The Yummiest Hot Pot in Santa Ana

Bien Hen Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.2 (966) • $$

"The seafood here was amazing and fresh... I recommend coming in early so they don't run out of certain seafoods... as they did not have all the clams when we came last. The service was pretty good but you do have to wave down the server a few times to bring napkins and water when they are busy.I'd give them 5 stars but their noodles are meh... and the soup I had last time was lackluster as well. So I highly recommend seafood and stick to the seafood!"

True Seasons Organic Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4 (851) • $$

"If you want to experience a healthy, vibrant meal made with love, come to True Seasons.Especially great for those who can't choose one thing or have different tastes in their party, they offer everything from hot pot to wraps to poke to curry and more. My husband is vegetarian and they have ample options for vegans, vegetarians and pescatarians.We didn't have a reservation and were seated right away. The seating is fun, you are seated around the bar.We had the following:Vegan spring rolls ($11) - 3/5This seemed like any usual frozen spring rolls. It tasted a bit bland and came with a generic sauce you can find in stores. I wouldn't order this again. My husband did like it.Vegan hot pot ($25 + $2 for spicy miso broth) - 5/5Lots of vegetables are provided! If you don't like a certain vegetable (hubby doesn't eat mushrooms), let them know and they'll switch it out! This was SO MUCH FOOD! He loves the dipping sauces. Poke bowl ($17) - 4/5For poke, there is no variety provided. Basically, this is the one option. I'm used to going to poke places and building my own bowl, so I would prefer some variety in toppings. Now, the tuna quality is excellent!! Really delicious. Also, SO MUCH FOOD! I ate this over the course of 3 days, that's how much there was! One note of caution: easy with the sauce! I didn't realize the sauce on the side was so salty and quickly realized that was why the sauce was on the side! Steamed mixed vegetables ($3) - 5/5I also asked for vegetables because I was told the poke bowl did not come with vegetables. I was surprised by how MUCH FOOD was provided! They also stayed super hot the whole meal! All in all, the prices are very good considering how much quantity of food is provided.Also, the staff is incredibly sweet and very attentive. We were the last ones there and she even offered us to order dessert and it was past closing time! She shared she doesn't rush anyone out just because they've closed. I was wow'd by that.I can't remember her name but there's a manager who works there most days and she's the best. She worked for the previous owners and I remember her from that time. She loves what she does and you can totally tell from the love she pours into the patrons. Definitely pay them a visit!"

ZZ Hotpot House

★★★★☆ 4.3 (600) • $$

"Good lunch location. Service was great and the food was delicious. This was the hot pot lunch special and was very reasonable price!"

Tabu Shabu Huntington Beach

★★★★★ 4.7 (368) • $$

"Tabu Shabu has been my go-to spot for Japanese hot pot for the past six years. We always arrive right when it opens at 5 PM to avoid the wait and take advantage of their 20% off happy hour deal from 5-6 PM, Monday through Friday.Here's what we usually order:Sukiyaki broth, large Angus beef, udon, brown rice, carrots and spinach.Spicy miso or plain water with kombu, regular Angus beef, shiratake noodles, white rice and all the veggies.One of my favorite things is the garlic, sesame oil and green onion seasoning they put on the raw beef. It adds so much flavor as it cooks. They also provide generous servings of ponzu and goma sauces which are perfect for dipping. I appreciate the shiratake noodles as a gluten-free or low-carb option.During the pandemic, we often ordered takeout and enjoyed their delicious hot pot at home using our electric pot. Even now, we occasionally opt for takeout when we're in the mood for a cozy, leisurely meal at home.The servers are always attentive and incredibly helpful making the dining experience even better. We love coming here and will continue to support this location!"

YinTang Spicy Hot Pot

★★★★★ 4.6 (353) • $$

"I have eaten here 10-15 times, all through my pregnancy and after. I have brought different group of my friends, and the same friends again. These friends have brought their own friends. That is enough to say that this place is really good and meets the needs for a wide range of people!In a large bowl, you use the tongs to grab what you want and then the cashier will weigh your bowl and ask which soup base you prefer. The signature broth is my favorite. The tomato broth is great for kids (no spice). Then they take the bowl to cook your items in the back, give you a number, and they bring the soup to you in a large bowl. As you wait, you can make yourself dipping sauces. I like to combine the satay, sesame, chili oil, garlic, and cilantro together.Sometimes I eat with my eyes while I'm picking items to add to my bowl, and it's way too much food, but it tastes great the next day and they have togo containers for you, too!"

Mokkoji Shabu Shabu

★★★★☆ 4 (451) • $$

"I was never a shabu fan until I tried Mokkoji. It's soo delicious, I can never get enough! All of my visits here have been great, from the service I receive, the food, the environment, everything is a 10/10. Depending on what time you go during the day, parking might be a little difficult since the plaza is a bit small. I usually get the Original broth with a Regular Toro, but if I'm feeling extra hungry, I would get the large and give my boyfriend whatever I can't finish. My boyfriend likes the Spicy Pork Broth, which is also really good but keep in mind, that one is $5 extra. The order comes with ponzu and peanut sauce, a bowl of white rice, and veggies/udon/tofu. The meat is plated so beautifully, you can't help but snap a picture. Not only that, but it's such good quality. I've had shabu meats where it's too dry or chewy and wasn't enjoyable. But that's never the case here, leaving me with a good lasting impression every single time.Some things to note: They do offer indoor and outdoor seating (I prefer sitting indoors). The price might seem a little expensive (my order comes out to around $25-$30) but for the amount of food you get + the quality, it's always worth it in my opinion. For your broth and/or sauces, the servers ask if you want hot drops but if you're not a fan for spice, beware because even just one drop is SPICY! Don't underestimate those tiny drops. Also Mokkoji is not AYCE, but even though that's the case, the amount of meat they give is enough to fill me up. 10/10!!!"

Northern Cafe

★★★★☆ 4 (427) • $$

"I had lunch here with my daughter and friend. We ordered the following to share:Beef noodle soupDan Dan noodlesBeef roll Juicy pork dumpling Pork potstickers Steamed red bean paste buns Overall, we enjoyed the food here. The Dan Dan noodles were a bit too salty, but everything else was great. Our favorite were the steamed red bean paste buns. I could've eaten a basket full of those and be really happy! The restaurant is pretty casual, you order at the counter and food is delivered to the table. There is a water station with cups that is self serve. The food was tasty, reasonably priced, prepared quickly, and the portions were large."

Northern Cafe

★★★★☆ 4 (426) • $$

"I had lunch here with my daughter and friend. We ordered the following to share:Beef noodle soupDan Dan noodlesBeef roll Juicy pork dumpling Pork potstickers Steamed red bean paste buns Overall, we enjoyed the food here. The Dan Dan noodles were a bit too salty, but everything else was great. Our favorite were the steamed red bean paste buns. I could've eaten a basket full of those and be really happy! The restaurant is pretty casual, you order at the counter and food is delivered to the table. There is a water station with cups that is self serve. The food was tasty, reasonably priced, prepared quickly, and the portions were large."

Lau Bo by Lao Beo

★★★★★ 4.5 (277) • $$

"We ordered the Lau Bo by Lao Beo which was the perfect size for two people. There was a good variety of meats and veggies for both of us. The broth was extremely flavorful and really made the dish for us. Overall, we had a great experience here and can't wait to come back."

Shabu On Fire

★★★★☆ 4.1 (310) • $$

"Woohoo, Shabu on Fire caters to both pescatarian and vegetarian preferences. From their flavorful broth options to their protein selections, there's something for us pescatarians/vegetarians. :)For the protein they have options of: Regular 9 pcsLarge 13 pcsSamurai 20 pcsThe prices for seafood range from $21.00-$32.00For pescatarians they have salmon, shrimp, and scallops. The vegetarians option comes with mushrooms, various leafy greens, tofu, corn, carrots, zucchini, noodles. $17.00.The staff is attentive and walks around to adjust and keep an eye on the Shabu pot ensuring your meal doesn't overcook or burn. Bonus***They also serve sushi!!"

Show Hotpot

★★★★☆ 4.4 (134) • $$

"The 5 stars is for their good food and amazing broth flavor. If you're in Irvine and looking for comfort food! This is the place to go. My husband took me here on the weekend. Not busy but you will always see people coming in and out to take it Togo. We ordered with the special beef broth with mild spicy. The staff is very friendly. I will definitely come back for more.You get to pick your own meat and veggies. It goes by weight $13.99 a pound + a small charge for the soup. Price are decent for a good portions soup bowl."

Daom Korean Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.3 (119) • $$

"the service is attentive, the food ingredients and texture are excellent. this was my first time eating at a Korean restaurant but I know this quality is excellent."

Hi House

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (188) • $$

"I love the lamb skews really tasty. And the ramen noodle soup is a must! Service is wonderful and they are very attentive. I love dining in, but it can get dangerous because the more you eat the more you wanna try. I recommend this place to everyone who's ramen lover."

405 Com Tam & Noodle

★★★★☆ 4 (48) • $$

"The portions was huge and prices are fair. The promotion is buy 2 hu tieu get 1 free chicken rice and get 1 free drink if check in on yelp. I like their special dry noodle consisted of pork including heart, shrimp and quail egg which was delicious. Clean fast and attentive service."

Midodo Fry Chicken & Sichuan Hot Pot

★★★☆☆ 3.3 (4)

"I got the spicy chicken burger, and it's very juicy. not really spicy but it's delicious. the chef/owner super friendly but I believe it's best to communicate in Mandarin as it's easier for him, or you could order on food app like Fantuan as well. it's not a sit in restaurant unfortunately, but definitely appreciated the owners hard work."

Mokkoji Shabu Shabu Bar

★★★★☆ 4.1 • $$$

"The toro fatty belly with Miso soup broth is my go to here! I put myself on the Yelp waitlist on Saturday night and the wait was around 40 minutes. As we got seated our order was taken promptly and our veggie sides and meat came shortly after. The ponzu and sesame sauce that comes with the meal are so good! You can also ask for hot sauce drops in your sauce if you like it more spicy.The ambiance is spacious and there's table and bar seating!"

Miyabi Shabu and Grill

★★★★☆ 4.2 • $$$

"Always a consistent place for Shabu, service is attentive and kind. Menu prices have been creeping up and up let's pump the brakes there!"

Thai Gulf Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4 • $$

"The flavors of spicy, sour, sweet, salty, tangy, every taste found in Thai food really hits home with the dishes offered here. I called Thai Gulf for take-out on the way home from work for an order of the Massaman curry, a side of roti, crab fried rice and pad Thai- all medium spicy. I was really impressed with the curry! Deep, rich curry flavor in a creamy sauce- perfect for dunking the roti bread in! The crab fried rice was a huge hit with the family as well and you can never go wrong with pad Thai. Tip- if you like extra spice, just add for extra chilis and fish sauce on the side! Definitely a favorite take out or eat in place for Thai"

Kaizen Shabu

★★★★★ 4.7 • $$

"Love this place! Quality of food and broth is always great. The service is always great as well. Management came by and provided free dessert and sake for us waiting which was very kind of them. Wait staff is always fun and attentive as well. Parking can be a bit tough but usually have paid street parking spots around. I recommend the tonkatsu broth with a couple of hot drops!"

Tabu Shabu - Costa Mesa

★★★★☆ 4.4 • $$

"solid shabu place!everything was fresh and delicious with great recommendations.very attentive, helpful and nice staff!loved the atmosphere and trendy aesthetic. not too quiet, but not too loud. we arrived before a little rush but love that they have a yelp waitlist."

Cal Shabu - Costa Mesa

★★★★☆ 4.2 • $$$

"Wanted shabu for dinner on a cold night. My boyfriend and I decided to try this place. It's located close to the camp in Costa Mesa in a small shopping center. Most of the businesses in the shopping center were closed at this time so we almost missed it at first. It was very busy on a Saturday night. We joined the Yelp waitlist from home and still had to wait after we arrived and even for a while after our expected seating window. I would recommend getting on Yelp waitlist as soon as possible during busy hours or checking the wait in advance.Once seated everything else was very quick. Orders were started immediately. I believe the manager or owner was assisting us, but I am not sure (I didn't catch his name). He was super friendly and took the time to explain things and made recommendations. It seemed like he knew many of the customers and took the time to greet and speak with many people eating. I really appreciated that he took the time to greet so many people and also explain things to us. We both got 1/2 spicy miso and 1/2 tonkotsu broth with our proteins of choice. The broth was flavorful and had a little kick, but was not overly spicy - I would order it the same way again. The dipping sauces were both delicious. I was so hungry I forgot to take pics! Overall, it was perfect for what we were craving and we enjoyed our experience. Looking forward to returning in the future!"

Red Flame

★★★★☆ 4.1 • $$

"I love how this place is always super quick. I hate waiting around forever. It's super clean inside and the service is great. My soup every single time is amazing and I crave it until I return. All the things going on in that pot....YUM. SO GOOOOOOD!!"