MomSkoop
California offers a feast of all-you-can-eat restaurants perfect for hungry families looking to get the most bang for their buck. These establishments serve up endless plates of delicious food spanning various cuisines from Korean BBQ to seafood extravaganzas. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a hearty meal without limits, these nine restaurants promise a memorable dining experience where everyone can eat to their heart’s content.
1. Cafe Sierra: Champagne Brunch Extravaganza
Nestled inside the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City, Cafe Sierra elevates the buffet experience with its legendary weekend champagne brunch. The elegant setting provides a perfect backdrop for family celebrations.
Fresh seafood stations overflow with crab legs, oysters, and jumbo shrimp, while carving stations feature succulent prime rib. Kids adore the chocolate fountain for dipping strawberries and marshmallows.
The made-to-order omelette station and dim sum offerings add international flair to this upscale buffet. Despite the champagne focus, families appreciate the kid-friendly options and attentive service that makes everyone feel welcome.
2. Golden Corral: The Classic Family Buffet
Golden Corral stands as California’s reliable family-friendly buffet chain where quantity meets variety. The moment you walk in, the aroma of freshly baked rolls and grilled steaks welcomes hungry diners of all ages.
Little ones gravitate toward the famous chocolate waterfall cascading over marshmallows and fruits. Parents appreciate the extensive salad bar and homestyle favorites like fried chicken and pot roast that remind them of grandma’s cooking.
With multiple locations throughout California, Golden Corral offers consistent comfort food at budget-friendly prices. The spacious seating areas accommodate large family gatherings, making this a go-to spot for celebrations without breaking the bank.
3. Moohan Korean BBQ: Grill-Your-Own Adventure
Sizzling sounds and mouthwatering aromas fill the air at Moohan Korean BBQ in Los Angeles. This interactive dining spot transforms mealtime into an exciting family activity where everyone participates in grilling marinated meats right at the table.
The all-you-can-eat menu features thinly sliced beef bulgogi, pork belly, and chicken thighs marinated in secret family recipes. Kids love watching the meat transform on the grill while parents enjoy the banchan bar loaded with traditional Korean side dishes.
First-timers need not worry – friendly servers happily demonstrate proper grilling techniques and timing. The lively atmosphere, combined with the satisfaction of cooking together, creates a memorable bonding experience beyond just eating.
4. FiRE + iCE Interactive Grill & Bar: Customized Culinary Creations
Imagine a restaurant where everyone gets exactly what they want – that’s the magic of FiRE + iCE in San Francisco. This innovative concept puts diners in charge of crafting their perfect meal from dozens of raw ingredients displayed market-style.
Family members grab bowls and select their proteins, veggies, starches, and signature sauces before handing them to skilled chefs who cook everything on a massive circular grill. The entertainment value of watching the theatrical cooking process captivates children and adults alike.
With unlimited trips to the ingredient bar, picky eaters and adventurous foodies find equal satisfaction. The restaurant’s energetic vibe and central location near Union Square make it an ideal refueling spot during family sightseeing adventures.
5. Supreme Crab Seafood Buffet: Ocean Treasures Galore
Seafood enthusiasts flock to Supreme Crab in Glendale for a maritime feast that seems to stretch as far as the ocean itself. The star attractions – unlimited snow crab legs and lobster tails – keep servers busy replenishing stations throughout the day.
Fresh sushi rolls appear continuously on a conveyor belt, while hot stations offer clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls and buttery garlic shrimp. Parents appreciate the non-seafood options like prime rib and pasta stations that cater to less adventurous young palates.
Weekend brunch adds made-to-order omelettes and Belgian waffles to the mix. The bright, spacious interior accommodates strollers and high chairs, making this upscale seafood experience surprisingly family-friendly despite its somewhat premium price point.
6. Amber India: Spice-Filled Lunch Buffet
Aromatic spices waft through the air at Amber India, where San Francisco families discover authentic Indian cuisine through an expansive lunch buffet. Unlike dinner service, the midday offering provides unlimited access to signature dishes at a fraction of the price.
Creamy butter chicken, saag paneer, and fluffy basmati rice become instant favorites, while freshly baked naan bread arrives tableside throughout the meal. The restaurant thoughtfully offers mild versions of popular dishes alongside their traditional spicy counterparts.
Sweet endings feature gulab jamun soaked in rose syrup and mango kulfi ice cream. The elegant yet welcoming atmosphere makes this an excellent introduction to Indian cuisine for families, with attentive servers happy to explain unfamiliar dishes to curious young diners.
7. Fogo de Chão: Brazilian Steakhouse Spectacle
The theatrical dining experience at Fogo de Chão transforms mealtime into an entertaining show across multiple California locations. Traditionally dressed gauchos circulate continuously through the restaurant, carving sizzling skewers of fire-roasted meats tableside.
The distinctive red/green coaster system puts families in control – green signals gauchos to bring more meat, while red indicates a welcome break. Beyond protein, the Market Table offers a gourmet salad bar with imported cheeses, cured meats, and roasted vegetables.
Children under six eat free, while those aged 7-12 enjoy half-price meals. Special occasions receive extra attention with complimentary desserts and photo opportunities, making this Brazilian tradition particularly popular for birthday celebrations and family reunions.
8. Here Fishy Fishy: Casual Seafood Abundance
Forget white tablecloths and formal service – Here Fishy Fishy in Los Angeles brings seafood buffet dining down to earth with a playful approach that resonates with families. The nautical-themed interior features fishing nets and buoys, creating an atmosphere where kids can be kids.
Bottomless baskets of fried shrimp, calamari, and fish arrive continuously until you signal surrender. Steam tables hold clams and mussels in various broths, while the raw bar offers peel-and-eat shrimp by the pound.
Unlike upscale seafood buffets, this casual joint encourages hands-on eating with bibs and plenty of napkins. The reasonable price point makes it accessible for larger families, while the noise level means nobody stresses about children’s occasional outbursts or excited squeals.
9. Hokkaido Seafood Buffet: Pan-Asian Variety
Hokkaido Seafood Buffet stretches the definition of seafood buffet by incorporating diverse Asian cuisines under one roof. With locations throughout Southern California, this chain has perfected the art of variety that appeals to multiple generations.
The sushi and sashimi station features both traditional and creative rolls prepared by dedicated chefs. Hot food sections serve everything from Mongolian beef to orange chicken, while the seafood section offers crab legs, oysters, and whole fish prepared in various Asian styles.
Weekends bring special items like roast duck and dim sum. The dessert station, with its self-serve ice cream machine and Chinese egg tarts, provides a sweet finish that delights children. Spacious round tables accommodate multigenerational family gatherings, making this a popular choice for celebrating special occasions.