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    SHABU-WORKS

    4.5 (1.9k reviews)
    Open 11:30 am - 10:00 pm
    Updated 3 months ago

    Waitlist - SHABU-WORKS

    Live Current wait: under 5 minutes

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    SHABU-WORKS ATMOSPHERE

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

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    Reviews With Photos - SHABU-WORKS

    Matthew P.

    Great AYCE Shabu spot! Super quick service and endless refills of all you can eat meat! I liked the self serve buffet as they had so many choices for veggies, sides, and sauces. Also a great plus that the beverage bar is included in the AYCE price!! The standouts were the beef belly and pork belly. My spicy miso broth was super flavorful and tasty! Lots of tables, as this is a great place for a big group or small party.

    Meat during first round
    Judy Y.

    The best shabu place I've tried here in SD! The broths are amazing, staff is great, sound level not too bad. They are attentive and make sure you are taken care of. Very friendly! Super clean restaurant. They were refilling the food bars every so often and using FIFO which is great. The meats were amazing the first couple rounds. I did notice that the meats started to get more fatty and inedible as the rounds kept coming. It could have been my imagination but I didn't like that. That's just me though. Definitely will come back.

    Krajicek K.

    Love the varieties of soup base selections! Love the tender chuck eye, chuck tender, and top blade! Ordered the seafood platter at extra cost to celebrate a milestone. Fresh and big size! Big shoutout to Tommy, our server for excellent service! He came by our table at the appropriate time to take meat orders until we were full. Finished dishes were cleaned out promptly. Visited once for lunch and once for dinner. We found our new favorite hotpot restaurant. Will visit again!

    Veggie fix
    Ashley N.

    Shabu ANYTIME, ANY DAY! My family and I often visit here. Embarrassing to say, we go here at least once/twice a week. It's convenient and I don't have to deal with any cooking and cleaning. You can say it's one of our favorite places to eat. Customer service is always superb and the meats are tasty with many selections to choose from. Our favorite manager is Suki . She always has a warm smile on her face everytime we come as well as her fellow managers and co-workers. They always greets us with the warmest smile when we come. Applying and getting the membership card is so beneficial for us considering how much money we saved at every visit. Inquire and apply for it, it is well worth every penny !

    Menu
    Grace L.

    I've been to Shabu-Works a handful of times now, and it's usually a solid experience. Out of all the soup bases I've tried (sukiyaki, Sichuan ma-la, spicy Mongolian, spicy miso, and tomato harvest), the sukiyaki is still my favorite. It's well balanced, and I like how it complements the meats well. I also appreciate the wide selection of hot pot ingredients, plus the added bonus of a prepared hot food section. The drink options are great too, especially the milk tea, and the self-serve shave ice bar with toppings is a fun touch that rounds out the meal. With that being said, the meat quality can be a bit inconsistent depending on what you're served. On my most recent visit, the first two rounds were great. We received good quality US wagyu chuck tender, angus beef belly, and top blade. But by round three, the wagyu chuck tender was about 80% fat. We asked for a different plate, but unfortunately the replacement had the same issue. I feel that the meat quality should remain consistent across rounds, and not be so drastically different. Service-wise, things were slower this time around as well, especially when it came to clearing dishes. Overall, I'm still giving 4 stars because of the positive experiences I've had in the past, but there's definitely room for improvement in consistency and service.

    Nikol P.

    The most amazing shabu experience while we were in San Diego! We usually go to spots around Orange County, but this one really stood out. I had such a good time! the flavors, the setup, the whole vibe at Shabu Works were just it. It's buffet style, so everything is self serve: sauces, fountain drinks, veggies, fish cakes, fish balls... all you can eat, which I LOVE. The only thing you order from your waiter is your choice of meat and the broth for your soup. The place was super clean, including the bathrooms. The hostess was so kind and helpful right when we walked in, and our waiter was just as great, constantly checking in to see if we needed more meat or broth. Overall, it's not just dinner, it's an experience. Especially when you're on a little family getaway, having a good, fun dinner like this just makes everything even better.

    siri g.

    Came here on a weekend with a group of friends, but unfortunately the experience wasn't the best. When we first arrived, there wasn't anyone at the front to check us in, so we had to wait a while just to get someone's attention. Once we were seated though, the staff did check on us regularly, which I appreciated. The vegetables didn't seem very fresh, especially the spinach, which was disappointing. I also wish they would lower the price for the vegetarian option, especially since the meat items are ordered separately and brought to the table. On the positive side, the tomato and mushroom broth was good, and the shaved ice toppings station was a nice touch. Overall though, for the price, I don't think the experience really lived up to expectations.

    Soup base choices
    Linh P.

    All-you-can-eat shabu shabu in Mira Mesa Customize your own hot pot with premium meats, fresh veggies, and so many broth choices. Perfect for date night, family dinner, or foodie cravings! Best part? You eat FREE on your birthday! https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8xnYd7e/

    Beef meatball
    Jennifer A.

    "Broth goals + endless Wagyu = hot pot dreams for @shabuworkssd and enter their giveaway to win a Labubu! Just follow @ShabuWorks and you could take this cutie home. Don't 'shabu' out--join now!" Menu Soup Bases    *   Tonkotsu Pork Bone    *   Garlic Miso Tonkotsu    *   Sukiyaki    *   Spicy Miso*    *   Spicy Curry*    *   Sichuan Ma-La*    *   The Mongolian*    *   Spicy Tokyo*    *   Tomato Harvest (V)    *   Vegan Kombu (V)    *   Umami Mushroom (V) Meats    *   Angus Beef Belly    *   CAB® Top Blade    *   US Wagyu Chuck Tender    *   US Wagyu Bottom Round    *   Angus Chuck Eye    *   Premium Eye Round    *   NZ Lamb Shoulder    *   Premium Pork Belly    *   Natural Pork Collar    *   Natural Chicken Breast That looks like the standard AYCE dinner menu -- with the member discount at $32.95 (regular $37.95).

    Alyssa N.

    I loved the food, but I have mixed feelings about my dining experience, and I'll tell you exactly why. I came by on a Monday, 8PM and BOY was it packed (Note, restaurant closes at 9). There were parties left and right, a good number of tables were filled. I was seated super fast and my order came out I wanna say in less than 10 minutes of me being seated. There's a sauce bar, open drink machines, a bar for veggies, noodles, seafoods, fried foods, and even a shaved ice area. I stood up to wander around the bars to get my stuff and when I sat down, the soup and meats were already there. My server and his customer service, phenomenal. The right side was the Sichuan Mala soup and the left was the Mongolian (Server recommended). Both were so incredibly tasty, I really wanted to drink the entire pot if I could LOL. I was checked in on regularly by him and other staff who were clearing the other tables so that part was great. In addition, there was such a wide variety of seafood and veggie options, this restaurant could cater to so many different palates. So, why the -1 Star, you might ask? Around 8:40PM (I remember it was earlier since I was even surprised that the cleanup was so soon but I'll say 8:40PM), there was this ear piercing clash of utensils. And it wasn't one. It was back to back to back slamming of tongs. **Disclaimer** I know this restaurant isn't a super high end, fancy restaurant, so I didn't expect the staff to have that level of training, but this was so loud and aggressive that the tables near me also looked to see what the deal was. It was one of the kitchen ladies cleaning up the bar area. I watched her carry a bin down the line of the bar, just aggressively slamming the tongs into the bin. It was so loud and disruptive and the bars are dang long so it kept going on and on AND THEN SHE LOOPED BACK THE OTHER WAY AND KEPT SLAMMING LMAO. I finished my meal soon after and then paid and dipped (before 9). Though the meal was super good and I really liked all the options there, the lady beating up the utensils got me good. LMAO Might come back but definitely earlier than 8 next time, or at least will bring earplugs. Overall Rating: Food: 10/10 Service: LMAO -10/10 For the Lady - I don't know if I should laugh or be annoyed at how disruptive and ridiculously loud that whole shebang was. It was comical. My server and the other servers 10/10 Menu: 10/10 (Not a super wide selection of meat but good enough) Restaurant Vibe: 10/10 - Super clean and nice deco Price to Overall Dining (POD): 8/10

    Presh N.

    Came back again craving shabu, and of course Shabu Works is my go-to spot in all of San Diego. We got seated right away and ordered the tonkotsu broth along with the first two meats in our first round. As expected, it hit the spot perfectly. The service is always great! Very welcoming and attentive, checking in every so often to make sure everything is good. Ambience is always very chill and clean. Shabu Works will definitely continue to be one of my regular spots!

    Mongolian (Left) Garlic Miso (Right)
    Brianna B.

    Came back after almost a year and still the same good food as before! We brought a big party of people to try it and everyone enjoyed themselves. We tried some new things and some favorites from the last time. We ate on a Friday night and although it was a little busy, we still got food service. My #1 highlight? That passion fruit green tea, I dont know what they put in that drink but gosh I could chug it! Second highlight was the Mongolian broth, it was so flavorful, definitely a new favorite.

    beef belly and chuck eye meats tomato and sukiyaki broth
    Kelsey C.

    Came in with my partner for my birthday and had such a good experience here. They had a free birthday meal promo and all I had to do was show my ID as proof which was super easy. We got the tomato and suki broth base and both were really good . The meats were good too, although the options were a little more limited since we came during lunch time, but it was still very affordable for the price of all u can eat. Our server Suki was super friendly, attentive, and made sure we were taken care of the whole time. All of the other servers were also really kind and welcoming too which made the experience even better. Definitely would come back again!

    hot foods | tiktok & insta: @trinhiesworld

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    Page 1 of 47

    SHABU-WORKS Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - SHABU-WORKS

    Some of the reviews mentioned that all of the broths are made of fish. Is this true? Are there any vegan options?

    No, that is not true, One of them is all made of veggie and rest of them are based on pork or beef (I am not 100% sure but 90%)

    If you buy a membership does the membership meal price apply to the whole party or does each person have to buy a membership?

    I believe it has to be each person

    Is this place cash only? and can I go by myself, single party?

    They take cards and welcome single parties

    What is the membership price? How can I use the membership price for meals?

    30 dollars and it's discounts your meal and +1

    What is the membership price, and how to sign up for the membership?

    $37/year. I just asked my server and signed up after our meal.

    Can I eat here alone?

    Yes

    Do they do free birthday meals?

    Yes, they do free birthday meals, I had them before. You just ask the staff and show them your id.

    What time does lunch pricing end?

    Lunch pricing ends at 3pm everyday

    Is msg used in broth I have a severe allergy and have to medically ask?

    No, my brother has a reaction to msg and he didnt, just ask your server before hand.

    Do you still have outdoor dining?

    They do not.

    Do you take reservations?

    They do not. First come, first serve. The staff does a great job of staggering parties so the line inside never gets too long.

    What time do lunch hours end?

    3pm

    Is this place pet friendly?

    Hi, there's no outdoor dining option, and appears only service pets are welcome. Gyu Kaku up the… Read more

    What is the dinner weekday price?

    Between 34.99 29.99 it varies

    What are the seafood options for dinner do they still serve crab and clams and shrimp and crawfish?

    Yes to all!!

    Have they opened for AYCE hotpot for the lunch special?

    Yes, they have a AYCE lunch menu

    Is there dine in or only dine outside?

    Inside dining

    Why is this restaurant address being used for some other place called Wow Bao? On GrubHub, Wow Bao is listed for 9841 Mira Mesa Blvd, and not Shabu-Works?

    It's a ghost kitchen. Wow Bao doesn't have a door front but uses the kitchen at this address for popular delivery services.

    What is the status of this business? Do they offer dine-in? If so, what are their lunch and dinner hours? And what are their prices for Lunch/Dinner?

    They are doing dine in with social distancing. According to their website: Lunch (Monday - Friday until 3pm): $19.99 per person… Read more

    Has This location opened up for dine in again (09/12/2020)?

    Yes. Available for dine outdoor or indoor.

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    Liuyishou Hotpot

    4.3
    (845 reviews)
    6.6 mi
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    I can't lie, I love a good hot pot and this place did everything right…read more I went with the all you can eat option and they had a great selection of meats. There was a steady flow of customers, which is always a good sign. One thing I really appreciated was the self serve bar for sides. That's a nice touch because a lot of other hot pot spots charge extra, but here you can grab what you want buffet style. It makes it easy to try new things and mix and match sauces. The price is fair too, not crazy expensive for a good hot pot experience. Highly recommend if you're looking for a solid spot that gets it right.

    This place was such a great find. It was the closest hot pot restaurant to our hotel, and after…read morelooking at several others, this one checked all the boxes for me: all-you-can-eat, a self-serve food bar, a Sichuan-style broth, and under $40. They don't actually call it Sichuan broth. It's listed as something like "Spicy," but it's close enough. What I wasn't expecting was just how spicy it was. Wow. Next time I'll probably ask if they can tone it down a notch. We also went on a weekday, so dinner was a little cheaper. The meats were all good quality, although a bit fattier than I expected. I usually love fatty cuts like pork belly and toro, but these leaned a little too far in that direction for my taste. Not a huge deal, just something I noticed. One thing I'd love to see improved is the self-serve bar. I wish more of the greens and seafood items were available for guests to serve themselves instead of having to request them from the server. I don't like feeling like I'm constantly asking for things, and I also prefer controlling my own portions. I know exactly how much I'll eat, so I'd rather take only what I need instead of having extra brought to the table. Along those same lines, some of the noodles came packaged in individual portions, and each package was more than I could finish. If they were available loose at the self-serve bar, I could've taken just the amount I wanted and wasted less food. Overall, the food was delicious, the service was friendly, and I had a great experience. And the price is very reasonable. I also learned they have more than 20 locations across the country, so I'll definitely be looking them up the next time I travel.

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    Kanpai BBQ & Shabu

    Kanpai BBQ & Shabu

    4.5
    (442 reviews)
    7.4 mi
    $$$
    All you can eat
    Large group friendly

    One of my favorite AYCE JAPANESE…read more Why? Because not only AYCE BBQ but they have AYCE Shabu as well. Can't pick one? You can actually have both! This is the best place for indecisive eaters. They have side dishes for both courses. As well as pick your own drinks, sauce bar and ice cream! Staff is so nice! Let's them know what you need and they are attentive. Wanting to celebrate with friends/ family? They even have beer towers if you want libations!

    I can say this is my favorite bbq/shabu place in San Diego. Been here for more than a dozen times…read morenow. Our first few times that we went they didn't have the option of both at the same time, so you had to choose shabu or bbq. But now you're able to choose both for a bit higher price but nothing drastic and in my opinion is worth it. The establishment is nothing to wao about. Simple but very spacious and also clean. Parking is hit or miss. If you go after work hrs on the weekdays it's not too hard to find parking. Weekends for dinner is a different story but at least it is one of the few lots that you don't have to pay for parking on convoy. Now for the main reason I gave it a 5*. The meats on the bbq and shabu menu is not vast, a few options to pick from but it looks very fresh. Both sides have wagyu and prime meats but shabu side has lamb and fish also. Then you have 2 side or salad bars however you call them. They have different types of vegetables and noodles as well as seafoods. There is also canned sodas and 3 other types of drinks on the bbq side. And rice, soup and curry next to it. But I'm sure no one is there for the side characters but the chicken Karaage specially soy garlic.is really good so maybe give it a try. The servers are very friendly and fast at what they do. Oh and maybe save a little bit of room or like my wife and friends say the second stomach lol for some thrifty ice cream. Hope this is not too much to read, sorry.

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    Japanese Style BBQ
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    Kanpai BBQ & Shabu
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    Shabumi

    4.5
    (1.6k reviews)
    7.7 mi
    $$$

    Wow, one of the greatest food experiences i've ever had in my life. Walked in and greeted very…read morekindly as soon as I walked in. The setting and space were very calm and relaxed and felt very welcoming. Was constantly asked if I needed anything and felt very at home. Thank you the workers at shabumi for this great experience !

    Parking 5/5 -Big free plaza parking lot…read more Service 5/5 -This is the best service I have ever gotten at a kbbq place, grill was changed multiple times without prompt, staff were all so attentive and helpful with ordering and any requests we made. Food 5/5 -We tried both bbq and shabu options, the quality of meat was outstanding and I really liked the portion that was given for each order, I got to try more variety than have to commit to a lot of one kind. Strongly recommend the pork jowl!! Great bite to the meat, it's more of a snappy texture with a medium amount of fatty, pairs really well with garlic and chili paste in a lettuce wrap. I also recommend ponzu sauce for dipping! The shabu option is great for building the flavor of the broth, so many ingredient options from the menu and the free grab bar area, I really enjoyed having kimchi and fish sauce in the broth! I recommend dipping your cooked ingredients in their goma sauce if you want a rich nutty/sesame taste. Ambiance 5/5 -Your typical kbbq establishment, it's going to be loud, slightly smokey, pop music, just overall a very blended environment. I love that they had both baseball and soccer on the TVs throughout the restaurant.

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    Shabumi
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    Shancheng Lameizi

    Shancheng Lameizi

    4.4
    (180 reviews)
    7.1 mi

    My first time here and it won't be the last…read more Parking: 5/5 I arrived on a Saturday evening and I found parking in the plaza location of Shancheng. So did my other friends. Not sure if I just got lucky because parking on Convoy can usually be troublesome for how popular it is, but perhaps we just came on a lucky day. Customer Service: 5/5 Lovely staff. I arrived before our party of 7 and they were able to accommodate us by offering two table options. Thoughtful and friendly people work here. Hotpot: What a selection! I loved the mushroom broth, the assortment of fresh veggies from bok choy, romaine lettuce, lots of mushrooms options - my favorite is the enoki, and I loved the tofu skin. Beef lovers and seafood fans will enjoy this place as well. One of my fave items we ordered is a shrimp paste dish for our hotpot. That was delicious. I also love how they have a sauce bar. Snack Bar: I frequented the snack bar. The coconut jelly and coconut crackers is my favorite. They have a lot of snacks to pick from and it's complimentary! Ambiance: This place is gorgeous. Lots of interesting architectural decor. I had a great time capturing photos of the restaurant while I waited for my party to arrive. I'll definitely be coming back and recommending this place.

    Came on a Friday night around 7pm and we were seated immediately as a party of 4. The inside was…read morespacious, clean, and welcoming and service was friendly and quick throughout the whole meal. Parking can be a bit rough since it's right on Convoy so we parked on a side street but there is a lot right in front if you're feeling lucky. We got the split pot with bone broth and mild spicy and the spicy side was SO SPICY! The flavor was there but I definitely preferred the non spicy side. They also have an extensive sauce/snack/dessert bar with unlimited sesame balls, shrimp chips, and other Chinese desserts which I thought was unique. In terms of the actual hot pot ingredients, they definitely use high quality stuff and have a large variety to pick from! Overall, it was a good experience, but if I were to come back I probably would avoid the spicy soup base.

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    Menu (2/1/22)
    Mongolian Hot Pot

    Mongolian Hot Pot

    4.2
    (2.5k reviews)
    7.1 mi
    $$

    Second time in SD and was really feeling hot pot. Stumbled across this spot and it did not…read moredisappoint! Their broth, meats, sauces, sides were all on point and we ended up eating like 7 orders. 6 of which were mine lol The staff are also really helpful and check back on you at a good pace. Restaurant is also super clean with positive vibes all throughout. Definitely will be back

    I've been to Mongolian hot pot before years ago with my kids and ex-husband, and it was always a…read moregreat experience--even with a mix of different tastes and diets at the table. Going back recently with my oldest son (now 24) brought back that same energy, but honestly, it was even better than I remembered. At first, I'll admit the price--around $40 per person--felt a little high to me, especially as someone who's vegan. I assumed this would be more of a "meat-lover's spot," but I was completely wrong. The vegan options were abundant, fresh, and incredibly satisfying. I left absolutely stuffed. While you're waiting, there's a self-serve bar with salads, sauces, and add-ons. The cucumber salad stood out immediately--so unique and flavorful that I went back for seconds. The wood ear mushroom salad was another surprise favorite. On top of that, there's a wide variety of sauces you can mix and match, which makes the experience feel really customizable and fun. We each got our own hot pot since I'm vegan and my son isn't, but we still shared some sides. The selection is impressive--tons of vegetables, plenty of plant-based options, and, of course, a wide array of meats for anyone who wants them. It really feels like there's something for everyone. What I love most is the experience itself. It's interactive, relaxed, and a little more personal since you're cooking your food right at the table. I went for lunch this time, but I can already picture coming back for a date night--it feels like the kind of place where you can slow down, connect, and enjoy the process together. Honestly, it might even replace our usual ramen nights.

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    Tabu Shabu - North Park

    Tabu Shabu - North Park

    4.6
    (722 reviews)
    11.9 mi
    $$

    Great service. We…read moreloved this a few months ago and came back. Immediately when we walked in a manager we recognized said "welcome back". Let me tell you.... When you only ate somewhere once but they remember you that makes you want to keep coming back! One big draw for me is the kids meal and options/service for kids. If a kid is under 7 they don't charge for them to split your meal with you and they can still get their own soup bowl and chair. Also, they have a kids meal option for 10 and under. My kids absolutely love being treated like real customers. They get to cook their own food and the team addresses them kindly and tends to them. By the nature of this type of meal there is a decent amount of checking in the waitstaff has to do like adjusting cook temps, delivering plates and drinks, coming back for add ons etc so it is a good restaurant experience for kids. They even have high high chairs (not a typo) for the babies. The food is good. Everything is prepped to order... you can literally see people slicing your meat or putting your vegetables together in the back. I come here because I want quality and not the volume of an ACYE place. I'd prefer to spend my calories wisely. I was surprised that it was full but no wait on a weekday. It's hard to find somewhere with a vibe on a weekday but this place has one. It's a short drive from the zoo and Balboa park so I'm sure the team will see us again.

    Japanese hot pot? Ok…read more Driven by the place many many times and always assumed it was a ramen spot. We decided to give it a try after realizing it was hot pot. We walked in and just one other couple was dining. Happy hour from 5-6. Our waitress immediately explained how the menu worked and gave us cooking tips. I ordered the miso broth with pork and toro. We also had the chuck roll and brisket. The chuck roll and the pork were delicious. Would definitely skip the toro and brisket next time. The veggies they served were all great (mushrooms, emoji, bok choy, carrot, spinach, kabocha squash, with the exception of a bit too much cabbage). The experience can a little a bit of an endeavor if you've never done it solo, as you solely have to pay constant attention to the pot while trying to eat at the same time. It can be hard to hold a conversation when your food is boiling boiling hot! Definitely a laborous experience but a fun one!

    Photos
    Tabu Shabu - North Park
    Mural outside the restaurant
    Mural outside the restaurant
    Pork broth

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    Pork broth
    MoMo Paradise

    MoMo Paradise

    4.1
    (687 reviews)
    2.0 mi
    $$$

    I really enjoyed our dinner at MoMo, and I'm sad to see them go. I was given a gift certificate for…read morethe Wagyu dinner for two with drinks, which was a wonderful experience. I love that they have the 2 Batch Soda special flavors, I had the peach and it was great. My friend tried the green tea milk tea, passion fruit tea, and Batch diet cola. I got a bunch of veggies, edamame, cold noodle salad, and the beef stew over rice. The kabocha squash was a little tricky to cook, the enoki mushrooms, cabbage, etc were much easier to deal with, lol. The real star was the wagyu beef. I loved all 3 cuts, and we ordered more of the chuck eye and some pork belly for our extra round. It has spoiled me for normal beef now. The ice cream was a nice extra, I had the black cherry and my friend had the chocolate malt crunch. We each enjoyed our flavors. I don't often spend $60+ on myself for dinner, so it was a nice treat. The staff was very friendly and helpful. We went about 5:15 on a Monday, so it wasn't quite as busy. When we left it was pretty packed, especially seeing as this is the last week fir the restaurant.

    MoMo Paradise will be permanently closing its doors in Mira Mesa. If you want to come show your…read moresupport one last time, their last day of business will be Sunday, 28Sep2025. After that, the restaurant will be relocating to Irvine. My friend, her daughter, and my daughter had lunch there today. We enjoyed our visit and wish the owners all the best in their new home in Irvine.

    Photos
    Root Vegetable Set
    Root Vegetable Set
    Always bringing our guests quality ingredients.
    Always bringing our guests quality ingredients.
    Pro-Tip: Customize your AYCE Ice-Cream bowl with our Drink Garden Toppings!

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    Pro-Tip: Customize your AYCE Ice-Cream bowl with our Drink Garden Toppings!

    SHABU-WORKS - hotpot - Updated July 2026

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