compared to newer hot pot spots around town. Overall, it's still a decent option if you're craving hot pot, but between the pricing and meat quality, it didn't feel like the best value for us. read more

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You really can't go wrong with hot pot, and the food here was good. The vegetables tasted fresh, and everything came out quickly. The biggest surprise was the pricing. It ended up being a lot more expensive than I expected. It also felt like I was getting nickel and dimed throughout the meal. The "free" vegetables only include kale and bok choy. If you want mushrooms or some of the other veggies, those cost extra. The meat was good, but the portions felt a little small for what you're paying. Overall, I enjoyed the meal and would come back if I was craving hot pot. Just be prepared to spend more than you might expect. read more

We came early cause right before they open, there is a line. Will not seat you unless all parties are there. Please have someone more friendlier looking at the door. It just seems so umi citing and strict when you have someone who doesnt smile for an early morning:) The location we go to is under construction so we came here cause we spotted it while meeting a friend. Since we've been here before, the name represent itself. To come and find out there is lunch special of iron steak makes it so worthwhile. The amount of meat given was generous for lunch and more than what I would normally order. To top the deal, it also comes with a choice of ice tea. The staffs are very friendly and attentive. Accommodating and sweet. Overall, I've been back 3 times in 2 weeks. Will be coming for more. read more

Mokkoji - Lunch special! - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

Great shabu spot! We were seated pretty quickly on a Wednesday night. Several waiters checked up on us frequently and provided a lot of guidance on the menu which was helpful! I got the Sukiyaki broth with 14 pieces of the Toro "Fat Belly". This selection was fantastic! The broth was flavorful and the portion size was definitely filling! The veggies were plentiful and the meat was amazing. I found the 3 dipping sauces to be quite interesting and highly enjoyed the egg-yolk dipping sauce. This establishment seems suitable for all types of groups. Highly recommend for those in the area looking to get some great shabu! read more

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Was feeling a bit under the weather and decided to give this place a try and was thoroughly impressed. Mokkoji had great attentive staff, was clean, and had absolutely delicious food. It's a fantastic spot for this sweater weather! read more

Mokkoji - Flat Iron "Mokkoji Cut" - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

We came to Mokkoji to try their shabu shabu. We got the spicy miso and pork broth. We got a variety of different plates of meat and vegetables. It was good but I felt like the soup could be better. The meat cuts were great. It was good overall though. read more

Mokkoji - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

I love mokkoji! I would recommend the spicy pork soup and the fatty toro belly. We got the biggest 32 piece and it was a good amount! I love that veggies are unlimited. Good soup read more

One of my go to spots whenever I'm in the area. I normally never eat two bowls of rice anywhere, but somehow I always do when I'm here. I've tried several things on the menu and honestly haven't had anything I didn't like yet. The food at Mokkoji is really filling but somehow doesn't leave you feeling heavy or gross afterward, which I appreciate. Their sauces are also amazing. If you like a little heat, I highly recommend adding those hot drops. It's the perfect kick and makes everything even more delicious. read more

Mokkoji - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

Back in OC and what can I say, here to try another shabu place. A few of my family had tried this place and it was highly recommended. Super excited to try this place, it was pretty packed for a Friday night. I first order my brother, then my proteins, veggies are included. I had the spicy broth and it had tons of flavor, they even had a bottle of their house spicy oil. It's super spicy, one drop is plenty. It's a small restaurant but "U" shaped bar is pretty neat for small parties. Our waitress was nice but never refilled our water. I recommend this place if you want some Shabu! read more

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I visited based on a friend's recommendation. The restaurant opens at 11:30 AM; I arrived ten minutes early, and there was already a line forming before it even opened. Once the doors opened at 11:30, a huge crowd poured in, filling the tables almost immediately and creating a waiting line outside the entrance. For my meal, I chose the Sukiyaki broth, the X-Large (20 pieces) Toro Fatty Belly, and the Garlic Shrimp as a side dish. The Toro Fatty Belly was delicious at first, but because the meat had a high fat content, it started to feel a bit too rich and greasy after a while. The Garlic Shrimp was tasty, with the flavors of the shrimp and garlic blending perfectly. If I visit again, I plan to try the Large (16 pieces) New York cut. As a side note, although this is a Japanese restaurant, it is owned by Korean, and the staff consists mostly of Hispanic and Southeast Asian employees. read more

Mokkoji - Garlic shrimp - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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It's been a while since I've been back to Mokkoji and it was just as good as I remembered. Food quality is excellent, and I especially love how flavorful the broths are. We enjoyed: Flat Iron "Mokkoji Cut" - a well balanced and delicious cut in terms of fattiness and lean protein. Would get this again for sure! Toro Fatty Belly - a gloriously fatty cut. We like the marinated version. New York - lean protein for health! Pork Bone Broth: hearty flavor and really tasty on its own already. Spicy Sukiyaki: served with traditional egg for dipping and has a nice kick to it. Loved cooking the udon and Mokkoji tofu in this for maximum flavor. Service was attentive and helpful with recommendations. Ambiance is casual. Love that your order comes with a veggie set so you can get some variety. Although pricier than some shabu places, the quality is great at Mokkoji. read more

Mokkoji - Flat Iron "Mokkoji Cut" Toro Fatty Belly New York Broths: pork bone and spicy sukiyaki - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

Got to try Mokkoji and totally understand why people rave about this place. The meat quality was exceptional - beautifully marbled cuts with incredible presentation. Ordered a variety including wagyu and prime cuts that cooked perfectly in the hot pot. The DIY shabu shabu setup was fun with fresh vegetables, two delicious dipping sauces (ponzu and goma), and flavorful broths. The garlic butter shrimp appetizer was a nice touch too. Everything about this place screams quality over quantity. With that said, it was a lot of food also. Service was attentive and the restaurant has a modern, inviting atmosphere. Definitely a popular spot for good reason - expect waits during peak times but it's worth it. Will absolutely be back! read more

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This is a small restaurant with not a lot of seating and is often full, but we managed to get a table by coming early. It's not AYCE like some of the other places in Irvine but quite good. My wife feels that while it's not AYCE the quality of meat is better. I'm not sure I agree ... But it's good. They do offer unlimited vegetables. So the little bowl of vegetables is just the start. The only downside compared to some of the AYCE places is the variety of vegetables. No onions, sprouts, or some of the other stuff I like is available. Overall, it's a good value, particularly if you aren't looking to completely stuff yourself read more

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The place was nice and clean with modern decor. The service was good (although our waiter looked like he didn't want to be there). We ordered the beef sampler for 2, with spicy sukitaki and bone broth. The spicy sukitaki was interesting, a little creamy/fatty. I liked the bone broth. It's tasted sweet and tasty (and not creamy). The combo meat was nice. It was just the right amount of food for 2 people. Each person also got a bowl of veggies. I wish they have given more veggies. Overall it was a good experience. read more

Mokkoji - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Clean, delicious, easy meal choice for any occasion whether a date night, luncheon, or just a solo meal to knock out a craving. Mokkoji delivers quality cuts of meat with a variety of broth to cook with. Recommended by a friend, I find that it's a well-priced meal to enjoy for anyone wanting a clean and enjoyable serving to indulge in with the array of cuts available. Service is simple and fast; food is quality and delicious. You need nothing more from a restaurant experience. read more

Mokkoji - Unmarinated Mokkoji Cut - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Been here a few times now and I've always had a great experience. I came here with a friend and we were hungry so we ordered the Special for 2. This consists of the of an appetizer (garlic shrimp), a drink (we got the hot sake), your main choice (we picked their Flat Iron cut) and ended it all off with Samanco fish shaped ice cream for the both of us! They have several broth options you can pick from and they each have a slightly different price. I just got the miso broth today but the fire crab is really good also. Your veggies come on the side for free and is a really nice variety. I also appreciate how you're able to order more veggies for free after you finish your first set! I love how the meat comes marinated (you can also opt out of the marination) which definitely adds an extra flavor boost. The dipping sauces are ponzu and goma (which is a Japanese sesame dipping sauce). When they pour your sauce, they also ask if you want any hot drops, a super spicy oil, added. These hot drops are not for the weak! I usually just get one drop and that's enough for me. Overall, great vibes and food! read more

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This place can get quite busy during the lunch and dinner hours, but thankfully they're open all day, so if you're ever in the mood for some tasty shabu, just swing by during the off hours. And if you're looking to take advantage of their lunch special, it goes until 3pm, so you've got plenty of time to get it! The lunch special is $20 and includes one generous serving of flat iron (which you can get plain or marinated...I would just go plain, since the flavor of the marinated version kind of gets lost once you dip it in the broth). You get your choice of broth (but anything outside of original is an extra charge). And then of course, you get a bowl of rice and a plate of fresh veggies. The special also comes with your choice of black or green tea (the tea I got was way too sweet for my liking, but still had a good flavor). Honestly, it's a pretty filling portion of food for lunch, so definitely take advantage of it if you're feeling pretty hungry. read more

Mokkoji - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

I love this place. I love the cuts of beef and the seasoning that they put on top of it and I love all the side dishes that they have especially the chicken wing and the shrimp. The ambience and interior is whatever is just a regular restaurant. The service is fine. Everyone is friendly and attentive. read more

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Came by around lunch time and service was quick! You're able to join the waitlist ahead of time so highly recommend doing that to save extra time especially during peak hours. My fav is the spicy pork broth, but the fire crab broth is also yum. Toro is my go to for the meats but we also got the mokkoji cut as well. I'm never disappointed when I go to any of the mokkoji locations! read more

Mokkoji - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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It's been years since I've been back and I've missed being here. They have a yelp waiting list as well but when I got there and joined the waitlist, it was a 30-40mins but the server was nice and was we got seated within 5mins. We sat by the bar seating which was nice. It got busy after we were seated. We ordered spicy and spicy miso as the broth and got the Toro and Flat Iron beef and a side of brisket with a side of ramen. It was so good and I was definitely happy after because we were hungry and was just the right amount of food for us. Can't wait to be back! read more

Mokkoji - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

We came here on a Friday for their lunch special and we definitely had a side of server's attitude. The wait was longer than usual (fine), they sat us in a random place where if people were leaving, they could bump into us. We ended up asking if we could move to the bar (which was getting cleaned up.) It took them a while to get our order. When they did, they said they were out of the black tea for the lunch special. I asked if they could sub for the soda (which was the same price!!) and they said no! Later on, we overheard there was some more black tea left, so confusing the other server told us no more. Another server, dropped off the veggie bowls and her hair was in other people's bowls. It wasn't tied up or anything. Then another server who was scooping the broth into the bowls, dropped a mushroom onto the metal cart and just placed it back into the bowl. I was genuinely astonished by their sanitary practices sitting there at the bar. It was unfortunate that the servers were really moody that day. I will not be coming back even for the lunch special. Our rice was getting cold, while we were waiting for our meat to come out. read more

Mokkoji - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

My boyfriend and I have been going to Mokkoji for a few years now and it's always a hit! It was our first time getting the special for two, which came with two soft drinks, garlic shrimp, a shared meat platter, plus ice cream dessert. Broth is a separate price. We got the spicy pork and spicy sukiyaki broths, and both were yummy! The garlic shrimp was flavorful and we didn't realize that it came with the dinner special, so it was a nice surprise. The toro fatty belly is always fresh and tender, it's our go-to meat here. Service is always quick and efficient. The restaurant is clean and we always get seated right away. read more

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I absolutely love mokkoji! I've never had a bad experience. I've been to the garden grove, Costa Mesa, and Irvine location. I prefer the Costa Mesa and Irvine one because the parking lot is bigger. I will say every time I've gone to mokkoji there's always been a wait time. Sometimes it's just a couple minutes, and other times it takes a while (another reason why I prefer the Irvine and Costa Mesa one because there are places to walk around). The servers usually get to you pretty quickly, and the food comes out fast too. Some of the veggies are unlimited and you can ask for refills on those which is very nice. The share size is very filling and good to share between 2-3 people depending on how much you eat. When I share it with one other person we both tend to get really full. I've had the flat iron (mokkoji cut) meat and beef belly (Toro) and I honestly liked both of them. The toro is definitely fattier though. If you order the sukiyaki broth, it comes with a raw egg for you to dip in! You can ask them for hot drops to make your soup base, ponzu, and/or sesame sauce spicy. BUT beware that stuff is really spicy. I like spicy food a decent amount and I ask for 1 drop in each of my sauces and sometimes 2 depending on how spicy I wanted it that day. read more

Mokkoji - Sukiyaki broth, Flat Iron "Mokkoji Cut" 32 Pc (share size) - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

I've been back so many times lately...with my family, and introducing to friends. It's a great option when you want some good shabu shabu without having the high prices and stuffing yourself at many of the popular AYCE Shabu restaurants. I love that I can use yelp waitlist to reduce the wait. But be warned the timing is not always accurate...however most of the time, it's been pretty good and helped me have a wait of under 15 minutes. The meat quality is decent but my favorite part is actually the unlimited veggie refills. I love just filling up with healthy veggies, especially kale. I get completely satisfied without having to eat any of the refillable rice...so it actually becomes a relatively healthy meal. Servers always seem like they are running around because it's so busy...but wave them down and they will happily take care of you. read more

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I've been to Mokkijo twice now and each time, the waiters were all very friendly and pleasant. This place is very clean and looks nice. In terms of the food, the price beats going to eat AYCE hot pot and you can take your soup home and eat it again! All of the broths are very good (we tried the original, spicy sukiyaki, and pork broth). I got the toro "fatty belly" and if you're a fan of beef belly, this is delicious! The sauces on the side are a good edition and you can ask for a drop (or more) of their spicy sauce to add to your sauces for an extra kick. I saw on their instagram that you can also ask for your meat marinated which sounds cool but we didn't do that. The only thing that would make this a better experience was if they had a greater selection of veggies on the side. The plate consisted of things like enoki mushrooms, udon, a tofu, a carrot piece, a pumpkin slice, kale, Napa and boy choy. You can also ask for a refill on your veggie bowl. Overall, a great place to eat and definitely good quality food. Would recommend checking it out! They are currently doing a lunch special M-F from 11am-3pm that includes a $19.99 plate of mokkoji cut flat iron, cold brew green tea, and you can add surf and turf (2pcs of salmon, shrimp & scallop) for $11.99. read more

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This spot gets busy fast. I came with a friend on a Saturday and we showed up about 5 minutes before opening and there was already a line of 15+ people waiting outside. The place itself is pretty spacious, so at least it fits a lot of people. I went with the sukiyaki broth and my friend had the spicy miso, both with the regular flat iron "mokkoji cut" and marinade. Everything tasted solid and consistent with other Mokkoji locations. The only thing I noticed was different here was that they didn't bring out the usual sides of green onion, garlic, and radish for the dipping sauce. The servers looked slammed, so we didn't bother asking. Since it was packed, things got a little chaotic. We asked for extra veggies (which are free), but they accidentally sent them to another table. Took a while before we could flag someone down to bring us a new serving. Overall, food is good as always, but this location feels a bit too hectic on a Saturday. I'd probably stick to going at a different time or just hit up another Mokkoji that isn't as crazy crowded. read more

Mokkoji - Flat iron mokkoji cut with marinade, sukiyaki broth and spicy miso broth - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

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Mid shabu shabu spot that is a bit on the expensive side. I got spicy miso and it was so bland. I did not like this soup at all. Meat was good tho, service was mid as well read more

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The food is consistent and deserves four stars. The service, however, is just okay. Some of the staff are friendly and welcoming, while others seem uninterested and not very attentive. A more consistent level of customer service would make the overall dining experience much better. read more

Came on weekday monday and wasnt busy! Service was super quick. I got the sukiyaki with marinated flat iron and it was really good. I think everything here is pretty standard to other shabu places but what makes then stand out is the marinated meats and sauces! read more

Mokkoji - Japanese Near Me - Irvine, California

This review has been long overdue! I had such a great experience at Mokoji, especially thanks to Thien! He was incredibly friendly, attentive, and did an amazing job explaining the menu and helping us with what to order. He checked in on us throughout the meal and even came by to offer hot drops. He made sure we were taken care of the entire time. Thien is seriously the BEST! :) read more

If you want quality over quantity, Mokkoji is where it's at. Mokkoji is a renowned, traditional Japanese shabu shabu restaurant. It's such a distinctive hot pot dining experience ~ where you'll find tapas, unique flavorful broths and quality marinated meats. I'm sooo happy that Mokkoji shabu shabu bar is conveniently located around the corner from my house, on the corner of Jeffrey & Trabuco (Irvine), in the Cypress Village shopping center. It's in the corner, between Starbucks and Red Straw boba. The prices aren't outrageous for the quality of meats, seafood and veggies you get. And they offer so many sizes for their various cut meats ~ from regular 10 pcs, large 14 pcs, XL 20 pcs and SH 32 pcs, so it's perfect for all appetites. The restaurant is a decent size, clean & bright. There's definitely quite a wait during busy lunch/dinner hours..so be warned! I highly recommend joining their Yelp waitlist ahead of time. Timesaver!!! There are tables and bar seating. Not uber suitable for large parties, as they only have one big table area in the middle of the restaurant and maybe one at the far end of the left bar, once you enter. The staff is efficient, but not always uber friendly and so busy, so you might sometimes have to flag them down if you need something. My go-to is always the spicy miso broth with the marinated toro "fatty belly." It's just melt in your mouth YUMS!!! I get the marinated flat iron "Mokkoji cut" as well sometimes, when I'm sharing with the hubs, as he likes a leaner cut. Depending on my hunger level, I sometimes opt for the addition of shrimp balls, as well as, add a garlic edamame or shishito pepper appetizer. Mokkoji NEVER disappoints and always satisfies my (and my family's) cravings..a total RxFoodie recommend!!! It's our family favorite shabu place in OC! Try it, if you haven't already and find out why. Bon appétit!!! P.S. It's especially good on cold, rainy days. read more

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Saddest Shabu Shabu experience This is my usual go to place for shabu shabu. Things changes like originally you would grind sesame seeds for the peanut sauce. This was also the first place I went when things open up just after the world health issue. Tonight was the first time my significant other didnt finish the meat. What was wrong with it? Instead of large slices of meat that you swosh in the brooth, you get tiny bits of meat that is more suited for stir fry than actual shabu. It might have been my imagination but it felt like even the staff was embarrassed by the meat because no one asked how our meal was which they typically do each time. I don't blame the staff because it not their call. The place printed new menus with the inevitable price increase. Before when you chose the lower tier meats it would be tougher but still large pieces. And what you pay for by number of slices which in my case is 32 pieces. I hope what I experienced was a one off. It just hurts seeing this when you can tell from my previous reviews how much I love this place. I was hesitant to post this review but either owners are not aware which in this environment will kill their business or this is some new cost cutting measure .... Hoping for the former because staff is always Awesome but couldnt let other spend their hard earn cash for a meal that wasn't shabu. What is nice about Yelp is that it can raise awareness with the owners and management can respond. Check the latest video Ive posted so you can judge for yourself read more

Really disappointing experience due entirely to the service. Our server (a shorter, younger guy) had a constant attitude from the moment we sat down. Every time we asked for something -- whether it was basic or reasonable -- he looked visibly annoyed and made faces, which honestly made us uncomfortable and discouraged us from asking for anything at all. On top of that, he repeatedly sipped from a cup hidden under the bar during service, which felt extremely unprofessional and concerning. I'm pretty sure it was alcohol because he turned so red over the course of our dinner and another server even called him out on what he was doing. Overall, his behavior completely ruined what should have been an enjoyable meal. Service like this is unacceptable, especially at a place that clearly wants to be taken seriously. Won't be returning unless management addresses read more