North Carolina’s food scene offers a treasure trove of all-you-can-eat experiences that showcase the state’s diverse culinary traditions. From coastal seafood feasts to smoky barbecue joints and international cuisine, these buffets promise unlimited helpings of your favorite foods. Whether you’re craving Southern comfort classics, fresh-caught seafood, or global flavors, these 15 standout buffets deliver variety, value, and the simple joy of going back for seconds (or thirds).
1. Casey’s Buffet – Wilmington (Southern BBQ & Soul Food)
Locals call this Wilmington institution the “real deal” for authentic Southern cooking. Since 2005, this family-owned gem has been serving up Eastern NC barbecue alongside soul food classics in an unpretentious setting where regulars are greeted by name.
The spread features tender pulled pork, crispy fried chicken, and Southern sides like collard greens and mac ‘n’ cheese. Adventurous eaters can sample regional delicacies like chitlins and pigs’ feet – rarities on most buffets.
Reader’s Digest recently crowned Casey’s the best all-you-can-eat buffet in North Carolina, but regulars didn’t need the validation. Their banana pudding alone is worth the trip, providing the perfect sweet finish to a meal that delivers Southern hospitality on every plate.
2. Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet – Kitty Hawk (Seafood Feast)
Beachgoers flock to this Outer Banks treasure for a seafood extravaganza with Caribbean flair. The vibrant atmosphere features tropical décor and special events like Tuesday DJ nights and Wednesday petting zoos for the kids.
For over 25 years, Jimmy’s has been the coastal buffet that locals recommend first. Their 100+ item spread stars endless snow crab legs, steamed clams, and peel-and-eat shrimp that taste like they were just pulled from the Atlantic.
The made-to-order hibachi station adds personalized flair to your feast. Splurge on their all-you-can-eat lobster upgrade (available certain nights) for the ultimate indulgence. Smart visitors arrive early – summer lines often form before the doors even open, a testament to Jimmy’s reputation.
3. Chima Steakhouse – Charlotte (Upscale Brazilian Steakhouse)
Meat lovers rejoice at this upscale Brazilian rodízio in Uptown Charlotte. The elegant atmosphere sets the stage for a carnivorous adventure where gauchos circle the dining room with skewers of sizzling meats, slicing portions tableside until you signal you’ve had enough.
Begin your feast at the gourmet salad bar, an impressive spread featuring dozens of fresh salads, imported cheeses, and charcuterie that could be a meal itself. The star attractions arrive next: garlic-seasoned picanha (top sirloin), juicy beef ribs, and tender lamb chops.
Traditional Brazilian sides like pão de queijo (cheese bread) and caramelized bananas complement the protein parade. While pricier than typical buffets, the attentive service and endless premium cuts make Chima perfect for celebrations or date nights when only unlimited meat will do.
4. Let’s Meat KBBQ – Charlotte (Korean Barbecue Grill)
Sizzling sounds and mouthwatering aromas fill this interactive Korean barbecue spot where you become both diner and chef. Charlotte’s first Korean BBQ buffet gives you two hours of unlimited meats to grill right at your table, creating a social dining experience perfect for groups.
Thinly-sliced beef brisket cooks in seconds on the built-in grill, while marinated bulgogi and spicy pork belly develop irresistible caramelized edges. Wrap your grilled creations in lettuce with housemade kimchi for the authentic Korean experience.
The self-serve banchan (side dishes) bar features traditional accompaniments like japchae noodles and pickled vegetables to balance the rich meats. At around $30 per person for dinner, Let’s Meat offers an entertaining feast that turns dinner into a memorable group activity rather than just a meal.
5. Umiya Sushi & Hot Pot – Raleigh (Japanese Sushi & Hotpot)
Two culinary worlds collide at this innovative Raleigh hotspot where unlimited sushi meets DIY hot pot. The sleek, modern interior features a sushi counter on one side and individual hot pot burners at each table – a dream setup for indecisive foodies who want it all.
Fresh-made specialty rolls like the Lobster Chalaca arrive at your table while your chosen broth simmers away, ready for you to cook paper-thin slices of premium meats and seafood. Unlike typical buffets with heat lamps, everything here is prepared fresh to order.
Part of the largest all-you-can-eat sushi chain in America, Umiya maintains surprisingly high quality despite the unlimited format. At around $35 per person covering both experiences, it delivers remarkable value for adventurous eaters who can’t decide between raw and cooked Japanese cuisine.
6. Persis Biryani Indian Grill – Charlotte (Indian Cuisine)
Fragrant spices perfume the air at this Charlotte gem where the daily lunch buffet provides an aromatic tour through India’s diverse regions. Specializing in Hyderabadi dum biryani, Persis delivers authentic flavors in an unassuming setting that lets the food take center stage.
The rotating selection might include creamy butter chicken, spicy vindaloo, or vegetarian favorites like saag paneer and chana masala. Fresh naan bread arrives warm at your table, perfect for scooping up rich, complex sauces.
Weekend visitors might catch their special Indian breakfast buffet featuring regional morning specialties like dosa and idli – a rare find in North Carolina. At just $10-14 depending on the day, this buffet offers exceptional value for experiencing India’s vast culinary landscape without buying a plane ticket.
7. Blue Ridge Buffet at Omni Grove Park Inn – Asheville (Artisanal Buffet with Mountain Views)
Dining reaches theatrical heights at this mountain resort buffet where the panoramic Blue Ridge views compete with the spectacular food displays. The historic Omni Grove Park Inn elevates the buffet concept with farm-to-table ingredients and artisanal presentations that change with the seasons and mealtimes.
Friday’s award-winning Seafood Buffet features everything from crab legs to sushi. Saturday’s Prime Rib Buffet showcases perfectly roasted meats, while Sunday’s legendary Champagne Brunch might be the most lavish morning spread in the state.
Even breakfast here is extraordinary – the “Morning Table” buffet redefines the first meal with local jams, artisan pastries, and made-to-order stations. Though pricier than most buffets (expect $40-75 depending on the meal), the combination of spectacular food, mountain views, and historic ambiance creates a dining experience worth every penny.
8. Dan’l Boone Inn – Boone (Country Family-Style Buffet)
Step into a living history lesson at this High Country institution where meals are served family-style in a 1760s stagecoach inn. Unlike traditional buffets, Dan’l Boone Inn brings endless platters to your table until everyone raises the white flag of surrender.
Their famous skillet-fried chicken – golden, crispy, and seasoned with generations-old recipes – anchors every meal. Country ham biscuits arrive in wicker baskets alongside homestyle sides like stewed apples, mashed potatoes with gravy, and green beans cooked the Appalachian way.
Cash-only and no reservations means locals and tourists alike queue up for this authentic mountain experience. Weekend mornings bring a country breakfast with pancakes, grits, and country ham that fuels a day of Blue Ridge Parkway exploration. At $25 per person for all-you-can-eat history on a plate, Dan’l Boone Inn offers Appalachian hospitality at its finest.
9. Milton’s Pizza & Pasta – Raleigh (Italian-American Buffet)
Pizza perfection awaits at this neighborhood favorite where the Italian-American buffet has been satisfying Raleigh families for generations. The cozy, unpretentious setting belies the impressive variety packed into this modest-sized buffet line.
Can’t spot your dream pizza combination? Just ask – the kitchen will create any topping combination on request and add it to the buffet. This customization sets Milton’s apart from typical pizza buffets.
Beyond pizza, the rotating hot bar might feature lasagna, beef ribs, creamy alfredo pasta, or lemon herb chicken alongside a fresh salad bar. Save room for their famous mini chocolate chip cookies and baklava bites. The kid-friendly pricing ($1 per year of age) makes Milton’s a family budget champion, while the quality keeps adults coming back long after their children have grown.
10. Ichiban Grill & Supreme Buffet – Greensboro (Pan-Asian Super Buffet)
Food court meets fine dining at this massive Pan-Asian wonderland in Greensboro. With multiple serving stations stretching as far as the eye can see, Ichiban creates a culinary playground where Chinese, Japanese, and American favorites coexist harmoniously.
The sushi section surprises with its freshness and variety – rolls, nigiri, and sashimi prepared continuously throughout service. Meanwhile, the make-your-own hibachi station lets you fill a bowl with raw ingredients that chefs transform into a sizzling stir-fry before your eyes.
General Tso’s chicken, beef and broccoli, and crispy egg rolls satisfy Chinese food cravings, while the dessert section offers both Eastern treats like green tea ice cream and Western favorites. College students from nearby UNCG appreciate the value (around $8-14 depending on meal and day), making this buffet a Triad institution for affordable culinary exploration.
11. Asian Delight Buffet – Raleigh (Asian Buffet with Unlimited Crab Legs)
Seafood lovers have discovered the holy grail at this South Raleigh newcomer: unlimited snow crab legs included in the standard buffet price. Unlike most buffets that charge premium add-ons for seafood, Asian Delight piles the crab high and replenishes often, creating quite the buzz among local shellfish enthusiasts.
Beyond the star attraction, this modern buffet delivers on all fronts with fresh sushi, a custom hibachi grill, and classic Chinese dishes like salt and pepper shrimp. The spacious, clean environment makes for comfortable dining, even when crowds gather for those coveted crab legs.
At just $20 per person for dinner (including all the crab you can crack), Asian Delight offers remarkable value for seafood that would cost triple à la carte. Regulars recommend weeknight visits to avoid the weekend crab leg enthusiasts who can clean out a tray in minutes!
12. Crazy Fire Mongolian Grill – Raleigh (Build-Your-Own Stir-Fry)
Dinner and a show combine at this interactive concept where you become the architect of your meal. Crazy Fire puts you in control with bowls you fill with raw ingredients, then hand to skilled chefs who transform them on a massive round grill with theatrical flair.
The beauty lies in endless customization – protein options from chicken to shrimp, colorful vegetables, and an array of sauces from mild teriyaki to fiery Szechuan. Each trip to the food bar can yield a completely different creation, perfect for adventurous eaters who get bored with traditional buffets.
With the all-you-can-eat option (roughly $14-17), you can experiment with flavor combinations to your heart’s content. First-timers often play it safe, but regulars know the secret: layer complementary sauces, don’t overload on noodles, and always save room for another round of culinary creativity.
13. Fuller’s Old Fashioned BBQ & Buffet – Lumberton/Pembroke (Southern Buffet)
Time-honored traditions of Southern cooking shine at this southeastern NC institution where pit-cooked BBQ headlines a sprawling country buffet. Since 1986, Fuller’s has been the gathering place where I-95 travelers and multi-generation local families bond over plates piled high with down-home cooking.
Their vinegar-based pulled pork exemplifies eastern Carolina barbecue traditions, while the fried chicken achieves that perfect crisp-to-juicy ratio. Regional specialties like chicken pastry (a dumpling dish unique to the area) and occasional appearances of chitterlings showcase authentic local flavors you won’t find at chain restaurants.
Collards, black-eyed peas, and candied yams round out the Southern vegetable selection. Save room for banana pudding or sweet potato pie – homemade desserts that grandma would approve of. At around $12-15 for unlimited helpings, Fuller’s delivers that “Sunday dinner at grandma’s” feeling any day of the week.
14. McCall’s BBQ & Seafood – Goldsboro (Eastern NC BBQ & Seafood Buffet)
Two Carolina culinary traditions unite at this beloved Goldsboro institution where Eastern NC barbecue meets Calabash-style seafood. Since 1989, McCall’s has been serving military families from nearby Seymour Johnson AFB and locals who appreciate authentic regional cooking.
The dual-themed buffet features slow-roasted pulled pork with that signature vinegar tang alongside golden fried shrimp, flaky fish, and sometimes crab cakes. Don’t overlook their kickin’ pork spare ribs or Brunswick stew – a tomato-based Southern classic packed with meat and vegetables.
A fresh bakery station offers warm breads and homemade desserts – the banana pudding and chocolate pie receive particular praise from regulars. At just $12-14 for unlimited trips, McCall’s represents the best of both worlds: surf and turf, Eastern Carolina-style, where quality meets quantity without breaking the bank.
15. Chef’s Stage Buffet at Harrah’s Cherokee – Cherokee (International Buffet)
World cuisine meets mountain majesty at this spectacular casino buffet nestled in the Smoky Mountains. Unlike typical buffet lines, Chef’s Stage features interactive stations where culinary artists prepare global specialties before your eyes in the expansive, modern dining room.
One moment you’re watching pasta being tossed in fresh marinara, the next you’re selecting sushi or requesting carved prime rib. The international scope impresses – Italian, Mexican, Asian, and American classics all prepared with surprising attention to detail for a buffet setting.
After a day exploring Cherokee or hiking the Smokies, the dessert section provides sweet rewards: chocolate fountains, cakes, and sometimes even Cherokee-inspired treats. While the $30-35 price point makes it a splurge compared to some buffets, the casino resort setting, chef-driven quality, and sheer variety justify the cost for a memorable mountain dining experience.
