Shabu Shabu Zen and Sake Bar
A beloved family-owned restaurant offering an authentic Japanese hot pot and sake experience in a cozy, contemporary setting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Blue hour photography, calmer galleries
Shabu Shabu Zen and Sake Bar
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beloved family-owned restaurant offering an authentic Japanese hot pot and sake experience in a cozy, contemporary setting.
Reserve in Advance
The restaurant is popular, especially during peak times. Booking ahead is recommended.
Ask Staff for Guidance
If you're new to shabu shabu, let the attentive staff guide you through the process.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Japanese
Price
$$$
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Authentic Japanese Hot Pot
Experience the interactive joy of cooking fresh ingredients in flavorful broths. A true taste of Japan.
Exceptional Customer Care
Friendly staff provide detailed explanations and thoughtful gestures, making every diner feel valued.
Signature Desserts & Sauces
Don't miss the homemade yuzu ponzu sauce and the decadent Matcha creme brulee.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Reserve in Advance
The restaurant is popular, especially during peak times. Booking ahead is recommended.
Ask Staff for Guidance
If you're new to shabu shabu, let the attentive staff guide you through the process.
Savor the Sauces & Sake
Explore their delicious homemade dipping sauces and impressive sake selection.
Try Signature Dishes
Consider their unique offerings like sukiyaki with an egg dip for a special experience.
Tips
from all over the internet
Reserve in Advance
The restaurant is popular, especially during peak times. Booking ahead is recommended.
Ask Staff for Guidance
If you're new to shabu shabu, let the attentive staff guide you through the process.
Savor the Sauces & Sake
Explore their delicious homemade dipping sauces and impressive sake selection.
Try Signature Dishes
Consider their unique offerings like sukiyaki with an egg dip for a special experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Shabu Shabu Zen is celebrated for its authentic Japanese hot pot experience, exceptional customer service, and fresh ingredients. Diners frequently praise the attentive staff and unique flavors. However, some reviews mention disappointment with portion sizes for the price and occasional service inconsistencies.
"Truly an authentic Japanese shabu shabu place without being in Japan. The service was amazing and our waitress Louisa was so helpful and friendly.
The food was fantastic and perfectly seasoned and delicious. It was so amazing we came back the next day to other a few more things.
I was very lucky to have been introduced to the owner and her husband through a close friend and I am so lucky and grateful for their hospitality on the golf course and off. I feel like I’m back in Japan and I have never left.
The coffee jelly dessert was impeccable and a great way to end the night. This place is a must go to if you’re in the desert area. But make a reservation since it’s so popular."
JENN HIRANO
"I'm really disappointed with my experience. The fried chicken was overcooked and tasted bitter, while the pork chashu was dry and overly salty. Although the sukiyaki soup was enjoyable, the quality of the meat fell short. It’s hard to understand why this place has received so many positive reviews."
jianhua xian
"It's the first time we've been there, the service was great ,the chef put on a performance , and it was very entertaining, and the food was very good ,we'll definitely come back again."
RAS_TUFF GONG_LION Daniels
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak times, as the intimate space fills up quickly.
Shabu Shabu is a Japanese hot pot dish where thinly sliced meats and vegetables are cooked by diners in a simmering broth at their table.
While the restaurant makes an effort to accommodate vegetarians, some diners have found the options limited and not entirely satisfying.
Guests rave about the fresh ingredients, flavorful broths, homemade yuzu ponzu sauce, and the Matcha creme brulee dessert.
Yes, the restaurant offers an impressive and well-described selection of sake, with sake flights available to try varieties.
The restaurant has a compact, contemporary, and cozy atmosphere, making it suitable for intimate gatherings and date nights.
Mentioned in
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Rounding out our list for the best date-night restaurants in Rancho Mirage is the cozy and fun Japanese dining experience that is Shabu Shabu Zen. Making conversation while sipping on fresh, aromatic plum sake and indulging in premium cuts of tender Wagyu beef and fresh seafood is nothing short of wonderful, and this is especially true at Shabu Shabu Zen and Sake Bar. Earning a well-deserved spot on Yelp’s “100 Best Places to Eat” list in 2017, this quaint and cozy authentic Japanese eatery offers an impressive selection of artisanal broths and carefully selected proteins to give guests a taste of true “Omotenashi” Japanese hospitality.
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While not directly in Palm Springs – and not technically a sushi spot – this might be our favorite spot to rave about of all. Located in nearby Rancho Mirage, Shabu Shabu Zen and Sake Bar is a family-owned Japanese restaurant that offers a unique dining experience. Specializing in shabu-shabu (think Japanese fondue) and offering a great selection of sake, this intimate spot is perfect for those looking to enjoy a flavorful, authentic, and interactive meal.
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Located in Rancho Mirage, Shabu Shabu Zen invites guests to partake in the interactive experience of Japanese hot pot. Thinly sliced meats, crisp vegetables, and silky tofu are cooked tableside in a simmering broth, creating a comforting and customizable meal. With house-made dipping sauces and an extensive sake selection, this spot is a must-visit for those looking to enjoy a traditional and communal dining experience.
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Shabu Shabu Zen & Sake Bar is arguably the best shabu shabu restaurant in California outside of Los Angeles. Located in Rancho Mirage between Palm Springs and Palm Desert, Shabu Shabu Zen & Sake Bar offers delicious octopus appetizers, homemade yuzu ponzu, buttery washu, noodles, and more!. Word on the street is that it would be a mistake to not save room for their Matcha creme brulee.
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Following a career as a flight attendant for All Nippon Airways, famous for its hospitality, Miho Suma opened this Japanese hot pot restaurant where diners cook their own meat, seafood, and vegetables in flavorful broth. This spot was ranked among the top 100 restaurants in the country by Yelp reviewers. Be sure to book a reservation; the intimate space fills up fast.
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Shabu Shabu Zen is the perfect spot for a meal where you can dive into some delicious shabu-shabu. It is a fun Japanese hot pot experience!. The ambiance is cozy, and the food is fresh and tasty.
Culinary Delights
Discover Shabu Shabu, a lively Japanese cooking and dining experience. Enjoy fresh veggies, premium meats, and homemade dipping sauces. Immerse yourself in a fun Japanese atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit