9 Minnesota Buffet Chains That Are Actually Worth It
Minnesota’s buffet scene offers something for every hungry diner looking for all-you-can-eat options. From fresh salad bars to international cuisine, these establishments deliver quality food at reasonable prices.
Next time you’re craving variety without sacrificing flavor, skip the mediocre spots and check out these standout buffet chains across the North Star State.
1. Farm-Fresh Paradise At Q. Cumbers
Fresh vegetables practically jump off your plate at this Edina institution. The massive salad bar features over 50 items, with everything from crisp lettuce to marinated artichokes.
House-made soups simmer in copper kettles, changing daily but always including vegetarian options. Health-conscious diners appreciate the clear labeling of ingredients and allergens throughout the buffet line.
2. Asian Feast Heaven At Super Moon Buffet
Sushi lovers rejoice when stepping into this spacious St. Louis Park eatery. Chefs continuously prepare fresh nigiri and specialty rolls throughout service hours.
Beyond raw fish, the buffet boasts authentic noodle dishes and fiery Szechuan specialties that don’t pull punches on spice levels. The crab rangoon alone, crispy outside, creamy inside, keeps regulars coming back weekly.
3. Meat Lover’s Dream At Fogo De Chão
Gaucho chefs roam this upscale Minneapolis restaurant with skewers of fire-roasted meats, slicing portions directly onto your plate. The Brazilian steakhouse concept elevates buffet dining to an art form.
Turn your table marker green, and servers appear with everything from garlic-rubbed ribeye to bacon-wrapped chicken. The Market Table offers a counterpoint of fresh vegetables, imported cheeses, and cured meats.
4. Mediterranean Magic At Marhaba Grill
Aromatic spices perfume the air at this Minneapolis gem where Mediterranean classics shine. Fluffy pita bread arrives warm from wood-fired ovens to accompany silky hummus and baba ganoush.
The buffet rotates through Greek-inspired dishes like moussaka and pastitsio. Weekends bring special treats, whole roasted lamb seasoned with garlic and rosemary or fragrant paella studded with seafood and saffron rice.
5. Endless Options At Tokyo 23 Buffet
Overwhelming choice defines the experience at this West St. Paul hotspot boasting over 300 menu items. Sesame chicken maintains perfect crispiness despite the steam table, while beef and broccoli features tender slices of marinated meat.
The hibachi station lets diners customize stir-fry creations with fresh ingredients. Kids especially love the chocolate fountain for dessert, strawberries and marshmallows ready for dipping nearby.
6. Fusion Favorites At Hibachi Buffet
Flames leap skyward at the live cooking stations that anchor this popular chain with locations throughout Minnesota. Chefs with lightning-fast spatula skills transform raw ingredients into sizzling entrées before your eyes.
The seafood section impresses with snow crab legs (weekends only) and plump shrimp prepared multiple ways. Sweet endings await at the dessert bar featuring both American classics like cheesecake and Asian treats such as mochi ice cream.
7. Casino Comfort Food At Black Bear Buffet
After trying your luck at the slots, refuel at this Carlton casino’s surprisingly excellent buffet. Theme nights transform the offerings; Mondays feature Italian classics while Fridays showcase seafood bounty.
Prime rib appears every evening, carved to order with juices running pink or well-done per preference. The resort setting adds a touch of vacation vibes even for locals just visiting for dinner, with panoramic windows overlooking northern Minnesota’s forests.
8. Spice Route Journey At India House Buffet
Cardamom, coriander, and cumin scent the air at Rochester’s premier Indian buffet. Tandoor-baked naan arrives at tables in steady succession, perfect for scooping up rich curry sauces.
Vegetarians find paradise with half the buffet dedicated to meatless options like palak paneer and chana masala. The restaurant takes pride in accommodating dietary restrictions, clearly marking gluten-free and vegan items for guests with specialized needs.
9. Scandinavian Smörgåsbord At Taste Of Scandinavia
Family-owned for three generations, Taste of Scandinavia brings authentic Nordic cuisine to Minnesota’s buffet landscape. Swedish meatballs here aren’t the frozen variety; they’re handcrafted daily using a recipe passed down through generations, swimming in rich lingonberry sauce that balances sweet and tart perfectly.
The smoked salmon station features locally-sourced fish prepared three ways: traditional gravlax, hot-smoked, and a maple-glazed version that converts even seafood skeptics. Don’t overlook their cardamom-spiced pastries, especially the almond-filled kringle that sells out by mid-afternoon.
