This New Jersey All-You-Can-Eat Spot Is Becoming A Local Favorite One Visit At A Time
Walking into Fortune Buffet & Grill in Toms River feels a little like stepping into controlled delicious chaos, in the best way. The first thing that hits you is the aroma: steamed shrimp drifting one direction, hibachi smoke sizzling in another, and a whisper of fresh sushi tying it all together.
Since opening in 2003, this place has quietly become a local ritual. Families pile plates for the kids, friends compare their favorite stations, and solo diners wander the aisles like explorers charting new territory.
The spread is huge, hibachi, sushi, American-Chinese classics, Japanese favorites, and somehow still feels personal. Here are thirteen features that explain why people mention Fortune Buffet without even pausing to think about it.
Start With The Hibachi Station
A steady hiss rises from the grill the moment you walk in, and the hibachi station feels like the restaurant’s heartbeat. The energy around it draws you in, especially when the lunch crowd forms a lively loop watching plates come together.
You build your bowl from proteins, vegetables, and sauces, then watch the chef bring it to life with quick movements and bright heat. The sizzle keeps the flavors lively and balanced without overwhelming your palate.
Finishing with a light side helps keep the meal paced, and you leave the station knowing you started strong. It sets a nice rhythm for moving through the rest of the buffet without feeling rushed.
Plan For Weekend Sushi
Fresh rice and a clean knife line greet you as the sushi chefs prepare rolls to order during weekend dinner service. The setup feels calm and focused, which is a refreshing contrast to the busier parts of the buffet.
The rolls keep to familiar territory, California, spicy tuna, salmon, but everything benefits from the made-to-order approach. Textures stay firm, seafood tastes brighter, and the balance of rice to filling feels thoughtful rather than mass-produced.
Arriving early helps you avoid lines and ensures the best pick of specials. Pairing a roll or two with miso soup creates a well-rounded plate without crowding your appetite.
Navigate The Three Cuisines
A full lap around the buffet shows how intentionally it’s divided into American, Chinese, and Japanese sections. That little moment of orientation helps you understand the rhythm of the place before picking up a plate.
I always appreciate when a buffet’s layout feels intuitive instead of chaotic. American dishes lean hearty, Chinese options deliver wide appeal, and Japanese selections stay lighter.
The arrangement makes it easy to build a meal that doesn’t pull you in too many directions at once.
Time Your Visit For Value
Weekday lunch always feels calmer here, and that slower vibe makes it easier to ease into the buffet line without pressure. The room stays bright and steady, with people drifting in rather than rushing.
Lunch service still offers a broad selection, keeping familiar items warm and replenished. Dinner expands the seafood options, especially on weekends, but it comes with a higher price.
Checking current pricing before you go helps you pick the best window for your budget. Guests who come often consistently point to weekday lunch as the sweet spot.
Aim For Fresh Turnover
Hot trays, constant staff movement, and quick rotations define the food quality here. When the dining room fills, pans refresh fast and fried items hold their crunch longer.
It’s easy to see how much effort goes into keeping things moving smoothly. Peak hours ensure new batches arrive quickly, and seafood tends to shine when turnover is high.
Staff monitor temperatures closely, swapping trays before anything lingers too long. A table near the buffet gives you a better view of what’s coming out next. If something looks low, asking about the next batch’s timing often pays off.
Explore The Dessert Bar
A soft vanilla aroma hits first, drifting from the soft-serve machine and mixing with the scent of pastries. The dessert corner feels slightly quieter than the main buffet, which makes it an unexpectedly cozy stop near the end of your meal.
Cakes, fruit, and seasonal extras show up in small portions that make sampling easy. Around holidays, the rotation gets livelier, giving returning guests something new to look forward to.
I always end with a small fruit plate and a swirl of soft-serve, and it feels like resetting everything after the heavier courses.
Consider Take-Out By Weight
A quick glance at the take-out corner shows how many locals rely on it during busy evenings. The setup is simple, and staff move efficiently, keeping containers stocked and scales ready. It’s a practical stop if you’re on the go.
Stir-fries, noodles, and roasted meats hold up especially well once boxed, while delicate fried items should be chosen sparingly. Sauces on the side help preserve texture during the drive home.
Ordering by weight keeps costs predictable and portions flexible. It’s a smart option for office lunches or nights when you want comfort without the sit-down pace.
Reserve The Private Room
Holiday months fill the private room quickly, and that seasonal demand makes planning essential. Guests book it for birthday dinners or family gatherings, using the enclosed space to keep everyone settled.
The timing around celebrations often dictates availability. The room sits close to the buffet, so guests can slip out easily for refills without disrupting the table.
Seating works well for medium-sized groups, and the set layout keeps movement manageable. Calling ahead is key, especially for weekends.
Know The Kid-Friendly Policy
You’ll spot families measuring little ones against the height sign near the entrance, and it sets a friendly tone right away. It’s a welcoming detail that cues parents into how relaxed the space can feel during early dinner hours.
Discounted meals for shorter kids, plus the availability of high chairs, make the experience smoother. Milder dishes win over picky eaters, and the buffet layout simplifies their choices.
I like visiting during early evenings because the atmosphere stays calm and the pace suits families well. It’s one of the easiest spots in Toms River for low-stress group dining.
Find It Easily In Township Plaza
A simple glance around Township Plaza makes the restaurant stand out, especially with the steady stream of people heading inside. The vibe feels casual and busy in a reassuring way, the kind of place where no one hesitates at the door.
Being near Hooper Avenue means it’s easy to reach whether you’re local or passing through. Clear signage and predictable parking patterns help first-timers settle in quickly.
If you’re unsure during peak hours, calling ahead for guidance can save time. The convenient placement is one reason it becomes a default choice for many groups.
Go At Off-Peak Times
Late weekday lunch often surprises people with how calm it feels compared to the weekend rush. You’ll hear soft clatter instead of constant lines, making it easier to wander the stations with a bit more curiosity.
Choosing off-peak lets you enjoy consistent refills without waiting behind crowds. Staff stay attentive, and the slower rhythm gives you time to notice details like tray turnover and fresh rotations.
For visitors who prefer quiet meals, this timing becomes a reliable strategy. It also works well for quick take-out stops when you want efficiency above all else.