The Ten Best Buffets in Miami

There’s more to the Magic City than beaches, bright lights, and late nights. It’s also about food — glorious amounts of it. Miami boasts some of the best all-you-can-eat spreads in the nation, and we’re not talking about heated trays filled with mystery meats under harsh fluorescent lighting or substandard sushi selections that have been sitting out for who knows how long. We’re talking about mountains of impressively hand-shucked oysters, cuts of tender Brazilian meat stacked high on skewers, and a mix of shareables like golden yuca fries and brightly flavored ceviche that can be found only in the 305.

It’s time to ditch those subpar buffets that sacrifice quality for quantity. Indulge at other local restaurants that rightfully deliver an infinite menu of sumptuous dishes. For alcohol aficionados, some places even offer bottomless mimosas and other booze-infused drink specials. Fistfuls of Alaskan king crab with a side of champagne showers, anyone? Follow us to the best of the best all-you-can-eat options in Miami. Warning: Big appetites are necessary.

10. Ginza Japanese Buffet
What’s better than going through the buffet line at Ginza? Going through it again! Located at 16153 Biscayne Blvd., this buzzing buffet was built for two kinds of people: (1) those who love large quantities of food and (2) those who love soy sauce. And typically, they’re the same person. Ginza features a hibachi station, fully loaded sushi bar, fresh seafood, pan-Asian delights, and dessert station. Lunch costs $10.95 Monday through Friday and $11.95 Saturday and Sunday. Dinner is $17.95 Monday through Thursday and $19.95 Friday through Sunday. 

9. 94th Aero Squadron
Sunday brunches are a beautiful thing, especially for partiers who danced a little too hard the night before. Make it a buffet-style brunch, and it’s even better. Make it a buffet-style brunch with airplanes, and you’ve hit gold. Overlooking Miami International Airport’s runway, 94th Aero Squadron presents a not-quite-breakfast, not-quite-lunch feast that has no limits. "Feast" is an understatement — the World War II-themed eatery boasts everything from carving and breakfast stations to an elaborate seafood boat and entrées such as paella, stuffed shells, and lamb estofado. The buffet brunch runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Prices are $15.95 for children 6 to 10 years old and $32.95 for adults. Unlimited champagne or mimosas are included in the adult price. You're welcome.

8. Edge Steak & Bar
Set your sights on executive chef Aaron Brooks’ contemporary steakhouse, nestled inside the Four Seasons (1435 Brickell Ave., Miami). Edge Steak & Bar’s elaborate brunch buffet gives you unlimited access to myriad à la carte options, such as double chocolate waffles and lemon ricotta pancakes, roasted pork made caja china style, skirt steaks, chicken tacos, fresh seafood, and all the to-die-for desserts your little sweets-loving heart desires. The nontraditional brunch spread is available Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m for $75 per adult and $32 per child.

7. Shinju Japanese Buffet
Copious amounts of impressive offerings catapult Shinju (8800 Sunset Dr., Miami) to the list of places to eat for those of us with bigger appetites. Unlike at most buffets, you will get both the quality and quantity your stomach and wallet deserve. It’s not a buffet without cracking into king crab legs along with seemingly endless Chinese selections such as barbecued pork ribs, crispy chicken, and crab rangoons. But Shinju crafts some killer sushi rolls, sashimi, and nigri that make traveling to Kendale Lakes worthwhile, as indicated by the constantly packed house. Prices start at $11 for lunch and $22 for dinner and vary depending upon days and ages.

6. Perricone's Marketplace & Cafe
Nothing beats a lazy Sunday funday than binge-watching Netflix. But a lazy Sunday brunch at Perricone’s comes close. Rustic scenery, shade trees, and an all-you-can-eat spread are just what you need at Brickell Village’s relaxed Italian market. Located at 15 SE Tenth St., Perricone’s lays out extensive breakfast items with an Italian twist. Think a made-to-order omelet station, smoked salmon, mozzarella caprese, and baguettes. Sunday brunch is served from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and costs $21.95 per adult and $12.95 per child.

5. Area Code 55
A carnivore’s heaven on Earth, Area Code 55 lets your taste buds explore regions of Brazil without leaving your seat. This North Miami Beach rodizio, located at 16375 Biscayne Blvd., serves South American wonders at your fingertips. Flag down a waiter holding mouthwatering cuts of meat, from perfectly cooked top sirloin to chicken wrapped in bacon. Fresh bread, soups, and salads can also be found at the salad bar, which unfortunately requires you to get up from your seat. Prices range from $15 to $30, depending upon whether you’re having lunch or dinner and if you choose just the salad bar.

4. POC American Fusion Buffet and Sushi
Forget everything you know and have experienced at buffets. A step inside this Ponce de Leon storefront will make your buffet dream come true, with rows upon rows of artfully crafted sushi rolls, a raw bar featuring everything from fresh oysters to king crab legs, and a carving station with cuts of succulent meats. If you aren’t stuffed after scarfing down the aforementioned dishes and plates full of POC’s Asian-inspired tapas, check out the dessert table, which has everything from Thai doughnuts to crème brûlée. Jet-set on this culinary tour of the world for dinner, which costs $22.19 Monday through Thursday and $24.99 Friday through Sunday. Lunch is also available beginning at 11:30 a.m. for a lesser price.

3. Zuma
Gluttony has a steep price tag at this swanky joint on the ground floor of the Epic Hotel, located at 270 Biscayne Blvd. Way. Dining for weekend brunch, which is available from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m., will set you back $95 (or more depending upon your buffet menu options), but rest assured you will get your money’s worth. Delight yourself with fresh sushi and sashimi, top-quality catches, succulent robata grill servings, and a rotating dessert platter that's a delightful culmination to a lavish Asian feast. Plus, signature cocktails and other Japanese-inspired libations flow generously throughout. Cheers.

2. Toro Toro
Chef Richard Sandoval’s greatest culinary contribution to Miami comes in the form of free-flowing cocktails and pan-Latin fare that’s as tasty as it is creative. Tucked inside the InterContinental at 100 Chopin Plaza, this downtown Miami hotel eatery has garnered a cultlike following since the launch of its bottomless Sunday brunches, served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and priced at $45 per person. Toro Toro diners love dishes such as chilaquiles de pollo, chorizo, caramelized bacon guacamole served with tortilla chips, picadillo empanadas, short-rib arepas served Benedict style, and the never-ending mimosas that go along with them.

1. La Carreta
These abuelita-approved recipes will definitely clash with your diet, but save your cheat day for Saturday or Sunday during La Carreta’s weekend breakfast buffet, which runs from 8 to 11:30 a.m at 5350 W. 16th Ave. Start slow with your scrambled eggs, crisp bacon, buttermilk pancakes, and roasted potatoes. Then feast on Cuban desayuno delicacies such as croquetas, rice and beans, picadillo, and more. For $9.45, La Carreta’s spread will turn even the most carb-fearing locals into a posse of pastelito-loving converts.

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