Tabu Shabu, Orange — Restaurant in Orange

Hands down one of the best dining experiences I’ve had in a long time. A solid, resounding 10 out of 10.

I came here to celebrate my friend’s birthday, and from the second I walked through the door, I knew we were in for something special. You know how sometimes you just know a place is going to be amazing? That was the vibe instantly. The scent alone—rich, savory, absolutely mouthwatering—hit me like a warm, cozy hug. It was all I could do not to skip the table and dive straight into a bowl.

There’s this charming little selfie area near the entrance that gives the place a playful, modern touch, and though we lucked out with no wait (shocking!), it’s clear this is a popular spot for a reason. There’s a kiosk right as you walk in where you can easily hop on the waitlist—which honestly is always a good sign. Good restaurants are rarely empty.

The space itself is so smartly designed—guests are seated in a large oval bar that wraps around the heart of the action. Inside that oval? The most attentive, cheerful, and helpful staff. It really makes the whole thing feel communal, interactive, and alive. I love when a restaurant feels like more than just a place to eat—it feels like an experience.

If you’ve never had shabu shabu before, get ready. It’s interactive, customizable, and incredibly satisfying. You pick your soup base (so many mouthwatering options), and then cook your own proteins, veggies, and noodles at your table. It’s like the dinner version of a choose-your-own-adventure book. And if that sounds even a little intimidating—don’t worry. The menu walks you through everything in an easy step-by-step format, and the staff genuinely seem excited to guide you if you need help.

The flavors? Unreal. Everything was fresh, vibrant, and deeply flavorful. I’m talking full-on flavor fireworks with every bite. It’s honestly one of those rare meals where I didn’t just enjoy the food—I remembered it. The broth alone had me plotting my return before I even finished my bowl. We topped it all off with mochi ice cream for dessert.

And let me just take a second to shout out the service—because wow. Our server struck that perfect balance: always around when you needed something, but never hovering. They anticipated needs without interrupting the vibe of the celebration, which I so appreciate.

Oh, and let’s not forget the location. Nestled right in the heart of the Orange Circle—a magical little pocket of time where historic brick buildings, quirky antique shops, and local boutiques transport you to another era—it’s the perfect spot for a date night, a group dinner, or just treating yourself to something special.

I genuinely can’t say enough good things about this place. It’s got personality, flavor, and heart. If you’re thinking about going—go. Whether you’re celebrating something big or just hungry on a Tuesday night, this spot delivers. Already planning my next visit (and next selfie in that...

It was a super yummy Shabu Shabu dinner. Even the basic broth, when seasoned as you like, was amazing. Plenty of food, no one could have left hungry if they tried!! The staff was unbelievably attentive, but not in a pushy way. They were very polite and professional for the rookie Shabu Shabus in our group. The only reason I removed a star was because I hate the bar set up. The only option to eat a hot pot is in a bar. Our birthday party group had 8, so it was basically impossible to have a conversation with everyone. I also thought the heat element was too far away, and I literally had to sit on my feet like a child to reach it! I understand they have it set up like this for safety. But it would have been perfection if it was a couple inches closer...

The concept is nice and intriguing where the customers sit around a U shaped bar and enjoy their Shabu food. I got the Tonkotsu broth and it was delicious with full of flavor. My gf got the Spicy Miso and unfortunately it did not have a lot of flavor. It only had the spice and kick but n other flavor. The meat and presentation was nice and was given in orderly manner. We came in later at night and they ran out of the Ramen and the Carb Free noodle so go early if you can. Our waitress was nice. It was interesting to see her interacting with 2 customers only and drinking with them. It was funny and interesting to hear their conversation. The waitress was the loudest of all customers. Maybe she was the manager. Overall, get tonkotsu broth. It...