Los Angeles is a city that celebrates culinary diversity, and few dining experiences capture this ethos better than the all-you-can-eat (AYCE) buffet. From Filipino dishes to Korean barbecues, the buffet scene here is vibrant and varied, catering to all tastes and cravings.
One highlight in Artesia is Mekeni, famous not just for its food but also for the long lines of eager diners waiting to dive into its weekly Filipino buffet. With a brunch buffet priced at $22 per person on weekends and a dinner buffet at $35 on Wednesdays and Fridays, guests can enjoy around two dozen unique dishes, alongside refreshing drinks. Making reservations is highly recommended to avoid the long wait, and regular patrons rave about specialties like oxtail kare-kare, pork belly adobo, and the vegetable-rich seafood sinigang. Keep in mind that the menu changes weekly, offering something new with each visit.
For those craving a more Mediterranean flavor, Hummus Bar and Grill located in Tarzana, presents a delightful Israeli dining experience. Known for its array of grilled meats, the restaurant also offers the “Keep ‘Em Coming Assortment,” a refillable sampler of various salads and small plates, either for $11 when added to an entrée or $20 for ordering it on its own. The assortment includes popular options like egg salad, baba ganoush, and spicy eggplant, all served with fresh pita or laffah. An AYCE breakfast combo featuring eggs, labneh, and Jerusalem bagels rounds out the offerings.
Dim sum enthusiasts will find their haven at Bistro 1968, which serves AYCE dim sum for an incredible $20 over a 90-minute period. Notably affordable, this dining spot allows diners to explore a 50-item menu filled with excitement, featuring favorites like crispy shrimp rolls and barbecue pork buns. It’s ideal for those who enjoy time challenges along with good food.
In the heart of Little Ethiopia, Rahel stands out as the only fully vegan restaurant in the area. Here, generous à la carte portions leave many guests with leftovers for days. However, the weekend buffet at $24 allows diners to curate their own plates, indulging in dishes like braised kale and turmeric-roasted cabbage, making it a delightful choice for anyone craving Mediterranean flavors blended with vegan principles.
For meat lovers, Moohan in Koreatown is a top pick for AYCE Korean BBQ, with prices starting at $40 and going up to $60 for premium cuts. Guests enjoy a surprisingly robust hot bar with options like wings, dumplings, and tteokbokki. This restaurant promotes a DIY grilling experience with quality service, providing fresh grates regularly for those ready to cook.
If Brazilian cuisine is more your taste, then a visit to a local Brazilian steakhouse is a must. Dinner here boasts a price of $80 per person for a spectrum of 18 various cuts, including filet mignon and garlic chicken, with tableside carving provided. Diners can also enjoy a salad bar with a wealth of cold sides, alongside cocktails like caipirinhas that elevate the dining experience.
For a completely different Java-style experience, the shabu spot in Koreatown merges dining with karaoke, offering all-you-can-eat beef options, including wagyu cuts, for $26 at lunch or $33 for dinner. This vibrant atmosphere encourages guests to swirl ingredients through bubbling pots of broth while enjoying drinks, culminating in sweet desserts like hot sesame balls filled with red bean paste.
Indian cuisine fans will definitely want to check out Rajdhani’s AYCE Thali for $29. Located in Artesia, this buffet-style feast incorporates staples such as crispy papadum, dal, and spongy dhokla delivered by attentive servers eager to refill your plate with goodness. The recommendation of a post-meal nap speaks volumes about the satisfying portions offered.
Another enticing KBBQ option is available at the grill house that provides two pricing tiers at $39 and $52 respectively, featuring not just bulgogi but also pork belly, chicken, and seafood. With loud, lively meals guaranteed during peak hours, it’s a place to gather with friends while enjoying unlimited pours of soju.
For a fun twist on classical Korean barbecue, diners flock to Hae Jang Chon, where lunch is set at $37 and dinner at $44. Patrons can look forward to an expansive choice of beef cuts, alongside pork belly options of various preparations. Notably, grilling is handled by the staff, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable dining journey.
Chubby Cattle presents a uniquely upscale yakiniku experience, offering memberships that reward loyal diners with discounts on exquisite A5 cuts. Without the membership, guests can still enjoy the luxurious dinner options starting at $55, featuring a selection of premium ingredients such as otoro and wagyu.
Niku X, an upscale steakhouse in Downtown LA, promises a lavish buffet experience priced between $109 and $149. This indulgent setting allows guests to taste a variety of delicious cuts of wagyu and premium seafood, complemented with an extensive array of sides and desserts suited for special occasions or client meetings.
Lastly, if you’ve ever missed the Mongolian BBQ sensation, Big Wok in Manhattan Beach rekindles that nostalgia. Diners construct their own bowls from a selection of meats, vegetables, and toppings for a customizable dining experience. Starts from approximately $10 for kids and upwards from $20 for adults, this restaurant encourages creativity at the grill where chowders and stir-fried specialties thrive.
Finally, the local sushi spot, Koi Pond, allows guests to enjoy as many sushi rolls as desired for 90 minutes at varying prices, showcasing selections from spicy tuna crispy rice to dynamic roll choices featuring multiple fish and exciting toppings.
With so many all-you-can-eat options across the city, the challenge lies in choosing where to dine. For those with adventurous appetites and a taste for unique flavors, Los Angeles is truly a buffet lover’s paradise.
image source from：theinfatuation
