Yuzu Shabu & Grill

yuzu shabu & grill

For those in the California region seeking a warm, interactive, and flavorful Japanese dining experience, Yuzu Shabu & Grill in Pasadena offers a compelling option. Nestled in the vibrant heart of Old Pasadena, this restaurant specializes in shabu-shabu – a Japanese hot pot where you cook thinly sliced meats and fresh vegetables in simmering broth at your table – alongside a diverse menu of grilled items and unique "dry pot" dishes. It's a place designed to offer comfort and a customizable culinary journey, especially on a cool or rainy day when a hot meal is just what you need.

This article will provide a comprehensive and informative overview of Yuzu Shabu & Grill, helping you understand its offerings and what makes it a suitable choice for locals in California. We'll delve into its convenient location, the array of services provided, its standout features, any special promotions available, and how to get in touch. While some feedback points to inconsistencies in takeout quality, particularly with online orders, the in-restaurant dining experience, especially for shabu-shabu, consistently receives praise for its quality and speed of service.

Customers have highlighted the rich and flavorful pork bone broth for shabu-shabu, the freshness of premium meats, and the attentive service when dining in. Beyond hot pot, Yuzu Shabu & Grill also offers intriguing "dry pot" options and a variety of Japanese grilled bowls and appetizers, providing a wide selection to cater to different tastes. It's a spot that truly comes alive with the communal experience of cooking and sharing, making it a "brilliant choice on a rainy day" or any day you crave a hearty, engaging meal.

Yuzu Shabu & Grill is conveniently located at:
45 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA.

This address places the restaurant squarely in the desirable Old Pasadena district, a historic and lively area known for its charming streets, diverse array of shops, and a thriving dining scene. Being in Old Pasadena means Yuzu Shabu & Grill is easily accessible for residents and visitors alike, whether they are enjoying a stroll through the district or specifically heading out for a meal. The vibrant atmosphere of the area adds to the overall dining experience, making it a popular choice for various occasions.

Accessibility, especially concerning parking, is a crucial consideration in Old Pasadena. While specific on-site parking details are not always explicit, Old Pasadena offers numerous public parking structures and street parking options throughout the district. Being situated on S Fair Oaks Ave, a main thoroughfare, typically means nearby parking facilities are available. These generally provide convenient and often affordable parking solutions for diners. For those opting for public transportation, Yuzu Shabu & Grill is within reasonable walking distance from Metro Gold Line stations in Pasadena, connecting it to a wider network for patrons across the greater Los Angeles area. Its central location ensures that guests can easily reach the restaurant and enjoy their meal without significant logistical hurdles.

Yuzu Shabu & Grill offers a diverse array of Japanese and Asian-inspired dishes, with a strong focus on interactive dining experiences. Their menu is designed to cater to various preferences, from hot pot enthusiasts to those seeking flavorful grilled items.

• Shabu-Shabu: This is a primary offering, providing a customizable Japanese hot pot experience. Diners choose from a wide selection of premium meats, including Angus Striploin, Premium Wagyu, Kurobuta Pork, American Wagyu, Dry-Aged Prime Ribeye, and Japanese A5 Miyazaki. A variety of flavorful broths are available, such as pork bone broth (highly recommended), citrus konbu, Japanese fish, Sukiyaki, and various spicy options like Kimchi and Spicy Szechuan. Each shabu-shabu set typically includes a meat selection, broth choice, a fresh veggie assortment, a sauce set (with popular options like sesame sauce), and a choice of rice or noodles.

• All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) Shabu-Shabu: Yuzu Shabu & Grill offers AYCE options, allowing diners to indulge in a continuous flow of meats and vegetables. This is a particularly popular choice for those with a hearty appetite, ensuring a satisfying and abundant meal.

• Dry Pot: A unique offering, the "dry pot" features delectable ingredients like vermicelli, lotus root, mushrooms, bean sprouts, and various vegetables, all wok-fired with a blend of secret spices. Customers can "Build-Your-Own" dry pot by selecting proteins, or choose from pre-set options like "From the Land" (Angus Beef, Lamb), "From the Sea" (Basa Fish, seafood balls), "Yuzu's Traditional" (Pork Belly, fish balls, tofu skin), or even a Cajun Seafood Dry Pot.

• Grilled Bowls and Plates: For those preferring grilled dishes, Yuzu Shabu & Grill offers protein bowls and mixed protein plates with a choice of grilled proteins over rice.

• "Golden" Fried Rices: A selection of flavorful fried rice dishes is available, including options like Wagyu Beef Fried Rice, Pork Belly Fried Rice, Japanese A5 Miyazaki Fried Rice, and Chicken Karaage Fried Rice.

• Appetizers and Sides: The menu features a range of appetizers to complement meals, such as Edamame, Gyoza (Chicken/Pork), Chicken Wings (various flavors), Fried Fish Balls w/ Roe, and unique options like Yuzu Corn and Dry-Aged Tataki. Grilled appetizers like Bacon-Wrapped Quail Eggs and Yuzu Pepper Pork Belly are also offered.

• Beverages: A selection of non-alcoholic beverages is available, including unique options like Strawberry Lemonade, Winter Melon Tea, and Yuzu-Ade (yuzu-infused sparkling soda). They also have a cocktail bar and offer alcoholic beverages like beer and sake.

• Dine-In Service: The restaurant provides a casual and welcoming atmosphere for sit-down dining, ideal for enjoying the interactive hot pot experience.

• Takeout and Delivery: Yuzu Shabu & Grill offers takeout services and partners with third-party delivery platforms for the convenience of at-home dining, though consistency for these services has been noted as variable by some customers.

Yuzu Shabu & Grill offers several compelling features that make it a distinct and appealing Japanese dining destination in Pasadena, California:

• Interactive Shabu-Shabu Experience: The cornerstone of their offering, shabu-shabu allows diners to personally cook their chosen premium meats and fresh vegetables in a simmering broth at their table. This interactive and communal dining style is a significant draw, making for a fun and engaging meal, especially for groups.

• Premium Meat Selection: Yuzu Shabu & Grill prides itself on offering a wide range of high-quality meats, including various cuts of Angus, Wagyu (American Wagyu, Premium Wagyu, Japanese A5 Miyazaki), Kurobuta Pork, and Dry-Aged Prime Ribeye. This extensive selection caters to diverse preferences and budgets, ensuring a premium hot pot experience.

• Diverse Broth Options: With a multitude of broth choices, from the rich and flavorful pork bone broth to the lighter citrus konbu and various spicy options, diners can customize their shabu-shabu experience to their exact liking.

• Unique "Dry Pot" Offerings: Beyond traditional hot pot, their "dry pot" selection is a notable highlight. This wok-fired, spice-infused dish provides a different culinary adventure, allowing for "Build-Your-Own" combinations or flavorful pre-set options.

• All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) Option: For guests with a large appetite, the AYCE shabu-shabu option presents excellent value, allowing continuous enjoyment of various meats and vegetables. This is a popular choice for a truly satisfying and indulgent meal.

• Attentive In-Restaurant Service: While online order consistency has been noted as an area for improvement, the in-restaurant staff are generally described as "nice and apologetic" and food is brought "pretty fast" even at busy times. This suggests a positive on-site dining experience.

• Cozy Ambiance for Comfort Food: Customers find the restaurant a "brilliant choice on a rainy day," indicating a comfortable and warm atmosphere suitable for enjoying hot pot. The soup is noted for warming bellies, enhancing the comfort food aspect.

• Variety Beyond Hot Pot: The menu extends beyond shabu-shabu to include "Golden" Fried Rices, Yuzu Grilled Bowls/Plates, and a selection of appetizers, providing options for different preferences or for those who want a varied Japanese meal.

Yuzu Shabu & Grill frequently offers special deals designed to enhance the dining experience and provide value for their patrons in Pasadena. While specific promotions can vary, here are some common types of offers and highlights:

• All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) Specials: A highly popular promotion at Yuzu Shabu & Grill is their All-You-Can-Eat option for shabu-shabu. This allows diners to enjoy unlimited servings of selected meats, vegetables, and other items for a fixed price, providing excellent value for those with hearty appetites. This often includes access to 15 types of protein and various grill items, as noted by enthusiastic customers.

• Lunch Specials: Like many Japanese restaurants, Yuzu Shabu & Grill often features lunch specials. These typically offer smaller portions or specific combinations of their popular dishes at a reduced price, making it an attractive option for a midday meal.

• Dinner for Two/Combo Deals: The restaurant may offer special combo deals, such as their "Dinner For Two" which includes a substantial amount of food, including two meat or seafood items, two broths, and veggies and noodles for two. These provide a curated experience at a set price, ideal for couples or small groups.

• Happy Hour: While specific details aren't always available publicly, some shabu-shabu and grill restaurants, including Yuzu Shabu & Grill according to certain sources, may feature happy hour specials on appetizers and beverages. It's always a good idea to inquire.

For the most up-to-date and specific promotions, it is always recommended to check Yuzu Shabu & Grill's official website, their social media channels, or call them directly. These specials are a key way they provide enhanced value to their loyal customer base in California.

To experience the unique shabu-shabu and grill offerings at Yuzu Shabu & Grill, here is their contact information:

• Address: 45 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA

• Phone: (626) 415-9898

You can use this information to make inquiries, confirm operating hours, or plan your visit to their location in Old Pasadena.

Yuzu Shabu & Grill stands out as a highly suitable dining option for locals in Pasadena and the wider California region, particularly for those seeking a unique, interactive, and comforting Japanese culinary experience. Despite some noted inconsistencies with online takeout orders, the in-restaurant experience offers compelling reasons for it to become a local favorite.

Firstly, the restaurant's primary offering, shabu-shabu, provides an engaging and customizable meal that is perfect for communal dining. Locals appreciate the ability to choose their preferred premium meats, select from a diverse range of flavorful broths (like the highly praised pork bone broth), and cook their food exactly to their liking. This interactive element makes dining at Yuzu Shabu & Grill not just a meal, but an experience, ideal for family gatherings, friends' nights out, or even a cozy solo treat. The availability of All-You-Can-Eat (AYCE) options further sweetens the deal for those with a hearty appetite, ensuring a deeply satisfying and abundant meal.

Secondly, its location in the heart of Old Pasadena offers significant convenience. Situated on S Fair Oaks Ave, it's easily accessible whether locals are exploring the historic district or specifically heading out for a meal. The accessibility of nearby public parking facilities in Old Pasadena also adds to the ease of visiting, reducing typical urban dining frustrations.

Furthermore, Yuzu Shabu & Grill's menu extends beyond just shabu-shabu, offering unique "dry pot" options and various grilled dishes, along with delicious appetizers and "Golden" Fried Rices. This diverse menu ensures that there's something to cater to different tastes and preferences, making it a versatile choice for repeat visits. The comfort food aspect, especially the warmth of the hot pot, makes it an ideal spot on a chilly or rainy California day, providing a comforting escape.

While the takeout quality control has been an area of concern for some, the overall positive sentiment for the dine-in experience, particularly regarding the quality of ingredients, the speed of service, and the friendly staff, firmly positions Yuzu Shabu & Grill as a valuable and enjoyable addition to the Pasadena dining scene. For a truly interactive and flavorful Japanese meal, Yuzu Shabu & Grill is a solid choice for locals.

Yuzu Shabu & Grill

45 S Fair Oaks Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105, USA