15 Under The Radar Buffets In New Jersey Serving Up True Local Flavor
When you think about dining in New Jersey, fancy restaurants might come to mind first, but the Garden State has some amazing buffet spots that locals absolutely love.
These hidden gems offer incredible variety, from traditional American comfort food to international cuisines that reflect New Jersey’s diverse communities.
I’ve put together this guide to help you discover buffets that serve authentic flavors without the crowds or high prices you’d find at more popular places.
1. Mastoris Diner
If breakfast buffets make your mornings brighter, this place will become your new favorite spot. Mastoris has been feeding hungry New Jersey families since 1947, and their weekend breakfast buffet is legendary among locals. You’ll find everything from fluffy pancakes and crispy bacon to made-to-order omelets that come out steaming hot.
The portions are generous, and the staff keeps the trays filled constantly. What really sets this buffet apart is the homemade pastries that taste like your grandma baked them fresh this morning. The atmosphere feels warm and welcoming, with families gathering around big tables sharing stories over coffee.
Prices remain reasonable even though the quality rivals expensive brunch spots in bigger cities.
2. Siri’s Thai French Cuisine
How often do you get to experience Thai and French cooking in one meal? Siri’s combines two incredible culinary traditions into a buffet that surprises everyone who walks through the door. The chef trained in both Bangkok and Paris, bringing authentic techniques to Cherry Hill.
You can start with delicate French onion soup, then move to spicy green curry that has just the right kick. Fresh spring rolls sit next to buttery croissants, creating combinations you never knew you needed. The restaurant keeps things intimate with only weekend buffet service, so reservations are essential.
Each dish gets prepared with care, not the rushed quality you might expect from typical buffets.
3. Tropicana Diner
It’s hard to beat the variety at this Elizabeth establishment that locals have trusted for decades. Tropicana serves up classic diner fare with an impressive twist their buffet includes Mediterranean and Latin American options alongside traditional American dishes. You might grab meatloaf and mashed potatoes, then circle back for some perfectly seasoned rice and beans.
The salad bar stays incredibly fresh throughout service, with vegetables that actually taste like they came from a garden. Desserts rotate daily, but the rice pudding has developed a cult following among regular customers. Families appreciate the kid-friendly options that don’t sacrifice flavor for convenience.
The prices make it possible to bring the whole family without breaking your budget.
4. Chakra Restaurant
Did you know authentic Indian buffets can be found right here in Paramus? Chakra brings restaurant-quality Indian cuisine to a lunch buffet format that attracts everyone from business professionals to families exploring new flavors. The chicken tikka masala tastes rich and creamy without being too heavy.
Vegetarians will find plenty of options, including dal that simmers for hours to develop deep flavors. Fresh naan comes out of the tandoor oven constantly, arriving at your table warm enough to melt the butter on top. The lunch buffet offers exceptional value considering the quality of ingredients and preparation methods.
Spice levels remain moderate, making it accessible for those new to Indian food while still satisfying experienced palates.
5. Pic-Nic Portuguese Grill
When Portuguese families in Newark want authentic home cooking, they head to this unassuming spot that serves weekend buffets. The grilled meats come seasoned with piri-piri spices that transport you straight to Lisbon. Bacalhau, the traditional salted cod, gets prepared three different ways on the buffet line.
You’ll also find hearty soups that warm you from the inside out, plus rice dishes cooked with tomatoes and herbs. The restaurant doesn’t advertise much, relying instead on word-of-mouth from satisfied customers who return week after week. Portuguese rolls sit in baskets, perfect for soaking up the flavorful sauces from various dishes.
This place proves that the best ethnic food often comes from family-run establishments serving their community.
6. Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet
Are you ready for an Asian food adventure that covers multiple countries in one visit? This Hamilton buffet offers Japanese, Chinese, Korean, and Thai options spread across numerous stations. The sushi bar features rolls made fresh throughout service, not sitting under lights for hours.
You can watch chefs prepare hibachi dishes with your choice of proteins and vegetables right before your eyes. The seafood selection includes crab legs on weekends, which alone might be worth the admission price. Hot dishes get rotated regularly to keep everything tasting freshly prepared rather than dried out.
The dessert section includes both Asian sweets like mochi and American favorites like soft-serve ice cream with plenty of toppings.
7. Clydz
Though Clydz operates as an upscale restaurant most days, their Sunday brunch buffet has become a local secret worth knowing about. Located in New Brunswick, this spot elevates typical brunch fare with creative twists and premium ingredients. The carving station features meats prepared with herbs and seasonings that show real culinary skill.
Seafood options change seasonally but always include something special like smoked salmon or shrimp cocktail. The omelet station lets you customize your breakfast exactly how you like it, with fresh vegetables and quality cheeses. Mimosas and bloody marys flow freely if you’re celebrating a special occasion.
The atmosphere feels refined without being stuffy, making it suitable for both romantic dates and family gatherings.
8. Royal Taj
It’s amazing what skilled chefs can do with spices and fresh ingredients at this Iselin gem. Royal Taj specializes in North Indian cuisine, and their lunch buffet showcases regional specialties you won’t find at every Indian restaurant. The butter chicken has a silky sauce that coats tender pieces of meat perfectly.
Samosas arrive crispy and filled with spiced potatoes that have just enough heat. The buffet includes both meat and vegetarian options, with paneer dishes that even cheese skeptics end up loving. Chutneys and pickles add extra layers of flavor to every plate you build.
The restaurant stays clean and well-maintained, with attentive staff who quickly clear plates and refill drinks without hovering over your table.
9. Taste of Asia
When your family can’t agree on what type of Asian food to eat, this Rockaway spot solves the problem beautifully. Taste of Asia covers Chinese regional cuisines from Szechuan to Cantonese, plus Japanese and Thai options scattered throughout the buffet. The Mongolian grill station lets you create custom stir-fry combinations with fresh ingredients.
Soup selections include hot and sour that has the perfect balance of flavors, plus wonton soup filled with plump dumplings. The sushi quality exceeds expectations for a buffet setting, with fish that tastes fresh and rice properly seasoned. Kids gravitate toward the chicken fingers and fries, while adventurous eaters can try more exotic preparations.
Weekend dinner service adds crab legs and premium seafood to the already impressive selection.
10. Bosphorus Turkish Cuisine
Have you ever experienced the rich flavors of Turkish cooking served buffet-style? Bosphorus in Lake Hiawatha offers weekend buffets that introduce diners to Mediterranean cuisine with Middle Eastern influences. The kebabs come marinated in yogurt and spices, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful.
Stuffed grape leaves, called dolma, get rolled by hand and filled with rice and herbs. The mezze selection includes hummus, baba ganoush, and other dips that pair wonderfully with fresh pita bread. Turkish rice pilaf, cooked with vermicelli noodles, provides a subtle base for the bolder flavored meats and vegetables.
Save room for dessert because the baklava here rivals anything you’d find in Istanbul, with layers of phyllo dough and honey-soaked nuts.
11. Grand Lux Cafe
Where else can you find globally-inspired cuisine in a buffet format that feels restaurant-quality? Grand Lux Cafe in Atlantic City serves a brunch buffet that travels the world through different stations and flavors. The international menu includes everything from Asian noodle dishes to Latin American specialties.
American classics get elevated treatment with ingredients and preparations that show attention to detail. The bakery section displays pastries that look almost too beautiful to eat, though you definitely should try them. Carved meats include options like prime rib that arrive at your plate juicy and perfectly seasoned.
The cafe atmosphere strikes a balance between casual and upscale, making it appropriate for tourists and locals celebrating special occasions or just enjoying a weekend meal.
12. East Buffet
If variety matters most to you when choosing a buffet, East Buffet in North Brunswick delivers with over 100 items daily. The sheer number of options means you could visit weekly and try something different each time. Chinese cuisine dominates the offerings, but Japanese sushi and American favorites appear throughout the stations.
The seafood section expands significantly on weekends, adding crab legs, mussels, and various fish preparations. Hot dishes get replenished constantly by kitchen staff who monitor the buffet closely. The restaurant accommodates large groups easily, making it popular for birthday parties and family reunions.
Prices remain competitive despite the extensive selection, and kids under a certain age eat free with paying adults on specific days.
13. Maize Restaurant
When Latin American flavors call your name, this Newark restaurant answers with a weekend buffet celebrating the cuisine. Maize specializes in dishes from various Spanish-speaking countries, creating a buffet that feels like a culinary tour of the Americas. Empanadas arrive stuffed with different fillings, from beef to cheese to vegetables.
Rice and beans get prepared properly, with seasonings that make these simple staples incredibly satisfying. Grilled meats include options marinated in citrus and spices that reflect Caribbean and South American traditions. Plantains appear in both sweet and savory preparations, showing the versatility of this underrated ingredient.
The restaurant’s family-friendly atmosphere welcomes everyone, and the staff happily explains unfamiliar dishes to curious first-time visitors exploring new flavors.
14. Biryani City
Are you a biryani lover searching for authentic preparation methods? This Edison restaurant takes the famous rice dish seriously, offering multiple varieties on their lunch buffet. Each biryani gets layered carefully with basmati rice, meat or vegetables, and aromatic spices that perfume the entire restaurant.
Beyond biryani, the buffet includes curries representing both Indian and Pakistani culinary traditions. Tandoori items come from a traditional clay oven, giving proteins that distinctive charred flavor and smoky aroma. The naan bread emerges hot and pillowy, perfect for scooping up sauces and gravies.
Desserts include traditional sweets like gulab jamun and kheer that provide a perfect ending to a spice-filled meal without being overly heavy or sweet.
15. Sapthagiri
How refreshing to find a completely vegetarian buffet that never makes you feel like you’re missing out on anything. Sapthagiri in Edison focuses on South Indian cuisine, which traditionally emphasizes vegetables, lentils, and rice in creative combinations. The dosas come crispy and paper-thin, served with coconut chutney and sambar for dipping.
Various vegetable curries showcase seasonal produce prepared with regional spice blends that vary in heat levels. Idli and vada provide lighter options that still satisfy your appetite with their unique textures and flavors. The buffet format lets you sample multiple dishes in one visit, helping you discover new favorites.
Even confirmed meat-eaters leave impressed by how satisfying and flavorful vegetarian cooking can be when done with skill and authentic ingredients.
