Hidden Buffet Spots In New York That Locals Protect

New York City is home to countless restaurants, but the best buffet spots often fly under the radar. These hidden gems serve up incredible all-you-can-eat feasts without the tourist crowds or inflated prices. Local New Yorkers guard these treasures fiercely, returning again and again for authentic flavors, generous portions, and neighborhood atmospheres that feel like home.

1. Easy Joy Dim Sum & AYCE Hot Pot – Chinatown, Manhattan

Easy Joy Dim Sum & AYCE Hot Pot offers a distinctive dual dining experience in the heart of Chinatown. Guests can enjoy all-you-can-eat hot pot and an accompanying all-you-can-eat dim sum selection for a single price, creating an interactive and customizable meal.

The hot pot includes a variety of fresh ingredients such as thinly sliced meats, seafood, tofu, and a colorful assortment of vegetables, all cooked tableside in flavorful broths. Meanwhile, the dim sum selection features handmade dumplings, buns, and other traditional favorites, prepared fresh and delivered to the table.

The restaurant maintains a clean, modern atmosphere with attentive service that complements the dining experience. Unlike traditional buffets, this spot focuses on freshness and quality over volume, and the inclusion of beverages and desserts in the set price adds value. It’s an ideal choice for those looking to explore a wide range of Chinese cuisine in a more engaging and leisurely setting.

2. Crab House NYC – Midtown East, Manhattan

Crab House NYC redefines the buffet experience by offering an all-you-can-eat seafood feast served directly to your table. Located in Midtown East, this popular destination emphasizes freshness and presentation over the typical self-serve buffet format.

Diners can order as many rounds as they like from a menu featuring items such as snow crab legs, lobster, pan-seared scallops, grilled shrimp, and mussels, all expertly prepared. The seafood is complemented by various sides like garlic noodles and seasoned vegetables. The service model ensures hot, freshly cooked dishes every time, while still maintaining the freedom and abundance of an all-you-can-eat concept.

The restaurant’s modern interior and comfortable seating make it suitable for both casual dinners and special occasions. With a focus on high-quality ingredients and an efficient ordering system, Crab House NYC offers an elevated, all-you-can-eat dining experience for seafood lovers looking for variety without compromising on taste or freshness.

3. Sea & Sky Feast Buffet – Flushing, Queens

Sea & Sky Feast Buffet in Flushing, Queens, New York, offers one of the city’s most expansive and upscale traditional self-serve buffet experiences. This Pan-Asian buffet specializes in fresh seafood and high-end offerings like lamb chops, Peking duck, sushi, and crab legs.

The massive dining space includes numerous live cooking stations where chefs prepare dishes to order, adding an interactive element to the meal. Sushi lovers will appreciate the wide range of rolls and sashimi, while those seeking hot dishes can explore Chinese, Japanese, and Korean selections.

The dessert section is equally diverse, with both Asian and Western-style treats. Clean, modern interiors and efficient service elevate the buffet beyond casual dining, making it a favorite for both family gatherings and group celebrations. With its focus on quality, variety, and presentation, Sea & Sky Feast Buffet delivers a gourmet buffet experience that’s hard to match elsewhere in the city.

4. OLIYO – Midtown Manhattan (Near Penn Station)

OLIYO is a vibrant, fast-paced deli-style market located near Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan. Unlike traditional all-you-can-eat restaurants, OLIYO offers a pay-by-weight hot and cold selection with a strong emphasis on fresh, high-quality ingredients.

Its offerings span global cuisines, from Korean stir-fries and spicy soups to American comfort foods and Mediterranean-style salads. The selection changes frequently, ensuring a fresh variety of proteins, grains, and vegetables throughout the day. In addition to hot meals, OLIYO also serves fresh sandwiches, wraps, and desserts.

The setup is ideal for busy professionals, travelers, and health-conscious diners who want flavorful food fast, without compromising on nutritional value. The space is clean, modern, and designed for quick service, though seating is available for those who wish to dine in. OLIYO’s mix of affordability, variety, and quality makes it a go-to spot for weekday lunches or a quick, satisfying meal before catching a train.

5. 99 Favor Taste – Lower East Side (LES), Manhattan

99 Favor Taste, located on the Lower East Side (LES) of Manhattan, is a bustling, all-you-can-eat Asian restaurant that specializes in both hot pot and Korean BBQ. The experience is fully interactive, with each table equipped with hot pot burners and grill plates, allowing guests to cook their own meats, seafood, and vegetables right at the table.

Diners can choose from a variety of broths for the hot pot and enjoy an impressive selection of marinated meats for grilling. A standout feature is the expansive sauce bar, where patrons can mix custom dipping sauces to suit their tastes.

The restaurant is known for its lively atmosphere, generous portions, and efficient service, making it a favorite for group outings and family meals. With its flat-rate pricing, guests can eat to their heart’s content without surprises. 99 Favor Taste offers a fun and flavorful dining experience that showcases the best of communal Asian dining traditions.

6. Flaming Grill & Buffet – Flatbush/Midwood, Brooklyn

Located in the Flatbush/Midwood area of Brooklyn, Flaming Grill & Buffet is a large, family-friendly all-you-can-eat traditional buffet that combines Asian fusion cuisine with American classics. The buffet offers a wide range of options including Chinese entrees, sushi, and a live hibachi grill where guests can customize stir-fried dishes.

The sushi bar features both classic and creative rolls, while the hot food section includes everything from General Tso’s chicken to fried rice and lo mein. The hibachi station lets diners choose their proteins, vegetables, and sauces, which are then freshly cooked on a flat-top grill.

There are also Western-style offerings such as pizza, fried chicken, and pasta, ensuring there’s something for everyone. Dessert lovers will find soft-serve ice cream, pastries, and fruit. With its spacious seating and affordable pricing, Flaming Grill & Buffet is ideal for casual family meals, birthday celebrations, or just a satisfying lunch with plenty of variety.

7. Bread & Butter – Midtown Manhattan

Bread & Butter, located in Midtown Manhattan, offers a fast-casual, deli-style market with a pay-by-weight model that appeals to both office workers and tourists. Open early for breakfast and running throughout the day, the selection includes hot and cold options such as scrambled eggs, roasted vegetables, grilled chicken, sandwiches, salads, and international dishes like Korean bulgogi and Indian-style curries.

The food is freshly prepared and regularly replenished, ensuring quality and hygiene. With self-service stations and a wide range of grab-and-go items, the setup is ideal for those on tight schedules. There’s also a juice and smoothie bar, a coffee station, and refrigerated beverages to round out the meal.

While not a fixed-price all-you-can-eat buffet, Bread & Butter delivers the flexibility and variety of one, with the convenience of a modern deli. Its central location and broad food selection make it a go-to spot for a quick, satisfying, and customizable meal.

8. Witch Topokki – Midtown Manhattan (Near Penn Station)

Witch Topokki, located near Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, is a must-visit for fans of Korean street food. This all-you-can-eat hot pot-style buffet specializes in Tteokbokki – chewy rice cakes in spicy, savory sauces – and allows guests to customize their own dishes with a variety of ingredients.

Choices include fish cakes, boiled eggs, vegetables, ramen noodles, dumplings, and a range of proteins. Diners can also select from several broth and sauce bases, from classic spicy gochujang to milder or cheese-based options. In addition to Tteokbokki, Witch Topokki offers other popular Korean street foods such as fried snacks, kimbap, and ramen.

The buffet is self-service, with clean and well-organized stations that make the experience efficient and enjoyable. The dining area has a modern, casual vibe, ideal for students, young professionals, or anyone curious about Korean cuisine. With its unique concept and generous offerings, Witch Topokki delivers a fun, flavorful AYCE experience.