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    Happy Shabu Shabu

    3.8 (527 reviews)
    Closed 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM
    Updated 1 month ago

    Order Happy Shabu Shabu Takeout or Delivery

    Happy Shabu Shabu Photos

    Business Info

    HAPPY SHABU SHABU ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Good for kids
    Good for groups

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    Recommended Reviews - Happy Shabu Shabu

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    Richard H.

    After coming here 2 years ago, my boys seem to come once a month and have gotten to know the owner and staff who while here tonight I could tell she puts her heart and soul into making sure everyone is enjoying themselves. She also explained in great detail about the differences between the Dassai 39 and 45 sakes regarding the taste profiles and the #s representing the % of rice polished from its original size in the making of the sake. We ordered the all you can eat in which we ordered one plate of premium meat at an up charge. Unlimited portions of meats and veggies. Sake was smooth and paired well with our meal. Will not wait another 2 years since my initial visit to come back when wanting some Happy Happy Shabu.

    AYCE Shabu with premium +$8 "Melting Snow" Wagyu
    Kathy W.

    The absolute best shabu shabu restaurant in San Francisco!! My husband and I have been going here for 3 years now, we are regular customers and love this place. Incredible meat quality, amazing service, and always has great options and accommodations for everyone. It's also a great cozy spot with individual pots for everyone. We've brought several of our friends and their families here as well and every single one of them ended up loving the food! We've even been to Japan and Happy Shabu Shabu is on par and even better than some of the shabu restaurants in Japan. Will always recommend this place and continue to come here

    Gina H.

    OMG where do I start! This place was hands down the best shabu shabu I have had in awhile. The place is cute and tucked away in the Fillmore district. Easy Uber ride from anywhere in the city. We were greeted by one waitress and sat at the bar because of multiple parties on NYE. The menu is a write on, where you select if you want regular AYCE, premium or on the other side a la carte I guess. We were hungry and opted for premium. It was about 135 for two adults and one child price. The food! OMG SO GOOD! We opted for miso, spicy miso and a tonkatsu broth. All were perfection with some of the added garlic and sauces they give you. The wagyu and thin sliced pork were the favorites for us. So flavorful with the broth. My son got rice which I think I would do next time. I opted for ramen noodles which were thick and took more time to cook but well worth it. The guy cutting the meat was friendly as well. We didn't feel rushed and I feel like we got our money's worth for sure. I definitely would be back!

    Kyle H.

    Consistently great quality meats. Most people judge meat purely off of "melt in your mouth". This spot definitely delivers on that flavor profile but it goes beyond that. Each meat they offer has a distinct flavor profile and texture that it provides a more diverse tasting experience beyond just a melt in your mouth experience. This place also has very friendly service and my go to spot after a tough week at work. I've gotten to know the owner Jo throughout each of my visits. She always makes each meal feel relaxing and special!

    Miso broth with veggies & noodles
    Rise G.

    Ate here recently and was pleasantly surprised. We arrived just after opening and were seated immediately. Service was quick and friendly. It was a bit difficult to know what / how much to order from the menu but our server was very helpful in helping us order. We got the miso and spicy miso broths as well as the All About Wagyu set for 2. Each broth also came with three dipping sauces and a plate of noodles, tofu, and veggies. We enjoyed our dinner and had a good experience overall.

    All you can eat

    All you can eat with half price of Sake is a great deal Always go back to this place the service is great clean and tasty

    Sharon L.

    The restaurant is decent sized. Parking was difficult but it seems like most people park in the neighborhoods or Safeway! Service was slow because there were only 2 staff working. We came as a party of 8. Most of us got spicy tonkatsu and spicy miso. If you're choosing between either, pick the tonkatsu. The miso was near flavorless. The key spotlight of the restaurant in our opinion was the meat quality of the wagyu + spicy lemon sauce. There are other places that I would recommend, but this restaurant was mediocre overall. Worth the try though for ACE.

    Donna F.

    One of the most underrated shabu places in the city. This place may be small and not look that appealing, but once you get past all of that, they probably have the best quality meats of any shabu place. I actually crave this place. Their prices have went up recently, but it's still worth it in my opinion. The "cloud" wagyu itself makes it worth it. Meat is so soft. Don't need to cook it for too long. I also usually pay the extra $2 for tonkatsu broth. So rich and delicious.

    Hot pot
    Bella G.

    MMMMMM YALL. I LOVE an interactive meal. Hot pot was genuinely so much fun and I don't know if it was just the amount of soju we all had that made it so fun but either way it was awesome. I ate soooo much. Not upset about it. I would do it again in a heartbeat. Shoutout to the helpful servers!

    Pork
    Justin W.

    If you like hotpot or kbbq, try Happy Shabu Shabu! It's a Japanese cook-it-yourself all you can eat restaurant (they have non AYCE options too). You can order 4 items at a time from a selection of items and pay a couple dollars more for the premium selection. Food: they have lots of different meat options (beef, pork, lamb, shrimp). In my opinion the premium menu is worth it for the Wagyu option which is by far better than the other types of meat. I also suggest having it without the sauce because the flavor and the texture of the meat is best plain The ambiance is great, I've taken friends here multiple times and the decor and lighting feels welcoming and clean. The service is very fast with both robot servers and Jo who always checks in on how the food is going and remembers our faces when we go.

    Set for 2 people with Sukiyaki broth and Spicy Miso broth

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    7 months ago

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    1 month ago

    Nice servers...great quality....love this spot. Even we swamped the people here are so nice.

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    10 months ago

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    9 months ago

    Food is delicious. Service is great. Love the host. Great place for gathering!!!!!!!!!!!

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    6 months ago

    Great service and food! We got the all you can eat and they were so proactive in coming to refill. Also very nice and respectful.

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    8 months ago

    Favorite Shabu place on the west coast. Amazing food and service. I always bring friends here when they're in town

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    Page 1 of 14

    Happy Shabu Shabu Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Happy Shabu Shabu

    What's the recipe for their sesame sauce?

    What cut of beef do they use: ribeye, or short rib? Their menu doesn't say.

    It's brisket actually

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    Okaeri Japanese Bistro

    4.5
    (522 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $$
    Casual dining
    Family-owned & operated

    This restaurant definitely deserves all the hype! I was so nervous of having high expectations…read moresince I saw it all over social media + Elite list, but they exceeded all my expectations. I got a seasonal special donburi (Gouka Kani Donburi) as they shared they were adding new items to their menu. The crab on top of the rice was SO good and perfectly seasoned to go with the dish. All of the fresh sashimi was very thick, salmon was clean tasting and buttery. I have never tried the sweet shrimp but it may be my new favorite thing. All sides also perfectly complemented the main dish. Our server so sweet and thoughtful. She was very attentive and considerate throughout our meal. My friend's dishes all were very beautiful and tasted so nice too! The store is on the smaller side but can accommodate party of 4 comfortably. Larger parties may be more difficult to seat but I am sure they can help with reservations to accommodate.

    We came here looking for omakase, but realized that they don't do omakase during lunch. The server…read morelet us know that if we ordered the 8 piece nigiri, it was essentially the same as the omakase without the appetizers and dessert. We tried a bunch of different things and I'm glad that we did because the nigiri was not the best thing on the menu. I would come back here for the other things like the box set (otoro, wagyu, uni, ikura). The agedashi tofu was the best I've ever had. The teacup steamed egg was presented well but for the price nothing really that special. I suspect the price is high because of the caviar & ikura. It's not bad, but it takes a while, it's small and not anything that stood out like the agedashi tofu or the other items. The service was really good. They provided a small dessert for us because we were celebrating an event, that was a nice touch. Overall, id come back but maybe not for an omakase or just nigiri.

    Photos
    Bar area
    Bar area
    Interior (new management/new ownership)
    Interior (new management/new ownership)
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    Ganji

    Ganji

    4.6
    (635 reviews)
    0.3 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Free WiFi

    What a gem amongst all the restaurants in Japan Town! It's in the outside center near the…read morestationary store Paper Tree for reference. Been here a couple of times already and the service never failed. Even came here during the Cherry Blossom Festival and the staff were still friendly / accommodating. They even put a spicy sauce on the side of one of the katsu plates when we mentioned that my dad couldn't handle all that haha. This cozy spot mainly focuses on katsu plates, but I like how they had off menu or specials to choose from if you'd like another option. I will say though them katsu plates were just chef's kiss. The meat is pounded thin enough where it's still juicy and tender, but doesn't affect the exterior from being crunchy and a bit flaky. Nothing was dry here yallll! I also like how it already comes with miso soup and salad. Huge fan of that Hamachi Truffle special though. Think of a citrusy flavor from the ponzu, fresh fish, a bit of micro greens, and a thin slice of jalapeño that just ~works~ on a cute wooden spoon that you want to steal I could honestly eat like 5 spoons of this. I'd skip on the calamari as it was kind of skimpy to share with a large group. Only note was that their fried katsu curry was a bit underwhelming with having more slices of carrots than potato! Would love to come back if I am ever in the area.

    Ganji is a solid spot for katsu in Japantown! The service was excellent--the staff were friendly,…read moreattentive, and quick to take our orders, which made for a great dining experience. The miso soup was a delicious way to start the meal, and when my katsu arrived, it looked amazing. The meat was hot, tender, and the portion was huge, so I definitely left full. My only suggestion is to ask for the curry on the side if you like your katsu extra crispy. I had the curry poured over it, and the breading got soggy pretty quickly. The only reason I'm giving four stars instead of five is the price. My dish was around $30, which felt a little expensive, although I can understand it given the quality of the meat and generous portions. Overall, it's a great place if you're craving katsu, and I'd definitely come back--just with the curry on the side next time!

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    Ganji
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    Izakaya Yoki

    Izakaya Yoki

    4.1
    (735 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$$
    Casual dining
    Family-owned & operated

    So glad this neighborhood finally has an AYCE sushi spot, and at a price that actually makes sense…read more For $40 a person you are getting a serious deal. One tip: get there early. The place fills up around 6pm so arriving ahead of that will save you a wait. They don't take reservations, so first come first served. The ordering experience is really smooth. Everything is done through an iPad at your table and the food comes out to you. They won't let you place a new order until your previous one has been delivered, which honestly is a smart system and helps with pacing so you don't over order right out of the gate. What sets this place apart from other AYCE spots is the variety. It's not just sushi. You can also order appetizers, salmon, teriyaki chicken and more, so there's something for people who want to mix it up beyond rolls. Delicious, easy, affordable and in the neighborhood. Highly recommend!

    -Food is just okay. 3 stars. Some good value sushi and cooked food won't be available in menu. It…read morelimited to order every single round. In average, waiting time for food is 10+ minutes each round. -Hopefully this staffs will have more training in buffet style dining. Server will give you check when there's still have available time to order in system. -Environment is just okay too. They just stuck some paper towel underneath the leg of table to balance.

    Photos
    Tiger roll
    Tiger roll
    Sushi combo special
    Sushi combo special
    Special order ( $ 100 )

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    Special order ( $ 100 )
    KUSAKABE

    KUSAKABE

    4.6
    (1.2k reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$$$

    Kusakabe creates the kind of dining experience that feels carefully designed from the moment you…read moresit down. We walked into a refined but welcoming space where the sushi counter is the main focus, and the meal unfolds course by course in front of us. There is a sense of calm throughout the room, allowing the attention to stay on the chefs, the ingredients, and the details behind each dish without the distraction of a busy dining room. The omakase experience balances traditional sushi with more creative touches. Each course brings something different, from fresh sashimi and nigiri to warmer dishes like chawan mushi that add depth to the progression of the meal. The sushi highlights the quality of the fish while incorporating thoughtful flavor combinations, with dishes like scallop and the dry-aged fish courses standing out for their texture and seasoning. The sake pairing fits naturally into the experience, adding another layer without overpowering the food, and the sommelier's selections complement the progression of flavors across the meal. What makes Kusakabe memorable is the craftsmanship and pacing of the meal. The chefs take time to explain each course, making the experience feel personal rather than rushed. Sitting at the counter adds to the atmosphere because you get to see the precision and care that goes into every piece, from the way the rice is formed to the final brush of sauce on the fish. The pacing of the meal allows you to appreciate each course without feeling rushed, and the team's attention to detail creates a rhythm that keeps the meal engaging from start to finish. Kusakabe feels like a place made for special occasions, celebrations, or anyone looking for a more elevated Japanese dining experience. It combines technique, hospitality, and creativity in a way that makes the entire meal feel like an event rather than just a dinner. The balance of traditional and modern elements, along with the warmth of the service, leaves you with the sense of having experienced something complete and thoughtfully composed.

    What an experience! We were celebrating an anniversary and planned a bit last minute, but were able…read moreto snag a reservation here pretty easily. Immediately, the ambiance and service was quite nice. We were seated at the table, but typically I enjoy sitting at the bar to watch the chefs make our food. The service was amazing and they were very attentive. They also offered to take photos and gave us a little gift of hojicha tea since we were celebrating. We got the omakase, which was massive and had 18 courses. They gave us a menu so we knew what to expect for each course, and we ordered some sake. The omakase was delicious and more traditional than other places, each course was so beautiful and delicately made. This is definitely a lot of food, I would recommend the petite omakase in the future as I was stuffed, but it was a great experience if you come hungry! Courses: - Chawan-mushi - super tasty and every bite was delicious and umami forward! - Otsumami - 7 seasonal appetizers presented in a beautiful box, there was a stuffed crab claw in there that was delicious - 4 kinds of sushi - each piece came out one at a time, the first piece was my absolute favorite and blew me away, it was a seared chutoro that immediately melts in your mouth and tastes smokey - Hamachi soup - very tasty and warming soup with hamachi inside, was perfect in between the sushi course - 4 kinds of sushi - A5 Waguyu shabu - this course was extra $10 pp but was so delicious, the wagyu was melt in your mouth and had some grated daikon on top in a ponzu dashi, the toppings help balance the meat so it's overwhelming since it does melt in your mouth, one of my favorite bites! - 4 kind of sushi - they brought out some really great sushis, including more chutoro and an unagi handroll, but I was so stuffed at this point that I felt I couldn't enjoy it as much - miso soup - this soup was so tasty and kind of revived me after all that food, it felt comforting and a great way to end - dessert- I got the hojicha ice cream in a waffle like cookie and it was delicious!

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    Zen bathroom
    Zen bathroom
    Otsumami...
    Otsumami...
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    Shoji

    Shoji

    4.2
    (563 reviews)
    1.8 mi
    $

    Omg genuinely such a beautiful and amazing cafe!…read more I had to try the matcha einspanner because it was so popular on tiktok! And wow was it delicious. The vanilla foam with kinako powder was SOOO good. The barista recommended us to eat the cream separately from drinking the matcha and omg that was life changing!! I've never tasted cream top this good, it did not have any milk/cheese taste! It also wasn't too sweet. The matcha itself was pretty strong, but not the best matcha quality I've had personally. Don't get me wrong, it was still really good! The hot hojicha latte was also good and strong, but nothing too special unlike the matcha einspanner. Matcha einspanner definitely the star of the show :) Space was beautiful and so aesthetic, it was bar vibes! At night they do serve cocktails :) Service was also amazing, workers were so kind! I NEEED to come back to try the dinner menu!!!!

    This shop is served as a cafe in the morning and bar at night. I came here in the evening to check…read moreit out, and highly recommend to make reservation in advance. Their drink menu is full of unique creations, and their non-alcoholic cocktails were especially impressive. We ordered two: Cold Noodle and Dashi Apple. Both were delicious and totally my style - light, refreshing, and full of layered flavors. I honestly didn't have high expectations for the food, but it ended up being a pleasant surprise, especially the chicken wings. They were incredibly juicy, perfectly seasoned, and so good that I seriously considered ordering another plate. The oysters also stood out, served with a unique sauce that was bright, refreshing, and had just a subtle kick of spice to whet the appetite. We also tried their signature burger. The beef patty was cooked perfectly, staying juicy without being dry. To finish, we ordered the Matcha Affogato. The matcha is slowly poured over the ice cream tableside, making for a fun little presentation and the perfect ending to the meal. The interior design is modern, thoughtfully designed, and aesthetically beautiful. There's also a spacious, bright outdoor patio.

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    Instagram: TianTianEats
    Instagram: TianTianEats
    Uni Amaebi Don: Soy marinaded raw sweet shrimp, santa barbara uni, ikura, soy marinated yolk ($44 +$3 nori)
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    Akikos

    Akikos

    4.0
    (2.1k reviews)
    2.1 mi
    $$$$

    We have been going to Akiko's for years. When my wife's family visits, they want Akiko's. When my…read morefamily visits, they want Akiko's. There are some omakase staples that we always look forward to: the shokupan and chawanmushi especially. We also love seeing what is in season, and I have seen the menu change weekly. In the dozen or so times I have gone, I have never been disappointed in the quality or quantity. I agree with other reviews that the taste is more fusion/experimental than straight traditional omakase. For me, that is part of the draw. I also agree that Akiko's is pricier, but we also go for special occasions rather than a standing weekly or monthly reservation. Parking can be tricky in the area, but there are apps that can help with that.

    It's a cool space but rather too large and stand offish for a truly great omakase meal. Service was…read morealso bumpy. We noted our dietary restrictions on the reservation and the host confirmed that but the menus aren't customized for each guest (which I'd expect for a high end omakase with less than 10 guests during our seating). Then the first server showed up and started describing the opening course of 3 small plates, 2 of which contained shellfish. When we asked about it, he just backtracked and said "That's not lobster" and then walked away. We were also never asked what we would like to drink - I finally asked the sushi chef for tea and he ran to the back to communicate that. There was also no real interaction with the sushi chef the entire meal so it felt impersonal and sterile. Food notes: maybe the selection was just not for me that day but there was only 1 course I enjoyed (kinmedai) and by the end I was eating a bite and leaving the rest and dreading the next course. The fish flavors felt very strong and overwhelming and the sushi rice was so wet that every piece fell apart on the way from the plate to the mouth.

    Photos
    Akikos
    Akikos
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    Happy Shabu Shabu - japanese - Updated August 2026

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