NEW JERSEY - The "all-you-can-eat" concept has undergone a massive rebranding in the last few years. Gone are the days of lukewarm trays under heat lamps in dimly lit dining rooms. In 2026, New Jersey’s best buffets are specialized, high-quality culinary experiences that rival à la carte restaurants.
From Atlantic City casinos to upscale Brazilian steakhouses in the suburbs, the Garden State is proving that quantity doesn’t have to come at the expense of quality. But with so many options, which ones actually offer value for the money?
Here is a look at five locations that are currently making a strong case for the title of "Best Buffet in New Jersey."
1. The Buffet at Borgata (Atlantic City)
The Heavyweight Champion For years, the Borgata has been the gold standard for casino dining in Atlantic City, and its flagship buffet remains the one to beat. While many AC casinos have shuttered their buffets post-2020, Borgata has kept theirs running with a focus on premium options.
- The Draw: This isn't just about volume; it's about the carving station. The slow-roasted prime rib is consistently rated as restaurant-quality.
- The Menu: Beyond the beef, you’ll find a massive seafood station (often featuring fresh clams and shrimp), Italian specialties, and a dessert bar that features high-end gelato and pastries rather than generic cakes.
- Verdict: It is pricey, but for a "Vegas-style" experience on the East Coast, it remains unmatched.
2. Umi Sushi & Seafood Buffet (Deptford & East Brunswick)
The Viral Sensation If you scroll through New Jersey food TikTok or Instagram, you have likely seen Umi. This chain has exploded in popularity by combining the traditional Chinese buffet model with a modern, high-end seafood market aesthetic.
- The Draw: Variety. Umi is massive. It combines a traditional hot food bar with a raw bar, a sushi boat conveyor, and often individual hot pots at the table.
- The Menu: The raw bar is the star here, featuring snow crab legs, oysters, and sashim—items usually excluded from standard buffets. They also offer a wide array of dim sum and hibachi options.
- Verdict: It is the current king of the "Seafood Buffet" category in NJ. Come hungry, and expect a wait on weekends.
3. Sushi Palace (Summit, Somerville, Princeton)
The Sushi Standard Sushi Palace works differently than the others on this list. There are no trays of food sitting out. Instead, this is "all-you-can-eat made to order." You mark what you want on a paper slip (or tablet), and the chefs make it fresh.
- The Draw: Freshness. Because nothing sits under a heat lamp, the quality is significantly higher than a standard buffet.
- The Menu: The AYCE option includes unlimited appetizers (gyoza, tempura, shumai), soups, salads, and dozens of specialty rolls. You can order as many rounds as you like, provided you finish what you order to avoid waste fees.
- Verdict: For sushi lovers who can put away three or four specialty rolls in a sitting, this is mathematically the best deal in the state.
4. Fogo de Chão (Paramus, Wayne)
The Carnivore’s Dream While it is a national chain, the New Jersey locations of this Brazilian steakhouse (Churrascaria) consistently rank among the highest-rated dining experiences in their respective counties.
- The Draw: The "Gaucho" experience. Servers circulate the dining room with skewers of fire-roasted meats, carving slices directly onto your plate until you flip your coaster to "red" to signal a break.
- The Menu: The "Full Churrasco Experience" includes unlimited cuts of Picanha (signature sirloin), filet mignon, ribeye, lamb, and pork. It also includes access to the "Market Table," a high-end salad bar with imported cheeses, cured meats, and fresh vegetables.
- Verdict: It is expensive, but for a special occasion or a pure protein feast, the quality of the meat is far superior to a standard buffet carving station.
5. Flaming Grill & Supreme Buffet (Various Locations)
The Budget Defender Sometimes, you don't want a $60 steak experience; you just want a classic, nostalgic, no-frills buffet for a Tuesday night. Flaming Grill (with locations like Manville, Hamilton, and East Hanover) holds down the fort for the traditional international buffet.
- The Draw: Value. The price point is significantly lower than the others on this list, making it a popular choice for families and large groups.
- The Menu: It covers all the greatest hits: General Tso’s chicken, lo mein, pizza, fries, a hibachi grill section, and a full salad bar. It is the "Jack of all trades" of the NJ buffet scene.
- Verdict: It won't win a Michelin star, but for pure variety and bang-for-your-buck, it is a reliable local staple.
If you are looking for the absolute best food quality, Fogo de Chão or Sushi Palace takes the crown because the food is cooked fresh. However, if you want the classic buffet experience where you can wander the aisles and fill a plate with crab legs, prime rib, and mac and cheese, The Buffet at Borgata is still the one to beat in 2026.