Chinese Buffet Restaurants in Atlanta, GA: Where to Go and What to Expect

If you’re searching for Chinese buffet restaurants in Atlanta, GA, you’ll find everything from casual all-you-can-eat spots near the interstates to larger buffets in the suburbs with sushi, hibachi, and massive dessert bars. Atlanta’s size and diversity mean there’s usually a buffet within a reasonable drive, whether you’re in Downtown, Buckhead, Midtown, or the surrounding metro area.

This guide focuses on how Chinese buffets work in Atlanta, what you can expect to pay, how to pick a good one, and where they’re commonly clustered around the city.

What Chinese Buffets Are Like in Atlanta

Most Chinese buffets in Atlanta follow a similar pattern:

• All-you-can-eat price (usually separate lunch and dinner pricing)
• Hot entrées: General Tso’s chicken, sesame chicken, stir‑fried vegetables, lo mein, fried rice, pepper steak, and more
• Appetizers: Egg rolls, crab rangoon, fried dumplings, chicken wings
• Soup station: Egg drop, hot and sour, wonton
• Basic sushi at many mid‑ to large‑size buffets
• Dessert bar: Fruit, cake, jello, soft-serve ice cream
• Self‑serve drinks in many casual spots (tea, soda, water)

Some larger buffets around metro Atlanta also include:

• A hibachi grill where you pick raw ingredients and the cook prepares them on a flat-top grill
• Seafood options like shrimp, mussels, or crab (often at dinner or weekend pricing)
• American comfort foods like pizza, fries, and baked chicken for mixed groups

Buffets here are usually casual, family-friendly, and designed for groups, quick lunches, and budget‑conscious diners.

Typical Locations and Neighborhood Patterns

Chinese buffets in the Atlanta area are more common along major roads and near shopping centers than in dense downtown blocks. You’re likely to find them:

• Near I‑85, I‑285, and I‑75 exits
• In strip malls and shopping plazas with large parking lots
• Close to Walmart, Kroger, or similar big-box stores
• In suburban areas like Doraville, Chamblee, Duluth, Marietta, Norcross, and Tucker

In and Near Central Atlanta

In the city of Atlanta itself, you may find:

• Smaller or mid-size buffets near Ponce de Leon Ave, Cheshire Bridge Rd, Buford Hwy, or along I‑85
• Fewer true “super buffets” right in Downtown or Midtown (where space is limited and rents are higher)

If you’re staying in a hotel downtown and want a large buffet, expect a short drive or rideshare toward Buford Highway, Doraville, Chamblee, or northeast along I‑85.

Price Range: What Buffets Cost in Atlanta

Pricing varies by location and size, but common patterns around Atlanta, GA look like this:

Exact prices change over time and vary by restaurant, but lunch is usually the most budget-friendly option in the Atlanta area.

Types of Chinese Buffets You’ll See Around Atlanta

1. Classic Chinese-American Buffets

These buffets focus on familiar Chinese-American dishes:

• General Tso’s, orange chicken, sesame chicken, sweet and sour chicken
• Fried rice, lo mein, broccoli and beef, mixed vegetables
• Crab rangoon, egg rolls, fried shrimp, dumplings

You’ll find these in many in-town neighborhoods and in suburbs across Cobb, DeKalb, Clayton, and Fulton counties.

2. Large Super Buffets (Often with Sushi & Hibachi)

The bigger “super buffets” around metro Atlanta can offer:

• Dozens of hot dishes
• Sushi rolls and nigiri (usually simple, buffet‑style)
• Hibachi grill with steak, shrimp, chicken, and vegetables
• Expanded dessert and salad bars

These are more commonly located in suburban areas along major corridors like:

• Buford Highway (US‑23) in the Doraville/Chamblee area
• Pleasant Hill Rd / Duluth
• Delk Rd / Cobb Pkwy in Marietta
• Parts of Norcross, Tucker, and Stone Mountain near I‑85 or I‑285

3. Chinese Buffets on Buford Highway

Buford Highway, which runs through parts of Atlanta, Brookhaven, Chamblee, and Doraville, is known for its Asian and Latin American restaurants. While many of the Chinese options here are order‑from‑the‑menu instead of buffet, you can still find:

• A few Chinese buffets or hybrid buffet/hibachi places
• Other all‑you‑can‑eat concepts (like Korean BBQ or hot pot) if your group is flexible

If you’re looking for the widest variety of Asian food near Atlanta, Buford Highway is a strong area to explore.

How to Choose a Good Chinese Buffet in Atlanta

When you’re comparing Chinese buffet restaurants in Atlanta, it helps to focus on a few key factors:

1. Freshness and Turnover

Because Atlanta is a busy metro area, popular buffets often have high food turnover, which tends to mean:

• Food is hot and frequently replaced
• Sushi and fried items taste fresher
• Less risk of dried-out dishes sitting for long periods

If you walk into a buffet and see a reasonably steady flow of diners and staff frequently replacing pans, that’s usually a good sign.

2. Cleanliness

Look at:

• Dining room and restrooms
• Buffet line—are serving areas wiped down regularly?
• Staff habits—do they check temperatures or stir/replace food?

Cleanliness standards vary, but in Atlanta you can check posted health inspection scores inside the restaurant, usually near the entrance or register.

3. Food Variety for Different Diets

For groups in Atlanta, it’s common to have at least one person who:

• Prefers vegetarian or vegan options
• Needs milder flavors (no spice)
• Wants to focus on grilled or steamed items rather than fried foods

To accommodate everyone, look for buffets that:

• Offer stir-fried vegetables, tofu dishes, and steamed rice
• Have fresh fruit and salads
• Provide hibachi or grill options if you’re trying to avoid heavy sauces or fried batter

4. Parking and Accessibility

Most Chinese buffets in metro Atlanta are in shopping plazas with large parking lots, which is helpful if you:

• Are coming with family or large groups
• Need nearby parking for mobility concerns
• Are driving in from surrounding counties

If you’re staying in Downtown Atlanta without a car, consider:

• Buffets reachable by MARTA rail or bus along major corridors (like Buford Hwy or near large malls)
• Short rideshare trips to nearby suburbs such as Doraville or Chamblee

Practical Tips for Eating at a Chinese Buffet in Atlanta

Best Times to Go

• Weekday lunch: Often the best balance of price and freshness, especially in busy business areas or near major highways.
• Early dinner (5–7 PM): Good for freshness; buffets are often busier and the food is being replaced frequently.
• Late evening: Food can be less fresh at some places; selection may shrink as closing time nears.

What to Expect With Service

In most Atlanta buffets:

• A server seats you, brings drinks, and clears plates.
• Tipping is still customary, similar to other sit‑down restaurants, because staff refill drinks and manage your table even though food is self‑serve.
• If you’re with a big group, let them know up front so they can arrange tables.

Kids, Groups, and Special Occasions

Chinese buffets are popular in Atlanta for:

• Birthday gatherings
• After‑game team meals
• Office lunches

Many buffets:

• Offer discounted children’s pricing based on age or height
• Have high chairs and booster seats
• Can push tables together for larger parties—calling ahead can make this smoother, especially on weekends

Dietary Considerations and Labeling

Labeling varies by restaurant, so in Atlanta buffets you will usually see:

• Basic labels with dish names
• Sometimes icons or notes for spicy items
• Less commonly, detailed allergen or gluten-free labels

If you have allergies or strict dietary needs:

• Ask staff which dishes contain shellfish, peanuts, eggs, or gluten-heavy sauces like soy sauce.
• Some hibachi grills at buffets may be able to cook separately if you explain your needs, but this depends on the specific restaurant’s setup and policies.

How to Find Chinese Buffets Near Your Part of Atlanta

Because the restaurant scene changes over time, the most reliable way to find current options is to:

1. Search by neighborhood

   • “Chinese buffet near Buckhead Atlanta GA”
   • “Chinese buffet near Marietta GA”
   • “Chinese buffet near Doraville GA”

2. Look along major corridors

   • Buford Highway (Atlanta / Brookhaven / Chamblee / Doraville)
   • Pleasant Hill Rd (Duluth)
   • Cobb Pkwy / Delk Rd (Marietta)
   • Jimmy Carter Blvd (Norcross)
   • Memorial Dr and Lawrenceville Hwy (Tucker/Stone Mountain)

3. Check hours and pricing by calling ahead, especially on holidays or late evenings.

When a Buffet Might Not Be the Best Choice

In some parts of Atlanta—especially in-town neighborhoods—you may find that non-buffet Chinese restaurants offer:

• More regional Chinese cuisine (Sichuan, Cantonese, etc.)
• Fresher, made-to-order dishes with specific spice levels
• Smaller portions but more specialized menus

If you care more about authentic, focused dishes than all‑you‑can‑eat quantity, consider the many menu-based Chinese restaurants scattered across Atlanta and Buford Highway instead. For large groups wanting variety and predictable pricing, however, buffets are often the simplest option.

Key Takeaways for Chinese Buffets in Atlanta, GA

• Most Chinese buffets in Atlanta are in plazas near major roads and interstates, especially in suburbs just outside the city limits.
• Weekday lunch usually offers the best value; dinner and weekends add more seafood and specialty items at a higher price.
• Look for good turnover, cleanliness, and a mix of dishes (including vegetables and lighter options) when choosing where to eat.
• If you’re staying in central Atlanta without a car, expect a short ride to nearby suburbs like Doraville, Chamblee, or Marietta for the largest buffet options.
• For those who live in or frequently visit Atlanta, it can be helpful to identify a couple of go‑to buffets in the parts of town you travel through the most—near work, home, or your usual shopping areas.

This approach will help you quickly find a Chinese buffet restaurant in Atlanta, GA that fits your schedule, budget, and taste.