All That Shabu — Restaurant in Irvine

First time here and it certainly won't be my last. I even tried to convince my boyfriend to come for dinner, but I'm sure it won't be long until I come back.

I met up with a friend for lunch and it was our first time at All The Shabu, so we were very excited to see what they had to offer. First off, whooaaa, this place is SO spacious! Upon entrance, you can see that booth seats are on the left side, the middle is where the buffet goodies are and the right appears to fit larger parties.

Once seated, our server asked if we've been here before. We haven't, so he ran through the options with a bit of explanation to the process. You start with your broth options, soft drinks are included with meal and for the two of us, we were able to order up to 3 meat selections for the table. My friend got a mix of miso and beef bone broth, while I chose miso. For meats, we got #1 USDA Prime Angus Beef Brisket, #3 USDA Prime Angus Flat Iron Steak & #4 USDA Prime Angus Chuck Eye Steak to start. We also tried #2 Wagyu Style Beef Short Plate and #8 Filet Mignon. May favorites were the #1, #2 and another marbled beef selection - possibly #3.

After that initial selection, we were free to choose from the buffet. Masks must be worn and they offer disposable gloves as well. Everything was clearly labeled and it had all the toppings I enjoyed: napa cabbage, bok choy, seafood (crawfish, clams, octopus, squid, shrimp, etc), mushrooms, fish cakes/balls, and a good variety of noodles. They also had some hot food items, but I typically don't venture that way too often, but maybe I'll check it out on my next visit. Sauces are self service with a solid variety and they have a little tray that can hold up to 3 choices. I went with wasabi ponzu, sesame and a side of grated radish.

I'd be interested to try them out during dinner since they have more premium selections of meats like ribeye and lamb. Can't wait...

YOOOOOO. This place is the bomb! Hands down 100%, my favorite, my number 1, *insert any positive adjectives/descriptions...BEST KOREAN AYCE SHABU SHABU (w/ A SELF SERVE BAR) in Irvine!

The easiest way for me to describe this place and its superiority...is to compare it to its rival DADA SHABU SHABU, since its the only other establishment in Irvine that has the same style of food concept.

So why is All That Shabu SUPERIOR to Dada Shabu Shabu?? -the interior design is so much more inviting at All That Shabu -The common walkway path is much more spacious and easier to access at All That Shabu. If you want slippery floor and the ability to ice skate on greasy floors...then Dada Shabu Shabu is your place to go! -Better ingredients at All That Shabu -More variety and selection at All That Shabu -Better sauce at All That Shabu -Better hot food section here at All That Shabu -Protein Options: So much more at All That Shabu -Broths: the broths at All That Shabu taste so much better! -Most importantly...MUCH BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE at All That Shabu! If you like your shabu shabu with burnt pots and have a desire to play hide-and-go-seek with your servers...or just like waving your hands in the air for long periods, then Dada Shabu Shabu is your place to go!

If I could have one takeaway from my All That Shabu vs. Dada Shabu Shabu comparison... Both AYCE restaurants are priced relatively similar, but here's the one difference that always gets me going back to All That Shabu. -Dada Shabu Shabu has 7 different protein options...well technically 5, cuz who really eats Chicken Breast and Basa Fish Fillet?? -All That Shabu has 11 different protein options!...well technically 10, by eliminating the chicken breast option (just to be fair).

Now to sum it all up (and in my best sparknote version)...pretty much EVERYTHING is that much better at All That...

I'm thankful that All That Shabu exists as another AYCE shabu option that is local and close by, but think that their efficiency and work comes a bit at the price of flavor profiles and options.

You get a AYCE side bar that includes your standard fare of veggies, sauces, and some Korean side dishes. You also can scoop rice, get yogurt (so-so), drinks and tea. Some of the side dishes are not that great like the dukkbooki so just be aware.

Like at other AYCE shabu places, you can order 3 meats at a time over a list of about 12 (no premium options so you're relegated to the normal menu here of mostly beef and a lamb/chicken option). The plates that come are fairly small so expect to finish them pretty quickly although again, service is super fast about refilling and checking up on you.

Drinks-wise, this is definitely made for bigger parties. No smaller beer options for instance so expect to drink better in groups.

The broth options come in about four different ones. They are fairly distinct in flavor (nice that they let you sample it), and you get your own broth bowl. Again, don't expect anything too out of this world but they are solid options.

Parking is pretty plentiful in the lot. The wait time for bigger groups might be a little bit for a group of two, they took us in pretty quick. It seems pretty popping but the place...