Miyabi Shabu and Grill — Restaurant in Irvine

Miyabi Shabu has officially become my favorite AYCE shabu restaurant, and it's not just because of the incredible All-You-Can-Eat Japanese Wagyu menu. Here's why Miyabi Shabu stands out:

Japanese Wagyu Heaven: The recent addition of the Japanese Wagyu menu takes Miyabi Shabu to a whole new level. The quality of the Wagyu is unparalleled, and being able to indulge in a variety of cuts makes this AYCE experience truly exceptional. Each bite is a melt-in-your-mouth delight, and it's clear that they take pride in sourcing top-notch ingredients.

Unmatched AYCE Variety: What sets Miyabi Shabu apart from the rest is not only the exquisite Shabu Shabu but also the option for BBQ/Grilling. Most AYCE restaurants typically offer one or the other, but at Miyabi Shabu, you get the best of both worlds. The variety of meats, including the premium Wagyu cuts, along with the fresh vegetables and delicious broths, make for an indulgent and satisfying feast.

Exceptional Value for Quality: While AYCE can sometimes be synonymous with sacrificing quality, Miyabi Shabu defies that stereotype. The pricing is reasonable considering the high-quality ingredients, especially the addition of Japanese Wagyu. It's a dining experience that feels like a true culinary adventure, and the value for the price is outstanding.

Warm and Welcoming Atmosphere: The ambiance at Miyabi Shabu is perfect for both casual outings and special occasions. The staff remains attentive and friendly, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable dining experience. The interactive nature of Shabu Shabu and BBQ/Grilling adds an extra layer of fun, making it a great place to share a meal with friends or enjoy a cozy dinner for two.

Overall Favorite: Miyabi Shabu has secured its place as my #1 AYCE Shabu restaurant, and the ability to enjoy both Shabu Shabu and BBQ/Grilling is a game-changer. The combination of outstanding service, a diverse menu, and the recent addition of the Japanese Wagyu option make it a standout choice. Whether you're a Shabu Shabu enthusiast or simply looking for a delicious and memorable meal, Miyabi Shabu is a must-visit.

Final Verdict: If you haven't tried the AYCE Japanese Wagyu menu at Miyabi Shabu, you're missing out on a unique and delightful culinary experience. The option to enjoy both Shabu Shabu and BBQ/Grilling sets Miyabi Shabu apart from the rest. It's a culinary journey that elevates AYCE dining to a whole new standard, and I'll be back for more Wagyu goodness. Miyabi Shabu has officially won my heart as the top AYCE Shabu spot in town.

P.S. low key...I NOW like Miyabi Shabu over Mikiya Wagyu SHabu House!

HIGHLY...

Upsetting Dining Experience – Why Can’t I Get the Spicy Sauce on a Separate Sauce Plate?!

I went there for lunch on 10/18. A waitress first came to take my order. I ordered the all-you-can-eat gold tier and then looked at the menu options for more than 10 seconds—maybe 15 to 20 seconds. However, the waitress walked away to another table without saying anything like, “I’ll come back once you’ve decided.”

When I received the pot, the waitress didn’t turn on the burner for me. I had to ask another waiter to turn it on about 5 to 7 minutes later because the controls are at the back of the bar. I asked for peppers at the beginning of my order, but she did not bring them. When I asked her again for either peppers or a spicy sauce, she brought me the spicy sauce and wanted to add it to my existing sauce plate.

I requested a separate sauce plate for the spicy sauce, but the waitress said she couldn’t provide that; she could only put the spicy sauce into my existing sauce plate. To be honest, this was the first time I had been refused an extra sauce plate. I then asked her to put some spicy sauce on my spoon since I didn’t plan to use it for anything else, and I even explained that I intended to add the spicy sauce little by little to get the exact amount I needed, but she refused again.

After some back-and-forth, I finally convinced her to put two drops of spicy sauce on my spoon (she gave me one drop initially but I asked for more right after). I dipped my chopsticks into the spicy sauce and mixed it with my sesame sauce plate. The heat level was just right for me, and that was exactly the amount I needed.

After I paid the bill, I spoke to the waitress and explained that I had dipped only once in the spicy sauce and mixed it with my sesame sauce plate, which was the perfect amount for me. I mentioned that adding a whole drop to my sesame sauce plate would be too spicy for me. I asked her how I should request the spicy sauce next time, and she claimed that one dip was equivalent to one drop. I questioned whether dipping my chopsticks once brought the same amount as one drop, and she confirmed that it did. At that point, I had nothing more to say and left.

Better service would elevate the restaurant. I don’t know if she is racist or just having an unhappy moment earlier, but that was a really upsetting dining experience. Good luck with that waitress, both to the owner and...

I was in search of a hangover cure, so soup sounded like a great idea. I decided to meet with a few friends and we arrived around 8pm. I have never been, but my friend knew the menu like the back of her hand and gave me the 411.

First, you choose your soup base! Any of the miso, spicy miso or tonkotsu bases are popular choices, but there were a few new additions to the menu that my friend hasn't tried. For example, galbi, garlic and black pepper, and yuzu shio. Since I'm a huge fan of yuzu, this felt like comfort.

Then you choose your meats! There's options for lamb, seafood (mixed or your choice) or chicken. I decided to keep it simple with Angus Ribeye Choice, regular size. If you're still hungry or want to try more, they have extra options for an additional cost. Looks like the extra portion comes 4oz each, so most are priced around $5 for extra.

Then comes your meal. Choose between brown or white rice and ramen or udon. I went with brown and ramen. Once your order is set, vegetables and dipping sauces arrive. If you want more seasonings, they have a sauce station at the front of the restaurant if want to add more green onions, garlic, chili oil and other condiments.

The yuzu shio at first taste is pretty prominent and sour. I thought, maybe seafood would have better complemented this soup base. However, as the veggies and meat cook down, it provided a solid flavor to the rich broth. It definitely cured my hangover and put me to sleep.

My friends tried the galbi and miso tonkotsu. Galbi was a bit salty, but once cooked down, I'm sure it would have balanced out. My friend put a lot of garlic in his so it was very strong at the end. Miso tonkotsu tastes like you would imagine, a miso soup. Haha. Really good though and would be great at the end with your noodles.

I'll have to come back and try their spicy miso and pending on my mood, I'll try the hot drops in my broth. I'm also curious about their other menu items like chawanmushi and their salmon yuzu carpaccio. It has a...