11 New York Buffets That Keep Crowds Coming Back For More

New York City is famous for amazing food from around the world, and buffets offer the best way to sample tons of dishes at once. Whether you love Chinese dim sum, Indian curries, or classic American comfort food, the city has incredible all-you-can-eat spots.

I’ve gathered the best buffets that locals and tourists return to again and again for their quality, variety, and unbeatable value.

1. Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace

Picture walking through nine different cooking stations, each one offering dishes from a different corner of the globe. You’ll find everything from hand-rolled sushi to smoky barbecue ribs, all prepared by chefs right before your eyes.

The quality here rivals sit-down restaurants, which explains why people wait in line for hours. Fresh seafood gets delivered daily, and the dessert bar stretches longer than most apartment hallways.

Plan to spend at least two hours here because rushing through would be a crime.

2. Sapthagiri Indian Cuisine

South Indian vegetarian food doesn’t get more authentic than this Murray Hill gem. Every dish bursts with spices that transport you straight to Kerala, from creamy paneer tikka to crispy dosas bigger than dinner plates.

The lunch buffet costs less than a movie ticket but fills you up for the entire day. Regulars know to arrive early because the sambar and chutneys disappear fast.

Even meat lovers leave satisfied, discovering vegetables can taste this incredible when cooked right.

3. Fogo de Chao Brazilian Steakhouse

Gauchos dressed in traditional outfits parade through the dining room carrying skewers of perfectly grilled meats. You control the pace with a simple card system: green means keep the food coming, red means you need a breather.

The salad bar alone could be a meal, featuring imported cheeses, smoked salmon, and vegetables you’ve never heard of. But save room because the picanha steak is what dreams are made of.

Come hungry or don’t come at all.

4. Jing Fong Restaurant

Carts loaded with bamboo steamers roll past your table in this massive Chinatown banquet hall. Servers call out dishes in Cantonese while you point at whatever looks good, which is basically everything.

Shrimp dumplings arrive piping hot with translucent wrappers so delicate they practically melt. Weekends get absolutely packed with families celebrating birthdays and reunions, creating an energetic atmosphere you won’t find anywhere else.

Cash works best here, and sharing tables with strangers is perfectly normal.

5. The Buffet at Aria

Twenty-five different food stations mean you could visit daily for a month and never eat the same meal twice. Monday features Mediterranean specialties, while Friday showcases Asian street food from Thailand to Japan.

The carving station serves prime rib so tender it falls apart with just a fork. Live cooking demonstrations happen throughout service, with chefs answering questions and customizing dishes.

Weekend brunch includes bottomless mimosas, which explains the birthday party crowds filling every corner.

6. Jackson Diner

Queens locals have kept this Indian buffet packed since 1980, and one bite explains why. The chicken tikka masala has converted countless curry skeptics into lifelong fans with its perfect balance of cream and spice.

Tandoori items come straight from the clay oven, with naan bread so fresh it steams when you tear it open. The lunch buffet offers incredible value with at least fifteen different dishes rotating daily.

Vegetarians rejoice because half the buffet caters specifically to plant-based diets.

7. Boqueria Spanish Tapas

Spain comes alive at this tapas-style buffet where small plates encourage you to taste absolutely everything. Patatas bravas arrive crispy outside and fluffy inside, smothered in spicy tomato sauce that requires extra napkins.

The paella gets made in giant pans, loaded with shrimp, mussels, and saffron rice that stains your fingers golden yellow. Weekend brunches add churros with chocolate dipping sauce, which should honestly be illegal for tasting that good.

Sangria flows freely, making this spot perfect for celebrations.

8. Hometown Buffet in Times Square

Sometimes you just crave classic American comfort food without any fancy twists or exotic spices. Fried chicken here tastes like Sunday dinner at grandma’s house, with a crackling crust that shatters at first bite.

Mashed potatoes come with a gravy boat that never runs dry, and the mac and cheese uses real cheddar instead of that powdered stuff. Kids eat free on Tuesdays, which turns the place into a joyful chaos of families.

The dessert section features soft-serve machines and warm apple cobbler.

9. Gyu-Kaku Japanese BBQ

You become the chef at this interactive Japanese barbecue where each table has its own grill. Raw marinated meats arrive on platters, and you cook everything exactly how you like it while chatting with friends.

The garlic rib-eye develops a caramelized crust that makes your mouth water before it even reaches your plate. All-you-can-eat options include premium cuts like short rib and tongue for adventurous eaters.

Reservations are absolutely essential because walk-ins rarely get seated before midnight.

10. Dhamaka Indian Restaurant

Forget everything you think you know about Indian buffets because this place serves regional dishes most Americans have never encountered. Goat curry cooked Rajasthani-style falls off the bone after hours of slow braising with whole spices.

The weekend brunch buffet features dosas made to order, crispy crepes filled with spiced potatoes and chutneys. Spice levels run hot here, so ask for mild versions if your taste buds prefer gentle flavors.

Reservations book up weeks in advance for good reason.

11. Hibachi Grill and Supreme Buffet

Over 200 items fill this massive buffet that somehow manages to keep everything fresh and hot. The sushi bar features a chef rolling fresh maki while you wait, and the hibachi station cooks your custom stir-fry with whatever proteins and vegetables you choose.

Crab legs appear during dinner service, causing a friendly rush whenever fresh trays emerge from the kitchen. The dessert section includes soft-serve ice cream, tiramisu, and Chinese egg tarts.

Bring your stretchy pants and an empty stomach.