Tabu Shabu Bressi Ranch

I can’t consciously give this more than 3 stars. Let's start this off by stating that this "Shabu" thing is not for me . . . or my wife. Too much work. Why would I again pay so much for a lunch meal for two that I essentially do all of the work (~$91, no cocktails, tip included)? Most everything on the menu was an up-charge.

I guess traditionally, Japanese food is careful to artfully plate for presentation. Well done Tabu. However, my customer experience guided me to accept only mediocrity in its most blatant form on all other touch-points.

The quality of the food was decent, but seemed to rely solely on fresh, yet somewhat lacking the ‘good’. The broths were sloppily mixed directly in front of us, poured haphazardly into the Shabu pot and placed on an induction burner at each bar station. That just began the process of placing everything and then more on the already crowded place setting. I had to get creative with placement, because having something in the wrong spot could mean the difference between eating or wearing the item. Too much crowding of the utensils, tongs, ladle, water glass, ice tea, plate of protein, plate of vegetables etc. etc. etc.

The front seats just inside the door seem to be where all of the “newbies” sit since it’s most convenient after the owner/manager would say “sit wherever “. I began to think I was sitting in the wrong restaurant. Kinda disgusting seeing the ventilation system overhead has allowed the steaming pots of broth to begin corroding the fixtures.

I kept feeling as if I was doing something wrong or was otherwise incorrectly doing the "Shabu" thing. The way the roundabout construction of the winding 'bar' is set up, I kept catching momentary eye contact with multiple people that were observing me flail the mess into my mouth . . . or the counter area and induction cooktop. I didn't find any way of not making a mess.

Maybe this is the latest craze for healthy dining, but I think I can find a more suitable way of spending my lunch money.

Dicks

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 2

Extremely friendly staff and enjoyable atmosphere. Personal hot pot is a great way to create your own recipe and cook your own food. Easy parking.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hot Pot

Great experience. Tons of food

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hot Pot, Wagyu Short Rib

Funny af they play country music & Mr. Brightside here cuz it’s westernized. But a bit pricey. Also their neon sign is so funny but camp. They also have this $180 Godzilla Challenge where if you eat 3 lbs of meat plus all veggies in 30 mins or less you get all that for free. Seems like a great place for vibes. Bar searing. Wine Wednesdays. Lunch specials. I was sus at first when I read it was westernized hot pot and was like there’s no way they can mess up boiling raw ingredients in a soup right. Actually not bad.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

A pretty nice place to enjoy shabu shabu. Great service and the food is.... as good as it gets

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Excellent service.. delicious food highly recommended

Excellent Atmosphere and food. Priced well for the quality. Will return when I am back in town.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hot Pot

Honestly best shabushabu in the states so far.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Wagyu Short Rib

Fun social dining experience and very tasty!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hot Pot, Wagyu Short Rib

Food was okay, too pricey do!

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 3

Service: 4

Love this place. Whenever were in San Diego, we always try to stop by for dinner.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This was my first experience having Shabu Shabu!! It was AMAZING!!!!!

Vegetarian options: There are tons of beautiful, fresh veggies, tofu, noodles, rice, and broths.

Dietary restrictions: They offered gluten-free noodles. There may be more, but I wasn't looking for them, so I'm not sure what else they may have. Sorry.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hot Pot

Hands down my favorite restaurant for delicious food, fun, and outstanding service. Impressive options, always so fresh.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hot Pot, Wagyu Short Rib

Fist of all, I'm not into hot pot but I thought I would give it a try. I was impressed and happy with the food and delicious flavors which you can almost make yourself with all the things you add to the pot. There are lots of ingredients, sauces, spices that you can add to your taste and can't go wrong.As for the ingredients, all are very fresh, great choices and variety of veggies and lots of great meat choices too.Highly recommend, even if it's your first try.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hot Pot

The best hot pot place in town. Andrew was very helpful. My hunger was satisfied ?

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5