7 Buffets in New Jersey Diners That Locals Keep Coming Back To

Here’s the thing about buffets in New Jersey: they’re not just about plates piled high, or arguing with yourself about whether a fourth trip to the dessert table constitutes a cry for help. They’re about feeling like you found some delicious secret handshake; something only people who really live here know.

Every regular has a story about their spot, and let’s be honest: there’s no shame in loving a place where the waitstaff knows you by your salmon serving size. If you’ve ever mourned the end of unlimited brunch or found yourself planning road trips around that one legendary dumpling, then you know what I’m talking about.

These seven buffets aren’t just restaurants; they’re rituals, and I’d bet your last crab leg you’ll find yourself coming back for seconds, too. Grab your stretchy pants, text your foodie friend, and let’s get real about New Jersey’s best kept buffet secrets.

1. Raku AYCE Sushi & Japanese Buffet, Cherry Hill

Tell me you’ve never been tempted by unlimited sushi and I’ll show you someone who has never stood in Raku’s glowing doorway on a Friday night. You walk in and the first thing that hits you isn’t the smell of wasabi or miso; it’s how happy everyone looks, like they just discovered how to time travel to Tokyo for dinner. The staff greets you like you’re family, not just another person with questionable chopstick skills.

Every order is made fresh, so you skip the sad, soggy rolls and instead get plates that could star in their own Netflix food special. My friend once tried to out-eat his teenage son here and ended up declaring defeat after the fourth round. The vibe? Relaxed, a little giddy, and totally unpretentious.

Raku’s menu has everything from delicate nigiri to deep-fried comfort. Bonus: Your wallet won’t cry at the end. Locals know the secret is to book ahead, especially on weekends. It’s the kind of place that turns first-timers into regulars, and regulars into sushi evangelists.

2. Borgata Buffet, Atlantic City

You know how some people go to Atlantic City for the slots? I go for the pancakes and shrimp cocktail at Borgata Buffet. There’s a running joke that you can spot a seasoned local by the way they navigate the dessert station: no panic, just quiet confidence.

The breakfast buffet here has built a reputation as the only reason to set an alarm on your vacation. Imagine starting your day with fresh omelets, smoked salmon, pastries that actually taste like butter, and bacon that makes you rethink your life priorities. If you’re a night owl, the dinner spread delivers everything from crab legs to prime rib.

It’s almost a rite of passage to bring family for Sunday brunch. Everyone finds their thing, whether it’s the kid with pancakes or your aunt eyeing the cheesecake. The only downside? You’ll probably need a nap before noon. But honestly, that’s half the fun.

3. Di Paolo’s Italian Ristorante, Penns Grove

My cousin calls Di Paolo’s the “Sunday sanctuary,” and honestly, she’s not wrong. People come here for brunch, but they stay for the chance to watch Nonna scold her grandkids at the table next to yours. There’s something endearing about a place that looks like it’s been hosting family reunions since the ’60s (it opened in 1988, but you get the vibe).

The buffet centers around a carving station, where filet mignon waits for its moment of glory. There’s also made-to-order omelets, and the kind of tiramisu that makes you consider moving to Penns Grove. The staff treats everyone like a local, even if you’re new in town.

Brunch here is an event, not a meal. Best part? It somehow feels both fancy and totally relaxed. You leave with a full stomach and at least one new story to tell. And maybe a cannoli for the road, because who’s judging?

4. Mount Holly International Buffet, Mount Holly

Ever wondered how many cuisines you can taste in one meal before questioning your life decisions? Mount Holly International Buffet invites you to find out. The sheer number of options (over 350, last I counted) makes you feel like you’re traveling the world with just a plate and a fork.

Snow crab legs on one side, bubbling hibachi on the other, and a sushi station smack in the middle. It’s almost overwhelming, but in the best “kid-in-a-candy-store” kind of way. One local told me he’s never actually tried everything, despite decades of loyal visits.

Bring a friend who loves to debate the merits of fried rice versus lo mein. The setting? Casual, lively, and big enough for soccer teams or solo eaters who just want peace and a third helping of dumplings. No judgment, only joy.

5. Fortune Buffet, Toms River

There are days when you just need comfort, and Fortune Buffet delivers a little slice of it every time. Locals love it for the friendly staff and the fact that you can spot three generations of the same family debating over which dumpling reigns supreme. Grandparents, toddlers, and everyone in between finds something to love here.

Seafood fans rave about how fresh everything tastes: from the peel-and-eat shrimp to the made-to-order hibachi. There’s always a birthday being celebrated with an enthusiastic round of “Happy Birthday” and maybe a sparkler or two.

The space is spotless, which feels increasingly rare these days. The vibe? Welcoming but never fussy. One regular told me her best conversations with her teenagers happened over sushi and fried rice here, and honestly, isn’t that the dream?

6. Flames Brazilian Steakhouse, Belmar

Picture this: you sit down, and within minutes, a waiter with a twinkle in his eye offers you a sword-sized skewer of perfectly grilled beef. Welcome to Flames, where restraint is not on the menu. If you’ve never been served by a gaucho, prepare to be charmed and maybe a little overwhelmed in the best possible way.

The rhythm here is quick, the energy contagious, and the meats (beef, lamb, chicken, pork) never stop coming until you wave your little card to signal surrender. Vegetarians, breathe easy; the salad bar is practically a meal in itself.

Locals know to pace themselves and cherish the little details, like the farofa and grilled pineapple. The décor is a riot of color, and on weekends, the place buzzes with celebrations. Fun fact: Flames brought the rodizio tradition straight from Brazil, minus the Rio flight.

7. Umi Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet, Deptford

Umi is where indecisive eaters can finally relax. Not sure if you want sushi, seafood, or hot pot? Here, you don’t have to choose. Every table has its own bubbling pot, turning dinner into an interactive, choose-your-own-adventure game.

The sushi is fresh, the seafood bar is generous, and the hot pot options range from mild to spicy enough to make you question your life choices. Kids love building their own bowls, while adults appreciate the chance to eat at their own pace.

Weekends bring crowds, but it’s worth the wait. The staff moves with the grace of people who know how to keep a hundred different appetites happy. If you leave hungry, I’m convinced it’s by choice, and I have questions.