When we think of the phrase "all-you-can-eat" we associate it with the buffets that taught us how to lie about our ages growing up. We think about the stacked plates, the lines, and trays upon trays of food. However, all-you-can-eat (or "AYCE" as the cool kids call it) has made a comeback and we're definitely here for it. Here's our guide to the best places you can get your unlimited grub on – you might want to wear stretchy pants.
Last updated December 2022
San Francisco
Via Amber India
(25 Yerba Buena Ln // Yerba Buena)
Swing by Amber India during the week for their lunch buffet ($28), or on the weekends for endless brunch including unlimited champagne and mimosas ($40). Starting at 11:30 every day, we’re talking salads, chaat, tawa dishes, curry pots, desserts, and more – are you getting hungry yet?!
(1686 Market St // Hayes Valley + 710 S B St // San Mateo)
Espetus has 14 cuts of charcoal-grilled steak, chicken, lamb, pork, and shrimp, which means meat sweats are pretty much a guarantee, but they’ve never been more worth it. Menu offerings and price vary by meal and day of the week, but lunch starts at $41.95, and you can find additional info on their website.
(2 New Montgomery St // Financial District)
The Garden Court at the Palace Hotel is a thing to behold without the breakfast buffet, but when the two come together, you’re in for a real treat. For $43 you can pile your plate with eggs, bacon, sausage, potatoes, fruit, and more. Specialty buffets are often offered on holidays if you’re willing to splurge.
Via Chubby Noodle
(570 Green St // North Beach)
For family style brunch, it’s hard to beat Chubby Noodle, where you can chow down on your choice of seven dishes and three drinks for 90 minutes and 54 bucks. With offerings like spicy garlic noodles, firecracker chicken, and sangria, you’re likely to need someone to cart you home for a nap afterwards.
(2800 California St #101 // Pacific Heights)
As a wine bar that mostly serves small plates during the week, Scopo Divino isn’t what springs to mind when you think all-you-can-eat – but it’s not to be overlooked! Drop in for bottomless brunch on weekends and enjoy all the beignets, benedicts, and bellinis you can manage for 50 bucks.
(1946 Market St // Duboce Triangle)
For $35 Sunday through Thursday and $38 on Friday through Saturday, you can crush AYCE sushi and appetizers until you hit your 90 minute limit! We’re talking gyoza, tiger rolls, and tempura rolls for days! Be sure to come hungry and order carefully though, as any food left behind will lead to an additional charge.
East Bay
Via Shabuya
(2025 Diamond Blvd F150 // Concord + 84 Ranch Dr // Milpitas)
Drop it like it's hot(pot). If you want your soup fix but want to be in charge of what goes in it, this is the place for you. You're given a base soup of your choice and assorted meats to choose from. Unlimited goodness can be yours for $19.99 during lunch and $28.99 at dinner!
(2600 Telegraph Ave // Oakland)
If you didn’t already know, Korean BBQ slays the AYCE game, and Gogi Time has a truly impressive number of options for you and all your friends. Feeling short rib? They got you. Ever wondered what it’s like to BBQ spam? THEY. GOT. YOU. Dig in to apps, stews, meats, veggies, and sides any time for just $37.99!
(3915 Broadway // Oakland + 2211 South Shore Ctr // Alameda)
You have to bring at least one other pal for all you can eat at Ohgane, but it’s a top-tier place to show off your "dad at the BBQ" skills. For $34.99 (or $29.99 if you get the lunch special) you can eat to your heart's content, or you can choose to pay more to include their premium options like duck, prime rib, and jumbo shrimp.
South Bay + Peninsula
Via Fogo de Chao
(377 Santana Row #1090 // San Jose)
If you're a carnivore, this is the place for you. When you're feeling fancy, you can indulge in the 'Full Churrasco Experience' which includes the Market Table, Feijoada Bar, and a continuous supply of meats for $68. They even carve everything right onto your plate! Lunch + dinner prices vary by location.
(Multiple Locations)
At Gen, you have the power to pick what you want and how you'd like it with no limits. It might be a little more work to cook your food yourself, but we promise it's super fun. Prices and menu items may vary depending on what location you choose, but classic options like beef bulgogi and garlic chicken will never disappoint!
(5465 Snell Ave // San Jose)
Sometimes one roll just isn’t enough, and at Kenzo, the possibilities are endless. Get your fix for $31.95 at lunch time and $35.95 at dinner (or pay a bit more for the premium selection). Lunch or dinner, nigiri or maki – whichever route you go, be sure to order the monkey brain!
North Bay
Via Los Moles San Rafael
(912 Lincoln Avenue // San Rafael + 1320 65th Street // Emeryville + 6120 Potrero Avenue // El Cerrito)
Every Saturday and Sunday, Los Moles Hecho en Casa has a Mexican food buffet that you cannot miss. Featuring meats, menudo, pozole, rice, beans, fruits, salads, desserts, + more, it’s only $25 per person! With eight different kinds of mole to choose from, it’s a brunch experience you won’t soon forget.
(909 4th St // San Rafael)
The AYCE lunch buffet at Taj of Marin is serious business – it’s stocked with loads of North and South Indian food, most of which is vegetarian or vegan, and all of which is hella delicious. They even include chai-spiced tea and frozen desserts in their buffet offerings, so be sure to go with an empty stomach.
(812 4th St // San Rafael)
Another excellent option if you have a hankering for Indian food for lunch, Lotus Cuisine of India also has a lunch buffet every day of the week. Cruise on through for dishes like buttery lentil curry, eggplant fritters, and a handful of meat-based options to choose from. It’s $18.95 during the week and $21.95 on weekends.
Written by Allyssa Cruz and Katherine Andrews
