7 Virginia Seafood Buffets Where You Can Eat All You Want And Feast Like Family
In Virginia, seafood isn’t just food—it’s part of the state’s coastal identity. From Chesapeake Bay crabs to freshly shucked oysters, the Old Dominion offers ocean-to-table flavors that locals proudly share.
And when it comes to indulging, nothing compares to an all-you-can-eat seafood buffet, where the spread is endless and every bite feels like a celebration.
After exploring Virginia’s dining scene for years, I’ve rounded up seven buffets that stand out not only for their variety but also for their quality.
These are the places where crab legs pile high, shrimp come in every style imaginable, and families gather to eat, laugh, and make memories. If you’re serious about seafood, these are the buffets worth the trip.
1. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant
My first visit to Captain George’s in Virginia Beach had me weak in the knees. The massive seafood kingdom, with its signature blue crab logo, has expanded to multiple locations across Virginia because locals can’t get enough of their legendary crab legs.
Their buffet features over 70 items including steamed shrimp, scallops wrapped in bacon, and mouthwatering hush puppies that I still dream about. The Alaskan snow crab legs alone are worth the trip!
What sets Captain George’s apart is their commitment to quality. Despite serving hundreds of guests daily, everything tastes like it was prepared just for you. Their seafood mac and cheese became my personal kryptonite—creamy, rich, and loaded with seafood chunks that make you want to skip the main courses (but don’t!).
2. Fish Bones Restaurant & Seafood Buffet
Hidden in Newport News, Fish Bones became my Thursday night tradition when I lived nearby. This unassuming spot might not look fancy from outside, but inside awaits seafood heaven that locals guard like a secret fishing spot.
The buffet rotates selections seasonally, ensuring everything’s fresh from Virginia waters whenever possible. Their crab imperial—a creamy, baked crab dish—vanishes from the buffet trays faster than you can say “pass the butter.”
Family-owned for three generations, you’ll often find Grandma Betty checking on tables and sharing stories about when they first opened. The hushpuppies recipe hasn’t changed since 1972, and after tasting one, you’ll understand why. Come hungry and wear your stretchy pants—you’ll need them!
3. Ocean Grill Buffet
Stumbling upon Ocean Grill in Richmond during a rainstorm was the luckiest wrong turn I’ve ever made! This place combines traditional seafood with Asian-fusion creations that somehow work perfectly together.
The sushi station alone could be its own restaurant, with chefs preparing rolls to order while you watch. But the star attraction? Their salt and pepper blue crabs—a messy, delicious affair that requires the plastic bibs they happily provide.
Ocean Grill breaks buffet traditions by bringing certain hot items directly to your table. Fresh-fried calamari arrives moments after leaving the fryer, impossibly tender and never rubbery. The owner Ming often walks around offering his homemade hot sauce—brave souls only should accept this fiery concoction!
4. Aurora Seafood & Grill Buffet
Aurora’s Wednesday night all-you-can-eat crab leg special nearly caused a family feud when my brother-in-law tried claiming the last of my melted butter! This Virginia Beach establishment has perfected the art of seafood variety without sacrificing quality.
Unlike many buffets that seem to prioritize quantity, Aurora focuses on rotating smaller batches of perfectly prepared seafood. Their oyster bar features both raw and Rockefeller-style options that taste like they were harvested that morning.
The real showstopper? A chocolate fountain surrounded by fresh fruit and marshmallows for dipping—because nothing says “I’ve eaten too much seafood” like finishing with chocolate-covered strawberries! The restaurant’s nautical decor with fishing nets and boats hanging from the ceiling creates an atmosphere that’s kitschy in all the right ways.
5. Wilkerson’s Seafood Restaurant
You haven’t truly tasted Virginia seafood until you’ve been to Wilkerson’s,” proclaims the weathered sign outside this Colonial Beach landmark. After more than a decade of return visits, I can assure you the slogan isn’t just clever marketing.
The setting is simple, with checkered tablecloths and a no-frills dining room, but the flavors speak louder than any décor. Their award-winning she-crab soup, a rich and creamy delicacy made with crab roe, often sells out before dinner even begins.
The Wilkerson family still oversees every detail—from inspecting the daily seafood deliveries to serving their signature hush puppies in small wooden baskets that always delight the kids. And their deviled crab might just be one of the best single seafood dishes you’ll find anywhere in Virginia.
6. Yukai Japanese & Seafood Buffet
At Yukai Japanese & Seafood Buffet, the variety of dishes is as vast as the ocean itself. Begin your culinary journey with a selection of sashimi, where the tuna and salmon are as fresh as a morning breeze.
The buffet offers a delightful array of sushi rolls, each crafted with precision and care, making each bite a celebration of flavor.
As you move along, the oysters, clams, and crab legs beckon with their savory allure. A fun fact: Yukai is known for its unique teriyaki dishes that add a flavorful twist to the traditional buffet experience.
7. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet
At Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet, the seafood buffet becomes an extravagant culinary journey. Start with fresh shrimp, perfectly seasoned, awakening the taste buds for a delightful adventure. Move on to irresistible crab legs, cracked open to reveal tender, succulent meat. A true highlight for any seafood lover.
The sushi station, too, beckons with colorful rolls meticulously prepared. Families gather around, sharing stories and laughter in a warm, inviting atmosphere.
With each dish, the buffet becomes a celebration of flavors, where quality and variety meet in perfect harmony. Dive into this feast and leave with a satisfied smile.