Los Angeles is a city that never stops surprising you with its incredible culinary scene. Forget those predictable buffet chains; in LA, finding the best all-you-can-eat spot is an exciting treasure hunt, and the rewards are far tastier than any map could guide you to.
Whether your cravings lean towards the comforting warmth of freshly baked naan, the vibrant kick of a zesty salsa, or the crispness of a perfectly dressed salad, this city has a buffet that’s not just calling your name, but practically singing it. L.A.’s buffet scene serves up an unparalleled blend of variety and flavor that turns every single visit into a story you’ll want to tell. It’s perfect for a long, leisurely lunch, a lively family gathering, or those days when you simply need a bit of everything on your plate.
Look, I’ll admit it: I’ve explored more buffets in this city than anyone with sensible arteries should. But here’s the thing—each place on this carefully curated list has a genuine reason to be here, offering something truly unique. We’re talking about a South Indian buffet tucked away in an unexpected corner, a contemporary spread with an Italian accent, or a bustling table overflowing with Mexican classics. If you’re anything like me, picking where to start your plate is half the adventure. So, ditch the ordinary and let’s dive headfirst into the highlight reel of LA’s best buffets—no filler, just the real deal!
1. **El Paseo Inn**El Paseo Inn is more than just a restaurant; it’s a vibrant journey back in time, nestled right in the historic heart of Olvera Street, just steps from Union Station. As you step inside, you’re immediately enveloped by a warm, classic Mexican ambiance, with colorful murals gracing every wall. The place practically breathes history, setting the perfect tone for a meal that feels deeply rooted in Los Angeles’ rich, storied past.
What keeps me coming back to El Paseo Inn is their incredible buffet spread. It’s not about overwhelming quantity, but rather a meticulous attention to tradition and authentic flavors that truly sets it apart. The vegetarian tamales are an absolute triumph, and their zesty, crowd-pleasing salsa bar earns top marks in my book every single time. Plus, the house-made tortillas add an irresistible, authentic charm that elevates every bite.
To truly savor the essence and flavors of Old Los Angeles, start your buffet plate at El Paseo Inn with their chile rellenos and freshly prepared guacamole, offering a comforting taste of classic Mexican cuisine.
2. Woodlands Pure Vegetarian South Indian Cuisine offers a delightful escape for those craving vibrant, plant-based dishes bursting with flavor. Their lunchtime buffet is a lively festival of aromas, with vegetarian and vegan options abound, ensuring a delightful experience for everyone.
I’m genuinely never one to skip their perfectly crisp dosas and wonderfully fluffy idlis; they are always fresh, never left sitting, and consistently paired with an impressive line-up of house-made chutneys and fragrant sambar. Just one bite is enough to tell you that real care and passion go into each and every recipe at Woodlands, making every dish a testament to authentic South Indian culinary artistry.
For an authentic South Indian experience, visit Woodlands at lunch and build a plate with their exquisite rice specialties, rich curries, and steaming lentil soup, delivering a vegetarian feast that’s both satisfying and flavorful.
3. **Top Thai Cuisine**Top Thai Cuisine is undeniably a true local gem in Northridge, consistently drawing crowds from both the nearby college and the surrounding neighborhood alike. As you step inside for their buffet, you’re immediately immersed in all the delightful heat, and intoxicating aroma of a bustling Thai street market, but with the added comfort of a bright, welcoming dining room. It’s an instant transport to the heart of Thailand, right here in LA.
The buffet experience here means you’re never forced to pick just one favorite; instead, you get to explore a wonderful array of authentic dishes. The Pad Thai, and steaming jasmine rice are absolute must-tries – each one consistently hits the mark on texture and flavor. It’s clear that their talented chefs, rooted in their Thai heritage, always add a deeply personal touch to every creation, making each dish taste truly authentic.
At Top Thai Cuisine, load up your plate with their spicy vegetable curry and perfectly crisp sautéed greens, offering an unbeatable combination of authenticity and variety that keeps you coming back for more.
4. **Prince Of Venice**Prince Of Venice has a magical way of transforming a quick lunch into a delightful little slice of Italian luxury, conveniently located right in Westwood. This isn’t your typical all-you-can-eat buffet focused on sheer excess; instead, it’s all about thoughtfully crafted flavors, incredibly fresh ingredients, and pasta so good you’ll wish you could recreate it at home. Every single visit here feels like joining a warm, welcoming family meal in a sunlit Italian kitchen.
The undisputed headliner at Prince Of Venice is their phenomenal handmade pasta. I consistently find myself gravitating towards the creamy pesto penne and their rich, roasted vegetable lasagna. These dishes truly stand out not just for their exceptional taste, but also for their perfect texture—a feat that not every buffet manages to achieve with such consistent brilliance.
Their bar is another definite highlight, bursting with crisp greens and an array of grilled seasonal vegetables that taste as fresh as they look. While you should certainly try a bit of everything, do not, under any circumstances, miss their focaccia and caprese salad; these simple yet exquisite offerings truly show off Prince Of Venice’s signature light, yet genuinely authentic Italian touch, leaving you utterly satisfied.
Bon Shabu reinvents the buffet with a communal and interactive experience where you become your own chef around a simmering pot. It’s a social, relaxing, and memorable meal centered around fresh ingredients and flavorful broth.
Bon Shabu truly shines with the freshness of its ingredients and the wide variety of choices, allowing you to craft your perfect shabu-shabu creation with everything from earthy mushrooms to sweet potatoes and bouncy noodles.
The house dipping sauces and delightful assortment of house-made sides at Bon Shabu elevate the entire experience, making the hot pot adventure both exciting and approachable.
6. **Tandoor-A-India Playa Del Rey**Tandoor-A-India is truly the go-to spot for fantastic Indian food near the serene beaches of Los Angeles. Perched gracefully on the bluff in Playa del Rey, this homey and inviting restaurant boasts an atmosphere that is quietly charming, quaint, and wonderfully welcoming, making you feel instantly at ease the moment you step inside. It’s the perfect escape for a flavorful meal.
Tandoor-A-India is renowned for its incredible Chicken Tikka Masala, delightful Samosa appetizers, and various fresh Naan breads baked in their authentic Tandoor oven; the Naan is an extra cost but absolutely worth it.
Vegetarians will find plenty to love at Tandoor-A-India, with popular dishes like Channa Masala and Aloo Gobi, and their lunch buffet for around $10 is a fantastic value on the Westside, offering a taste of their most beloved dishes.
