These All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Restaurants In California Are Worth Every Bite

California’s coastline offers some of the freshest seafood you’ll ever taste. When you’re really hungry, nothing beats the satisfaction of an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet where you can pile your plate high with crab legs, shrimp, and other ocean delights.

I’ve explored the Golden State’s best unlimited seafood spots that let you indulge without limits. From fancy hotel buffets to casual family-style restaurants, these spots will make your seafood dreams come true!

1. Cafe Sierra, Los Angeles

Hidden inside the Hilton Universal City, this upscale buffet feels like a secret treasure. The weekend seafood extravaganza features mountains of king crab legs that taste like they were pulled from the ocean that morning.

Your taste buds will thank you for trying their famous lobster dishes and freshly shucked oysters. The carving station with prime rib makes a perfect surf-and-turf combo.

Did you know they make fresh sushi right before your eyes? The chefs are super friendly and might even create a special roll just for you!

2. Hokkaido Seafood Buffet, San Jose

Named after Japan’s northernmost island famous for seafood, this place lives up to its reputation. When I walked in, the aroma of grilled fish and steamed crab immediately made my mouth water.

The buffet stretches across the restaurant with stations dedicated to different cooking styles. Their raw bar features fresh oysters, clams, and mussels on ice. For hot food lovers, the Mongolian BBQ station lets you customize your seafood stir-fry.

Kids especially love watching the teppanyaki chefs flip shrimp with theatrical flair!

3. The Luxe Buffet, Ontario

Locals rave about this spot in the Inland Empire for good reason. The Luxe doesn’t just offer quantity, they prioritize quality with their seafood selections that change seasonally.

My favorite station features Alaskan snow crab legs, which you can dip in melted butter or their signature garlic sauce. The shrimp preparation varieties will amaze you: coconut, tempura, scampi, and chilled with cocktail sauce.

Though located miles from the coast, their seafood tastes remarkably fresh. The elegant dining room with modern décor makes this buffet feel like a special occasion meal.

4. Makino Sushi & Seafood Buffet, Irvine

Sushi lovers unite! This Japanese-inspired buffet in Irvine offers endless plates of creative rolls alongside traditional seafood favorites. The chefs continuously prepare fresh batches, so nothing sits out too long.

What makes Makino special is their dedication to authentic Japanese flavors. Their miso-glazed salmon practically melts in your mouth. If you’re feeling adventurous, try their uni (sea urchin) when available.

The all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu option lets you cook thinly sliced seafood in bubbling broth right at your table. It’s an interactive dining experience that’s both fun and delicious!

5. Vegas Seafood Buffet, Glendale

Despite its name, you won’t need to gamble on quality at this Glendale hotspot. The Vegas Seafood Buffet brings Sin City extravagance to Southern California with its lavish spread of oceanic delights.

Their king crab legs are a must-try, consistently meaty and sweet. I recommend visiting during dinner hours when they add lobster to the lineup. The seafood soup, brimming with clams and fish in a savory broth, makes a perfect starter.

If you save room for dessert (tough, I know!), their green tea ice cream provides a refreshing palate cleanser after all that seafood.

6. Seafood Port Chinese Restaurant, Torrance

This family-owned diamond combines Chinese culinary traditions with California’s fresh seafood bounty. Unlike typical buffets, Seafood Port offers all-you-can-eat options served family-style, bringing endless platters directly to your table.

Their salt and pepper crab has a perfect crunch with just enough spice. The clams in black bean sauce disappear from the plate within minutes of arrival. For something unique, try their seafood tofu soup, silky soft tofu swimming in a rich broth with scallops and shrimp.

Weekends get packed with local families, so arriving early guarantees the freshest selections!

7. Great Plaza Buffet, San Diego

San Diego’s proximity to the ocean guarantees freshness at Great Plaza Buffet. This spacious restaurant combines Asian influences with California coastal cuisine, creating a unique seafood experience.

The crab legs here are consistently well-stocked and never overcooked. Their sushi station features both classic rolls and creative California-inspired combinations. My personal favorite? The seafood-stuffed mushrooms that burst with flavor in every bite.

Parents appreciate the kid-friendly options alongside sophisticated seafood dishes. The restaurant’s location near popular attractions makes it perfect for refueling after a day of sightseeing in beautiful San Diego.

8. Nori Japanese Buffet, Cerritos

Tucked away in a Cerritos shopping center, Nori Japanese Buffet surprises visitors with its impressive selection. The restaurant combines buffet convenience with made-to-order freshness.

Their grilled seafood station features buttery scallops and perfectly seared salmon. The tempura bar offers shrimp, soft-shell crab, and various fish dipped in light, crispy batter. If you enjoy spicy kicks, their dynamite mussels topped with spicy mayo and baked to perfection will set your taste buds dancing.

First-timers often underestimate this place based on its modest exterior, don’t make that mistake!

9. Tommy’s Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar, San Pablo

Tommy’s brings a taste of New Orleans to Northern California with its Cajun-inspired seafood buffet. The moment you walk in, the aroma of spicy seafood boil transports you straight to Louisiana.

Their crawfish, when in season, are boiled with traditional Cajun spices that pack a flavorful punch. The oyster bar features both raw options and their famous charbroiled oysters topped with garlic butter and parmesan.

Weekends feature live jazz music that perfectly complements the Southern atmosphere. Even the cornbread and hush puppies that accompany your seafood feast deserve special mention!

10. King Buffet, Fresno

Central Valley residents flock to King Buffet for affordable seafood indulgence. Though Fresno sits far from the coast, this popular spot manages to deliver surprisingly fresh oceanic delights.

The crab legs here come out in steady batches throughout service, ensuring everyone gets their fair share. Their coconut shrimp balances sweetness with a crispy exterior. For something different, try their baked seafood casserole, a creamy mixture of various seafood topped with melted cheese.

Families appreciate the wallet-friendly pricing that doesn’t sacrifice quality. The spacious dining room accommodates large groups, making it perfect for celebrations.

11. Kome Buffet, Daly City

Just south of San Francisco, Kome Buffet stands out with its fusion approach to seafood. The massive restaurant features multiple cooking stations representing different Asian cuisines, each highlighting seafood in unique ways.

Their salt and pepper dungeness crab showcases local Bay Area seafood at its finest. The dim sum station offers delicate shrimp dumplings and seafood siu mai. For hot pot enthusiasts, the DIY station lets you simmer your choice of seafood in flavorful broths.

Weekday lunch offers the best value, though weekend dinner features premium additions like lobster. The panoramic windows provide lovely Bay views while you feast!