8 Virginia All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Buffets That Locals Swear Are Always Worth The Trip
Virginia’s coastline serves up some of the freshest seafood in the country, and there’s no better way to enjoy it than at an all-you-can-eat buffet.
Whether you’re craving steamed crab legs, buttery shrimp, or crispy fried fish, these spots deliver mountains of ocean treasures without breaking the bank.
Locals know these buffets aren’t just about quantity, they’re about quality, variety, and that satisfying feeling of leaving with a happy belly.
1. Captain George’s Seafood Restaurant — Virginia Beach
Walking into Captain George’s feels like stepping onto a pirate ship that happens to serve the best seafood buffet on the Virginia coast. This legendary spot has been feeding hungry beach-goers since 1982, and locals still consider it the gold standard for all-you-can-eat ocean fare.
The buffet line stretches longer than a fishing pier, featuring over 70 items including snow crab legs, peel-and-eat shrimp, oysters on the half shell, and clam strips. You’ll find everything from traditional Chesapeake Bay classics to innovative seafood creations that’ll make your taste buds dance the sailor’s hornpipe.
Save room for dessert because their soft-serve ice cream station is the perfect way to cool down after your seafood feast.
2. Yukai Seafood Buffet — Virginia Beach
Yukai brings an Asian twist to the Virginia Beach buffet scene, blending traditional American seafood favorites with Japanese and Chinese culinary magic. The restaurant’s name means “happy” in Japanese, and that’s exactly how you’ll feel after sampling their incredible selection.
Their sushi bar alone is worth the trip, featuring fresh rolls made throughout the evening. Beyond raw fish artistry, you’ll discover hibachi-grilled options, steamed mussels, crab legs, and enough variety to satisfy even the pickiest eater in your crew.
The modern atmosphere and attentive staff make this spot feel more upscale than your typical buffet joint, yet the prices remain surprisingly reasonable for the quality you’re getting.
3. Ocean Grill & Seafood Buffet — Virginia Beach
Located near the oceanfront, Ocean Grill proves that you don’t need fancy decorations when your food does all the talking. This no-frills buffet focuses on what really matters: fresh seafood prepared simply and served abundantly.
Regulars rave about the grilled fish options that taste like they were swimming that morning. The buffet offers crab legs, though availability may vary by day or time, and the shrimp comes prepared in multiple ways, steamed, fried, grilled, and seasoned with Old Bay that’ll make Marylanders jealous.
Families appreciate the kid-friendly options alongside the seafood selections, meaning everyone leaves satisfied. The casual vibe and reasonable prices make it a go-to spot for both tourists and locals who crave ocean flavors without the stuffy restaurant atmosphere.
4. Hibachi Grill & Sushi Buffet — Newport News
This Newport News gem combines the best of Asian cuisine with American buffet expectations, creating a dining experience that feels like a culinary world tour. The hibachi grill station lets you customize your meal with fresh ingredients cooked right before your eyes.
Seafood lovers will appreciate the rotating selection that includes crab legs, mussels, clams, and multiple shrimp preparations. The sushi bar stays constantly refreshed with creative rolls that rival dedicated sushi restaurants, and the quality remains impressively consistent throughout service hours.
Beyond seafood, you’ll find teriyaki chicken, lo mein, fried rice, and enough variety to please mixed groups where not everyone worships at the altar of Neptune’s bounty.
5. Hibachi Grill & Supreme Buffet — Woodbridge
Don’t let the landlocked Woodbridge location fool you—this buffet brings serious seafood game to Northern Virginia residents who don’t want to drive to the coast. The “Supreme” in the name isn’t just marketing fluff; they truly deliver an impressive spread that justifies the title.
Snow crab legs appear frequently throughout the evening, and the seafood selection rotates to keep things interesting for repeat visitors. Crawfish, mussels, oysters, and various fish preparations share space with traditional Chinese-American favorites and freshly rolled sushi.
The spacious dining room never feels cramped, even during peak weekend hours. Locals appreciate having high-quality seafood buffet options without the beach traffic and tourist prices that come with coastal dining.
6. Buffet City — Newport News
Buffet City takes the “city” part seriously, offering enough variety to feed an entire metropolis of different taste preferences. This Newport News favorite has earned its reputation by consistently delivering fresh seafood at prices that won’t require a second mortgage.
The seafood section rotates seasonally and includes items like crab legs, shrimp, fried fish, and clams, though availability may vary depending on supply. What sets Buffet City apart is the attention to replenishment, hot food stays hot, and empty trays get replaced faster than you can say “seconds, please.”
Families love the kid-friendly atmosphere and the fact that picky eaters can find something they’ll actually eat. The dessert bar features both American classics and Asian sweets for adventurous palates.
7. Aurora Seafood & Grill Buffet — Leesburg
Aurora brings a touch of elegance to the Northern Virginia buffet scene, proving that all-you-can-eat doesn’t have to mean all-about-quantity-over-quality. The restaurant’s contemporary design and thoughtful lighting create an upscale atmosphere that feels special without being pretentious.
Their seafood selection emphasizes freshness and proper preparation techniques that let natural flavors shine through. Crab legs arrive perfectly steamed, shrimp gets seasoned just right, and the grilled fish options taste restaurant-quality rather than mass-produced buffet fare.
The grill station allows customization, letting diners choose proteins and vegetables cooked to their preferences. Leesburg residents consider Aurora their secret weapon for impressing out-of-town guests who assume Virginia buffets can’t compete with coastal offerings.
8. Hibachi Grill Buffet — Richmond
Located in the East End of Henrico County on Laburnum Avenue, near the Richmond International Airport, this buffet has mastered the art of balancing quantity, quality, and value in a way that keeps locals coming back week after week.
Seafood selections run the gamut from simple steamed shrimp to more adventurous options like mussels and crawfish when in season. The crab leg section sees constant traffic, but the staff keeps it well-stocked throughout service hours, so you’ll never face an empty tray.
What really sets this spot apart is the freshness factor—ingredients taste like they were delivered that day rather than sitting in freezers for weeks. The hibachi grill station adds entertainment value, and the sushi bar surprises first-timers with its quality and creativity.