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Mokkoji Shabu Shabu Bar

4.1 (2.1k reviews)
PriceyJapanese, Hot Pot
Open 11:30 am - 10:00 pm

Waitlist - Mokkoji Shabu Shabu Bar

Live Current wait: 6 - 16 mins

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Business Info

MOKKOJI SHABU SHABU BAR ATMOSPHERE

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

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Recommended Reviews - Mokkoji Shabu Shabu Bar

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Crystal C.

Stopped by on a weekend close to closing and there was no wait, which was nice. We hadn't been here in a few years and were surprised by how much more expensive it felt compared to what we remembered. The cheapest meat options were around $23+ for just 10 pieces, which felt a little steep, especially since the quality of the meat didn't really stand out. One thing to note is that every broth besides the original comes with an additional charge. I got the spicy miso broth and while it definitely had spice, it lacked the depth of flavor I was hoping for. The sauces were good. Meals come with a vegetable platter, and some of the items are available for free refill. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The dining room itself could use a refresh. The tables, chairs, and overall interior felt a bit dated compared to newer hot pot spots around town.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Overall, it's still a decent option if you're craving hot pot, but between the pricing and meat quality, it didn't feel like the best value for us.

Sarah P.

We came to Mokkoji to try their shabu shabu. We got the spicy miso and pork broth. We got a variety of different plates of meat and vegetables. It was good but I felt like the soup could be better. The meat cuts were great. It was good overall though.

Lunch special!
be n.

We came early cause right before they open, there is a line. Will not seat you unless all parties are there. Please have someone more friendlier looking at the door. It just seems so umi citing and strict when you have someone who doesnt smile for an early morning:) The location we go to is under construction so we came here cause we spotted it while meeting a friend. Since we've been here before, the name represent itself. To come and find out there is lunch special of iron steak makes it so worthwhile. The amount of meat given was generous for lunch and more than what I would normally order. To top the deal, it also comes with a choice of ice tea. The staffs are very friendly and attentive. Accommodating and sweet. Overall, I've been back 3 times in 2 weeks. Will be coming for more.

Flat Iron "Mokkoji Cut"
Pedram B.

Was feeling a bit under the weather and decided to give this place a try and was thoroughly impressed. Mokkoji had great attentive staff, was clean, and had absolutely delicious food. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a fantastic spot for this sweater weather![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]]

Spicy broth
Tiff A.

Back in OC and what can I say, here to try another shabu place. A few of my family had tried this place and it was highly recommended. Super excited to try this place, it was pretty packed for a Friday night. I first order my brother, then my proteins, veggies are included. I had the spicy broth and it had tons of flavor, they even had a bottle of their house spicy oil. It's super spicy, one drop is plenty. [[HIGHLIGHT]]It's a small restaurant but "U" shaped bar is pretty neat for small parties.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Our waitress was nice but never refilled our water. I recommend this place if you want some Shabu!

Veggies
Andrew D.

Great shabu spot! We were seated pretty quickly on a Wednesday night. Several waiters checked up on us frequently and provided a lot of guidance on the menu which was helpful! I got the Sukiyaki broth with 14 pieces of the Toro "Fat Belly". This selection was fantastic! The broth was flavorful and the portion size was definitely filling! The veggies were plentiful and the meat was amazing. I found the 3 dipping sauces to be quite interesting and highly enjoyed the egg-yolk dipping sauce. [[HIGHLIGHT]]This establishment seems suitable for all types of groups.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Highly recommend for those in the area looking to get some great shabu!

Vivian S.

One of my go to spots whenever I'm in the area. I normally never eat two bowls of rice anywhere, but somehow I always do when I'm here. I've tried several things on the menu and honestly haven't had anything I didn't like yet. The food at Mokkoji is really filling but somehow doesn't leave you feeling heavy or gross afterward, which I appreciate. Their sauces are also amazing. If you like a little heat, I highly recommend adding those hot drops. It's the perfect kick and makes everything even more delicious.

Flat Iron "Mokkoji Cut" Toro Fatty Belly New York Broths: pork bone and spicy sukiyaki
Winny K.

It's been a while since I've been back to Mokkoji and it was just as good as I remembered. Food quality is excellent, and I especially love how flavorful the broths are. We enjoyed: Flat Iron "Mokkoji Cut" - a well balanced and delicious cut in terms of fattiness and lean protein. Would get this again for sure! Toro Fatty Belly - a gloriously fatty cut. We like the marinated version. New York - lean protein for health! Pork Bone Broth: hearty flavor and really tasty on its own already. Spicy Sukiyaki: served with traditional egg for dipping and has a nice kick to it. Loved cooking the udon and Mokkoji tofu in this for maximum flavor. Service was attentive and helpful with recommendations. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambiance is casual.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Love that your order comes with a veggie set so you can get some variety. Although pricier than some shabu places, the quality is great at Mokkoji.

Lana K.

Got to try Mokkoji and totally understand why people rave about this place. The meat quality was exceptional - beautifully marbled cuts with incredible presentation. Ordered a variety including wagyu and prime cuts that cooked perfectly in the hot pot. The DIY shabu shabu setup was fun with fresh vegetables, two delicious dipping sauces (ponzu and goma), and flavorful broths. The garlic butter shrimp appetizer was a nice touch too. Everything about this place screams quality over quantity. With that said, it was a lot of food also. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Service was attentive and the restaurant has a modern, inviting atmosphere.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Definitely a popular spot for good reason - expect waits during peak times but it's worth it. Will absolutely be back!

Vegetables
Sam C.

[[HIGHLIGHT]]This is a small restaurant with not a lot of seating and is often full, but we managed to get a table by coming early.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] It's not AYCE like some of the other places in Irvine but quite good. My wife feels that while it's not AYCE the quality of meat is better. I'm not sure I agree ... But it's good. They do offer unlimited vegetables. So the little bowl of vegetables is just the start. The only downside compared to some of the AYCE places is the variety of vegetables. No onions, sprouts, or some of the other stuff I like is available. Overall, it's a good value, particularly if you aren't looking to completely stuff yourself

Ha T.

Came by around lunch time and service was quick! You're able to join the waitlist ahead of time so highly recommend doing that to save extra time especially during peak hours. My fav is the spicy pork broth, but the fire crab broth is also yum. Toro is my go to for the meats but we also got the mokkoji cut as well. I'm never disappointed when I go to any of the mokkoji locations!

Julie P.

The place was nice and clean with modern decor. The service was good (although our waiter looked like he didn't want to be there). We ordered the beef sampler for 2, with spicy sukitaki and bone broth. The spicy sukitaki was interesting, a little creamy/fatty. I liked the bone broth. It's tasted sweet and tasty (and not creamy). The combo meat was nice. It was just the right amount of food for 2 people. Each person also got a bowl of veggies. I wish they have given more veggies. Overall it was a good experience.

Flat Iron "Mokkoji Cut"
Evan L.

Been here a few times now and I've always had a great experience. I came here with a friend and we were hungry so we ordered the Special for 2. This consists of the of an appetizer (garlic shrimp), a drink (we got the hot sake), your main choice (we picked their Flat Iron cut) and ended it all off with Samanco fish shaped ice cream for the both of us! They have several broth options you can pick from and they each have a slightly different price. I just got the miso broth today but the fire crab is really good also. Your veggies come on the side for free and is a really nice variety. I also appreciate how you're able to order more veggies for free after you finish your first set! I love how the meat comes marinated (you can also opt out of the marination) which definitely adds an extra flavor boost. The dipping sauces are ponzu and goma (which is a Japanese sesame dipping sauce). When they pour your sauce, they also ask if you want any hot drops, a super spicy oil, added. These hot drops are not for the weak! I usually just get one drop and that's enough for me. Overall, great vibes and food!

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Mokkoji Shabu Shabu Bar Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - Mokkoji Shabu Shabu Bar

What soup bases are vegetarian?

Do they have outdoor seating?

They don't at this location!

Do they offer lunch special menu now?

No more lunch special. I sure miss that lunch special!

Do they still do the squid ink porridge at the end?

No, all porridges have been discontinued.

I'm looking to host a monthly business lunch (weekday at 11:30) for about 6-8 people. How would I go about reserving the large table?

Is this place peanut allergy friendly? What sauces/broths etc should I be cautious of?

yes! i also have a peanut allergy and have never had an issue w anything here. they do offer a sesame sauce but unless u have a sesame allergy u should be ok

Would the owner please confirm what's 100% vegan? I usually get the veggies with the spicy miso broth and dip in the sesame sauce (the light brown one), but during my last visit, the server told me the sauce had fish flakes. Such a bummer!

Which toppings are unlimited?

Cabbage, bok choy, sesame leaf. I think just the greens.

Is there a break in the afternoon? Does your restaurant serve at non lunch and dinner times?

There is no longer a break. Currently they are open all day Monday- Wednesday at 11:30am - 9:00pm. Thursday - Sunday at 11:30am - 10:00pm. Note that they typically do last calls 30 minutes before closing.

Is there still the lunch special?

No longer available (July 2021)

How is the outdoor sitting like? Please post some photos of it. Thank you

Some tables are under the tents, and then smaller (2 party tables) are on the side walk in the back. No heaters when we went last week, but it's not too bad.… 

How are they providing take-out? Do they just give you everything you need to cook at home or is cooked already for you to go home and eat?

Yes, they give you everything you need to cook the food. They do however give you everything raw & i mean everything, so keep that in mind! You'll have to cook it at home.

Is this restaurant kid friendly? Do they have a special kids menu?

They do not have kid menus here, but the restaurant is pretty kid friendly. They have mild broths that are good for kids like miso, but the meat portions might be big for a child, so just get an entree for yourself that is a little bit bigger, so… 

Is this business open?

Extremely open

Does anyone know what the "dressed" meat consist of?

You can have seasoning/marinade added to your sliced meat. Just adds some extra flavor.

Is it open for dine in yet?

Yes. It is. Limited seating to obs social distancing

Are you open during this time?

Yes

Is this place open for takeout?

They actually aren't. They decided to remodel instead. I asked them and I think there were only one for take-out for like a week, then decided to just close and remodel.

Do they offer all you can eat for lunch or dinner on any particular day?

no. it's not ayce. it's quality shabu but worth it.

Do they accept American Express?

yes

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We chose the all-you-can-eat option, and everything was fresh and delicious. The highlight for me…read morewas definitely the Wagyu beef, premium beef, and lamb. The meat quality was amazing--tender, flavorful, and melted in your mouth after just a few seconds in the hot pot. We kept ordering more because it was that good! Besides the meat, they also have a great selection of fresh seafood, vegetables, sushi, fruit, desserts, and drinks all included in the price. Everyone in our family found something they loved. The service was friendly and attentive, and food came out quickly throughout our meal. This place is cleaned and nice vibe. Another big plus is the free garage parking, which made the whole experience even more convenient. Great food, great service, and great value. Highly recommend if you're looking for a quality AYCE hot pot and sushi spot in Irvine!

They have now updated their ordering system! You order broths with them and order on online menu…read more My favorite meats are the beef belly and rib eye! I also LOVE the spicy miso broth and have been getting it every time I come, which is like one or twice a month, however, I went there yesterday and the spicy miso did not smell like it usually does nor did it taste like it. It had a different base flavor and I couldn't figure out what it was. I brought it up to my servers attention and they said nothing changed. I really hope it was just a weird batch and hope they haven't changed any of the ingredients ! Also, the last couple of times I came the white rice tasted weird but it looks like whatever the issue was got fixed! The white rice is back to normal.

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Nice To Meet You Skewer Hot Pot

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We had such a great experience at Nice to Meet You Skewer Hot Pot! If you love variety, this is a…read moregreat AYCE hot pot spot in Irvine. There's a huge refrigerated section filled with so many different skewers, fresh vegetables, and other hot pot ingredients, plus you can order fresh meats like beef and lamb directly at the table. We chose the tomato, sukiyaki, and pork bone broths, and it was nice being able to switch between different flavors. Each person also gets one premium order, and I chose the scallops! There are plenty of side dishes and appetizers too. We tried the curry beef tongue rice and sesame cold noodles, and they also have a full sauce bar where you can customize your dipping sauce. Make sure to save room for dessert, they have chocolate cake, fresh watermelon, and other options. For the amount of food and variety you get, I thought it was a great value. Definitely come hungry because there is SO much to try! Would recommend for a fun hot pot night with friends or family.

Service was good, I really appreciated how my server took the time to explain the menu as well as…read moreshow me the self serve bar. I was seated right away for their $29.99 lunch special. They let you choose 3 different broth options which I thought was cool. Unfortunately I wasn't a personal fan of any of the three broths I tried. The self serve bar had good sauces but was quite small. Whenever I opened the fridge doors to grab meat skewers there was a very off putting smell that made me want to close it immediately. The meat was not bad, but sadly there was nothing special about it. My soup took awhile to boil so my skewers took longer to get them where I wanted, especially the middle of them stayed pretty pink for awhile. Overall I did not eat too much here. I did finish my rice.

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Prime Hot Pot recently switched their menu from AYCE to a la carte - while I had never tried them…read morewhen they were AYCE, I can say that the quality of their dishes and meats/seafood on their new menu is fantastic. In particular I really liked the grilled beef tongue and Wagyu platter. Of the two broths I tried (Beef Bone and the mild House spicy), I preferred the Beef Bone, which was rich and flavorful. The House spicy had a decent Szechwan kick to it even at mild. The staff here were very nice and parking is plentiful at the District. Overall definitely recommend to anyone looking for a good hot pot spot.

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Mokkoji Shabu Shabu Bar - japanese - Updated July 2026

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