Shabu Works brings SoCal's favorite all-you-can-eat Japanese hot pot experience to Mira Mesa and San Marcos, California. Guests cook thin-sliced meats, fresh seafood, and crisp vegetables in a simmering broth at the table, then finish each bite in house-made ponzu or sesame dipping sauces.
Signature items
Per-person pricing by tier
Classic shabu-shabu pick
Discounted AYCE rate year-round
All-you-can-eat hot pot restaurants in California charge per-person tier rates. Here's how the category typically stacks up.
| Category | Shabu Works | Haidilao | Kpot | Mumu Hot Pot |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dining style | AYCE shabu-shabu | AYCE hot pot | AYCE Korean BBQ + hot pot | AYCE hot pot |
| Broth options | 4+ | 6+ | 4+ | 4+ |
| Premium meats | Yes (wagyu) | Yes (wagyu) | Yes (wagyu) | Yes |
| Membership discount | Yes | No | No | No |
| CA locations | 2 (San Diego) | Multiple | Multiple | Multiple |
Shabu Works opened in San Diego with a single mission: bring the communal, interactive joy of Japanese shabu-shabu to Southern California at an all-you-can-eat price point. The restaurant's name is a playful nod to the swishing motion — "shabu-shabu" in Japanese is an onomatopoeia for the sound of thin meat being swirled through hot broth — and the brand has built a loyal following by sourcing quality proteins like USDA Choice ribeye, Kurobuta pork belly, and Wagyu beef.
With two San Diego-area locations in Mira Mesa and San Marcos, Shabu Works caters to a diverse crowd of hot-pot enthusiasts. Guests choose their broth, then help themselves to unlimited rounds of protein, vegetables, noodles, and dipping sauces throughout the meal. The restaurant also offers a Premium Membership program that grants members a year-round discounted AYCE rate — a popular option for regulars who visit frequently.
Beyond its dine-in experience, Shabu Works has expanded into at-home kits, letting fans recreate the hot-pot ritual in their own kitchens. The brand remains active on social media under @shabuworkssd, sharing new specials, seasonal broths, and community events across its San Diego footprint.
Check current hours, make a reservation, and confirm today's AYCE pricing at the official Shabu Works website.
Visit Shabu Works onlineShabu-shabu is a Japanese hot pot style where diners cook thin slices of meat and vegetables in a simmering pot of broth at the table. The name mimics the swishing sound the meat makes as it's stirred through the hot liquid. Cooked morsels are then dipped in ponzu or sesame sauce before eating.
Yes — Shabu Works operates on an all-you-can-eat (AYCE) model. Guests pay a per-person tier price and can order unlimited rounds of proteins, vegetables, noodles, and dipping sauces throughout their visit. Exact current tier prices are listed on the official website.
Shabu Works has two locations in the San Diego area: one in Mira Mesa and one in San Marcos, California. Both locations accept reservations through the official website. Check shabuworks.com for addresses and current hours.
Shabu Works offers a Premium Membership card that provides a year-round discounted AYCE rate at both locations. Members sign up online and then purchase their membership card in person at any Shabu Works. It's a popular option for frequent diners who visit regularly.
Shabu Works typically offers several broth options including a traditional kombu dashi (kelp-based clear broth), spicy miso, tonkotsu (pork bone), and tom yum. Broth availability may vary by season and location — check the current menu at shabuworks.com for the latest offerings.
Shabu Works' protein selection includes Wagyu beef, USDA Choice ribeye, USDA Choice short rib, Angus brisket, Kurobuta (Berkshire) pork belly, pork shoulder, and chicken thigh — all thinly sliced for the hot pot. Seafood options include tiger shrimp, bay scallops, fish cake, and imitation crab stick.
Yes. While the core experience revolves around meat, Shabu Works offers a strong vegetable spread including organic tofu, napa cabbage, shiitake, enoki and king oyster mushrooms, bok choy, corn, lotus root, and daikon. A vegetable-forward AYCE meal is entirely possible; ask staff about vegetarian-friendly broth options when you arrive.
Shabu Works sells Shabu-Shabu Home Kits for customers who want to recreate the hot pot experience at home. These can be ordered through the official website. Standard dine-in is the primary service format; contact your nearest location for takeout availability.
Reservations can be made separately for the Mira Mesa and San Marcos locations through links on the official Shabu Works website (shabuworks.com). The site also shows current wait times for each location, so you can check availability before heading in.