IShabu Shabu, Redondo Beach

Named for the sound the ingredients make as they're stirred and simmered in the communal hot pot, shabu-shabu remains one of the most popular variations on Japan's hearty nabemono tradition. At IShabu Shabu, guests can hold their own hot-pot dinners without hopping a flight to Tokyo. After their pot heats up, guests can take turns simmering thinly sliced pieces of beef, salmon, shrimp, and other proteins within the bubbling broth. These morsels are joined by plenty of traditional noodles and vegetables, chosen from a menu containing everything from earthy mushrooms and purple potatoes to bok choy and broccoli.