Abalone is one of the sea snails and probably one of the most expensive ones you can find in fish market or supermarket in Japan.
It can be eaten as sashimi or grilled but dried abalone is a luxurious food especially in China. In restaurant, it is usually offered as per piece, similar to oyster offered at oyster bar.
Due to it is hard to get in Europe, if you encounter abalone in Japan, you should try it. The meat is more chewy than clam or scallop.