Unearth The Voyage
Hungry for an all you can eat adventure across the Ocean State? Rhode Island may be small, but its buffets deliver big flavor, from legendary seafood feasts to sizzling Korean BBQ and spice packed Indian spreads. This guide rounds up the must try spots where you can sample widely, go back for seconds, and still find room for dessert. Bring your appetite, because these plates come generous and the variety is irresistible.
The Nordic — Charlestown, RI
Set beside a peaceful lake, The Nordic feels like a destination as much as a dinner. You come for the all you can eat indulgence and quickly realize the seafood selection is the star. Cold platters sparkle with oysters, colossal crab legs, and lobster that tastes like a summer vacation on a plate.
Carving stations keep the prime rib rosy and tender, while sides lean comforting without getting fussy. Pile on buttered corn, greens, and a rotation of seasonal salads that never seem like filler. It is the rare buffet where quality keeps pace with abundance, which is why locals swear by it for celebrations.
Save room for desserts that look like a pastry case exploded in the best way. Mini cakes, pies, and creamy favorites invite one more pass. Settle into lakeside views, breathe in the woodsy air, and plan your next plate before the last bite is gone.
Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet — Rumford, RI
When variety is the mission, Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet delivers a sprawling lineup under one roof. Start at the sushi bar for simple rolls and fresh nigiri to set the tone. Then drift to hibachi, where cooks sear steak, shrimp, and veggies to your order with satisfying sizzle.
Chinese favorites are everywhere, from lo mein and General Tso’s to tender dumplings and sautéed greens. American comfort has a seat too, with fries, wings, and carved meats for picky eaters and kids. It is an easy pick for group nights when tastes diverge and everyone wants a different plate.
Take a strategy: small tastes first, then return for what truly hits. Finish with fruit, soft serve, or a few pastry bites if you have room. With friendly pricing and constant refills, it turns a casual dinner into a choose your own feast.
Hong Kong Buffet — Cranston, RI
Hong Kong Buffet is that familiar neighborhood spot where your favorites are always waiting. Expect crisp egg rolls, steaming fried rice, and lo mein that actually carries wok breath flavor. The sushi selection covers classics, letting you grab rolls between visits to the hot line.
There is comfort in the rotation of sesame chicken, broccoli beef, and peppery sautéed vegetables. You can build a plate that feels nostalgic or lean lighter with soups and greens. Portions are generous by design, so slow down and let each pass inform the next one.
Desserts keep things playful with puddings, cake squares, and fruit that refreshes after savory bites. Service moves quickly, which keeps trays replenished and lines short. For an easy weeknight or casual weekend lunch, it hits that dependable, delicious groove.
Royal Buffet — Cranston, RI
Royal Buffet leans into the classics you crave and serves them in a relaxed, family friendly room. The steam tables hold a reliable spread of dumplings, stir fries, noodles, and rice. Between rounds, the sushi counter keeps a flow of simple rolls for a fresh bite.
What makes it work is balance. You can assemble a plate of sweet and savory favorites without feeling weighed down, then reset with soup or greens. Kids find plenty to love, while grownups sneak in an extra helping of shrimp or crisp veggie dishes.
Save a moment for the dessert case where light cakes and fruit sit beside soft serve. It is value focused without skimping on the choices you actually want. When variety and ease are the priority, Royal Buffet earns the repeat visit.
Empire Buffet — Woonsocket, RI
Empire Buffet keeps things straightforward and satisfying for hungry diners up north. Trays are well stocked, portions generous, and the flow makes it easy to build a full plate fast. You can slide from crispy appetizers to saucy stir fries without missing a beat.
Seafood fans will find shrimp, fish fillets, and occasional specialties that rotate through the week. The standard favorites still shine, from fried rice and lo mein to dumplings and sautéed greens. It is the kind of place where the second plate tastes better because you finally know your favorites.
Comfort desserts cap things off with soft serve and bite sized sweets. Service keeps the stations moving and the dining room tidy. For a no fuss buffet that hits the spot, Empire Buffet is a reliable Woonsocket go to.
India Restaurant — Providence, RI
India Restaurant turns buffet dining into a fragrant, color drenched journey. Ladle rich curries like butter chicken and saag paneer, then brighten the plate with chutneys and pickles. Fluffy basmati anchors each bite while naan arrives warm and ready to swipe the last sauce.
Vegetarians eat especially well here, with dals, mixed vegetable curries, and seasonal specials. Tandoori items bring smoky depth, and biryani lands aromatic with whole spices. Everything tastes carefully seasoned, so even small portions feel deeply satisfying.
Finish sweet with kheer or gulab jamun, both gentle and comforting. You leave feeling nourished rather than stuffed, which is a rare buffet trick. For bold flavors and thoughtful options, this Providence favorite deserves a top spot on your list.
Sura Korean BBQ (Johnston) — Johnston, RI
Sura makes dinner an interactive event with all you can eat Korean BBQ and hot pot. Choose marinated beef, pork belly, and chicken, then grill at the table until edges caramelize. Between flips, nibble on kimchi, pickles, and crisp salads that cut through the richness.
Want variety beyond the grill. Add shabu shabu and simmer thin sliced meats and veggies in a bubbling broth. The mix keeps things fun and lets everyone build exactly the flavors they want without compromise.
Service is quick, and the kitchen keeps plates arriving before the grill cools. Finish with a warm rice bite and a last slice of marinated short rib. It is casual, lively, and perfect for groups that like to eat and play with their food.
Yumi Garden Buffet — Middletown, RI
Yumi Garden Buffet covers the bases with sushi, Chinese staples, and comfort sides that satisfy. Start with a few rolls and miso soup, then cruise the hot line for shrimp, noodles, and crisp chicken dishes. It is the kind of place where you can eat light or go hearty without overthinking.
Fried classics offer crunchy fun, while vegetable dishes and soups keep balance in check. Trays see steady turnover, which keeps textures lively and flavors fresh. When you want familiar favorites near the coast, this Middletown stop does the trick.
Finish with fruit, soft serve, or a mini pastry as a sweet sendoff. Friendly staff keep the dining room moving and tidy. For casual gatherings or a post beach appetite, Yumi makes it easy to fill a plate happily.
Hibachi Buffet — Warwick, RI
When you want a little of everything, Hibachi Buffet in Warwick aims to deliver. Over 200 items mean you can compose a dozen mini meals in one visit. Start with sushi and salad, then head to the grill where hibachi cooks sear proteins and vegetables to order.
The hot bar spans noodles, rice, sautéed greens, and crispy favorites for that comfort crunch. Carved meats and seafood rounds add heft, while soups reset your palate between passes. It is a crowd pleaser for mixed tastes and big appetites.
Dessert runs playful, from soft serve to cakes that tempt a final bite. Take small portions first and circle back for standouts. You leave satisfied and curious about what you missed, which is the best reason to return soon.
Cathay Garden — East Greenwich, RI
Cathay Garden leans classic in the best way, delivering comforting Chinese staples with reliable flavor. Expect steamy soups, fried rice with real wok aroma, and vegetables that keep their snap. The buffet format makes it easy to build plates that hit both nostalgia and satisfaction.
Fans return for sesame chicken, beef and broccoli, and shrimp dishes that feel generous. Between rounds, scoop a spoonful of hot and sour or egg drop to reset. Portions satisfy without overwhelming, which makes room for one more favorite.
Close with a slice of cake or refreshing fruit and call it a win. Service keeps trays replenished and tables cleared quickly. For family nights and easy lunches, Cathay Garden is a dependable East Greenwich go to.
Taste of India Restaurant — Providence, RI
Taste of India focuses on depth of flavor and satisfying variety. Ladle fragrant chicken tikka masala, scoop creamy dal, and add a bright spoon of mint chutney. Biryani brings floral basmati and warm spices, while naan arrives perfect for swiping every last drop.
Vegetarian choices shine with chana masala, mixed vegetable curries, and seasonal specials. Spice levels feel welcoming yet assertive, so you taste layers without being overwhelmed. It is an easy pick for a weekday lunch or a relaxed weekend feast.
Dessert leans classic with rice pudding and syrupy gulab jamun. You leave feeling fed and delighted, not weighed down. For a buffet that respects tradition and flavor, this Providence staple earns a spot on your must try list.
Rangoon Chinese Japanese Restaurant — Smithfield, RI
Rangoon blends Chinese comfort with Japanese touches for a best of both worlds buffet. Build a starter plate of sushi rolls and miso soup, then pivot to hot entrees for something heartier. Hibachi style offerings bring that grilled edge many crave.
You can mix textures easily, pairing crispy bites with saucy noodles or tender stir fry. The selection suits groups who want different plates without debate. Regulars appreciate the steady quality and easygoing dining room vibe.
End with fruit, mochi style sweets if available, or a petite cake square. Keep portions small, then return for favorites so nothing gets lost. For Smithfield diners, Rangoon is a convenient, tasty hybrid that satisfies varied cravings.
Grand Luncheon Buffet — Various Locations, RI
Grand Luncheon Buffet channels traditional American comfort with a generous, home style spread. Think roast meats at the carving station, mashed potatoes with gravy, and a lineup of vegetable sides. Soups and salads round out the plate so you can balance richness with freshness.
It hits that nostalgic note you crave on a chilly day or after a long week. Portions are hearty but you control the pace, building small plates that mix classics and sides. The atmosphere feels like a community gathering where everyone finds a favorite.
Dessert brings pies, puddings, and soft serve to finish on a sweet note. Grab coffee, share bites, and linger a bit longer than planned. When you want familiar flavors in abundance, this buffet delivers steady comfort across Rhode Island.
Waterman Grille — Providence, RI
Waterman Grille is not a daily buffet, but its special events make waves with seasonal abundance. Picture a raw bar glistening with local oysters, chilled shrimp, and bright sauces. Add salads that celebrate New England produce and carved meats cooked just right.
The riverside setting elevates everything, from the first plate to the final sip. You feel the Providence energy while savoring Rhode Island flavors done with finesse. It is a smart pick for holidays, brunch events, and celebratory nights with friends.
Desserts lean elegant, with petite tarts and cakes that invite a second glance. Check calendars for upcoming spreads, then book early. When the buffet pops up, it sells out fast because the quality matches the view.
Ever After in the Woods — Pop Up Collaborations
Ever After in the Woods signals collaborative pop ups that turn buffets into events. Think chefs joining forces for seafood towers, carved meats, and playful sides that change with the theme. The vibe is rustic chic, communal, and buzzing with energy.
Menus shift, so you get surprises alongside crowd pleasing staples. One night might highlight Rhode Island shellfish, another might lean comfort with smoked meats and seasonal salads. It is perfect for adventurous eaters who love discovery and shared plates.
Watch social feeds for dates, tickets, and menus, then bring friends who like to explore. Arrive early to snag favorites and circle back for seconds. When you want something memorable and limited, these pop ups deliver flavor and fun.
