10 Connecticut All-You-Can-Eat Buffets Locals Say Are Hidden Gems
Connecticut might not be the first place you think of when craving endless plates of delicious food, but I’m here to change that. Hidden throughout the state are buffet spots that locals absolutely love and keep coming back to.
These aren’t your typical tourist traps – they’re the real deal, offering incredible variety and quality that’ll make your taste buds dance.
1. Saffron Indian Kitchen
Your wallet will thank you when you discover their weekend lunch spread. Authentic curries, tandoori specialties, and fresh naan bread line the steam tables in this cozy Hartford spot.
Locals rave about the chicken tikka masala and crispy samosas. The spice levels accommodate everyone from beginners to heat-seekers, making it family-friendly without sacrificing authentic flavors.
2. Golden Palace Restaurant
Walking into this New Haven treasure feels like stepping into your grandmother’s dining room—if she happened to cook amazing Chinese food. The sesame chicken practically melts in your mouth, and the crab rangoon disappears faster than you can reload your plate.
Fresh spring rolls and lo mein keep regulars coming back weekly. Sunday afternoons get busy, so arrive early for the best selection.
3. Tuscany Grill
Italian comfort food meets all-you-can-eat heaven at this Mohegan Sun gem. Homemade lasagna layers stack perfectly alongside chicken parmesan that rivals your nonna’s recipe.
The salad bar features fresh mozzarella and sun-dried tomatoes that actually taste like sunshine. Don’t skip the tiramisu at the dessert station—locals say it’s worth saving room for, and they’re absolutely right about that.
4. Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet
Watching chefs prepare your custom stir-fry right before your eyes adds entertainment to your meal. This Manchester location offers sushi rolls alongside traditional Chinese dishes, giving you the best of both worlds.
The crab legs on weekends draw serious crowds, so grab them fast. Kids love the ice cream station while adults appreciate the Mongolian grill options that let you control exactly what goes on your plate.
5. Taj Mahal Restaurant
Spice lovers find their paradise in this Stamford establishment where the aroma alone could make you hungry. The lunch buffet rotates daily specials, meaning you’ll discover something new each visit.
Vegetarians especially appreciate the extensive meat-free options like palak paneer and chana masala. The garlic naan comes out piping hot every fifteen minutes, and timing your visit right means catching it fresh from the oven.
6. Great Taste Chinese Restaurant
Waterbury residents guard this secret like treasure, but I’m letting you in on it. The General Tso’s chicken has just the right balance of sweet and spicy that keeps people driving from neighboring towns.
Fresh egg rolls come out constantly during peak hours, so you never get stuck with soggy ones. The owners remember regular customers by name, creating that neighborhood feel that chain restaurants just can’t replicate.
7. Sakura Tokyo
Sushi purists might turn their noses up at buffet raw fish, but this Bristol spot proves them wrong. The salmon sashimi tastes ocean-fresh, and the spicy tuna rolls actually have a kick.
Beyond sushi, their teriyaki options and tempura vegetables provide variety for the whole family. Friday nights feature expanded selections including soft-shell crab that disappears within minutes of hitting the line.
8. India Palace
Middletown’s best-kept culinary secret hides in plain sight on Main Street. The butter chicken here spoils you for anywhere else – it’s that creamy, that flavorful, that memorable.
Lunch buffet prices won’t break your budget, making it perfect for students and families alike. The mango lassi at the beverage station provides the perfect cooling counterpoint when you accidentally grab something spicier than expected.
9. Spice Root
Farmington locals practically whisper about this place to keep it from getting too crowded. The lunch buffet changes seasonally, incorporating fresh ingredients that reflect what’s currently growing in Connecticut.
Their homemade chutneys range from mild to wild, letting you customize each bite. The weekend brunch buffet adds dosas and uttapam to the regular rotation, giving South Indian cuisine the spotlight it deserves in our state.
10. Tandoor Indian Restaurant
Walking into this Hartford-area favorite feels like discovering a secret that locals have kept to themselves for years. Tandoor Indian Restaurant serves up an impressive lunch buffet that showcases the vibrant flavors of North and South Indian cooking.
The steam tables overflow with aromatic chicken tikka masala, creamy palak paneer, and perfectly spiced biryani rice. Fresh-baked naan arrives at your table warm from the tandoor oven, ideal for scooping up every last bit of sauce.
Families appreciate the mild options available for picky eaters, while adventurous diners can explore spicier vindaloo and korma dishes. The dessert section features traditional gulab jamun and rice pudding that provide a sweet ending to your feast.
