No ventilation in the restaurant whatsoever. As soon as you step in, it smells like burnt barbecue. You can see the smoke from the grills . Seem as if they removed their ventilation system .
We called at 2:30pm on the Saturday, asking if they do reservations for two. They indicated no need over the phone, and that for two people it’s walking only. We get to the restaurant at 5 o’clock and it is fully packed. The waiter informed us that it will be a 45 minute wait just for a table. Which in my opinion is ridiculous because I called earlier to try to avoid this, but they insisted not to take reservations. We waited for 45 minutes. There were groups that apparently were forgotten as well. So in their main lobby, they were angry people waiting for tables, groups that were serve that came after others , and fully packed with no where to stand . Their waiting schedule book was disorganized. They called one person for a group of two , which no one answered. Then they called another person for a group of two, which no one answered again. Since we were up on the list next , we thought we would be called, but instead of calling us, they gave the table to a group of threes that came after us. Which was unfair . Even the people next to us noticed. When we informed the waiter/host , she insisted she is going down the book in order ( which can’t be true since those three people CAME AFTER US) .When they finally sat us, they sat us with the group of three on the same table, as SHARED . When we told them that we wanted our own table that we waited 45 minutes to an hour for , she insist that if we want our own table that we would need to wait again. Horrible service . PS: The only reason why I noticed that they have missed groups is because I overheard one of the waiter and I believe the manager arguing in Cantonese how “ you cannot just move people around , I do not have a table now for these people who has reservations. How did these people get missed? ” probably not the best way to teach or lecture the employees in front of customers.
When it comes to food, they don’t always give you what you ask for exactly they always give you less than what you ordered.
43 dollars a person, only the food was worth it. but then again, more than half of their menu was cut after Covid. The waiter was surprised that we gave such a low tip . Even saying “ oh you only tip this …” .
ALSO , there is a 2% charge if you’re using credit. One year when I came with my other friend, they automatically put 15% on the bill when it was just me and one other person . To be honest, I do not prefer to come to this restaurant often anymore, if anything , maybe once a year due to the service. I used to come to this restaurant with my friends when I was in high school since 2012. But over the years, the service has just gotten worse and worse.
The service itself just from the waiting experience was horrendous. They need better organizations on managing their tables. their service definitely needs to change as they’re losing regular customers that has been with them for years. But to be honest, I do not think they care since they have such a high volume of people coming through since they’re in the centre...
Read moreI recently dined at Shabusen Yakiniku House, and while it was once a popular spot for all-you-can-eat barbecue and sushi, it’s clear that the restaurant has seen better days. Here's a breakdown of my experience: Food Quality
The food quality was very average overall. While there were a few highlights, such as the sushi options, which used relatively fresh ingredients, the execution left much to be desired. The sushi lacked the finesse you would expect from a good Japanese restaurant. As for the meat selection, it was limited, especially for a yakiniku-style (grilled meat) restaurant. The few cuts of beef and pork available were basic, with nothing particularly special in terms of flavor or quality. For an all-you-can-eat establishment, I expected a bit more variety, especially in the meat offerings. Restaurant Atmosphere
The interior felt dated and worn down. It seems like the restaurant hasn't been renovated in quite some time, which affects the overall dining experience. The lighting is dim, the furniture feels a bit aged, and the whole place could use a refresh to bring it up to modern standards. While this isn’t a dealbreaker for some, it does impact the ambience, making the dining experience less enjoyable than it could be. Service
The service was decent, with the staff being polite and reasonably attentive throughout the meal. They were quick to refill drinks and take orders, but there was nothing particularly memorable about the service. It was what you would expect from an average dining experience—neither outstanding nor disappointing. Overall Impression
What stands out most is the fact that Shabusen Yakiniku House has declined in quality over the years. Both the food and the environment have gradually worsened, and it feels like the restaurant hasn't kept up with the competition or changing customer expectations. In the past, it might have been a go-to spot for a casual night out with friends or family, but now, I’d struggle to recommend it. If you’re looking for a place with a wide selection of meats, top-notch sushi, or a more inviting atmosphere, there are other options that would be a better choice.
Overall, I wouldn’t recommend Shabusen Yakiniku House. The restaurant feels like it’s stuck in the past, and with so many better dining options available in the city, it’s hard to justify a visit unless you’re feeling particularly nostalgic for what...
Read moreRecently, my friends and I were able to try out this Shabusen Yakiniku House. The location of the restaurant is slightly hidden, but we found the place after taking the elevator to second floor. We arrived just when it opened at eleven o'clock for lunch. Lunch on the weekends is more expensive than on the weekdays. Dinner is more expensive than lunch. Although we had a big group, the staff accommodated us with a room with windows facing the busy street.
At this all-you-can-eat korean BBQ sushi restaurant, you can expect to get beef and chicken marinated in Korean BBQ sauce. You can order sashimi and also shasimi rice sushi. You can only order 8 pieces of sashimi per person at a time though. This may bother you if you are eating with a smaller group. The portions arrive in big plates. There were three grills in our table. You have the option of replacing the grill rack when it becomes too dirty from grilling the meat.
Food quality is ok, but you expect the quality to be slightly lower when it is all-you-can eat. Sometimes, the meat was full fat, other times, it seemed somewhat bloody. But overall, the food experience was good and I did not have a stomach ache.
Seating option range from 2-10 people. You have tables in the shape of boats you can sit in. You also have tables next to the chef with an open view so you can watch the cooks prepare food or you can face the street. The restaurant atmosphere is ok. The food cost around 40 dollars per person. Everyone was full. But, I wanted to order
Even as the restaurant was filling up with customers, the staff paid attention and served our group quickly. The staff helped refilled our water and tea and the pitchers were rarely empty even though we had a big group. This restaurant has washrooms, but it is not wheelchair accessible. Washroom was clean, but it is tiny. Parking is available on the street. You will have to walk to...
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