Shabu Shabu Kyoto Japanese Restaurant

Best shabu shabu in Seattle area! So good and comforting. We ordered sukiyaki (rib eye) and spicy miso (American wagyu). The meats were delicious and broth had depth and flavor.
We agreed this is the place we will bring all our friends who visit Seattle. We will be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We didn't plan on eating here for dinner as we wanted to go to another establishment that was in the same plaza. However, we were glad that we did. The place was busy, but the wait was not too long. We each got our own pot with a set of veggies and meat to share. We had the Angus beef and rib-eye meats to share. What made the experience better was the customer service we received. Our waitress was super attentive and made sure we had everything we needed (especially when all the tables were full).

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We visited Shabu Shabu Kyoto last weekend after hearing great things from a few friends, and it completely lived up to the hype. From the moment we stepped inside, we were greeted with genuine smiles and a calm, inviting atmosphere. The interior feels elegant but still cozy — clean lines, warm lighting, and traditional touches that make you feel like you’re stepping into a small corner of Japan.

The staff were absolutely wonderful. They took the time to walk us through the menu since it was our first time trying authentic shabu shabu. Everything was explained clearly — from how to cook the meats to which sauces pair best with which ingredients — and they checked in regularly to make sure we had everything we needed without hovering too much.

We ordered the premium wagyu set, and wow — the quality of the meat was unreal. Each slice was beautifully marbled and literally melted in our mouths. The vegetables were fresh and crisp, and the broth had such a clean, delicate flavor that brought everything together perfectly. The dipping sauces were flavorful and balanced — especially the ponzu, which had just the right amount of citrusy tang.

What really stood out was how relaxing the whole experience was. Shabu shabu can take time, but it never felt slow or dragged out — it felt like a proper meal to enjoy at your own pace. The staff refilled the broth when needed, brought fresh napkins and drinks without being asked, and genuinely made us feel taken care of.

We ended the meal with their homemade matcha ice cream, which was creamy, earthy, and the perfect finish after such a rich and satisfying dinner.

Overall, Shabu Shabu Kyoto is one of those rare places where everything — food, service, atmosphere — comes together perfectly. You can tell there’s real pride in what they do. It’s not just about eating; it’s an experience.

I can’t recommend it highly enough, especially if you appreciate authentic Japanese cuisine and want something a little different from the usual sushi spots. We’ll definitely be back soon — next time with family so they can enjoy it too!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

This was such an unexpected delight. We happened upon the restaurant with our two college-aged boys. It was such a fun experience with the cooking our food, chatting with the staff, and eating a delicious meal. We would highly recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Hot Pot, Crispy Rice with Spicy Tuna

Great shabu option around greater Seattle area. Both meats and veggies qualities were great. I also liked the peanutty sauce that came along as a side, which could taste little too strong for itself, but with the kombu dashi broth that was pretty mild (it’s literally kombu in water and that’s it), it worked out well as a great flavor combination overall. Little doubtful and curious if the peanutty sauce would also work well with other types of broth choices that are very likely to have stronger flavors than kombu dashi.

Absolutely love this place! Being a regular, the quality of ingredients and flavor never disappoints at this place. Meat and veggie are so fresh. The broths can feel bland - especially their Kombu Dashi broth which is literally just water and seaweed - but you'll be surprised at its flavor. The sauces definitely add well to the flavors. Angus beef is my fav choice for meat!

Servers are always very kind and attending, making sure all is well at all times. Highly recommended🍲

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

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Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

I may have visited on an understaffed day, but it was a frustrating experience.

There were only two servers that night. The restaurant was less than half full when we entered and it still took about 15min until we were approached for our order.

We waited at least 20min for our starters to arrive, and our tea came afterwards. We noticed our vegetables were sitting near the bar for at least 10min - we assumed they were waiting for the meat to be cut.

It was about 50min until we finally got our shabu shabu pots - it should not have taken that long for a dish that comes out raw.

The quality of the ingredients were fresh and plentiful. The sauces were ok - the ponzu was a bit weak and diluted quickly throughout the meal.

I observed one server was moving more than the other, and there did not seem to be a system in place. They seemed overwhelmed.
I was hoping to ask for a fresh bowl or have my water refilled but I felt bad to ask.

I left feeling a bit frustrated and felt I could’ve had an easier, quicker and more delicious experience doing it at home…

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 3

The hottest day in this summer, we parked underground garage, Yay! The restaurant is cool and hot fried oysters were small(Japanese size) and tasty! Salmon Poke don, Katsu and Curry bento, fried shrimps, Shishito sauteed were all tasty. We left happy.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

My little kid got food poisoning here...

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 2

Service: 1

YUM! Shabu Shabu with sukiyaki broth was delicious, but the star for us was the shishito peppers. Will visit again for sure.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Racially insensitive
I noticed some staff behavior that came across as racially insensitive. It may not affect everyone, but it was concerning to me. I hope the restaurant works on creating a more welcoming environment for all guests.

The shabshab was reasonable price and good, but Tonkatsu was so dried and really thin now.
We used come often and Tonkatsu was good, too, but the menu has been changed.
No Tonkatsu set and fried shrimp set was no more available.
Only Bento box.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 3

Service: 3

First time at Shabu Shabu Kyoto and we loved it!

My wife and I came here for the first time, and we were both seriously impressed. We each got the spicy miso broth with Choice Angus beef shabu shabu and a side of ebi fry—everything was fresh, flavorful, and cooked perfectly. The broth had a great kick, the beef was super tender, and the ebi fry was crispy and delicious.

Even though the restaurant was packed and there were only two servers working, our waiter was on top of it. He was quick, super attentive, and never kept us waiting long. He also recommended his favorite protein (which we ended up loving) and had a great personality—charismatic, funny, and made the whole experience feel extra special.

Great food, amazing service, and good vibes all around. We’ll definitely be back!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

5/5 Stars
Really enjoyed my visit to Shabu Shabu Kyoto! The food was fresh and flavorful. Especially the mushroom scallop toast and the ebi shrimp, which were both delicious. The service was friendly and attentive, and everything came out quickly.

It was a solid experience all around. I’d definitely come back again!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5