RAKU Shabu Shabu House — Restaurant in Seattle

Food: Ordering is simple and intuitive—you start by choosing your broth and meat, then head to the self-serve bar stocked with all the classic hotpot essentials: bok choy, fish balls, mushrooms, and those irresistible fried tofu puffs that soak up broth in just three seconds. It’s all-you-can-eat, so you can sample a little of everything without overcommitting. The DIY sauce station is another highlight, letting you craft the perfect dipping combo to suit your taste. Each diner gets their own pot, which is perfect for hotpot newcomers who might find sharing broth a bit daunting. I tried both the Tomato and Dashi broths—light yet brimming with umami—and found myself sipping the broth straight from the pot at the end of the meal. A real treat. I appreciated being able to portion out my own sides, which helps avoid food waste and that “I ordered too much” guilt. The meats were high quality, just the right amount, and great for sharing. You can also order smaller refills if needed. Oh—and the meal ends with soft serve ice cream included, which is always a win.

Beverages: They serve cocktails! That’s a rarity in the Seattle hotpot scene and makes for a fun pairing with the meal. Definitely a nice touch.

Experience: This is a more upscale hotpot spot and a fantastic addition to Capitol Hill. The large tables are a thoughtful detail—unlike many cramped hotpot places, there’s plenty of room to spread out your ingredients and enjoy the meal comfortably. Raku really considered the diner’s experience,...

It says a lot when you walk in and staff/manager line up and greet you with big smiles!

I was searching online for a hot pot place in Seattle and came across Raku, which had great reviews about their service, friendly staff and premium meat. Decided to give it a try and sure enough, it was one of the best dining experiences we’ve ever had.

It was Sunday evening 9/14 and we arrived as one of the first few customers at 5:30 when they just opened for dinner. As soon as we walked in, we were welcomed with the biggest smiles and enthusiasm from staff and manager Vanessa. From beginning to the end, their service was top notch and their food was amazing. Selections are awesome and environment is super clean and most importantly, the atmosphere and vibe were so good and you never felt pressured to eat and leave. Instead, we had a great time eating and relaxing and staff would always come around to add soup, water and serve you…super attentive.

Manager Vanessa was super friendly and she worked just as hard as her staff…not afraid rolling up her sleeves to help her staff doing what they do as a team. I was very, very impressed. Vanessa even told us little about their restaurant and her philosophy & vision for the future. Needless to say, we had an AMAZING time. We look forward to returning to Raku again for their family-like staff and amazing food.

Thanks again, Vanessa and your team for accommodating us and you guys were highlight of our week....

Raku Shabu Shabu House is a hidden gem that deserves all the praise!

From the moment you walk in, the vibe is warm and welcoming. The staff is incredibly attentive, friendly, and always ready to explain the menu or make recommendations if it’s your first time trying shabu shabu.

The quality of the ingredients is top-tier — from the beautifully marbled meats (make sure to get the a5 way) to the unlimited veggies and house-made sauces. Everything tastes clean, flavorful, and thoughtfully prepared. Their broths eespecislly the mala is rich but not overpowering, striking a perfect balance that lets the ingredients shine and if your looking for spice it’s quite the kick to it!

What really sets Raku apart is the experience. It’s interactive, comforting, and feels like a celebration every time. Whether you’re there for a casual dinner or a special night out, it hits the mark every single time.

Also, shoutout to their portions — generous without sacrificing quality. You leave full and they make sure to add a complimentary dessert on top making this a must visit restaurant in Seattle!

If you’re a fan of hot pot, or even if it’s your first time, Raku Shabu Shabu House is an absolute must-visit. 10/10 would...