California knows how to do food right, especially when it comes to all-you-can-eat restaurants. Sometimes you just need a place where you can fill your plate again and again until you’re completely satisfied. From Korean BBQ that sizzles at your table to endless sushi that tastes like it was just caught, these spots prove unlimited food doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. Get ready to loosen your belt as we explore seven California restaurants where you can eat to your heart’s content.
1. Vegas Seafood Buffet – Ocean Treasures Without Limits
Crab legs crack open to reveal sweet, tender meat. Steam rises from freshly prepared lobster tails. At Vegas Seafood Buffet in Glendale and Torrance, the ocean’s bounty is displayed in magnificent abundance.
Unlike typical buffets where seafood options might disappoint, Vegas Seafood prioritizes freshness. Their constantly replenished stations feature everything from delicate sushi to hearty clam chowder served in sourdough bread bowls. The prime rib station, carving juicy slices to order, provides a perfect surf-and-turf experience.
Weekends bring special items like king crab and oysters on the half shell – arrive early to avoid the inevitable lines!
2. Fogo de Chão – Brazilian Steakhouse Excellence
Skilled gauchos parade through the restaurant, massive skewers of fire-roasted meats in hand. “Yes, please” becomes your mantra as they approach your table at Fogo de Chão in Beverly Hills, San Diego, and San Jose. This authentic Brazilian churrascaria elevates all-you-can-eat dining to an art form.
The experience begins with a trip to the Market Table – a gourmet salad bar featuring imported cheeses, cured meats, and seasonal vegetables. But save room! Soon, a parade of meats arrives: picanha (signature sirloin), filet mignon, lamb chops, and more.
The little red/green card system lets you control the pace of your meat feast – flip to green when ready for more!
3. Todai Sushi & Seafood Buffet – Ocean Freshness By The Plateful
Colorful sushi rolls stretch as far as the eye can see at Todai, a seafood lover’s playground in Santa Monica. This Japanese-inspired buffet breaks the mold with sushi chefs working in plain view, crafting fresh nigiri and specialty rolls throughout your meal.
Beyond raw fish, Todai serves up tempura stations, teppanyaki grills, and hot food sections featuring everything from udon noodles to teriyaki chicken. The dessert section deserves special mention – green tea ice cream, mochi, and fruit-topped cakes provide the perfect sweet finale.
Regulars swear by the seafood dynamite – a creamy, baked seafood dish that alone justifies the price of admission!
4. Gen Korean BBQ House – Where Meat Lovers Find Paradise
The sizzle of marinated beef hitting the grill is music to your ears at Gen Korean BBQ. With locations throughout California, this popular chain has mastered the art of all-you-can-eat Korean barbecue without cutting corners on quality.
Premium cuts like their signature chadol (thinly sliced brisket) and spicy samgyupsal (pork belly) arrive fresh at your table, ready for you to grill to perfection. The banchan (side dishes) flow freely – from crisp kimchi to creamy potato salad.
Fun fact: Gen’s blue mood lighting isn’t just for atmosphere – it’s designed to enhance the visual appeal of their colorful food presentations!
5. Shabuya – DIY Hot Pot Heaven
Steam rises from individual pots of bubbling broth as patrons at Shabuya in Rowland Heights swish paper-thin slices of premium meat through the fragrant liquid. This all-you-can-eat shabu shabu spot puts you in control of your dining destiny.
The concept is brilliantly simple: select your broth (spicy miso, tonkotsu, or vegetable), then order unlimited plates of raw ingredients. Wagyu beef, kurobuta pork, fresh vegetables, and handmade udon noodles arrive promptly at your table. A sauce bar lets you create custom dipping blends.
The self-cooking experience makes this perfect for leisurely meals with friends – conversations flow naturally as you cook and eat at your own pace.
6. Makino – Japanese Buffet With Surprising Variety
Tucked away in an Irvine shopping center, Makino defies expectations of what a Japanese buffet can be. Sure, the sushi selection impresses with both traditional and creative rolls, but that’s just the beginning of this culinary journey.
The hot food section rotates seasonally but always includes crowd-pleasers like chicken karaage, tempura vegetables, and savory beef curry. Udon and ramen stations feature made-to-order noodle soups with customizable toppings. The seafood selection shines with grilled fish, steamed crab, and buttery scallops.
Don’t miss their weekend brunch buffet, which adds American breakfast classics alongside Japanese morning staples like grilled fish and miso soup!
7. Moonstar – Pan-Asian Feast With Ocean Views
Perched on a hillside in Daly City with sweeping Pacific Ocean views, Moonstar combines stunning scenery with a pan-Asian buffet that spans Chinese, Japanese, and American cuisines. The seafood selection steals the spotlight here – king crab legs, oysters, and sushi made with fish flown in from Japan.
Chinese food enthusiasts appreciate the dim sum station and wok-fired classics like orange chicken and beef with broccoli. The Mongolian BBQ station lets you select raw ingredients for chefs to stir-fry before your eyes.
Their legendary chocolate fountain, surrounded by fresh fruit and cookies for dipping, has been the backdrop for countless Bay Area birthday celebrations and special occasions since 1991!
