Unearth The Voyage
Nashville is known for hot chicken and honky-tonks, but if you want to eat until you’re completely satisfied without ordering a dozen different dishes, the city has some seriously good buffet spots. Whether you’re craving Brazilian steaks, fresh sushi, or classic Southern comfort food, these all-you-can-eat restaurants deliver variety, flavor, and real value. From communal tables piled high with fried chicken to interactive hot pot experiences, here are the buffet restaurants in Nashville where your money goes further and your plate stays full.
1. Monell’s (Germantown)
Walking into Monell’s feels like stepping into your grandmother’s dining room, except the table seats about twenty strangers who quickly become friends. Everyone sits together, family-style, and the food comes out on big platters that get passed around until they’re empty. Then more platters arrive.
You’ll find fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, and whatever else the kitchen decided to make that day. It’s pure Southern comfort, no menus, no choices, just eat what’s served and enjoy every bite. The vibe is warm, loud, and full of laughter.
People come back for the experience as much as the food. Expect to leave full, happy, and maybe with a few new phone numbers from tablemates.
2. Fogo de Chão (Downtown / Nashville Yards)
Fogo de Chão turns dinner into a strategy game. You control the pace with a little card: green side up means keep the meat coming, red side means you need a breather. Gauchos walk around with skewers of perfectly seasoned beef, lamb, pork, and chicken, slicing it right onto your plate.
The Market Table is stacked with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, imported cheeses, and Brazilian sides like pão de queijo. It’s easy to fill up there before the meat parade even starts, so pace yourself wisely.
The value shines when you take your time, try every cut, and treat the whole thing like an event. This isn’t a quick bite; it’s a full evening of eating and savoring.
3. Shabu Shabu (Music Row / West End)
Hot pot is the ultimate “choose your own adventure” meal, and Shabu Shabu nails the all-you-can-eat version. You pick your broth, order plates of thinly sliced meat, seafood, vegetables, noodles, and dumplings, then cook everything yourself in the bubbling pot at your table.
The fun part is experimenting with combinations and watching your food cook in real time. You can go heavy on beef, switch to shrimp, toss in bok choy, and finish with udon noodles soaking up all that flavor. It’s interactive, social, and surprisingly filling.
Perfect for cold nights or when you want a meal that doubles as entertainment. Just remember to pace yourself because it’s easy to over-order when everything looks that good.
4. Sushi Kingdom (Madison)
Sushi Kingdom makes one thing very clear: come hungry or don’t come at all. This place is built for people who want to try every roll on the menu without worrying about the bill climbing with each order.
You’ll find classic rolls like California and spicy tuna alongside more adventurous options with tempura crunch, cream cheese, and sweet eel sauce. Nigiri, sashimi, and appetizers like gyoza and edamame are all part of the deal. The fish is fresh, the rice is properly seasoned, and the variety keeps things interesting.
It’s a solid pick when you want sushi variety without the à la carte stress. Groups love it because everyone can order what they want and keep the plates coming.
5. Ru San’s (Midtown)
Ru San’s lunch buffet is a hidden gem for Midtown workers and students who want fast, filling sushi without sitting through multiple rounds of ordering. It’s a self-serve setup, so you grab what you want, sit down, and go back as many times as you need.
The selection isn’t enormous, but it covers the essentials: California rolls, spicy tuna, salmon nigiri, and a few creative house rolls. Everything is made fresh throughout the lunch service, so you’re not eating yesterday’s leftovers. It’s quick, affordable, and surprisingly satisfying.
This works best when you’re short on time but still want something better than a sandwich. Get there early for the freshest selection and maximum seating options.
6. Golden Corral (Hermitage area)
Golden Corral is the buffet equivalent of a greatest hits album: nothing too fancy, but every song you know is there. You’ll find fried chicken, pot roast, mashed potatoes, mac and cheese, pizza, tacos, and a salad bar that’s bigger than most people’s kitchens.
The dessert section alone could be a standalone restaurant, with soft-serve machines, pies, cakes, and that iconic chocolate fountain. Kids love it because they can pick exactly what they want. Adults love it because there’s zero pressure to agree on a cuisine.
It’s not gourmet, and it doesn’t pretend to be. But when you want maximum variety with minimal effort, Golden Corral delivers exactly what it promises: a lot of food for a fair price.
7. Cicis (Madison)
Cicis is the no-stress, no-fuss option when you just want pizza, pasta, and the freedom to eat as much as you can handle. The Madison location keeps the buffet stocked with classic pies like pepperoni and cheese, plus rotating specialty pizzas that range from BBQ chicken to buffalo chicken.
There’s also a pasta bar, a small salad station, and a dessert section with cinnamon rolls and brownies. It’s not artisan, but it’s hot, fresh, and unlimited. Kids eat cheap, and parents appreciate the simplicity.
This is the move when you’re feeding a group on a budget or just craving carbs without the commitment of ordering a whole pie. Walk in, grab a plate, repeat until satisfied.
8. Shoney’s (Donelson Pike)
Shoney’s brings back memories of road trips and Sunday mornings. The breakfast bar is the main attraction here: scrambled eggs, crispy bacon, sausage links, biscuits with sausage gravy, pancakes, fresh fruit, and a waffle station where you can make your own.
The lunch and dinner Fresh Food Bar includes fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans, cornbread, and a salad bar that’s surprisingly well-stocked. It’s comfort food all the way, and the portions are generous even before you factor in the unlimited refills.
The Donelson Pike location still has that classic diner charm. It’s perfect for families, early risers, or anyone who wants a hearty meal without overthinking it. Come for breakfast, stay for seconds, leave happy.
9. Sitar Indian Restaurant (Midtown / near downtown)
Sitar’s lunch buffet is a flavor tour through North Indian cuisine, and it’s one of the best deals in Midtown. You’ll find chicken tikka masala, palak paneer, chana masala, dal, biryani rice, and fresh naan bread that comes out warm from the tandoor.
The buffet also includes samosas, pakoras, and a rotating selection of vegetarian and meat dishes. Everything is seasoned just right, with enough spice to be interesting but not overwhelming. The chutneys and raita add extra layers of flavor to each bite.
This is perfect when you want to try multiple dishes without committing to a full entrée. The lunch crowd moves fast, so arrive early for the best selection and a quieter dining experience.
10. Taj Indian Restaurant (Harding Pl)
Taj Indian Restaurant runs a lunch buffet that’s become a go-to for curry lovers who want variety without ordering blind. The spread typically includes butter chicken, lamb curry, vegetable korma, dal tadka, and basmati rice cooked with fragrant spices.
Fresh naan and roti are brought to your table, and the buffet also features appetizers like vegetable samosas and crispy papadums. For dessert, there’s usually kheer or gulab jamun to finish things off on a sweet note. The flavors are rich, the portions are generous, and the spice levels are balanced.
It’s a smart move when you’re new to Indian food or just want to sample a little bit of everything. The Harding Place location is easy to reach and the service is consistently friendly.
11. House of India (Franklin – Nashville area)
House of India in Franklin is worth the short drive if you’re craving authentic Indian flavors with a buffet format. The lunch spread includes both North and South Indian dishes, so you might find dosas and idli alongside chicken tikka and lamb vindaloo.
The vegetarian options are especially strong here, with dishes like baingan bharta, aloo gobi, and paneer tikka masala. Rice, naan, and a variety of chutneys round out the meal. The spice levels are clearly marked, so you can pace yourself accordingly.
The restaurant posts its buffet hours online, making it easy to plan ahead. It’s a great option for groups with mixed dietary preferences since there’s something for everyone. Expect bold flavors and a welcoming atmosphere.
12. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet (Nashville)
Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet is the kind of place where everyone in your group can find something they love, even if nobody agrees on what to eat. The buffet spans multiple cuisines: hibachi-style grilled meats and vegetables, sushi rolls, Chinese stir-fries, fried rice, lo mein, crab legs, and a Mongolian grill station.
There’s also a salad bar, soup station, and a dessert section with ice cream, cakes, and fruit. The variety is almost overwhelming in the best way possible. You can build a completely different plate every trip.
It’s perfect for big groups, picky eaters, or anyone who wants options without compromise. The space is large, the food is constantly refreshed, and the price stays reasonable no matter how much you eat.
13. Bombay Palace (Nashville)
Bombay Palace offers a lunch buffet that leans into traditional Indian flavors with a slightly more refined presentation. You’ll find tandoori chicken, rogan josh, saag paneer, chana masala, and vegetable biryani, all prepared with care and balanced spice levels.
The naan is baked fresh and brought to your table throughout the meal. The buffet also includes appetizers like samosas and pakoras, plus rice, raita, and pickled vegetables. For dessert, there’s usually something sweet like ras malai or kheer.
The atmosphere is a bit more upscale than your typical lunch buffet, making it a good pick for a business lunch or a quieter meal. The value is solid, especially when you factor in the quality of the ingredients and the attentive service.
14. Nawabi Hyderabad House (Franklin — Nashville area)
Nawabi Hyderabad House specializes in the bold, aromatic flavors of Hyderabad cuisine, and the buffet is a great way to explore dishes you might not order otherwise. Expect biryani loaded with spices and tender meat, spicy Andhra-style curries, kebabs, and South Indian staples like dosas and idli.
The heat level here can be higher than other Indian buffets, so if you’re spice-sensitive, ask for guidance. The flavors are complex, layered, and deeply satisfying. There’s also a selection of breads, rice dishes, and chutneys to balance everything out.
Located in Franklin, it’s a bit of a drive from downtown Nashville, but fans of South Indian and Hyderabadi food say it’s worth the trip. The buffet hours are posted online, so check before you go.
