14 California All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Buffets Locals Say Rival Any Oceanside Feast
California’s coastline isn’t the only place to enjoy fresh seafood.
Tucked throughout the state, all-you-can-eat seafood buffets serve mountains of shrimp, crab, and oysters that taste just as vibrant as a seaside catch.
Inside, the lively atmosphere, endless options, and expertly prepared dishes make every visit a celebration.
Locals know these spots can rival any oceanside feast, turning a simple meal into an indulgent adventure that keeps seafood lovers coming back for more.
1. 100s Seafood Grill Buffet – San Diego, CA
Forget fancy reservations and dress codes. This Mission Valley gem at 2828 Camino Del Rio South serves up seafood variety that would make any oceanfront spot jealous.
The grill stations let you watch chefs cook your selections right before your eyes, which adds a fun interactive element to the experience.
Snow crab legs pile high during dinner service, and the oyster bar stays constantly refreshed.
Sushi rolls rotate throughout the evening, giving you options beyond the typical buffet fare.
The Mongolian grill station lets you customize stir-fry dishes with fresh seafood and vegetables.
Weeknight visits offer the best value and shorter wait times. Weekend crowds pack the place because word has spread about the quality and selection. Bring your appetite and maybe some stretchy pants.
2. Seaside Buffet – San Diego, CA
Harrah’s Resort Southern California houses this spectacular spread at 777 Harrah’s Rincon Way in Valley Center.
Casino guests stumble upon this treasure, but you do not need to gamble to enjoy the feast.
The buffet stretches across multiple stations, each dedicated to different seafood preparations.
Prime rib appears alongside Dungeness crab during special weekend brunches.
Peel-and-eat shrimp stations let you grab handfuls without judgment.
The dessert section rivals the seafood offerings with house-made treats that somehow leave room in your stomach.
Friday and Saturday nights transform the buffet into a seafood paradise with premium selections.
Locals know to arrive early for the freshest catches. The casino atmosphere adds excitement, even if you never touch a slot machine.
3. Great Plaza Buffet – San Diego, CA
Located at 1840 Garnet Avenue, this spot combines Asian culinary traditions with California seafood abundance.
Steamed mussels sit next to spicy crawfish, creating a fusion that works beautifully.
The sushi bar churns out fresh rolls faster than you can finish your first plate.
Clam dishes prepared multiple ways give shellfish lovers plenty to explore. Hot pots bubble with seafood broths that warm you from the inside out.
The dim sum section offers dumplings filled with shrimp and crab that disappear quickly from the trays.
Lunch prices make this an incredible deal for the quality you receive.
Dinner service adds premium items like snow crab and larger shrimp. Birthday celebrations earn you special treatment and maybe a surprise dessert with candles.
4. Natsumi Sushi & Seafood Buffet – San Diego, CA
Sushi lovers rejoice when they discover this Mira Mesa treasure at 8955 Mira Mesa Boulevard.
Fresh salmon, tuna, and yellowtail get sliced throughout service, ensuring quality stays consistent. The sushi chefs take pride in their creations, and it shows in every bite.
Beyond raw fish, the buffet includes teriyaki salmon, garlic butter shrimp, and baked mussels.
Tempura stations fry up crispy seafood that stays light and crunchy. Miso soup with clams provides a warm, comforting break between sushi plates.
Weekday lunch specials offer the same quality at friendlier prices.
The modern interior feels cleaner and brighter than typical buffet joints.
Groups celebrate here because everyone finds something they love, from sushi newbies to experienced raw fish enthusiasts.
5. Tom Ham’s Lighthouse – San Diego, CA
Perched at 2150 Harbor Island Drive, this iconic lighthouse restaurant offers Sunday brunch that competes with any coastal establishment.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame stunning harbor views while you pile your plate with crab legs. The nautical atmosphere feels authentic because you are literally surrounded by water.
Smoked salmon, oysters on the half shell, and shrimp cocktail start your journey. Carving stations feature prime cuts alongside the seafood selections.
The champagne flows freely during brunch service, making celebrations feel extra special.
Reservations are absolutely necessary for weekend brunch.
Tourists and locals both flock here for the combination of views and food.
The lighthouse itself has become a San Diego landmark, adding historic charm to your dining experience.
6. Ocean Buffet – Carlsbad, CA
Carlsbad locals guard this secret at 2725 State Street like buried treasure. The name says it all, with ocean-fresh selections that change based on daily catches.
Garlic crab arrives hot and fragrant, requiring a stack of napkins and zero shame about messy fingers.
Clam chowder here tastes homemade rather than from industrial-sized cans.
Grilled fish options include mahi-mahi, salmon, and whatever looked best at the morning market.
Fried calamari stays tender instead of rubbery, proving the kitchen knows proper cooking techniques.
Prices stay reasonable despite the North County location.
The casual atmosphere welcomes families with hungry kids and couples on date night equally.
Parking can get tight during peak hours, so arrive a bit early or late.
7. Asia Seafood Buffet – Murrieta, CA
Inland Murrieta might surprise you with this seafood haven at 40484 Murrieta Hot Springs Road. Snow crab legs during dinner service rival what coastal restaurants charge triple the price for.
The hibachi grill lets you customize seafood plates with your choice of sauces and vegetables.
Sushi rolls rotate constantly with creative combinations beyond basic California rolls.
Steamed clams in garlic butter practically beg you to soak up the sauce with crusty bread.
The dessert bar includes mochi ice cream and other Asian sweets alongside American favorites.
Weekend crowds prove this place has earned local loyalty.
The space feels massive, with enough seating that waits stay manageable.
Kids eat at discounted rates, making family outings budget-friendly without sacrificing quality or variety.
8. Vegas Seafood Buffet – Glendale, CA
What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas, except this buffet brought the concept to 1050 South Glendale Avenue.
The name promises Vegas-style excess, and the seafood selection delivers on that promise.
Lobster tails make appearances during special promotions, creating feeding frenzies among regular customers.
King crab legs sit alongside snow crab for those who appreciate the difference.
Cajun-spiced crawfish adds Southern flair to the California seafood scene.
The raw bar keeps oysters properly chilled and constantly replenished throughout service.
Dinner prices reflect the premium offerings but remain cheaper than comparable restaurants.
The flashy decor embraces the Vegas theme without becoming tacky. Birthday groups get special recognition, complete with staff singing and complimentary treats.
9. Gourmet City Seafood Buffet – North Hollywood, CA
North Hollywood at 5145 Lankershim Boulevard gets fancy with this upscale buffet experience. The name drops gourmet for good reason, with presentations that look almost too pretty to eat. Almost.
Black mussels steam in white wine sauce that tastes restaurant-quality rather than buffet standard.
Sashimi-grade fish gets sliced to order at the sushi bar. Grilled octopus offers adventurous eaters something beyond typical buffet fare.
The hot food section includes seafood pasta dishes and paella loaded with shrimp, clams, and mussels.
Lunch prices make trying this place risk-free for first-timers.
The modern interior feels Instagram-worthy, encouraging food photos before devouring everything. Parking can challenge you, but the nearby lots offer validation with your meal.
10. UMI Hotpot Sushi & Seafood Buffet – City of Industry, CA
City of Industry hides this hybrid concept at 17713 Pioneer Boulevard that combines buffet with individual hotpots.
Cook your own seafood in bubbling broths right at your table, controlling exactly how everything gets prepared.
Raw shrimp, fish balls, and squid wait at the buffet for you to grab and cook.
The sushi bar operates independently if you prefer already-prepared options.
Traditional buffet items include salt and pepper shrimp and honey walnut prawns.
The interactive hotpot element makes dining here feel like an experience rather than just a meal.
Groups love the communal cooking aspect that encourages conversation and sharing.
The variety of broths ranges from mild to face-melting spicy. Ventilation systems work overtime to keep the air clear despite all the cooking happening simultaneously.
11. Cafe Sierra – Los Angeles, CA
The Hilton Universal City at 555 Universal Hollywood Drive elevates buffet dining to sophisticated heights. This is not your typical strip mall all-you-can-eat situation.
Linen napkins and attentive service make you feel fancy while you go back for third helpings of crab.
Champagne brunch on Sundays includes bottomless mimosas alongside the seafood spread.
Smoked salmon gets carved fresh, and oysters arrive on ice throughout service.
The dessert station features French pastries that rival standalone bakeries.
Prices reflect the upscale hotel setting but include the ambiance and service quality.
Tourists visiting Universal Studios discover this gem, but locals return regularly. Valet parking removes the stress of finding spots in busy Universal City.
12. Four Seasons Buffet – Cerritos, CA
Cerritos at 12865 South Street hosts this massive operation that lives up to its four seasons name with year-round variety.
The sheer size of the buffet overwhelms first-time visitors who need a game plan to try everything. Strategic eaters start with sushi, move to hot dishes, then finish with crab legs.
Dim sum carts roll through during weekend brunch, adding authentic touches.
Peel-and-eat shrimp gets piled into mountains that somehow disappear quickly.
The Mongolian grill station lets you build custom seafood stir-fries with dozens of ingredient options.
Families celebrate milestones here because the variety pleases everyone from toddlers to grandparents.
Weekend waits can stretch long, but the massive dining room moves people through steadily. Bring patience and appetite in equal measure.
13. Tomi Sushi & Seafood Buffet – San Jose, CA
San Jose claims this North First Street treasure at 1750 North First Street that combines Silicon Valley tech money with serious seafood selection.
The sushi bar alone could operate as a standalone restaurant with its quality and variety.
Salmon belly, toro, and other premium cuts appear regularly during dinner service.
Beyond sushi, the buffet includes whole roasted fish, salt-baked prawns, and buttery scallops.
Hot sake pairs perfectly with the Japanese-focused menu. The clean, modern space feels more upscale than typical buffet joints.
Tech workers pack this place during lunch for efficient, satisfying meals.
Dinner brings families and date night couples seeking variety and value. The South Bay location makes this a destination for seafood lovers throughout the region.
14. Supreme Crab Buffet – Redwood City, CA
The name at 2275 El Camino Real tells you exactly what to expect here. Crab dominates the menu in every form imaginable, from steamed to garlic butter to spicy Cajun preparations.
Dungeness crab during season makes this a bucket-list destination for Bay Area seafood fanatics.
Snow crab and king crab legs pile high during premium dinner hours.
Crab fried rice, crab wontons, and crab salad ensure every course features the star ingredient.
Non-crab options exist for the one friend who somehow does not appreciate crustaceans.
Locals plan visits around crab season for the freshest local catches.
The casual atmosphere encourages messy eating and multiple trips to the buffet. Bibs and crackers come standard with your seat, signaling the delicious destruction ahead.