Tabu Shabu Costa Mesa — Restaurant in Costa Mesa

It was New Year's eve and my wife and I were hungry for shabu, since it was just the 2 of us we wanted to venture over to our normal shabu place but as luck would have it, it was closed. So we consulted Yelp! And found Tabu Shabu and I'm glad we did go here. The place is quaint and intimate. Typical U shaped counter top where staff would be in the pit working and taking your orders. Protein selection was normal shabu shabu and prices were completely in line with what I would expect from this type of establishment.

I ordered the large Angus with spicy miso and wife got the small with yakuniku broth. Didn't have to wait long as the food service was quick. I will say that the sesame seed sauce is REALLY good here. The ponzu isn't too bad, but that's just a matter of personal taste and preference. Definitely will add this place to our list of favorite shabu shabu place.

What I would like: If there were one less stove top we felt that it would give you just that little extra elbow room. We found it a little cramped as the veggie/protein/sauce/rice bowls were being delivered it go cramped quick. Veggies is all preference but I do like to have a lot of veggies with my meal, could use a little extra. Other than that, we had a great time and left satisfied. Staff was super friendly and the place had...

I've gone here twice now, and each experience was a pleasant one. This place does get a little busy during dinner, so expect a little waiting. They have plenty of parking spaces outside, so that will not be a problem.

We sat at the bar and was greeted by a server immediately to take down our drink orders. Don't worry. If you don't have your drink ready, they'll bring out water for you and you can take your time. I remember i couldn't decided which broth i wanted for my shabu, so the server told me i could mix the two if i liked. Heck yea! My indecisiveness wins! Haha.

Your shabu comes with broth (duh) veggies, meats, choice of rice or noodles, and dipping sauce. Since I'm picky, I was able to sub out the veggies I didn't like for something that I did like, with no charge. The staff was really nice about it. I was able to adjust with brother with the sauces and garlics they had on the side. If it's your first time, the staff be happy to tell you how shabu works as well as the little kinks to eating (ex: save a little bit of everything in the end to make your soup bowl :)

My experience here, like I said, is always a pleasant one. The staff always checks in on me to make sure i'm ok or if I need anything. And when it's slow, we have small talk, which is nice. They do have music playing...

Tabu is in my top 3 favorite shabu places in OC - in just a couple of visits, they converted my boyfriend and I to regulars! Service is great and the staff are always on top of their game; they're attentive and always catch you before you can even ask for a refill! As far as food, the meat and veggies are very high quality and they have options you don’t find in many other restaurants: a Paleo option for carb-conscious folks and my favorite, shirataki noodles (a chewy, zero calorie noodle that’s packed with fiber). All in all, Tabu is a great spot for everything from a first date (my brother took his current girlfriend here – success!) to weeknights when you’re just too lazy to cook – definitely a must try if you haven’t...