Tabu Shabu North Park — Restaurant in San Diego

Tabu Shabu is absolutely delicious and a must-try, if you're in the area. If you're lucky enough, you might end up with Taylor as your server, who from start to finish, was a phenomenal and integral part to our experience at Tabu Shabu - North Park.

Clean, stylish and modern with plenty of bar seating. Since you're sitting side-by-side, this place is more suited for groups of two. Somehow, my friend and I got lucky on a cold winter night in February and were seated without a wait. Often times, this place can be hit or miss with wait times.

If you're hungry, the large size should be more than enough. Feeling extra hungry? Grab some extra noodles and vegetables to fill up your plate! Super hungry? Get the double portion size, which for the additional cost, isn't too terrible. Again, the large size should be more than adequate, especially if you're grabbing appetizers and a beer or two!

I got a large order of rib eye, which came with a healthy portion of vegetables and ramen noodles, the Tonkotsu broth, some garlic edamame and left feeling more than satisfied. The staff also helps you pack up your leftover broths and food, which makes for a great meal the next day. I may or may not be slurping some of it right now, as I type this review, ha!

Overall, if I'm in the neighborhood again, I wouldn't mind swinging by Tabu Shabu - North! The staff, decor and vibe, as well as picturesque food presentation makes this a top contender in one of San Diego's already crowded food scene in North Park. Definitely Check this place out, if you haven't already!

Pro tip: With your leftovers at home, add in some rice to make some porridge and/or add in your favorite pack of instant noodles for a...

My partner and I absolutely love this place. We arrived at the wrong time and ended up having to wait over an hr. We never lost hope and the staff was very accommodating with what is going on during Covid-19. This was the only "bad" part, the wait. As soon as we were seated, we had delicious apple sake shots waiting for us. THANK YOU! Then from there, the experience just gets better and better. We love hot pot but haven't had Japanese Hot Pot. This is the way. 😉 The broths are amazing, flavorful, and very different between each other. We had the pork tonkotsu & sukiyaki broths. Both absolutely delicious. Proteins we went with Wagyu Short Rib, Wagyu Chuck Roll, Prime Ribeye, & Kobuta Pork. My favorite protein was the Prime Ribeye cooked for 6 secs, it melted in your mouth with either broth. The Wagyu was delicious as well but just didn't match the Prime Ribeye. The pork was phenomenal as well. The staff is very appreciative of their customers. Being North Park locals, we appreciate being able to eat at this location as it was Pisanos before and has history. Overall, this was a great experience, topped with delicious food, and service that is...

Mostly everything served is very fresh. Food, service, and atmosphere are all very nice. The hosts are professional and fun. They are clearly excited to share this type of Japanese inspired fare as well as their love for it. The flavors here are simple. Each veg or protein has a distinctive flavor and texture that are clean, bright and are standouts by themselves. The broths range from light and simple to sturdy and complex. Taken together, the combination of unique flavors is the main attraction with their version of shabu-shabu. I say, "their version" overall because the vibe here feels like shabu-shabu through the eyes of a West-coaster. The sauces are amped-up rather than subtle and the veg portion sizes are sorely lacking relative to a traditional setting. I guess it shouldn't shock me that this is a chain found on the West coast with a few locations in TX. Don't expect to get out of here for less than $50/person. Think more like $50-70 per person. They do offer a 20%-off happy hour from 5pm-6pm, Monday through Friday as well as a return customer...