Unearth The Voyage
Hungry for comfort food that does not skimp on portions or flavor? Rhode Island’s buffet scene delivers heaping plates, cozy vibes, and the kind of home-style cooking that feels like Sunday at grandma’s. You will find everything from sizzling hibachi to saucy barbecue, golden fried seafood, and fragrant curries. Come with an appetite and leave with a new list of favorites to revisit again and again.
1. The Nordic – Charlestown
You come here for excess done right. The Nordic piles on king crab legs, lobster claws, and prime rib carved to order, all presented like a feast you dreamed up as a kid. The dining room feels like a rustic lodge, and the staff keeps everything hot, replenished, and surprisingly polished.
Grab classic sides like buttery corn, creamy mashed potatoes, and crisp salads that actually crunch back. Desserts lean big too, from decadent cakes to soft serve crowned with candy. Plan ahead, because reservations and a healthy appetite are essential if you want to do this spread justice.
Prices sit higher than average, but the quality and portions make it feel worth the splurge. Pace yourself, sip water, then circle back for favorites. When you leave full and happy, you will understand why people make this a yearly tradition.
2. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet – Warwick
This Warwick favorite is where you load a plate and somehow still find room for one more bite. Expect sizzling hibachi, a sushi lineup that moves quickly, and a long hot bar with General Tso’s, lo mein, and comfort staples like mac and cheese. It’s casual, loud, and easy for groups who want variety.
Go for the grill first so your custom plate comes out hot and smoky. Then explore the dumplings, pepper shrimp, and garlicky greens that get replenished fast. Kids love the dessert station and soft serve while adults appreciate the steady flow of fresh trays.
Weekends can get crowded, so arrive early for the best selection. Service is efficient and friendly without hovering. You will roll out satisfied, already planning what you will try on your next plate.
3. Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet – Rumford (East Providence)
If you crave dependable variety, this Rumford spot delivers comfort on repeat. The hibachi cooks crank out smoky noodles and tender steak while the sushi station keeps simple rolls coming. Hot trays rotate through crowd pleasers like honey chicken, salt and pepper shrimp, and veggie stir fry.
Fill your plate with a balance of crisp, saucy, and fried so you do not burn out early. The buffet stays tidy, and staff quickly clear tables, which helps when dining with kids. Prices are reasonable for how many choices you get.
Look for seasonal additions, especially during holidays when the kitchen brings extra proteins. Dessert is straightforward but sweet tooth approved, with cupcakes and soft serve. You will leave content, warmed by familiar flavors that feel like weeknight comfort.
4. Royal Buffet – Cranston
Royal Buffet leans classic, with polished service and a lineup that keeps regulars coming back. You will find crispy chicken wings, beef with broccoli, and a seafood corner that is better than expected at this price. The salad bar is fresh and the soup station usually has a soothing broth.
Start with the roast meats and a spoonful of garlicky string beans. Pace yourself so you can sample the sesame balls and egg tarts later. Portions are yours to control, but the trays invite generous scoops and second passes.
It works well for birthday dinners or casual celebrations where variety matters. Weeknight dinners can be pleasantly calm compared to weekends. You will leave knowing you got value and satisfying flavors without fuss.
5. Empire Buffet – Woonsocket
Empire Buffet feels like a neighborhood standby where big appetites meet friendly prices. Expect golden fried shrimp, peppery chicken, and a few steamed options that keep things lighter. The space is bright, the booths are comfy, and the trays move fast on busy nights.
Grab a plate of lo mein for the table to share, then build your own mix of spicy and sweet. The fried rice is reliably fluffy, and the dumplings taste better with a splash of vinegar and chili oil. Dessert is cheerful, with fresh fruit and soft serve.
Service is quick to refill drinks and clear plates, which keeps the flow easy. It is a practical pick when you want homestyle cooking without spending a fortune. You will leave full, content, and happy to return with friends.
6. Umami Buffet – Middletown
Down the road from Newport, Umami Buffet offers a roomy dining area and a broad mix of Asian and American comfort foods. You will see hibachi flame shows, sushi rolls with bright rice, and trays of coconut shrimp and black pepper chicken. It is a relaxed, family friendly spot that keeps portions generous.
Try the miso soup and a few nigiri pieces to start light. Then pivot to hot plates and a heap of green beans to balance out crispy bites. Weekend nights bring special items, so check the lineup before committing your plate space.
Staff stays attentive and the room feels airy, which helps during busier hours. Dessert includes cakes, fruit, and a soft serve machine that is fun for kids. You will leave satisfied, especially after a day exploring Aquidneck Island.
7. Hong Kong Buffet – Cranston
Hong Kong Buffet keeps things straightforward and comforting. Expect sweet and sour chicken, pepper steak, and chow mein that tastes like takeout classics. The buffet line is long, the dining room is bright, and you can get in and out quickly on a lunch break.
Go for the crab rangoons, then add sautéed greens for balance. The soups rotate, but hot and sour usually hits the spot. Portions run hearty, so it is easy to assemble a plate that feels like a home cooked feast.
Prices are fair, especially at lunch, and service is efficient. Dessert is simple but works when you need a final sweet bite. You will walk out full, satisfied, and already eyeing your next favorite combo.
8. India Restaurant (Weekend Buffet) – Providence
On weekends, India Restaurant rolls out a buffet that feels cozy and abundant. You will find creamy tikka masala, hearty chana, and smoky tandoori chicken fresh from the clay oven. The room smells like cardamom, cumin, and buttered naan, and the vibe is relaxed.
Start with a ladle of mulligatawny, then scoop rice and a few curries for a satisfying plate. The vegetarian choices shine, especially palak paneer and aloo dishes. Staff replenish naan frequently, which matters when scooping those last drops of sauce.
Save space for kheer or gulab jamun so you finish on a sweet, nostalgic note. Spice levels are approachable, and you can add heat with chutneys. You will leave warmed and content, ready for a late afternoon stroll down the avenue.
9. Taste of India (Weekend Buffet) – Providence
This weekend buffet focuses on vibrant, home style Indian dishes that feel soulful. Expect fragrant biryani, butter chicken, and veggie favorites like baingan bharta and dal makhani. The dining room is cheerful and staff are quick with naan refills.
Start mild, then add bolder curries as you go so your palate stays awake. Chutneys and pickles line the edge, perfect for brightness and heat. Portions can be as generous as you want, making it great for a slow, leisurely lunch.
Do not miss the dessert corner with kheer and halwa for a warm, sweet finish. Prices are fair for quality and variety. You will leave satisfied and cozy, feeling like you just visited a friend’s kitchen.
10. Cathay Garden Buffet – East Greenwich
Cathay Garden keeps a steady rotation of classics that taste like weeknight comfort. You will find roast pork, sesame chicken, and sturdy vegetable sides that hold their texture. The salad bar and soup station add a lighter touch when you need it.
Build a plate with fried rice and crisp green beans for balance. The kitchen does a nice job with timing so trays stay hot and fresh. Service is friendly and quick, which helps when you are dining with little ones.
Prices are reasonable, and parking is easy in this part of town. Dessert is simple yet satisfying, with fruit and soft serve as reliable closers. You will leave content and ready to come back on a busy weeknight.
11. Sura Korean BBQ Buffet – Johnston
Sura brings an all you can eat Korean BBQ experience that feels festive and interactive. You grill marinated bulgogi, pork belly, and spicy chicken right at the table while staff keep banchan coming. The vibe is upbeat, with sizzling platters and happy chatter filling the room.
Start with a simple spread of kimchi, pickled radish, and lettuce wraps. Then rotate proteins so nothing overcooks, and add steamed rice or noodles for heft. Sauces matter here, so try the sesame oil salt and gochujang for layered flavor.
It is a generous feast, perfect for groups who like to linger and share. Save a little room for soft serve or mochi ice cream if offered. You will leave smoky, satisfied, and planning your next grill lineup.
12. Curry Kitchen (Buffet) – Lincoln
Curry Kitchen’s buffet feels intimate and homey, like you stumbled into a family gathering. You will find rotating curries, often including chicken curry, paneer, chana, and a seasonal vegetable. The naan is soft and slightly charred, perfect for scooping every last drop.
Start with soup and a small plate to gauge spice, then build up to richer dishes. The rice stays fluffy, and the pickles add brightness without overwhelming heat. Portions are easy to control, which helps you sample widely without overdoing it.
Staff are warm and attentive, and the pace is relaxed. Desserts are classic, usually kheer or a syrupy sweet like gulab jamun. You will leave satisfied and comforted, carrying that cozy, homestyle glow.
13. Rangoon Chinese & Japanese Buffet – Smithfield
Rangoon offers a broad, crowd pleasing mix with both Chinese classics and Japanese staples. Expect sushi rolls, hibachi items, and a deep bench of hot dishes like black pepper chicken and sautéed greens. The room is bright and organized, making it easy to navigate during busy hours.
Start with miso soup and a few fresh rolls, then build a plate of stir fry and noodles. The kitchen replenishes quickly, so food stays hot and crisp. Portions come naturally generous when you are tempted by everything in sight.
Save time for dessert, especially if you like fruit and soft serve swirls. Staff clear plates fast and keep drinks filled with a smile. You will leave content and ready to return with a bigger appetite.
