Tucked inside a shopping plaza on Ives Road in Wallingford, Connecticut, Pacific Buffet & Grill has quietly built a loyal following of food lovers who keep coming back for one simple reason: you get a lot of great food for a very fair price. With over 2,000 Google reviews and a solid 4.1-star rating, this all-you-can-eat spot blends American comfort food with Asian favorites, fresh sushi, and a standout seafood selection.
The star of the show lately has been the all-you-can-eat Maryland-style fried blue crabs, which have turned heads and brought in crowds from all over the state. Whether you’re a buffet regular or just looking for a satisfying meal after a long day, Pacific Buffet & Grill is worth knowing about.
The Massive All-You-Can-Eat Buffet Spread
Walking into Pacific Buffet & Grill for the first time can feel a little overwhelming in the best possible way. The buffet hall is big, the trays are plentiful, and the variety covers everything from American comfort classics to Asian stir-fry dishes, sushi, soups, and a full salad bar.
It is the kind of place where everyone at the table, from picky kids to adventurous eaters, finds something they love.
Reviewers have praised the sheer range of options available. One long-time customer described the spread as having “something for everyone” from age four to eighty, while another noted it as one of the best Asian buffets they had ever visited.
The food stations are well-organized and regularly restocked during peak hours, keeping things looking fresh and inviting.
The buffet includes hot entrees, cold sushi, a salad station, soup options, and a dessert section with ice cream and cakes. Lunch and dinner are both available, with lunch coming in at a lower price point.
For families, groups, or solo diners who just want a filling and satisfying meal without breaking the bank, this buffet delivers on almost every level.
Unlimited Grilled NY Strip Steak
Steak at a buffet might sound too good to be true, but Pacific Buffet & Grill in Wallingford, CT actually pulls it off. Multiple reviewers have singled out the grilled NY strip steak as a highlight of the dinner buffet, with one calling it “amazing” and another saying it was the item they enjoyed most during their visit.
Getting unlimited steak for under $20 is genuinely hard to find anywhere in New England.
The steaks are grilled and served hot, though like any buffet item, timing matters. Arriving earlier in the dinner service tends to mean fresher, hotter cuts straight off the grill.
A few reviews mentioned that some items could be warmer, so grabbing steak right when a fresh batch comes out is the smart move.
Pacific Buffet also occasionally features other grilled meats alongside the steak, giving carnivores plenty to work with throughout the meal. One reviewer even wished the steaks were offered more frequently, which says a lot about how popular they are.
If you are a steak lover who hates paying fine-dining prices, this buffet on Ives Road is worth making a regular stop on your dinner rotation.
Fresh Made Sushi Selection
Sushi at a buffet can be hit or miss, but Pacific Buffet & Grill has earned genuine praise for its fresh sushi selection. One reviewer described it as “AMAZING” and said it was one of the top reasons to visit, especially on weekends when the selection tends to be larger.
The sushi is kept iced and displayed separately from the hot food stations, which helps maintain quality throughout service hours.
You will find a range of rolls and nigiri options that go beyond the basics. For sushi fans who want variety without paying per-roll prices at a traditional Japanese restaurant, this buffet setup is a smart and affordable alternative.
The ability to try multiple rolls in one visit without committing to a full order is one of the most underrated perks of buffet-style sushi.
Pacific Buffet & Grill is located at 20 Ives Road in Wallingford, and its sushi station is one of the features that sets it apart from typical American-style buffets in the area. Whether you are a sushi enthusiast or just sushi-curious, grabbing a few pieces during your visit is absolutely worth it.
The freshness and presentation have consistently impressed even experienced sushi eaters who leave reviews.
Tender Spare Ribs Straight from the Buffet
Ask regulars what keeps them coming back to Pacific Buffet & Grill in Wallingford, and spare ribs will almost always come up. Multiple reviewers have described them as “amazing and fresh,” and one mentioned that the ribs were a standout even among all the other impressive options on the buffet.
When ribs are done right, they are tender, juicy, and packed with flavor, and that is exactly what guests have reported here.
Buffet ribs can sometimes sit under a heat lamp too long and dry out, but the consistent positive feedback about Pacific Buffet’s ribs suggests the kitchen keeps them rotating and fresh throughout service. Timing your visit during a busy dinner rush can actually work in your favor here, since high turnover means the food gets replenished more frequently.
Spare ribs pair naturally with the other American-style dishes on the buffet, like roast pork, mashed potatoes, and corn on the cob. The blend of BBQ-influenced American cooking alongside the Asian menu options is part of what makes this buffet feel unique in the Connecticut dining scene.
Pacific Buffet is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Sunday, so there are plenty of chances to catch a fresh batch of ribs.
Asian Cuisine Highlights: Gen Tso Chicken, Coconut Chicken, and More
The Asian side of the Pacific Buffet & Grill menu is where the kitchen really flexes its range. From General Tso’s chicken with its signature sweet-and-spicy glaze to coconut chicken with rich, tropical flavors, the selection covers classic Chinese-American favorites that have been crowd-pleasers for decades.
One reviewer specifically called out both dishes by name, saying “Coconut chicken yum yum, Gen Tso chicken delish.”
Beyond those two stars, the buffet also features chicken with broccoli, sweet and sour chicken, BBQ pork, Lo Mein noodles, fried rice, and a rotating selection of shrimp dishes. The variety means you can build a plate that leans fully Asian or mix it up with American sides depending on your mood.
That flexibility is a big reason why Pacific Buffet draws such a wide and loyal crowd.
The restaurant describes itself as an all-you-can-eat American and Asian buffet, and the Asian offerings are clearly taken seriously by the kitchen team. Fresh ingredients, bold seasoning, and consistent preparation make these dishes some of the most-praised items in any review of the restaurant.
For fans of Chinese-American cuisine, the dinner buffet at $18.99 is a genuinely satisfying deal that rivals takeout prices without the portion limits.
Salad Bar and Fresh Fruit Station
Not everyone at a buffet is loading up on fried food and steak, and Pacific Buffet & Grill makes sure lighter eaters are well taken care of too. The salad bar comes stocked with a solid variety of fresh vegetables, toppings, and dressings, giving health-conscious diners a real reason to feel good about their visit.
One reviewer praised the “lots of healthy choices in the salad area” along with premade salad options for those who want something ready to go.
The fresh fruit station is another highlight that gets consistent love in reviews. Ripe watermelon, fresh pineapple, and a rotating selection of seasonal fruits are available throughout service.
One guest specifically noted that the “fruit was ripe and juicy,” which is not always a given at a buffet where items can sit out for extended periods.
Having a strong salad and fruit section makes Pacific Buffet a more complete dining experience for mixed groups. Parents bringing kids who are picky eaters, or couples where one person wants lighter fare, will appreciate that the buffet does not lean exclusively on heavy, fried dishes.
The balance between indulgent and fresh options is one of the underrated strengths of this Wallingford buffet spot.
Dessert Section with Ice Cream and Cakes
Ending a buffet meal on a sweet note is practically a tradition, and Pacific Buffet & Grill gives you plenty to work with. The dessert section features a solid lineup of ice cream flavors, cakes, and other sweet treats that round out the meal nicely.
One reviewer noted “a good selection of ice cream and cakes” as part of what makes the overall buffet experience worthwhile, especially for families with kids who need a reward after eating their vegetables.
The dessert station is positioned as a fun finale to the meal rather than an afterthought. Multiple reviewers have mentioned skipping the rolls and saving room specifically for the desserts, which speaks to how appealing the sweet options are.
Ice cream in particular tends to be a crowd favorite, with enough variety to satisfy both chocolate lovers and those who prefer fruity or vanilla-based flavors.
Pacific Buffet & Grill is open seven days a week, with hours running from 11 AM most days and slightly later on weekends. Whether you visit for lunch or dinner, the dessert section is included in the flat buffet price.
For families and groups, having a dedicated dessert station makes the whole outing feel more like a special occasion, even on an ordinary Tuesday night.
Unbeatable Value: Pricing and Hours at Pacific Buffet & Grill
Value is one of the biggest reasons people keep returning to Pacific Buffet & Grill in Wallingford, CT. Dinner is priced at approximately $18.99 per person, while lunch comes in at an even lower cost.
For a buffet that includes unlimited seafood, steak, sushi, Asian entrees, a salad bar, and dessert, that price point is genuinely hard to beat anywhere in Connecticut.
One reviewer put it simply: “for the price and variety, it is worth it.”
The restaurant is open Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 9 PM, Friday and Saturday until 9:30 PM, and Sunday from 11:30 AM to 9 PM. That wide window of availability makes it easy to work into almost any schedule, whether you are stopping in after work or planning a weekend family outing.
Lunch hours are a great option for budget-conscious diners who still want a full spread.
Pacific Buffet & Grill is located at 20 Ives Road, Suite 301C, in Wallingford, with plenty of parking available right outside. You can reach them at 203-269-6888 or visit pacificbuffetandgrill.com to check hours before heading over.
For a filling, varied, and affordable meal in central Connecticut, this buffet consistently delivers more bang for your buck than almost anywhere else nearby.
Friendly Staff and Clean, Comfortable Dining Room
A great buffet is about more than just the food. The atmosphere and service play a huge role in whether guests walk out happy or frustrated.
At Pacific Buffet & Grill, the dining room has consistently received praise for being spacious, clean, and well-maintained. Reviewers have specifically called out clean bathrooms, tidy floors, and a general sense of order that makes the whole experience more comfortable.
The waitstaff is responsible for clearing plates, offering water refills, and keeping the dining area running smoothly. Many reviewers have highlighted attentive and friendly servers as a key part of what makes their visits enjoyable.
One guest noted that waitresses were “observant and prompt to clear trays and offer more water,” which is exactly the kind of attentive service that elevates a buffet experience above the ordinary.
Of course, like any restaurant, service can vary depending on the day and the individual staff member. A handful of reviews mentioned inconsistencies, but the overwhelming majority of feedback paints a picture of a well-run, welcoming spot.
With over 2,000 reviews and a 4.1-star rating on Google, Pacific Buffet & Grill has clearly earned its reputation as one of the most reliable and enjoyable all-you-can-eat destinations in the Wallingford area.