Kushi Shabu Restaurant — Restaurant in Los Angeles

I first discovered this place about eight years ago, and I’ve been coming back ever since. Every time I visit, I go for the all-you-can-eat option, which I think is the real star here. It’s not just about the quantity—it’s about the quality you get with it. They also have an awesome selection of alcohol, and the staff is always warm, polite, and consistent in their service.

What keeps me coming back, though, is the authenticity. This isn’t one of those overhyped, heavily advertised restaurants where everything feels commercial. They don’t need any of that. Their reputation is built purely on word of mouth and people like me who just keep coming back. There’s something really special about a place that doesn’t try to push itself in your face, yet still manages to have a loyal following.

One thing that really stood out to me is their dedication to quality. For example, they make their sesame sauce by hand—literally grinding the sesame seeds themselves. I know this because I’ve been coming here so often that they remember me, and I had a chance to interview them about what makes this place tick. It’s that kind of attention to detail and personal connection that makes it feel less like just a restaurant and more like a place where you’re always welcome.

The price is honestly pretty reasonable too, considering the times. After the all-you-can-eat and a few drinks, my bill usually runs around $60-70. And for 2024, that feels like a steal, especially for the quality of food and drinks you’re getting. Speaking of drinks, if you’re a fan of alcohol, they have a fantastic selection. You’re not just getting the standard stuff—they’ve got some really high-end choices, and it’s clear they care about what they serve.

Beyond the food and drinks, the atmosphere is another thing I love. It’s so laid-back and calming. You can come here to enjoy good food and drinks without feeling rushed or pressured. There’s a sense of comfort, almost like the restaurant itself has a personality—unpretentious and focused on making people feel at home.

Honestly, every time I leave, I feel like I’ve had more than just a meal. The service, food, and atmosphere all come together in such a genuine way that it feels like a more special place to come to, and that’s rare, and it’s what keeps me...

This is one of my favorite restaurants in Los Angeles for it's homey shabu shabu that is as close to what I had in Tokyo then any I've found in LA.

There is a secret to ordering here and yes, not everything is good here or a good price.

The secret is to come on Monday or Thursday when they run their specials. You'll get the best value for your money.

The other secret is to not order their premium cuts of meat or their seafood. I know, everyone wants the top grade meat but the meat is paper thin here (which is a plus, nothing peevs me more than thick shabu cuts of meat) so all the meat you get is extremely tender and all the meat in general is high quality, you're not getting anything extra with the higher priced meats. Stick to either the normal beef or pork plates and you're set.

They have vegetarian AYCE that's not listed on the menu that runs about $20 or so. I love their veggies here and very much enjoy that option. If you have a friend that does the beef AYCE and you just want veggies, they'll let you do a veggie AYCE which was really nice. That will also come with a veggie sesame/peanut dip for celery and carrots which was tasty! That won't come with any of the meat options.

This place is comfort food 100%. All their dishes come with a pile high plate of veggies with noodles on the bottom that are incredibly fresh and high quality. Definitely not an afterthought like the other shabu spots in the area. 1 plate of beef for me and a friend is enough to get us full with the veggies. Enjoy your meal with hot sake and a bottle of beer.

Another authentic touch this place does that others don't, there's a piece of kombu in every boiling pot that creates a delicate...

I brought 2 friends who didn't know what Shabu was. We all ordered the all you can eat basic beef shabu.

The meat was good quality but the vegetables were somewhat lacking. It was mostly cabbage with 2 pieces of mushroom, 4 small tofu and a handful of other items. The last place I went to had a large variety of vegetable to choose from.

The sauces were fantastic. The Ponzu was very well made, Tart with a great flavor. The Sesame sauce was also well made.

We were able to have a small ice cream at the end of the dinner. My friends had green tea and I had the mango. I cant attest to the quality of theirs but my mango was fruity and smooth.

The service, I dont know if it was because we ordered all you can eat or if it typically is just a slow service so you have time to eat but we had a lacking service time.

It was bad persay but it wasnt good either. The place was a bit pricey but overall good. I wasnt expecting to eat at this location so be aware if you are not expecting it.

I originally had planned to go to Yojie on olympic but they were closed for repairs.

We had 3 all you can eat beef shabu 1 soda 1 hot green tea 1 Iced green tea (not sure if Ice cream was charged but if so 3) Not sure if Gratuity was added or not either

All total $105 and change.

It was a good looking restaurant, definitely good for a classy night out but not overly formal. If you are looking for a nice well rounded...