Shabu-shabu Restaurant - Sakuyajima — Restaurant in Nagoya

I visited on May 30 after booking ahead via Google about three weeks in advance. When I arrived for my 6:45pm seat at the bar, it was still quiet, but it quickly filled up. A few people were even turned away because they had the wrong date on their reservation, so I was glad I booked early.

I ordered the 8,500 yen Kagoshima black beef shabu shabu set, and every single item was absolutely delicious. The quality of the meat and the balance of flavors were outstanding. I couldn’t even pick a favourite but the sashimi and the chawamashi (egg custard) are not to be missed. After the main course, I was surprised to be served additional dishes. I had completely forgotten they were part of the set because I was already so satisfied from the shabu shabu - but they were still delicious.

The whole experience was thoughtful, well-paced, and genuinely memorable. As a solo traveller, sometimes it feels a bit awkward dining at Lauren in certain establishments but all of the staff here made me feel very welcome (one staff member even gave me a little paper crane as a gift). I’d absolutely recommend it for anyone looking for a high-quality shabu...

A quiet dinner in an oddly old, but cosy place. We chose some menus that end up being more than satisfying, especially after a traditional cold, sweet, flavoured corn soup (very good!!). By the way, a part of the menu you will cook it by yourself at the table, but you can't go wrong (I'llbsay), because we never tried this before and we still managed to eat and be thrilled about the food!! 😁. Every menu had like 6 different dishes going from sea food to japanese delicacies (sashimi and savoury egg custard), to black beef, chinese noodles and dessert. From my perspective: japanese fine dinning at its best!!! Only 4 stars for the service because it was almost impossible to speak anything, in any language, with them (sorry 😔). But still a place to go to!...

This place is totally a gem! The food is fresh and I can feel all their efforts in making such delicious food. Been some days in Nagoya but only this place left a great impression and reminds me of why I love Japan. I am glad to have my birthday dinner spent here on my last night of Nagoya. Yum Yum Yum!!! Love it.

p.s: The staff and chefs were all very nice to us. It's a foreign friendly place to enjoy ourselves with...