The best hot pot place in town. Andrew was very helpful. My hunger was satisfied ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
courtland kusmierz
OMG .... I came in hangry... cranky ... I Love sukiyaki ... my mom made it when I was little, hard to find good sukiyaki,. I told my hubs would love to find a place that had good sukiyaki, Bless his heart, he found it ... and everyone, our Hot Pot assistant was Hayden, was SO NICE and HELPFUL!! (swish, swish, swish) I love you get to cook and eat at your own pace ... ?The sukiyaki was SO GOOD... We will go again soon ... and we've been sharing with friends!They don't take reservations?, and we waited about 10 minutes! Well worth the wait even when you are hungry and cranky ?Highly recommend!!✨️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Mark Brady
Nice place with friendly staff. Only bummer was they refused to let us put our name on the waitlist before we showed up in person.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Elizabeth Jones
Our first time dining here and we loved it!!Parking: Plenty of parking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Josh Bare
Love this place - the food, the service, and the fun you have while eating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot, Wagyu Short Rib
Sandi M.
This place is great and I have visited on numerous occasions. The main attraction to me is the quality of the meat and the authenticity of their ponzu dipping sauce- it tastes exactly as I remember from living in Japan during my 20s. I also really like that it's NOT all you can eat, so I can bring my leftovers home and enjoy them later. The portions are generous and the staff friendly. I only wish they were closer to me.
Maddy Fitzgerald
This place is so fun! It's a great change of pace for locals looking for a nice dinner out and so fun to try with others for their first time. It's bar seating style so keep that in mind. You get a ton of fresh food and I always leave with a whole meal or two in leftovers. The staff have always been great too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot
Laurel C.
Very glad we tried- birthday dinner so I took us somewhere new. This is a great place for people with different diets, and the server was so on top of it and considerate. We had a vegan, a vegetarian, and a meat eater in the group, and as soon as she asked about allergies/preferences I knew we would be fine.Multiple noodles options for vegans, and two broth options. I went with the spicy miso and loved it, a little too spicy for my mom so next time we'll do the very plain broth and doctor it up with sauces.The veggie plate was great, I could have had a whole plate of just the kabocha squash and mushrooms, they were so good.Definitely come early to snag a spot, we waltzed in right at 6:00 and had our choice of spots but it was packed by 7:00. It's also on the louder side, and a more casual bar-style seating.
Keith N.
I had the pleasure of dining at "Tabu Shabu," and it was a truly remarkable experience. From the moment I arrived, Dylan, a friendly and efficient staff member, warmly greeted me. He promptly provided water and inquired about any allergies, exuding the kind of energy that sets the tone for a great meal. Kudos to both Dylan and his trainer for their excellent service.The restaurant's seating is not only comfortable but also equipped with individual electric hot plates. The tables wrap around an assembly station, which is impressively clean and well-organized, making for a smooth dining experience. I was pleased to see that they offer two wheelchair-accessible seats, ensuring inclusivity for all patrons.It's worth noting that if you're dining with a group, all guests must be present to be seated. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, it helps streamline the seating process and ensures that customers can enjoy their meal without unnecessary delays."Tabu Shabu" provides an array of sauces for dipping your meats and veggies, including green onions, garlic chips, daikon, peanut sauce, and citrus ponzu. Additional condiments like soy sauce, sesame oil, Japanese mixed chili powder, and an umami sauce for the broth are available. Tongs, a soup ladle, and a spoon are also provided for your convenience.The first delightful choice you make is selecting your broth. I opted for the Tonkatsu broth, a rich and creamy pork bone broth that had a subtle hint of sourness. Adding the umami dark sauce enhanced its flavor, making it soothing for the throat. While there's an extra charge for the soup, it's well worth it.For protein, I chose the large wagyu Chuck Eye Roll, and what a superb choice it was. The meat quality and taste were exquisite, and it literally melted in my mouth. The staff's attentiveness ensured that the hot plate's temperature was just right throughout the meal.The vegetable plate included bok choy, mushrooms, pumpkin, carrots, Korean cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, and tofu. These veggies were packed tightly and vibrant, and I couldn't get enough of them.The starter, a slightly pickled cucumber salad, was a refreshing and crunchy delight. It's evident that only the best cucumbers are selected for this dish, and a touch of sesame oil takes it to another level.A tip I discovered during the meal is to dip the meat first. Over time, the soup collects the meat's fat and flavor, enhancing the taste of each bite when you add veggies.The overall experience at "Tabu Shabu" was outstanding. Situated in a bustling area, this hot pot and shabu restaurant is a must-visit, even on warm days. The food is impeccable, bursting with flavors and vibrant dishes. It's a true gem for Carlsbad, and it has earned a spot in my top 5 list of hot pot restaurants in San Diego County.With attentive and well-trained staff, you'll feel right at home while enjoying a comforting and flavorful meal. "Tabu Shabu" deserves a solid 5/5 rating. A tip for introverted diners: consider visiting between 4-6 pm for a more private dining experience, but expect a cozier atmosphere during the dinner rush, which can be equally enjoyable.
James Littier
Incredible food, fantastic service, and just an awesome experience over
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot, Wagyu Short Rib, Mochi Ice Cream
This is a fun spot and definitely something different to do. I thought the food was good, especially the meat. It was really flavorful.BUT - its SOOOO expensive. I just feel like this is so overpriced and I guess I was a little disappointed at the food/value ratio.Also, my daughter had the tonkatsu broth and it was so salty she was not able to eat it. Unfortunately she decided not to tell me until we were on our way home. We had the spicy broth and when they say its spicy, believe them. We like some spice but between the heat of the soup and the spice, look out! All in all we had a good time and I enjoyed the food and the experience, I just don't think this is a spot I will need to go back to.
Lauren C.
The ambiance was great, they had fun paintings and decor. They gave a decent amount of veggies, rice, and noodles, but the meat is definitely pricey and not a lot is given. I would say that AYCE is still more bang for your buck but you can at least taste the premium quality of the meat here so it was still decent. We were regularly checked up on and our food came out pretty fast as well! Not sure if I would go back but it wasn't bad!
Todd McLeod
This place was amazing. Great service, great food, great atmosphere. Spicy broth. Autographed Anthony Bourdain novel on the wall. Loved it. ?Vegetarian options: Great veggie options.Kid-friendliness: You can either cook your kids food, or if they're old enough, they can cook it and it's great fun.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot
Toby P.
This is my third visit to this spot. My first was during Covid and there were partitions between each patron and we had no idea what we doing, the second was in the winter. The wait was long. The aircon kept blasting us and we were freezing. The hot soup helped but it was cold.This last time was the best. I met 3 friends and we pursued the menu. I think we got different things. Having been a few times I felt much more prepared and confident in what I wanted. I got the the sukiyaki broth with a broth booster, fresh ramen noodles and the short rib. I don't think I had done the broth boost in the past and I really liked it. It's fun to cook everything to your liking and it ended up so good that even after I was full I couldn't stop eating. It was a pretty hot day so the air on felt good this time.The signs on the wall aren't clear but I think they have a 20% off happy hour special. Hours for that weren't listed but it makes the prices much more reasonable and we all wanted to come back. It is rare that we are unanimous on a place.
Pamela Firnstein
Very good Japanese Hot Pot. The service was great thanks to Cassandra. She explained everything to make the experience much better! Fresh veggies and high quality meats and delicious broth! The only problem I had was my leftover broth had a hunk of broken plastic in it. I'm glad I saw it before I ate it! That wouldn't have been good...
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cucumber Salad, Wagyu Short Rib, Edamame
The best hot pot place in town. Andrew was very helpful. My hunger was satisfied ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
OMG .... I came in hangry... cranky ... I Love sukiyaki ... my mom made it when I was little, hard to find good sukiyaki,. I told my hubs would love to find a place that had good sukiyaki, Bless his heart, he found it ... and everyone, our Hot Pot assistant was Hayden, was SO NICE and HELPFUL!! (swish, swish, swish) I love you get to cook and eat at your own pace ... ?The sukiyaki was SO GOOD... We will go again soon ... and we've been sharing with friends!They don't take reservations?, and we waited about 10 minutes! Well worth the wait even when you are hungry and cranky ?Highly recommend!!✨️
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Nice place with friendly staff. Only bummer was they refused to let us put our name on the waitlist before we showed up in person.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Our first time dining here and we loved it!!Parking: Plenty of parking.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Love this place - the food, the service, and the fun you have while eating.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot, Wagyu Short Rib
This place is great and I have visited on numerous occasions. The main attraction to me is the quality of the meat and the authenticity of their ponzu dipping sauce- it tastes exactly as I remember from living in Japan during my 20s. I also really like that it's NOT all you can eat, so I can bring my leftovers home and enjoy them later. The portions are generous and the staff friendly. I only wish they were closer to me.
This place is so fun! It's a great change of pace for locals looking for a nice dinner out and so fun to try with others for their first time. It's bar seating style so keep that in mind. You get a ton of fresh food and I always leave with a whole meal or two in leftovers. The staff have always been great too!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot
Very glad we tried- birthday dinner so I took us somewhere new. This is a great place for people with different diets, and the server was so on top of it and considerate. We had a vegan, a vegetarian, and a meat eater in the group, and as soon as she asked about allergies/preferences I knew we would be fine.Multiple noodles options for vegans, and two broth options. I went with the spicy miso and loved it, a little too spicy for my mom so next time we'll do the very plain broth and doctor it up with sauces.The veggie plate was great, I could have had a whole plate of just the kabocha squash and mushrooms, they were so good.Definitely come early to snag a spot, we waltzed in right at 6:00 and had our choice of spots but it was packed by 7:00. It's also on the louder side, and a more casual bar-style seating.
I had the pleasure of dining at "Tabu Shabu," and it was a truly remarkable experience. From the moment I arrived, Dylan, a friendly and efficient staff member, warmly greeted me. He promptly provided water and inquired about any allergies, exuding the kind of energy that sets the tone for a great meal. Kudos to both Dylan and his trainer for their excellent service.The restaurant's seating is not only comfortable but also equipped with individual electric hot plates. The tables wrap around an assembly station, which is impressively clean and well-organized, making for a smooth dining experience. I was pleased to see that they offer two wheelchair-accessible seats, ensuring inclusivity for all patrons.It's worth noting that if you're dining with a group, all guests must be present to be seated. While this may seem like a minor inconvenience, it helps streamline the seating process and ensures that customers can enjoy their meal without unnecessary delays."Tabu Shabu" provides an array of sauces for dipping your meats and veggies, including green onions, garlic chips, daikon, peanut sauce, and citrus ponzu. Additional condiments like soy sauce, sesame oil, Japanese mixed chili powder, and an umami sauce for the broth are available. Tongs, a soup ladle, and a spoon are also provided for your convenience.The first delightful choice you make is selecting your broth. I opted for the Tonkatsu broth, a rich and creamy pork bone broth that had a subtle hint of sourness. Adding the umami dark sauce enhanced its flavor, making it soothing for the throat. While there's an extra charge for the soup, it's well worth it.For protein, I chose the large wagyu Chuck Eye Roll, and what a superb choice it was. The meat quality and taste were exquisite, and it literally melted in my mouth. The staff's attentiveness ensured that the hot plate's temperature was just right throughout the meal.The vegetable plate included bok choy, mushrooms, pumpkin, carrots, Korean cabbage, shiitake mushrooms, broccoli, and tofu. These veggies were packed tightly and vibrant, and I couldn't get enough of them.The starter, a slightly pickled cucumber salad, was a refreshing and crunchy delight. It's evident that only the best cucumbers are selected for this dish, and a touch of sesame oil takes it to another level.A tip I discovered during the meal is to dip the meat first. Over time, the soup collects the meat's fat and flavor, enhancing the taste of each bite when you add veggies.The overall experience at "Tabu Shabu" was outstanding. Situated in a bustling area, this hot pot and shabu restaurant is a must-visit, even on warm days. The food is impeccable, bursting with flavors and vibrant dishes. It's a true gem for Carlsbad, and it has earned a spot in my top 5 list of hot pot restaurants in San Diego County.With attentive and well-trained staff, you'll feel right at home while enjoying a comforting and flavorful meal. "Tabu Shabu" deserves a solid 5/5 rating. A tip for introverted diners: consider visiting between 4-6 pm for a more private dining experience, but expect a cozier atmosphere during the dinner rush, which can be equally enjoyable.
Incredible food, fantastic service, and just an awesome experience over
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot, Wagyu Short Rib, Mochi Ice Cream
Restaurantji Recommends
This is a fun spot and definitely something different to do. I thought the food was good, especially the meat. It was really flavorful.BUT - its SOOOO expensive. I just feel like this is so overpriced and I guess I was a little disappointed at the food/value ratio.Also, my daughter had the tonkatsu broth and it was so salty she was not able to eat it. Unfortunately she decided not to tell me until we were on our way home. We had the spicy broth and when they say its spicy, believe them. We like some spice but between the heat of the soup and the spice, look out! All in all we had a good time and I enjoyed the food and the experience, I just don't think this is a spot I will need to go back to.
The ambiance was great, they had fun paintings and decor. They gave a decent amount of veggies, rice, and noodles, but the meat is definitely pricey and not a lot is given. I would say that AYCE is still more bang for your buck but you can at least taste the premium quality of the meat here so it was still decent. We were regularly checked up on and our food came out pretty fast as well! Not sure if I would go back but it wasn't bad!
This place was amazing. Great service, great food, great atmosphere. Spicy broth. Autographed Anthony Bourdain novel on the wall. Loved it. ?Vegetarian options: Great veggie options.Kid-friendliness: You can either cook your kids food, or if they're old enough, they can cook it and it's great fun.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Hot Pot
This is my third visit to this spot. My first was during Covid and there were partitions between each patron and we had no idea what we doing, the second was in the winter. The wait was long. The aircon kept blasting us and we were freezing. The hot soup helped but it was cold.This last time was the best. I met 3 friends and we pursued the menu. I think we got different things. Having been a few times I felt much more prepared and confident in what I wanted. I got the the sukiyaki broth with a broth booster, fresh ramen noodles and the short rib. I don't think I had done the broth boost in the past and I really liked it. It's fun to cook everything to your liking and it ended up so good that even after I was full I couldn't stop eating. It was a pretty hot day so the air on felt good this time.The signs on the wall aren't clear but I think they have a 20% off happy hour special. Hours for that weren't listed but it makes the prices much more reasonable and we all wanted to come back. It is rare that we are unanimous on a place.
Very good Japanese Hot Pot. The service was great thanks to Cassandra. She explained everything to make the experience much better! Fresh veggies and high quality meats and delicious broth! The only problem I had was my leftover broth had a hunk of broken plastic in it. I'm glad I saw it before I ate it! That wouldn't have been good...
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 3
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Cucumber Salad, Wagyu Short Rib, Edamame