Shaboo — Review by Mikey Chen

The Dishes

The reviewer ordered the premium Kobe beef course, the most expensive option at Shaboo. The Kobe selection included sirloin, short rib, and beef tongue, each cooked to perfection over the tabletop grill. The tongue proved incredibly tender and juicy with a delicate flavor that pairs beautifully with garlic and soy sauce. The short rib showcased a beautiful crust with rich, fatty meat that melted on the tongue. The Kobe sirloin was the star, with stunning marbling that cooked quickly with a crispy fat exterior while remaining incredibly juicy inside, delivering pure beefy flavor without overwhelming richness.

Beyond beef, the seafood offerings were exceptional. King crab legs arrived in massive portions, so large they resembled wrist-sized sections, grilling beautifully with a smokiness that elevated their natural sweetness. The lobster cooked perfectly and was best dunked in garlic butter. Scallops were tender with a touch of wasabi and soy sauce, while abalone cooked in its own juices became incredibly tender. Fugu (pufferfish) was included but the reviewer noted it lacked the deliciousness of other options. The reviewer also enjoyed cold ramen with citrus and ulong tea, which cut through the richness of the fatty meats perfectly. Dessert featured matcha soft serve and vanilla ice cream.

The Experience

Shaboo's new location near Shinjuku Station is bright and modern with excellent natural light, a significant improvement from the original dark, dim location the reviewer visited eight years prior. Service is remarkably efficient, with orders placed via kiosk appearing at the table within minutes. The staff is attentive and helpful, explaining how to cook different items like abalone. The two-hour time limit creates an exciting energy, though the reviewer felt rushed toward the end. The restaurant accommodates solo diners well, though the reviewer noted that groups would have more ordering power to sample everything.

Value and Pricing

The most expensive course costs approximately $200, which the reviewer acknowledges is substantial. However, when contextualized against American prices where a single A5 steak from Costco costs at least $100, the value becomes clearer. The all-inclusive nature of the experience is a major selling point: premium Kobe beef, Matsusaka beef, multiple types of seafood including king crab and lobster, all beverages including beer, wine, whiskey, sake, and soft drinks, plus appetizers and dessert are all covered. The portions are generous and the quality is exceptional, making this justified as a special occasion splurge.

Notable Moments

This is probably the beefiest piece I've had today.

The reviewer compares Kobe to Matsusaka, describing Kobe as LeBron James rich while Matsusaka is Zuckerberg rich, making a memorable analogy about the overwhelming richness of the most expensive beef in Japan.

There's a reason why Kobe is at the pinnacle of Wagyu.

Despite the impressive price tag, the reviewer determines that Kobe offers better value and flavor balance than the even pricier Matsusaka.

This might be the sleeper meat right here,

referring to an unexpectedly excellent short rib cut that provided juicy tenderness without the overwhelming richness of the premium beef.

The Verdict

The reviewer rates this experience as one of the best meals they've had in Japan, and markedly better than their visit eight years ago. While the $200 price tag is significant, the combination of premium Kobe beef, exceptional seafood, attentive service, and inclusive offerings makes it worthy of the investment for those seeking an unforgettable all-you-can-eat yakiniku experience. The reviewer recommends this new Shinjuku location over the original venue and suggests visiting with a group to maximize the variety you can order and share. This is best suited for special occasions and serious food enthusiasts willing to pay premium prices for premium beef and seafood.