Some of the best meals hide behind plain doors in busy shopping plazas. You walk in expecting an ordinary dinner, and suddenly you are staring at piles of snow crab legs, glistening oysters, and a sushi bar that seems to stretch forever.
That is exactly the kind of surprise waiting at one buffet in sunny California. If you love seafood and a little adventure on your plate, keep reading, because your next favorite dinner spot might be right here.
A Mission Valley Seafood Hall
Tucked along Camino del Rio South in San Diego’s Mission Valley, 100’s Seafood Grill Buffet sits at 2828 Camino del Rio S, just off the bustle of the freeway. From the outside, it looks like many other restaurants in the area.
Step inside, though, and the scale changes everything.
The place is a spacious Asian buffet with a strong seafood focus. Think all-you-can-eat sushi, hibachi cooking, carved meats, hot Chinese dishes, and a dessert station waiting at the end.
It is the kind of spot where one plate turns into three without much effort.
Locals treat it as a go-to when nobody can agree on dinner. Families, groups of friends, and couples all show up here for the same reason.
With so many choices under one roof, everybody leaves with something they loved, and usually with a plan to come back soon.
Hotel-Style Dining Room Glamour
Picture walking into a fancy hotel lobby, then realizing it is actually where you will eat dinner. Visitors often describe the interior that way, pointing to a pretty, polished look that feels more upscale than a typical buffet.
Chandeliers hang over some of the booths, adding a soft sparkle. The room is roomy, with plenty of seats spread across the floor, which helps the crowds feel a little less crowded.
Even big parties of eight or more can settle in comfortably.
One small tip from a frequent guest: the lighting can run on the darker side in some areas. If you like seeing every detail of your crab legs and sushi, ask for a booth beneath a chandelier.
It makes the meal brighter and photos look better too.
Either way, the setting adds a sense of occasion. Dinner here feels like a small event, not just a quick refill stop.
Snow Crab Legs on Repeat
Crack, pull, dip, repeat. That rhythm becomes the soundtrack of many meals here, because the crab legs are the headliner for a lot of guests.
Regulars say they are fresh, sweet, and full of flavor, and some insist the crab alone is worth the drive.
Snow crab is the star, and some diners also mention king crab legs on their plates. There is baked crab and fried crab as well, which visitors rave about as a fun twist on the classic steamed version.
To be fair, the crab is not perfect every single night. One frequent visitor noted that the legs are sometimes a bit overcooked or too salty.
Still, most people walk away happy, often with a small mountain of empty shells beside them.
Bring patience, grab extra napkins, and go back for seconds. Nobody is counting here.
The Raw Bar and Fresh Oysters
Cold, briny, and served on a bed of ice, the oysters pull plenty of seafood fans straight to the raw bar. Guests describe the selection as looking fresh, with oysters sitting right alongside the snow crab as a highlight of the seafood station.
Nearby, you will find mussels, shrimp, and other chilled treats. There is also a lineup of salads and Chinese cold appetizers, so you can build a refreshing plate before heading to the hot dishes.
Not a raw food person? No problem.
Plenty of diners skip the raw bar entirely and still leave stuffed, thanks to cooked mussels gratin and other baked options.
One oyster lover did wish for more variety, like smaller species. That small wish shows how much people care about this part of the buffet.
When a crowd starts debating oyster sizes, you know the raw bar is doing something right.
Sushi, Sashimi, and Secret Requests
Here is a fun secret many first-timers miss. According to one guest, you can ask the sushi station staff for sea urchin, also known as uni, and they may even make a fresh tuna hand roll on request.
These special items are reportedly limited to once per visit, so choose wisely.
Beyond the hidden treats, the regular sushi lineup earns tons of love. Expect assorted rolls and fresh sashimi, with all-you-can-eat salmon being a big crowd-pleaser.
There is also a DIY poke bowl area, where you pick your favorite toppings and build your own creation. Regulars mention it as something they enjoy every single visit.
Did you know? Sashimi simply means thinly sliced raw fish served without rice, while sushi always includes seasoned rice.
Now you can impress your table while you load up on both.
Cajun Crawfish and Shrimp Boil Flavor
Spice lovers, this one is for you. The Cajun-style seafood boil might be the messiest and most satisfying corner of the whole buffet.
Crawfish, clams, and shrimp come coated in bold seasoning that guests keep praising. One family says they visit specifically when craving the seasoned crawfish.
Another diner called the shrimp boil amazing and full of flavor, and someone else simply could not stop talking about the Cajun shrimp.
Many people admit they had to return for a second plate. That says a lot at a place with this many options competing for attention.
A quick heads-up: peeling crawfish takes a little practice. Twist the tail away from the head, pinch the end, and the meat slides right out.
Once you get the hang of it, you may find yourself peeling faster than the person next to you. Keep a napkin handy for those spicy fingers.
Prime Rib in a Seafood Palace
Yes, a seafood buffet with a carving station. It sounds surprising, yet the prime rib has become one of the most talked-about dishes in the room.
Guests describe it as freshly carved, tender, and well seasoned. One diner was thrilled that it came out rare and juicy, with au jus served on the side.
Others mention peppered beef and freshly carved steak as part of the meaty lineup.
For anyone at the table who does not love seafood, this station is a lifesaver. They can stack up beef while everyone else cracks crab legs.
There is also roast duck served with steamed buns, plus Peking duck that one guest said you absolutely must try. Between the beef and the duck, meat fans have plenty to celebrate.
It turns the buffet into a true surf and turf feast, all for one price.
Made-to-Order Hibachi and Mongolian Stir-Fry
Sizzle, smoke, and a quick flip of the spatula. Watching your food cook right in front of you adds a little show to dinner.
At the grill area, guests choose a base and their proteins, then staff cook everything fresh. Diners describe it as made-to-order Mongolian stir-fry, and one guest who stuck to cooked foods called the hibachi delicious.
Freshness is a big theme here. Visitors notice staff preparing many items right in front of them, and food keeps coming out quickly so nothing sits around too long.
This station is great for picky eaters too. You control exactly what goes in the bowl, from vegetables to meats to sauces.
Kids especially love pointing at ingredients and watching the cook work. It is a small bit of fun that makes the visit feel personal, even in such a large, busy room.
Comfort Classics from Dim Sum to Orange Chicken
Sometimes all you want is a plate of familiar favorites. The hot food line delivers, with Cantonese dim sum, Chinese hot dishes, and crowd-pleasers like orange chicken.
One guest loved the orange chicken so much they wanted to take some home. Another named the shrimp chow mein as their favorite bite of the night.
Small hits like cucumber salad also earn shout-outs.
Soup fans have choices too. Options include miso seafood tofu soup, Chinese seafood soup, and creamy clam chowder.
There is even red snapper available at a self-serve station, plus a huge salad bar and fresh fruit. Younger diners can find fries and chicken nuggets, and vegetarians have a few picks like veggie spring rolls and tofu.
Honestly, the hardest part is choosing where to start. Many guests joke that there are too many items to try in one sitting.
Gelato, Creme Brulee, and Sweet Endings
Save room. Seriously.
The dessert station waits patiently at the end, and it has more to offer than you might guess.
Gelato gets a lot of attention, along with hand-churned ice cream that one family especially enjoyed. Cakes, cookies, and pastries round out the spread.
A surprise hit is the creme brulee. Several guests mention it as a favorite, with one calling it the best dessert in the whole lineup.
That crackly caramel top is hard to resist after a salty seafood feast.
Opinions on sweets do vary, though. A few diners feel the desserts could be stronger compared to the main dishes.
Still, even skeptics usually find at least one treat worth grabbing. A scoop of gelato with fresh fruit makes a light, refreshing finish.
Think of it as a cool reward for all that crab cracking.
Who Feels at Home Here
Birthday dinners, promotions, monthly family nights. People bring all kinds of celebrations through these doors.
One family visits almost every month because everyone can find something to enjoy. Another group chose it to celebrate a niece’s promotion and called it a great pick.
Couples, friends, and big parties all fit right in.
Service gets frequent praise. Guests notice staff constantly clearing finished plates, offering refills, and keeping tables clean.
Many say the team makes them feel welcome. A few visitors have had less friendly moments, but attentive service is the common story.
Not every visit has been smooth. Some guests have reported occasional off days, including empty trays or seafood that seemed below standard.
Most diners, however, describe consistent freshness. Military members, veterans, and seniors can also ask about discounts, which makes the experience even friendlier for those groups.
Hours, Prices, and Smart Timing
Plan ahead and your visit gets much easier. Doors open at 4 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and at noon on Saturday and Sunday.
Every day it closes at 9 PM, and it stays closed on Tuesdays.
Expect to pay around $40 to $50 per person. Guests report roughly $44 for adults on weekends, with weekend pricing slightly higher.
Thursday is lobster night, which costs a bit more, and one regular warns the half lobsters can run out fast. Drinks and sodas are not included, so ask before ordering.
Crowds build on weekends, with waits around 20 to 40 minutes. Arriving right at opening helps with seating and parking, since the lot fills quickly.
Reservations are recommended by some guests. For questions, call +1 619-906-4886 or visit 100sbuffet.com before you go.
Final Thoughts Before You Grab a Plate
So, is it worth the trip? For seafood lovers who want variety without ordering a dozen separate dishes, the answer leans strongly toward yes.
Snow crab legs, fresh oysters, Cajun crawfish, sushi, prime rib, and gelato all share one roof. Many guests point to the value, saying the quality and range feel generous for today’s dining prices.
Plenty of regulars come back again and again.
It is not flawless. Weekend lines can stretch, and a few visits have fallen short.
Going early, picking a well-lit booth, and checking drink prices can help your experience go smoothly.
Still, the overall feeling is happy and full. Come hungry, pace yourself, and save a corner of your stomach for creme brulee.
By the time you leave, you might already be planning which station you will hit first next time. That is the mark of a buffet done well.
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