Let’s be honest with ourselves, we go to buffets wearing pants a size too large and expect to waddle out with gluttonous happiness having stuffed ourselves with soup, four varieties of pasta, some salad to justify the pasta and a handful of seasonal tarts and pudding that looked too delectable to not try.
Of course the more savvy buffet-goer will know by now that all buffets are not created equal. Some are mediocre all across the board, some a value for money but not that great, some have two great dishes and disappoint in every other category, and some cost an arm and a leg. Despite higher costs, it doesn’t make sense to spend too much cash on a buffet since you really can’t eat it all. And some places deliver a decent selection for a more or less average price, which can leave you content all the same. Read below, for our recommended spots to buffet at in Phoenix, Arizona.
China City at Mesa
On Sundays and holidays, put down $13.99 for a fully decked out Chinese buffet at China City. Their buffet starts from 9:30 a.m. and closes at 10:30 p.m., leaving you plenty of time to sit down for a hearty meal. You can even get the buffet to go for a similar price in a takeout container. They also have a separate buffet option for seafood only. The menu includes classic Chinese, sushi, fresh seafood and Mongolian barbeque. You will find both spicy and milder menu items in their selection of soups, noodles and main dishes and appetisers for the buffet. Their dessert selection is quite good too, with a range of fresh fruit desserts as well as a wide choice of ice creams. Flick through their mouth watering menu here.
Address: 2235 S Power Rd # 101, Mesa, AZ 85209
Lin’s
If all you want for dessert after Chinese is some good old soft serve ice cream, head over to Lin’s. They are a buffet restaurant, open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. from Sundays to Thursdays and till 10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Their buffets are full of American-Chinese favourites like Szechuan chicken, sizzling Mongolian barbeque and fried seafood appetisers, with plenty of fresh vegetables. Their dessert selection isn’t as extensive as their savoury menu. For $15, sit down in one of their cozy booths in their restaurant on Baseline road, and knock yourself out with their delicious assortment of wholesome Chinese food.
Address: 1068 E Tucson Marketplace Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85713
La Fonda Del Sol
On Scottsdale road, La Fonda Del Sol will satisfy your yearning for Mexican food no matter how great. From the minute you sit down you get some complimentary chips and salsa to munch on. Pay $9.95 for the buffet, where you will find soups like the traditional menudo – a beef mince soup, a variety of beans, meats and veggie dishes, enchiladas, empanadas and tacos. Every taco filling you can dream of, and lots of cheese, chilli and herb toppings are available to allow you to make or invent your personal overstuffed taco. The buffet is open Monday to Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for hungry customers in need of some hearty Mexican food.
Address: 7223 E Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Delhi Palace Cuisine of India
Pretty self-explanatory, nothing fits a buffet menu like Indian food. For $8.95, get your fix of curries, kormas and vindaloos at the Delhi Palace on East McDowell road. They have substantial vegetarian choices alongside their meat dishes. Their food is not too spicy either, and has a respectable level of heat that won’t burn your intestines from the insides the following day while still remaining authentic to the bold flavours of Indian cuisine. Enjoy your food with naan, or pilau, nibble on some pakoras and finish off with some masala chai and Indian sweets. Their lunch buffet is open everyday from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Address: 5104 East Mcdowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Wandering Horse
Explore your favourite Italian dishes at the Wandering Horse in the Talking Stick Resort. As long as you avoid weekends, their buffet is reasonably priced. Pay up to $16.95 for breakfast and lunch on Mondays to Saturdays. Dinner is $25.95 Sundays to Thursdays from 4:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and a bit more expensive on Fridays and Saturdays at $44.95 per adult. Their buffet selection boasts an array of Italian dishes, anti-pasti and pizzas from their stone oven as well as a choice of Mediterranean dishes and salads. Their indulgent main dishes include fresh King crabs, succulent seasoned pork, lobster ravioli and equally sumptuous creme brulees and gelatos for dessert. If you want some Italian, definitely consider the buffet at the Wandering Horse.
Address: 9800 Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, AZ 85256
