b S.
Google
Overall:
Not a horrible experience but I would choose Gen, a similar restaurant nearby for better menu options, better service and much better sauces at a lower price.
Details:
The atmosphere here is pretty nice for an all-you-eat restaurant at a great location in Irvine, right behind 99-Ranch market and across from the sister restaurant, All That Shabu (Same owners). I spend about 85 for two adults and no drinks (including tip).
You get salad, kimchi, rice paper, cucumbers, potato salad and picked radish before you are even seated which was nice. You can order 4 meats at a time and the portions are pretty large, at times I had to request smaller portions. Started out with Rib Eye and fillet, not anticipate a 3/4” thick steak which took forever to cook on that grill. since the staff kept turning the grill down, the steak ended up cooking longer to get a sear on both sides and went past medium rare which is a shame. The fillet was even thicker and had the same issue. Spicy brisket, regular brisket, bulgogi and beef belly were the best meats I tried and meat quality was pretty high.
Unfortunately, the sauces were not as tasty or flavorful as other similar restaurants and no spicy option such as garlic chili sauce. I almost thought I had lost my taste buds as everything tasted bland.
The wait staff seemed nice but that was the worst part of the experience. The only time he visited our table was if I flagged him down after walking past us several times (the entire night). He always rushed us and didn’t wait long enough for us to speak. I had to ask for rice, rice paper and kimchi several times and it didn’t arrive for about 10 minutes after my request. I also had to request someone to change my grill since bulgogi and spicy brisket make a huge mess and leave a lot of residue.
The menu was also very limited. No Veggies or other options beyond sliced meats.