Shabu Shabu in Little Tokyo

Is one place better than the other? Which is your favorite?

[ronnie_gaucho]

It's all about Kagaya if you want to eat shabu shabu out. You'll pay a hefty price although, it might just be worth it. If i were to go to a place like SHABU SHABU, I'd just buy the same meat from Mitsuwa or Nijiya and make it at home without the lines or bad music.

[calabasas_trafalgar]

I used to eat at SSH until I discovered Shaab in Pasadena. The food is better, they take reservations, AND best of all......NO annoying country music!

[rantoit]

From WHat I can Tell Shabu Shabu House in the Japanese Vlg ....Really started the Shabu Trend Here in LA. Sure peolpe served Shabu, But it wasn;\'t until Yoshi and his wife Open ShabuShabu House , that they intrest Really grew......
Let's give the attention and Kudo's to the really Shabu Shabu....Heros!

Another place that my wife and I like is Zakuro (I thinks that's the name) on 2nd?? Sorry, I know where it is but don't have the physical address. If someone knows the address that would be helpful.

They have a bit more atmosphere than Shabu Shabu house. From what I can remember Shabu Shabu only has meat whereas Zakuro has chicken and combo platter. Besides I like their dip sauces better than Shabu Shabu

Zakuro Shabu Shabu Restaurant
[phone]
356 E 2nd St (just West of Central)
Los Angeles, CA 90012

I like SHABU SHABU better, but this place is a decent option.

[Bon Vivant]

Last time thhat I passed by Zakuro it was "closed for renovation" but it looked like it was just closed for good.

I went to Zakuro once and thought that the quality of the food was quite poor compared to Shabu Shabu House.

Kagaya in Honda Center. Words cannot do justice. They start you off with a three course appetizer which varies depending on whats in season (last time it was crab cakes and lobster sashimi...yum.) Then the best shabu shabu. Then they take the left over broth, strain it and make udon soup. I went there with a group of Shabu Shabu fanatics and they were all blown away by its quality in comparison to other establishments.

Agreed KAGAYA is excellent, but its pricey. You won't get out of there for less than $30 a head, which is a lot for shabu-shabu. It's a high end option, but quality and presentation are unparalleled.

Another fave, on the other end of the spectrum, is SHABU SHABU HOUSE, in the Japanese Village Plaza. No reservations, zero atmosphere, workmanlike---but friggin delicious, at a fraction of Kagaya's cost.. At peak hours, a real madhouse, but worth the wait.

Kagaya
[phone]
418 E 2nd St
Los Angeles, CA 90012

Shabu Shabu House Restaurant
[phone]
127 Japanese Vlg PLZ MLL
Los Angeles, CA 90012