Japanese hotpot dishes, known as nabe, are typical winter meals for gatherings of friends and family. The ingredients simmer in the hotpot at your table while you talk and drink. Some local Japanese restaurants serve nabe in the traditional way during winter, cooking the meal at your table. Miyabi Sushi in Southcenter has a winter special nabe course that comes with izakaya-style appetizers (reservations required). In Belltown, both Kushibar and Wann Izakaya offer nabe sets for two people (remember that sharing a hotpot will bring you closer to your date!). Bush Garden restaurants in Seattle’s International District and in Portland are famous for their traditional sukiyaki and shabu-shabu. Many restaurants offer single-serving nabe as well. New Zen Japanese Restaurant in Renton has delicious single-serving yosenabe you can cook at your table. I Love Sushi on Lake Bellevue has fukiyosenabe and tsukunenabe prepared in the kitchen. In most cases, restaurants offer nabe only during winter, so please call your favorite Japanese restaurant ahead and ask for more details.

Single serving yosenabe at New Zen Japanese Restaurant

Yosenabe at Miyabi Sushi comes with veriety of seafood and vegitables.