6 Florida Buffets That Are Always A Hit & 6 That Locals Say Are Totally Worth The Trip
Florida’s dining scene is nothing short of a feast, and nowhere is that more evident than in its legendary buffets.
Across the Sunshine State, you’ll find endless spreads that satisfy every craving imaginable, from overflowing seafood feasts in charming coastal towns to global flavors showcased in the heart of busy city centers.
These all-you-can-eat wonderlands have become beloved institutions, drawing both locals and visitors eager to indulge in plate after plate of variety and flavor. After years of exploring Florida’s best, I’ve narrowed it down to 12 buffets that consistently deliver satisfaction—and prove every penny is well spent.
1. Boston Lobster Feast Delivers Ocean Treasures
Nothing beats the moment those red trays of steaming lobster arrive at Boston Lobster Feast in Orlando. My family makes this our celebration spot whenever someone aces a test or lands a promotion.
The seafood selection stretches beyond just lobster—crab legs crack perfectly under the provided tools, and the shrimp comes in five different preparations. Even the picky eaters find something delicious among the prime rib and pasta stations.
Their chocolate fountain might be my personal weakness. I’ve been known to make three separate trips for strawberry dipping adventures while my uncle tackles his fifth lobster tail.
2. Whale Harbor’s Seafood Paradise Awaits in Islamorada
Sunshine streams through the windows at Whale Harbor while pelicans dive nearby—this isn’t just dinner, it’s island magic. Last summer, I watched my nephew’s eyes widen at the mountain of stone crab claws glistening on ice.
The buffet transforms Keys-caught seafood into dozens of preparations. Their coconut shrimp deserves its own fan club, and the conch fritters disappear faster than Florida afternoon rain showers.
Between bites, everyone pauses to watch boats cruise by through the floor-to-ceiling windows. The key lime pie station lets you customize your slice with toppings—a sweet finale to seafood heaven.
3. Crazy Buffet Serves Up Global Flavors
First-timers at Orlando’s Crazy Buffet often freeze in their tracks—the sheer variety can overwhelm even seasoned buffet champions. My brother-in-law once spent fifteen minutes just plotting his strategy before filling his first plate.
The sushi station stretches longer than my arms can reach, with chefs continuously rolling fresh options. Chinese classics sit alongside Thai curries and hibachi-grilled meats that sizzle enticingly.
Kids race between the chocolate fountain and the ice cream bar while parents load up on Mongolian beef. The crab rangoon remains my personal benchmark for perfection—crispy outside, creamy inside, and always worth the extra trip back.
4. Boma Brings African Flavors to Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Walking into Boma feels like stepping into another continent—the aromas alone tell stories of spices I can’t pronounce. My first visit happened during a rainstorm, making the warm soups and stews even more magical.
Zebra domes—those chocolate-coffee confections—have created a cult following that includes my entire extended family. The carved meats feature unique marinades with notes of cardamom and coriander that transform ordinary roasts into extraordinary experiences.
Children gather around the kid-friendly station while adults explore bobotie and pap. The breakfast buffet deserves special mention for jungle juice that wakes up taste buds better than any coffee ever could.
5. Columbia Restaurant’s Sunday Spectacle in Ybor City
Sunday mornings at Tampa’s historic Columbia Restaurant transform into a Spanish-Cuban celebration that’s outlasted a century of Florida history. The building itself tells stories through colorful tiles and vintage photographs while servers carry platters of paella overhead.
Grandmothers share family recipes with grandchildren as they sample flan together. The Cuban bread comes warm from La Segunda Bakery down the street—a partnership older than most Floridians.
My favorite tradition happens when they bring out fresh sangria pitchers filled with fruit. The buffet expands traditional menu favorites into a feast that spans generations, making it impossible to leave without planning your next visit.
6. Fred’s Market Restaurant Serves Southern Comfort in Plant City
Grandma’s kitchen could never compete with Fred’s Market Restaurant—though she’d never admit it. The buttermilk fried chicken achieves that perfect crisp-tender balance that’s converted many diet plans into cheat days.
Locals time their visits around fresh strawberry cobbler during harvest season. The vegetable selection rotates based on what’s growing nearby, making each visit slightly different from the last.
During my last visit, three generations of a family celebrated their reunion at tables pushed together while passing around the famous cornbread. Fred’s doesn’t just serve food—it creates a communal experience where strangers become friends over sweet tea and second helpings.
7. Fred’s Market Restaurant Worth Every Mile
Plant City locals might keep Fred’s Market as their precious secret, but this Southern comfort buffet justifies the drive from anywhere in Florida. My college roommates and I made this our semester-end tradition—200 miles roundtrip for mac and cheese that tastes like childhood.
The buffet line showcases Florida agriculture with seasonal vegetables prepared simply but perfectly. Their strawberry cobbler during February and March harvest season creates traffic jams of hungry pilgrims.
The meatloaf recipe remains unchanged since opening day—a testament to getting things right the first time. Come hungry and wear stretchy pants; you’ll want to sample everything twice.
8. Whale Harbor Makes Island Dreams Come True
The Overseas Highway journey to Islamorada becomes worthwhile the moment you spot Whale Harbor’s waterfront location. Fishing boats unload their catches practically into the kitchen—seafood doesn’t get fresher unless you’re wearing fins.
The Sunday champagne brunch elevates an already impressive spread with endless bubbles and ocean views. Locals recommend timing your visit for sunset when the buffet room glows golden and dolphins sometimes appear outside the windows.
My grandmother still talks about their crab legs from our trip three years ago. The drive might take hours, but the memories of cracking shells while watching sailboats glide by will last decades longer.
9. Boston Lobster Feast Creates Seafood Memories
Orlando visitors plan entire vacation days around Boston Lobster Feast—it’s that legendary. The first time I brought out-of-state relatives, they photographed their plates before diving in, amazed at unlimited lobster tails.
The seafood stations stretch seemingly forever with crab legs, peel-and-eat shrimp, and oysters on ice. Even non-seafood eaters find satisfaction among prime rib, pasta stations, and surprisingly excellent fried chicken.
Staff members teach first-timers proper lobster-cracking techniques with genuine enthusiasm. The restaurant might be miles from any ocean, but the seafood quality transports you straight to coastal New England with every buttery bite.
10. Crazy Buffet Creates Food Adventures
Orlando’s Crazy Buffet became our family reunion destination after my picky-eater uncle and adventurous foodie cousin both left satisfied. The international stations create a culinary world tour without passport requirements.
Sushi chefs work continuously creating artistic rolls while hibachi grills sizzle with made-to-order combinations. The dumpling station alone offers six varieties that disappear moments after being set out.
My nephew counts the chocolate fountain as a legitimate reason for road trips. Between the Mongolian beef, seafood selections, and dessert options, everyone finds their perfect plate combination. We’ve driven three hours just for dinner here—and immediately started planning our next visit on the drive home.
11. Boma Creates African-Inspired Taste Adventures
Hidden inside Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Boma offers flavors you won’t find anywhere else in Florida. My sister drove four hours specifically for their famous zebra domes—those chocolate-coffee perfections that inspire devotion.
The buffet features authentic African dishes alongside approachable options for cautious palates. Carved meats shine with unique spice blends while vegetarians celebrate the rainbow of salads and grain dishes.
The restaurant’s atmosphere enhances every bite with tribal drums, wood carvings, and views of grazing animals on the savanna. Though technically within Disney property, this culinary journey stands entirely on its own merits—no park ticket required for this remarkable dining safari.
12. Columbia Restaurant Sunday Brunch Honors Heritage
Tampa’s historic Ybor City transforms Sunday mornings at the Columbia Restaurant into time travel. Established in 1905, this Spanish-Cuban institution creates buffet magic within rooms adorned with hand-painted tiles and antique fans.
The paella alone justifies the journey—saffron-scented rice studded with seafood prepared by chefs whose families have worked here for generations. Fresh-squeezed orange juice mingles with sangria for the perfect Florida brunch beverage.
My grandmother insists we visit annually for her birthday, claiming the flan tastes exactly like her mother made in Havana. Between the flamenco music, century-old recipes, and historic surroundings, this buffet feeds both body and soul with equal abundance.