12 Tennessee Seafood Buffets Where You Can Eat All You Want And Forget You’re Inland
Tennessee may be miles from the coast, yet seafood thrives in every corner of the state. Buffets brim with trays of shrimp, crab legs, catfish, and sushi rolls made fresh throughout the day.
The scent of melted butter and lemon drifts through dining rooms filled with regulars who know where to find the best spread.
Each spot blends Southern comfort with coastal flavor, creating meals that feel generous, hearty, and unmistakably Tennessee.
1. Captain Jim’s Seafood Buffet, Pigeon Forge
Right in the heart of the Smoky Mountains sits a place where landlocked dreams come true. Captain Jim’s brings coastal cooking to the mountains with heaping platters of crab legs, shrimp, and oysters that make you wonder if you took a wrong turn to the Gulf.
Families pile in here after long days exploring Dollywood, ready to refuel with endless seafood options. The atmosphere feels casual and welcoming, perfect for kids who can’t sit still and adults who just want to eat in peace.
What really sets this spot apart is the variety beyond just seafood. You’ll find comfort foods mixed in, so picky eaters won’t starve while you conquer mountains of shellfish.
2. Captain King’s Seafood City, Memphis
Memphis knows barbecue, but Captain King’s proves the city can handle seafood just as well. This place sprawls with options that go way beyond your typical buffet fare, offering everything from crawfish to king crab.
Locals treat this spot like a hidden treasure, especially when they’re craving something different from the usual Memphis menu. The portions are generous, and nobody judges you for going back for thirds or fourths.
Weekend crowds can get intense, so timing your visit matters if you want elbow room at the buffet line. Still, the wait is worth it when you’re loading up your plate with fresh catches.
3. Sakura Japanese Buffet, Sevierville
Sushi lovers rejoice because Sakura delivers fresh rolls that rival what you’d find in coastal cities. The chefs work right in front of you, crafting beautiful pieces that look almost too pretty to eat.
Beyond raw fish, the buffet includes cooked seafood options like teriyaki salmon and tempura shrimp that please less adventurous eaters. My cousin once challenged himself to try every sushi roll they offered and barely made it halfway through before admitting defeat.
The restaurant keeps things clean and organized, which matters when you’re dealing with raw seafood. Prices stay reasonable considering the quality and freshness you’re getting.
4. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet, Nashville
Nashville’s music scene gets all the attention, but this buffet deserves its own spotlight for sheer variety. Hibachi stations sizzle with fresh seafood while the buffet line stretches on forever with options from multiple cuisines.
Shrimp appears in about ten different preparations, so you can sample everything from coconut to garlic butter versions. The crab legs get replenished quickly during peak hours, meaning you rarely face empty trays.
Groups love this place because everyone finds something they enjoy, from seafood fanatics to people who prefer chicken and rice. The space feels open and modern without being stuffy or pretentious.
5. Dynasty Super Buffet, Nashville
Another Nashville gem that understands variety is king when it comes to buffets. Dynasty Super Buffet packs its tables with Chinese favorites alongside impressive seafood selections that keep people coming back.
The salt and pepper shrimp here has a cult following among regulars who swear it’s the best in the city. Crab legs sit under heat lamps staying warm and ready for your plate, no matter what time you arrive.
Lunch prices offer serious value if you’re watching your budget but still want quality food. The staff stays attentive about clearing plates and keeping drink glasses filled throughout your meal.
6. King Buffet, Nashville
With a name like King Buffet, expectations run high, and this Nashville spot mostly delivers on the royal treatment. Seafood options include mussels, clams, and various fish preparations that taste fresh despite being hundreds of miles from any ocean.
The sushi bar gets frequent attention from chefs who keep rolls coming out steadily during dinner service. Pricing stays competitive with other Nashville buffets, making it a solid choice for families or large groups.
Weeknight visits tend to be calmer than weekends, giving you more space to explore everything without battling crowds. The dessert section includes some creative options that pair surprisingly well after a seafood feast.
7. Asihi Asian Cuisine Hibachi & Buffet, Nashville, Bellevue
Bellevue residents don’t have to trek downtown for quality seafood buffets thanks to Asihi. This neighborhood spot combines hibachi entertainment with traditional buffet service, giving diners options for how they want their seafood prepared.
Watching chefs flip shrimp at the hibachi grill never gets old, especially for kids who need entertainment with their meals. The buffet itself offers enough variety that even the pickiest eaters find something appealing.
Parking proves easier here than at some downtown locations, which matters when you’re planning a relaxed meal. The restaurant maintains high cleanliness standards that give you confidence in what you’re eating.
8. Grand Buffet, Knoxville
Knoxville’s Grand Buffet earns its name with a spread that seems to go on forever. Seafood takes center stage with multiple stations dedicated to different preparations and styles from various cuisines.
The crawfish boil section during certain seasons brings Louisiana flavors straight to East Tennessee. Regular customers know which days certain specialties appear, timing their visits accordingly for maximum satisfaction.
College students from nearby University of Tennessee flock here for affordable meals that actually fill them up. The value proposition remains strong, especially considering the quality and quantity you receive.
9. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet, Johnson City
Johnson City might seem like an unlikely place for excellent seafood, but this Hibachi Grill location proves geography doesn’t determine quality. Fresh offerings rotate regularly, keeping the menu interesting for repeat visitors.
The combination of hibachi grilling and traditional buffet service means you control your dining experience completely. Some days you might want freshly grilled salmon, other times the buffet crab legs call your name louder.
Families appreciate the spacious layout that doesn’t feel cramped even during busy dinner rushes. Staff members stay friendly and helpful without hovering, striking the right balance for comfortable dining.
10. Super Hibachi Buffet & Grill, Cookeville
Cookeville residents hit the jackpot with Super Hibachi Buffet bringing coastal flavors to their hometown. The grill section lets you customize your seafood preparation, choosing your own sauces and cooking styles.
Shrimp scampi, teriyaki salmon, and butter crab legs all make regular appearances on the buffet line. I remember bringing my skeptical father here once, and he admitted defeat after his third plate of mussels.
The restaurant keeps things affordable without sacrificing quality, which matters in a smaller city where dining options can be limited. Lunch specials offer particularly good value for money.
11. The Meadows Restaurant, Kingsport
Kingsport’s Meadows Restaurant takes a different approach than typical Asian buffets, focusing on Southern-style seafood preparations. Fried catfish, hush puppies, and shrimp baskets remind you that Tennessee has its own seafood traditions worth celebrating.
The atmosphere feels more like a family gathering than a commercial restaurant, with regulars greeting each other by name. Portions lean generous, and the staff treats everyone like honored guests rather than just customers.
This spot proves that seafood buffets don’t have to follow the same formula to succeed. Sometimes comfort and familiarity beat exotic variety hands down.
12. Olympic Steak & Pizza, Arlington, Oakland, Millington
Olympic Steak & Pizza sounds like an odd name for a seafood buffet, but these multiple locations prove you can do everything well. Seafood shares space with steaks and pizzas, creating the ultimate crowd-pleaser for mixed groups.
Friday night fish fry traditions meet all-you-can-eat convenience here, satisfying cravings for fried seafood alongside other comfort foods. The three locations mean more Tennesseans can access quality buffet dining without long drives.
Kids love the pizza while adults tackle the seafood, making family dinners actually peaceful for once. Prices stay family-friendly, which matters when you’re feeding multiple hungry mouths at once.