Unearth The Voyage
Think buffets are predictable? North Dakota is about to change your mind. From casino-side carving stations to hidden mini-buffets focused on scratch-made comfort food, these spots deliver surprising quality and variety. Whether you’re hunting for sizzling Mongolian grills, all-you-can-eat sushi, or homestyle breakfast spreads, the state’s buffet scene goes far beyond the usual steam-table routine. Come hungry – you’ll leave impressed.
1. Feast of the Rock, Fort Yates
Inside Prairie Knights Casino and Resort, Feast of the Rock elevates breakfast buffet expectations with homestyle warmth and precision. Fluffy pancakes arrive golden and fragrant, while crispy bacon balances salty crunch with just the right chew. The omelet station hustles, whisking fresh eggs with a rotation of peppers, onions, ham, and cheese. You’ll find biscuits and gravy that taste like Sunday at grandma’s, plus seasonal fruit and yogurt for lighter starts. Coffee flows freely, and service keeps plates moving without rush. It’s comfort-forward, consistent, and surprisingly refined for an early-day feast on the prairie.
2. Super Buffet, Fargo
Super Buffet in Fargo is a crowd-pleaser for lovers of Chinese classics and variety. Lo mein strands glisten with soy-sesame sheen, while fried rice stays fluffy and dotted with egg and vegetables. The sushi bar rotates fresh rolls, from crunchy tempura to avocado-salmon staples. General Tso’s packs a sweet-spicy punch without sogginess, and steamed dumplings stay tender. Kids gravitate to honey chicken and soft-serve, while adventurous diners scoop up peppered squid or sautéed greens. Service is quick, tables turn smoothly, and pricing feels fair for the generous selection. Expect reliable flavor, quick refills, and lots of choice.
3. Izumi Japanese Restaurant, Fargo
Izumi’s all-you-can-eat format focuses on made-to-order freshness rather than chafing dishes. You mark rolls, nigiri, and small plates; the kitchen sends them out crisp and precise. Tempura lands light, with a satisfying crackle, while salmon nigiri arrives cool and buttery. Beyond sushi, you’ll find gyoza, teriyaki, and miso soup that’s umami-rich. The dining room’s calm, modern vibe keeps the pace relaxed, encouraging lingering and sampling. Portions are right-sized to reduce waste, and servers help you sequence orders smartly. It’s a great way to explore sushi without buffet fatigue – and the quality outpaces expectations.
4. China Town Buffet, Bismarck
A Bismarck staple, China Town Buffet thrives on consistency and familiar flavors done right. Egg rolls crackle without excess grease, while fried rice keeps its texture and savory balance. You’ll find sweet and sour chicken bright and glossy, with pineapple pops and crisp peppers. The hot-and-sour soup leans peppery, great on cold days, and noodles stay bouncy rather than clumped. Rotating options keep regulars curious, and the clean, efficient dining room makes quick family meals easy. Staff refresh trays often, so dishes taste hot and fresh. It’s dependable, affordable comfort – and a satisfying midweek fix.
5. Panda Buffet, Grand Forks
Panda Buffet delivers a lively mix of Chinese favorites plus a Mongolian BBQ station that steals the show. Load your bowl with noodles, shaved beef, mushrooms, and chili oil, then watch it sizzle to order. The main line covers classics – sesame chicken, green beans with garlic, and egg drop soup that’s silky. Sushi rolls rotate for variety, with cucumber, crab, and occasional spicy tuna. Dessert brings fruit, soft-serve, and sweet buns. Service keeps tables clear and drinks topped. It’s a fun, customizable experience where the grill smoke and clatter add theater to satisfying, fast-casual dining.
6. Do Eat Asian Cuisine, Minot
Do Eat Asian Cuisine blends Chinese, Thai, and Japanese influences into a broad, flavorful buffet. Think orange chicken beside basil-studded stir-fries, miso soup, and the occasional sushi roll. Spice levels vary, with optional chili pastes for heat seekers. Noodles stay springy, curries lean creamy, and vegetables retain snap. The room is casual and clean, ideal for groups wanting variety without fuss. Staff rotate dishes frequently, so turnover keeps flavors fresh. Prices are reasonable, and the range makes it easy to craft balanced plates – crunchy, saucy, and bright. It’s a one-stop tour of pan-Asian comfort.
7. Cache Marketplace, New Town
Inside 4 Bears Casino & Lodge, Cache Marketplace takes a mini-buffet approach that emphasizes quality over sheer volume. Expect roasted chicken with crisp skin, creamy mashed potatoes, and seasonal vegetables that taste freshly prepped. Portions are thoughtfully sized, reducing waste and keeping turnover quick. The comfort-food focus suits families and gamers grabbing a satisfying meal between events. Service is friendly, seating is easy, and the line stays tidy. While the spread is smaller than mega buffets, execution is dependable and flavors are straightforward. It’s an understated, well-run stop that punches above its weight.
8. Dakotah Buffet, Mahnomen (Spirit Lake Casino)
Though just over the border, Dakotah Buffet serves many North Dakota travelers at Spirit Lake Casino with a lively, generous spread. Carved meats and fresh seafood headline, offering prime rib slices, peel-and-eat shrimp, and rotating fish entrees. The atmosphere buzzes from the gaming floor, yet service remains attentive and efficient. Sides skew classic American – buttery rolls, potatoes, and greens – while desserts include cakes and soft-serve. Value is strong, especially on themed nights. It’s a destination buffet that rewards the drive with big flavors and abundant choice, ideal for groups seeking variety without sacrificing quality.
9. Golden Phoenix Buffet, Dickinson
Golden Phoenix surprises with balanced seasoning and tidy presentation that elevate familiar Chinese-American staples. Chicken dishes arrive crisp, not soggy, and sauces lean savory over syrupy. The buffet keeps portions modest and refreshed, maintaining heat and texture. Expect reliable lo mein, garlicky green beans, and wonton soup with clean broth. Lunch crowds move smoothly, and dinner adds a few upgraded dishes. Staff are attentive with refills and plate clears. Prices feel fair, making it a comfortable go-to for families. It’s a quietly competent buffet that focuses on fundamentals – and it shows on the plate.
10. Mandarin Garden Buffet, Jamestown
Mandarin Garden’s buffet leans on freshness and steady turnover, a boon in a smaller market. You’ll find dependable crab rangoons, pepper steak with tender slices, and fried rice that isn’t greasy. The salad bar adds crunch and color, while simple sushi rolls appear during busier times. Service is friendly, quick to bus tables and check drinks. Desserts are modest but satisfying – think oranges, pudding, and soft-serve. It’s a family-friendly, no-drama option that punches above expectations by keeping flavors clean and the line well-tended. Great for casual group dinners or quick weekday refueling.
11. Buffet House, Devils Lake
Tucked away in Devils Lake, Buffet House is a local gem serving dependable Chinese-American classics in a casual, no-frills setting. Expect staples like lo mein, sesame chicken, and egg drop soup, all kept hot and replenished frequently. The buffet rotates its options throughout the week, offering variety for repeat diners.
Guests appreciate the balanced flavors – fried rice stays fluffy, and entrees avoid the common trap of being overly sauced or sweet. The space is tidy, service is attentive, and pricing is gentle on the wallet. For travelers and locals alike, it’s an easy choice for quick, comforting eats that don’t skimp on freshness.
12. Grand Buffet, Williston
Grand Buffet in Williston earns high marks for its sheer variety and satisfying flavors. Combining Chinese, Japanese, and a touch of American classics, it’s the kind of buffet where picky eaters and adventurous diners both find something to love.
Lo mein and fried dumplings headline the Chinese side, while sushi rolls and miso soup add a lighter contrast. Teriyaki chicken hits the sweet-savory spot, and the hibachi grill adds made-to-order appeal. Desserts range from fruit to fried donuts and soft-serve. Staff keep the pace brisk and the trays well-stocked, making it a go-to for lunch breaks and family dinners.
