9 California Seafood Buffets Worth Planning a Trip Around

California stretches along the Pacific Ocean, offering travelers a coastline filled with fresh catches and culinary adventures that celebrate the sea.

From San Diego to Sacramento, all-you-can-eat seafood buffets have become destinations in themselves, drawing food lovers who crave endless plates of crab legs, sushi rolls, and ocean-fresh delicacies.

These buffets aren’t just about quantity; they represent the state’s diverse food culture, blending Asian influences with coastal traditions.

Planning a trip around these nine seafood buffets means discovering different corners of California while indulging in some of the most satisfying meals you’ll ever experience.

1. Cafe Sierra at Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City

Tucked inside the Hilton near Universal Studios, Cafe Sierra elevates the buffet concept into something that feels almost luxurious.

This isn’t your typical all-you-can-eat spot; it’s a sophisticated dining experience where presentation matters as much as taste.

Alaskan king crab legs arrive on beds of crushed ice, their sweet meat ready to be dipped in drawn butter.

Oysters gleam under soft lighting, while lobster thermidor adds a touch of elegance to the seafood selection.

The Action Stations bring theater to your meal, with chefs preparing tacos, stir-fries, and other dishes right before your eyes.

You might watch as a chef tosses vegetables in a hot wok or assembles a custom taco with your choice of fillings.

Fresh sushi rolls sit artfully arranged, showcasing the skills of chefs who take pride in their craft.

Universal City itself pulses with entertainment energy, making this buffet a perfect stop before or after theme park adventures.

The dining room maintains an upscale ambiance without feeling stuffy or overly formal.

Large windows let in natural light during brunch hours, while evening service takes on a more intimate feel.

Travelers appreciate the convenience of dining within their hotel, but the quality here draws locals who make special trips just for the food.

Each station offers enough variety that multiple visits never feel repetitive.

The blend of international flavors reflects Los Angeles’s multicultural character, giving guests a taste of the city’s diverse food scene in one location.

Address: 555 Universal Hollywood Dr, Universal City, CA 91608

2. 100s Seafood Grill Buffet

Mission Valley hums with activity, and right in the heart of this San Diego neighborhood sits a buffet that has locals and visitors lining up before the doors even open.

Walking into 100s Seafood Grill Buffet feels like stepping into a seafood lover’s dream, where trays of glistening crab legs sit alongside towers of freshly shucked oysters.

The restaurant’s layout guides you through stations that showcase everything from buttery lobster tails to perfectly grilled salmon.

Weekend brunches transform the experience entirely, introducing dishes that marry morning favorites with ocean treasures.

Imagine biting into salmon eggs Benedict, where flaky fish replaces traditional Canadian bacon, or watching chefs prepare seafood omelets stuffed with shrimp and crab.

The atmosphere buzzes with conversation and the clinking of plates, creating an energy that makes every meal feel like a celebration.

Families gather around large tables, friends toast with glasses of wine, and solo travelers find themselves chatting with neighbors about the best items to try.

What sets this buffet apart is the commitment to freshness that shows in every bite.

Staff members constantly replenish trays, ensuring that whether you arrive early or late, the quality remains consistent.

The dessert station offers a sweet finale, but most guests save room for just one more trip to the seafood section.

San Diego’s proximity to the ocean means ingredients travel minimal distances before reaching your plate.

This connection to the coast isn’t just about geography; it’s woven into the restaurant’s identity and approach to serving guests.

Address: 2828 Camino del Rio S, San Diego, CA 92108

3. UMI Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet

City of Industry might not sound like a culinary destination, but UMI Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet challenges that assumption with every bubbling pot and fresh roll.

The restaurant combines two beloved dining styles into one unforgettable experience, letting guests cook their own hotpot creations while also enjoying traditional buffet offerings.

Tables come equipped with individual burners, where you select from various broths that range from mild to fiery.

Fresh seafood ingredients wait nearby: plump shrimp, tender squid, delicate fish fillets, and more.

You become the chef, dropping ingredients into simmering broth and watching them cook to your exact preference.

Meanwhile, sushi chefs work behind a counter, crafting specialty rolls that disappear from trays almost as quickly as they appear.

The buffet section doesn’t limit itself to seafood, offering grilled Korean short ribs that add a savory contrast to lighter ocean fare.

This fusion approach reflects the area’s Asian-American community, where culinary traditions blend and evolve.

Families with children appreciate the interactive nature of hotpot dining, which turns a meal into an activity.

Friends gather for long, leisurely sessions, adding ingredients to their pots between conversations and laughter.

The restaurant’s size allows it to accommodate large groups without feeling crowded or overwhelming.

Ventilation systems keep the air clear despite dozens of simmering hotpots, maintaining a comfortable environment throughout your visit.

Dessert options provide a cooling finish after spicy broths, with ice cream and fruit helping to reset your palate.

Address: 18061 Gale Ave, City of Industry, CA 91748

4. Supreme Crab

Redwood City’s downtown has experienced a renaissance in recent years, and Supreme Crab stands as a delicious example of this transformation.

Main Street’s walkable blocks now host restaurants that draw diners from across the Bay Area, with this seafood buffet earning particular praise.

The name tells you exactly what to expect: crab prepared in multiple styles, from simple steamed legs to complex Cajun-spiced preparations.

But limiting your attention to crab alone means missing the broader treasures this buffet offers.

Clams, mussels, and crawfish join the lineup, especially during special seafood boil nights when Louisiana flavors meet California ingredients.

The casual atmosphere encourages diners to get messy, with bibs and hand wipes provided for those diving into shell-on seafood.

You’ll hear the crack of crab shells and see smiles on faces as people extract sweet meat from every crevice.

The Peninsula location makes it accessible for both San Francisco and South Bay residents, positioned perfectly for a weekend food adventure.

Redwood City itself offers pleasant weather year-round, with outdoor seating sometimes available when temperatures cooperate.

Staff members know their regulars by name, creating a neighborhood feel even as tourists and first-time visitors fill tables.

The buffet rotates special items based on seasonal availability and market conditions, meaning each visit might reveal something new.

This approach keeps the menu feeling fresh while maintaining the core offerings that guests expect and love.

Parking can get tricky during peak hours, but the meal makes any extra walking worthwhile.

Address: 373 Main St, Redwood City, CA 94063

5. Shiki Seafood Buffet

Temple City’s residential streets give way to a bustling commercial corridor where Shiki Seafood Buffet has built a reputation that extends far beyond its immediate neighborhood.

Sushi and sashimi lovers consider this buffet something of a hidden gem, with variety that rivals specialized sushi restaurants.

The fish selection changes based on what’s freshest, with chefs slicing pristine cuts of tuna, salmon, yellowtail, and seasonal catches.

Hot food stations complement the raw offerings beautifully, featuring salt and pepper crab that arrives crispy and fragrant.

Baked mussels topped with creamy sauce and breadcrumbs provide a rich contrast to lighter sushi options.

Tempura emerges from the kitchen golden and delicate, maintaining its crunch even as it sits briefly on the buffet line.

The layout deserves special mention, designed with clear pathways that prevent the confusion and bottlenecks common at busy buffets.

You can navigate from station to station without backtracking or squeezing past other diners.

This thoughtful design enhances the entire experience, allowing you to focus on food choices rather than logistics.

The San Gabriel Valley’s strong Asian culinary scene sets high standards, and Shiki meets them consistently.

Regulars have their favorite times to visit, knowing when certain items get replenished or when the crowd thins slightly.

Weekend dinners bring families celebrating birthdays and gatherings, filling the restaurant with a festive energy.

The dessert section might seem modest compared to the seafood offerings, but that’s by design, encouraging guests to save appetite for the main attractions.

Green tea ice cream provides a classic finish that cleanses your palate after a seafood feast.

Address: 5535 Rosemead Blvd, Temple City, CA 91780

6. The Luxe Buffet

Ontario sits at the crossroads of several major highways, making The Luxe Buffet a natural stopping point for travelers exploring Southern California.

The restaurant lives up to its name with an approach that emphasizes quality and presentation alongside abundance.

Walking through the entrance, you immediately sense the care put into creating an upscale environment that still maintains buffet accessibility.

Seafood stations showcase everything from snow crab clusters to garlic butter shrimp, each dish prepared with attention to seasoning and texture.

The Inland Empire location might seem far from the ocean, but the restaurant’s supply chain ensures fish and shellfish arrive fresh and properly handled.

Sushi chefs work throughout service, rolling specialty combinations that incorporate both traditional and creative ingredients.

Hot entrees extend beyond seafood, acknowledging that groups often include diverse preferences and dietary needs.

This variety makes The Luxe Buffet particularly suitable for family gatherings where ages and tastes span a wide spectrum.

Children find items they recognize and enjoy, while adventurous eaters discover new flavors at every turn.

The dining room’s size allows it to handle busy periods without feeling chaotic or rushed.

Staff members clear plates efficiently, maintaining table cleanliness that enhances the upscale atmosphere.

Ontario’s growth as a destination, with its convention center and nearby Ontario Mills mall, brings a steady stream of visitors who discover this buffet and return on future trips.

The restaurant has become part of the area’s dining identity, a place locals recommend with confidence and pride.

Address: 701 N Milliken Ave, Ontario, CA 91764

7. Tomi Sushi & Seafood Buffet

San Jose’s Eastridge Mall area has evolved into a dining destination, with Tomi Sushi & Seafood Buffet anchoring the local food scene.

Silicon Valley’s tech workers often seek efficient, satisfying meals that fit busy schedules, and this buffet delivers exactly that.

The sushi selection impresses with its freshness and variety, offering both classic nigiri and inventive specialty rolls.

Seafood options span cultures and cooking methods, from Chinese-style preparations to Japanese grilled fish.

This multicultural approach reflects the Bay Area’s diverse population, where food traditions from around the world intersect and influence each other.

Lunch service attracts nearby office workers who appreciate the quick turnaround without sacrificing quality or choice.

Dinner brings a more relaxed pace, with diners lingering over multiple plates and conversations.

The restaurant’s location within a shopping complex adds convenience, allowing guests to combine errands with a substantial meal.

Parking is generally abundant, solving one of the common frustrations of Bay Area dining.

Inside, the layout maximizes space efficiently, fitting numerous tables without creating a cramped feeling.

Servers circulate regularly with drink refills, maintaining attentive service even during peak hours.

The buffet stations stay well-stocked, with kitchen staff monitoring levels and replenishing items before they run out.

Families appreciate the kid-friendly options that sit alongside more adventurous choices, making it possible to please everyone in one trip.

South Bay residents have embraced Tomi as a reliable spot for celebrations, casual dinners, and introducing out-of-town guests to California’s seafood buffet culture.

Address: 2200 Eastridge Loop #2074, San Jose, CA 95122

8. Captain Buffet

Sacramento’s capital city energy meets comfort food satisfaction at Captain Buffet, where the nautical theme extends beyond decoration into the menu itself.

Located along Howe Avenue, the restaurant serves as a neighborhood gathering spot that draws diners from across the metro area.

The seafood selection emphasizes approachable favorites that appeal to both seafood enthusiasts and those just beginning to explore ocean cuisine.

Fried shrimp arrives hot and crispy, while steamed fish offers a lighter alternative for health-conscious guests.

Crab preparations vary from simple steamed legs to more elaborate sauced versions that add flavor complexity.

The buffet doesn’t limit itself to seafood alone, understanding that groups often include varied preferences.

This inclusive approach makes Captain Buffet a popular choice for work lunches, family celebrations, and casual weekend meals.

Sacramento’s inland location means the restaurant works harder to maintain seafood quality, partnering with reliable suppliers who understand timing and freshness requirements.

The result justifies the effort, with guests consistently noting that fish tastes fresh rather than frozen or previously stored.

The dining room maintains a casual, welcoming atmosphere where dress codes don’t exist and relaxation is encouraged.

Local sports play on televisions in the bar area, adding a sports-bar element to the buffet concept.

This combination attracts different crowds throughout the day, from lunch business meetings to evening family dinners to late-night gatherings after games or events.

Staff members develop relationships with regular customers, remembering preferences and offering recommendations based on what’s particularly good that day.

Address: 1000 Howe Ave, Sacramento, CA 95825

9. Ocean Buffet

Carlsbad’s coastal charm provides the perfect backdrop for Ocean Buffet, where proximity to the Pacific Ocean influences both menu and atmosphere.

The restaurant sits in a city known for beaches, flower fields, and a relaxed Southern California lifestyle that permeates every aspect of local culture.

Walking into Ocean Buffet feels like extending a beach day into dinner, with decor that evokes seaside casual elegance.

The seafood selection benefits from the location, with shorter distances between ocean and table translating to exceptional freshness.

Oysters taste of the sea, shrimp snap with sweetness, and fish fillets flake perfectly under your fork.

Sushi rolls incorporate local catches when available, creating menu items that reflect California’s coastal bounty.

The buffet layout guides guests through a culinary journey that spans preparation styles and cultural influences.

You might start with raw bar items, move to Asian-inspired hot dishes, then finish with grilled seafood that showcases simple preparation techniques.

Carlsbad attracts tourists year-round, drawn by Legoland, the beaches, and the generally pleasant weather.

Ocean Buffet has become a stop for many visitors, offering a chance to taste multiple seafood varieties in one sitting.

Locals maintain their loyalty too, treating the restaurant as a special occasion destination or a reliable choice for hosting out-of-town guests.

The dessert station includes fruit options that provide a light finish after a substantial seafood meal.

Outdoor seating becomes available during ideal weather, letting diners enjoy their meals while feeling the coastal breeze.

Address: 1860 Marron Rd, Carlsbad, CA 92008