Shabu Spot - San Diego

My experience at this small shabu spot was quite positive. The restaurant was very clean, and the ingredients were notably fresh. While the selection for cooked foods wasn't extensive, it was just enough. I appreciated that they offered both ice cream and shaved ice, along with popping pearls and milk tea. The fruit was particularly super fresh and delicious.

My experience at this restaurant was exceptional. The place is incredibly clean, and the food is remarkably fresh. It's rare to find shabu restaurants with such fresh vegetables, but this establishment has it all, including fresh meat. I consider it one of the best shabu places I've ever visited. The owner, a lady who I believe is the owner, was so nice and helpful. I totally recommend this place!

This new Shabu spot has quickly become my go-to! I've visited multiple times, with and without kids, for both lunch and dinner, and every experience has been great. The food is excellent, the service is top-notch, and the atmosphere is enjoyable.

We visited specifically for the malatang, not the AYCE option. A prominent sign advertised malatang at $11. 99 per pound, which seemed like a very reasonable price. However, it appeared the restaurant primarily caters to AYCE customers, as tongs and bowls weren't readily available even 20 minutes after opening. One of the first items we saw was Chinese donuts, a favorite of my son. Unfortunately, upon closer inspection, I noticed a clear spot of mold on one of them. The meat options for malatang were lamb and beef belly, neither of which were available upon our arrival. We had to ask staff to bring them out, and when they did, the meat was cut thickly, which was unusual compared to the thinly sliced meat for AYCE hotpot we observed. My wife and son chose the beef bone soup flavor. We inquired about the drink and appetizer bar, which was an additional $2. 99. While the price was reasonable, we declined as the appetizer bar was also not yet stocked, despite it being 20 minutes past opening. Later, we discovered a handwritten sign advertising a malatang lunch special for $13. 99/lb, which is $2 more per pound than the advertised window price. This discrepancy is concerning and needs clarification. The food arrived quickly, but within five minutes, my son complained of an itchy throat. Due to his peanut allergy, we asked if the beef bone broth contained peanuts, and were told it did. This crucial information was not displayed on the soup base signage. The ensuing conversation with the server became heated when he initially suggested we should have brought up allergies, despite the lack of a menu for malatang. He then mentioned his son's mild peanut allergy and lack of issues with the broth, which was an insensitive response given varying allergy sensitivities. This was one of the worst dining experiences I've had in a long time, and I will strongly advise others against visiting.

My experience at this restaurant was a bit unusual. I have to say the way you order lunch is super confusing, but in the end, it all tasted good. It's not really clear what is or is not included, or even the cost, since it's priced by weight. I'd probably come back, but it was just a very odd experience.