About Tabu Shabu, Orange
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This shabu-shabu restaurant definitely has a chain restaurant feel to it. I don’t know if the waitstaff was overworked, or if they just didn’t care much. The food was fine. The lamb actually tasted like lamb, which was nice. You get a few vegetables in large pieces on a plate, and put it in your broth with your noodles, and there you go. It’s fun, in any case. Also nice, because you can have multiple diners and they each get to order them what they want and how they want it. Good for special diets. The sauces that come as accompaniments (on the house) were mediocre. Very popular with all crowds. Happy hour prices are the thing that would make me want to go back.
We recently dined at Tabu Shabu in Orange and had such a great experience that I felt it deserved a special mention. Their own description — “Traditional Japanese hot pot with savory flavors, premium thin meats, homemade sauces, and a modern vibe” — truly captures what they do, but being there takes it to another level. From the moment we walked in, the staff was warm, welcoming, and incredibly accommodating, especially with our kids. They took the time to explain the menu, the sauces, and the whole hot pot process in a fun and engaging way, turning dinner into an experience rather than just a meal. We’ve done hot pot before, but the quality here is on another level — the meats are beautifully marbled and tender, the vegetables are fresh and vibrant, and the broths are rich, comforting, and full of depth. The restaurant itself has a lively, modern atmosphere that radiates positive energy — it feels refined yet relaxed, with a vibe that makes you want to stay and enjoy the moment. It’s the kind of place where conversation flows easily and everyone around you seems to be enjoying themselves too. Without sounding boastful, our family has had the opportunity to dine at Michelin-recognized restaurants, and we were genuinely impressed by the quality, service, and execution at Tabu Shabu. Everything felt thoughtful and intentional — from the ingredients to the hospitality. We left feeling satisfied, happy, and already talking about when we’ll be back. This is a spot we’d gladly return to with family and friends, and one we’d highly recommend to anyone looking for a fresh, delicious, and memorable dining experience.
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 front area).
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 was delicious
Tabu Shabu in Orange County is seriously a foodie's dream come true. The flavors are just out of this world, especially the marinated chicken – it's like a burst of deliciousness in every bite. And oh boy, the variety of meat options they have is just incredible! You'll be spoiled for choice. The vibe in there is awesome too, with lively music setting the perfect mood. Plus, the staff are super friendly and on the ball with their service. Oh, and those kale noodles? Trust me, they're surprisingly tasty! If you're in Orange County and looking for a spot with amazing food, cool vibes, and great service, Tabu Shabu is where it's at!