This California Buffet Has Everyone Craving A Taste Of The Most Delicious All You Can Eat Spread In The State

A whole Maine lobster lands on your plate, and nobody stops you from going back for another. That alone sounds like a dare.

King crab legs pile up nearby, chilled and waiting. A sushi station makes hand rolls to order, and a carving board serves up prime rib, roast duck, and lamb chops.

The catch is timing. This spread only shows up on weekends, which makes Saturday feel like a holiday in California.

It also sits next door to a famous movie studio.

I can’t imagine a better excuse to wear stretchy pants. Dessert brings a chocolate fountain, crepes, and boba milk tea, so the real question is simple.

Somewhere between the oysters and the scallops, strategy becomes important. How much room did you save?

A Fresh Name Gives This Seafood Feast A Brand-New Spotlight

New name, same mountain of crab. MERiNE is the new identity of the restaurant long known as Café Sierra, and it lives inside the Hilton Los Angeles/Universal City tower.

That history matters because the old name built a big reputation. Café Sierra became famous across Southern California for its weekend seafood and prime rib buffet.

The rebrand leans into a Californian and Pan-Asian style. That mix shows up everywhere, from sushi hand rolls to roast duck sitting near the carving station.

The room itself is airy and casual, set right inside the hotel. You won’t find a stuffy dress code or white-glove drama here, just plates and plenty of them.

Fans who still say Café Sierra out of habit will land in the right place. Old habits are hard to break, especially when they involve lobster.

So if a friend mentions either name, smile and nod. You both mean the same giant buffet, and you both probably want to go this weekend.

Whole Lobsters And King Crab Legs Steal The Whole Show

MERiNE’s seafood buffet offers an impressive selection of lobster and crab. Published menus have featured whole lobster and king crab at dinner, while brunch has offered lobster claws and snow crab legs.

That detail alone makes this spread stand out in California. A whole lobster feels like a celebration, even when it is your third one.

King crab legs sit right alongside them, ready for cracking. Snow crab joins the party too, so crab lovers get options instead of just one star.

Here is a smart move for first-timers. Grab a small portion of each crustacean before committing, then go back for the one that wins your heart.

Shell cracking takes a little patience, so pace yourself. Nobody wins a prize for finishing first, and the seafood keeps getting refilled.

Bring a game plan if you have one favorite. Some guests go all-in on crab, while others sample everything like a seafood tasting tour.

Either approach works perfectly well. Just remember to leave a little space, because the sushi station and dessert table are still waiting for their turn.

Cold Seafood Fans Get A Raw Bar Worth Lingering Over

Oysters on ice might be the quietest flex on the whole buffet. They sit there looking calm while everyone else fights over lobster claws.

The cold side of the spread goes well beyond crab. Raw oysters, shrimp, clams, and scallops all show up on the seafood lineup.

Shrimp fans should pay attention to the sauces. Classic sauce and mignonette sit nearby, ready to give each bite a little zing.

Snow crab clusters often appear chilled as well. Cold crab is easier to crack, which makes it a sneaky favorite for anyone who hates messy fingers.

A handy tip is to start your meal here. Light, chilled bites wake up your appetite without filling you up too fast.

Squeeze a lemon wedge over everything and keep things simple. Fresh seafood rarely needs much help, and the raw bar proves that point nicely.

After a plate or two, you’ll feel ready for the heavier stations. Consider it the opening scene before the big blockbuster moments arrive.

Your Sushi Hand Roll Gets Made Right On The Spot

Sushi that sits under a heat lamp is nobody’s dream. Thankfully, this buffet skips that problem with a made-to-order hand roll station.

You walk up, choose your roll, and watch it come together. Tuna and crab are among the fillings that make these rolls feel fresh and bright.

The station fits the Pan-Asian side of the menu perfectly. It also gives your taste buds a break from butter and sauce.

A hand roll is light enough to enjoy between bigger plates. That makes it a smart palate cleanser after a round of crab or prime rib.

Want a pro move? Order one roll at a time so the seaweed stays crisp instead of soggy.

Kids who love sushi will feel right at home here too. Watching the roll get made is half the fun for younger diners.

Sushi fans in California have plenty of choices, of course. Still, finding made-to-order rolls inside an all-you-can-eat seafood feast is a pretty sweet bonus.

Meat Lovers Won’t Feel Left Out At The Carving Station

Not a seafood person? Relax, because the carving station has your back with slices of juicy prime rib.

Prime rib shares top billing with seafood on the weekend dinner buffet. That makes this spot a great pick for groups with mixed cravings.

Roast duck is another standout on the land side. It reflects the restaurant’s Pan-Asian roots and adds a flavor you won’t find at most buffets.

Lamb chops and roasted bone marrow round out the hearty options. Bone marrow might sound fancy, but it’s rich, savory, and fun to try.

Fish fans who want something cooked can look for dishes like branzino or salmon. Those plates give you a warm break from chilled seafood.

Sides like rice and mac and cheese keep things comforting. They work well for picky eaters who just want something familiar on their plate.

Here’s my favorite tip for this station. Ask for a thin slice of prime rib first, then decide if you want a second, thicker cut later.

Save Room, Because Dessert Has Its Own Fan Club

A flowing chocolate fountain changes a person. Suddenly every strawberry and marshmallow looks like it needs a quick dip.

The dessert area at MERiNE goes far beyond one sweet trick. Mini cakes, macarons, and crème brûlée line up like tiny edible trophies.

There is also a crepe station and ice cream with toppings. Building your own sundae after a lobster feast feels a bit silly, and totally worth it.

Boba milk tea has appeared on the dessert side too. That fun twist matches the Pan-Asian spirit running through the whole menu.

A Dubai-style chocolate cup with pistachios has joined the lineup as well. It’s a trendy treat, so grab one before your stomach waves the white flag.

Smart diners take small portions of several desserts. That way you can taste more without feeling like you need a nap at the table.

Honestly, some people plan the whole meal around this table. Nobody here will judge you for starting with crepes, though your crab might feel a little jealous.

Birthdays Here Come With A Soundtrack And A Seafood Tower

Live music has long been part of the weekend scene here. A musician playing in the center of the room gives dinner a relaxed, easygoing mood.

The performances may depend on the day, so call ahead if music matters to you. A quick check saves you from any surprise silence.

Birthdays are a big deal at this buffet. Families often book it for milestone celebrations, from a teen’s birthday to a grandparent’s special year.

Let your server know when you reserve that you’re celebrating. Staff have been known to help make the moment feel special for the guest of honor.

Large groups fit in well, too. Long tables make it easy to bring the whole crew together for one big seafood party.

The vibe is casual rather than fancy. That makes it comfortable for kids, grandparents, and everyone in between.

A celebration here comes with built-in entertainment. Between the music, the lobster, and the chocolate fountain, nobody gets bored waiting for the candles.

Plan Your Weekend Around These Very Specific Hours

Timing is everything at MERiNE. The restaurant opens for its big buffet only on weekends, so a Tuesday craving will have to wait.

Saturday brings two chances, with brunch from 11 AM to 3 PM and dinner from 5 to 10 PM. Sunday offers brunch from 11 AM to 3 PM.

Reservations are a smart idea, especially for dinner. Tables fill up as the evening goes on, and nobody wants to stand around hungry.

Soft drinks are included with the buffet. That’s one less thing to add up when you’re deciding between lemonade and soda.

MERiNE is a no-tipping establishment, but a mandatory 15% facility fee is added to each bill. The restaurant states that this fee is not a gratuity and is used to support its operations.

Diners with allergies get some helpful support. Allergy cards are placed around the buffet, making it easier to spot what fits your needs.

Check the latest hours before you go, since schedules can shift. A little planning means more time eating crab and less time guessing.

Universal Studios Sits Practically Next Door To Your Lobster

Few buffets come with a theme park as a neighbor. MERiNE sits at 555 Universal Hollywood Dr, Universal City, CA 91608, inside the Hilton hotel tower.

That puts it right near Universal Studios Hollywood and Universal CityWalk. A day of rides and movie magic can end with a whole lobster, which sounds like a solid plan.

Out-of-town visitors to California will find it easy to fit into a trip. Hotel guests can simply take the elevator down instead of fighting traffic.

Driving in? Parking runs through the hotel garage, so remember to validate your ticket at the restaurant.

Skipping validation can mean a much bigger parking bill on the way out. Ask your server before you leave the table, and save yourself a second trip inside.

The location also makes it great for special visitors. Showing friends a famous studio and a giant buffet in one day feels like a very Los Angeles move.

Bookmark this one for your next weekend near Hollywood. Your stomach and your camera roll will both thank you.