Unearth The Voyage
North Carolina’s coastline stretches over 300 miles, bringing fresh catches straight from the Atlantic to your plate. When locals want to feast on shrimp, crab legs, oysters, and fried fish without limits, they head to these beloved all-you-can-eat spots. From the sandy shores of the Outer Banks to inland cities like Raleigh and Greensboro, these buffets have earned their reputation through generous portions, quality seafood, and prices that won’t break the bank.
1. Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet in Kitty Hawk (Outer Banks)
Visitors to the Outer Banks have been making pilgrimages to Jimmy’s for decades, and once you see the buffet line, you’ll understand why. The restaurant’s claim to fame rests on its jaw-dropping variety: more than 100 items rotate through the steam tables daily.
Multiple types of crab legs sit alongside lobster specials, creating a shellfish lover’s paradise. Fried flounder, shrimp prepared six different ways, and oysters on the half shell round out the seafood selection.
Families appreciate that Jimmy’s caters to picky eaters too, with chicken tenders and pizza available. The atmosphere stays casual and beachy, perfect after a long day building sandcastles or surfing the Atlantic waves.
2. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant in Kill Devil Hills (Outer Banks)
Captain George’s reputation stretches up and down the East Coast, and the Kill Devil Hills location brings that same legendary abundance to OBX vacationers. This outpost serves up a massive all-you-can-eat spread during the busy summer season.
Snow crab clusters, steamed shrimp, and scallops headline the hot bar. The salad station offers fresh greens and sides, while the dessert table tempts with homemade pies and soft-serve ice cream.
One important tip: Captain George’s operates on seasonal hours, so always call ahead before driving over. Locals know to arrive early on weekend evenings to avoid the longest waits. The investment pays off when you’re cracking your third round of crab legs.
3. Rockin’ Crab Seafood Bar in Fayetteville
Fayetteville’s seafood scene got a major upgrade in 2024 when Rockin’ Crab launched its dedicated all-you-can-eat buffet. The restaurant offers both lunch and dinner pricing, making it easier to fit a seafood feast into any schedule or budget.
Expect to find golden-brown crab cakes stacked high, crispy fried fish filets, and generous portions of their signature seafood boils. The boils typically feature shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes tossed in flavorful Cajun seasoning.
Beyond the classics, the line rotates daily specials like blackened mahi-mahi and garlic butter mussels. Military families stationed at Fort Liberty appreciate the convenient location and the chance to enjoy coastal flavors without the two-hour drive to the beach.
4. Seafest Seafood Buffet in Carolina Beach
Here’s where things get interesting: Seafest shares the same address as Fins, and over the years, the restaurant has changed names and management more than once. Some online listings still show Seafest, while others reference Fins exclusively.
The safest approach? Call the phone number before you make the trip to confirm which name is currently active and what’s on the menu that day. The core concept remains consistent: a Calabash-style seafood buffet with fried favorites and steamed options.
Regulars who’ve been visiting Carolina Beach for years remember the restaurant under various names but agree the quality has stayed solid. Whether you find it listed as Seafest or Fins, you’re in for a satisfying all-you-can-eat experience just blocks from the ocean.
5. Hibachi Grill Buffet in Wilmington (New Location)
Wilmington’s newest buffet arrival combines the excitement of hibachi grills with an extensive selection that includes plenty of seafood. The restaurant opened recently and has already attracted a loyal following thanks to its nightly variety.
Shrimp appears in multiple forms: tempura-battered, stir-fried with vegetables, and grilled with garlic butter. Fish fillets, mussels, and crab rangoon round out the ocean offerings.
The hibachi station lets diners customize their plates with protein and vegetable combinations cooked to order. Families enjoy the mix-and-match approach, where kids can stick to chicken fried rice while parents load up on seafood. The fresh, clean atmosphere and attentive staff make the new spot feel welcoming from the moment you walk through the door.
6. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet in Raleigh (Capital Blvd. area)
Capital Boulevard’s buffet scene wouldn’t be complete without this local favorite, known for delivering massive variety at prices that make your wallet happy. The Chinese and seafood combination draws crowds from across Raleigh’s northeast side.
Shellfish lovers find plenty to celebrate: steamed clams, mussels in garlic sauce, and mountains of boiled shrimp. The hibachi grill adds theater to the meal, with flames leaping as chefs prepare custom stir-fries.
Weekend dinner service brings out special items like crab legs and oysters. The restaurant’s size means even on busy nights, the buffet stays well-stocked and fresh. Locals appreciate that you can sample a bit of everything without committing to a single cuisine type or price point.
7. Asian Delight Buffet in Raleigh (Fayetteville Rd.)
Asian Delight makes a bold promise with its advertising: premium seafood alongside classic Chinese buffet favorites. The restaurant backs up that claim with a sushi bar that churns out fresh rolls throughout service.
Salmon nigiri, tuna sashimi, and creative specialty rolls give raw-fish enthusiasts plenty of options. The hot bar complements with shrimp tempura, salt-and-pepper calamari, and grilled tilapia.
Hibachi stations allow customization, so you can load your plate with scallops, shrimp, and vegetables for a made-to-order stir-fry. The Fayetteville Road location serves South Raleigh’s growing population, offering a convenient spot for families and date nights. Dessert includes soft-serve ice cream and traditional Chinese sweets like sesame balls and egg custard tarts.
8. Ichiban Grill Supreme Buffet in Greensboro (Gate City Blvd.)
Greensboro’s Gate City Boulevard hosts this expansive buffet where sushi rolls, shellfish, and rotating seafood trays create a paradise for anyone who loves variety. Online reviewers consistently mention the shrimp and crab offerings as highlights worth the trip.
The sushi bar produces California rolls, Philadelphia rolls, and creative house specials throughout service. Hot seafood options include coconut shrimp, steamed mussels, and stir-fried calamari.
Crab legs appear during peak dinner hours and weekends, though calling ahead confirms availability. The restaurant’s size impresses first-time visitors: multiple buffet islands ensure you never have to wait long to refill your plate. Families appreciate the kid-friendly selections like chicken nuggets and mac-and-cheese that sit alongside more adventurous seafood choices.
9. Osaka Sushi & Hibachi in Greenville
East Carolina University students and Greenville families have made Osaka their go-to spot when buffet cravings strike. The sushi and hibachi combination delivers fresh seafood in multiple preparations, from raw rolls to sizzling grill plates.
Shrimp appears everywhere: in sushi rolls, on hibachi grills, and fried in tempura batter. Fish options vary but typically include salmon, tuna, and white fish prepared multiple ways.
The made-to-order hibachi station stands out, letting you watch as chefs toss vegetables and seafood on smoking-hot grills. Soy sauce, ginger, and wasabi accompany the sushi bar’s offerings. The casual atmosphere works equally well for quick lunches between classes or leisurely weekend dinners. Prices stay reasonable, especially for the quality and variety you receive.
10. Tsukiro Japanese Restaurant in Jacksonville
Tsukiro breaks the traditional buffet mold by offering an order-all-you-want system instead of steam table trays. Diners mark items on a paper menu, and the kitchen prepares each round fresh to order.
The concept shines for sushi lovers: you can try every roll on the menu without waste or worry. Seafood dominates the offerings, from spicy tuna and salmon nigiri to creative specialty rolls packed with shrimp tempura and crab.
Hibachi sides like stir-fried vegetables and fried rice complement the sushi selections. Jacksonville’s proximity to Camp Lejeune brings military families who appreciate the unlimited dining format at fixed prices. The ordering system ensures everything arrives fresh and hot, eliminating the concern about how long food has been sitting under heat lamps.
11. Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet Featured in OBX Tourism Guides
When tourism websites and travel bloggers compile their must-visit Outer Banks dining recommendations, Jimmy’s Seafood Buffet consistently tops the list. The restaurant’s reputation has spread far beyond locals to become a destination for vacationers planning their OBX trips.
OuterBanksVacations.com and similar resources highlight Jimmy’s as the go-to all-you-can-eat seafood feast, praising both the variety and the value. The recognition speaks to decades of consistent quality and generous portions.
First-time visitors often discover Jimmy’s through these roundups, then become repeat customers who return every vacation. The restaurant’s staying power in a competitive tourist market proves that locals and visitors agree: when you want to eat seafood until you’re stuffed, Jimmy’s delivers every single time.
