Shabu-Zen

Shabu-Zen’s Allston restaurant at 80 Brighton Avenue serves hot pot, with meats, seafood and vegetables cooked in broth at the table. You choose what goes into the meal and put together a dipping sauce to go with it. Thin slices of meat and vegetables make the cooking part manageable even if this is your first time having hot pot.

The menu includes appetizers as well as lunch and dinner selections, with short ribs, seafood and vegetable options among the choices. This is a meal to settle into: ingredients arrive uncooked, and you work through them a little at a time. The restaurant also accommodates group dining. If you’re organizing a larger table, contact the Allston location directly about seating so your plans match the space available.