The Buffet, located at 16300 Nyemii Pass Rd, Valley Center, CA, offers a unique dining experience that has captured the hearts of many. Reviews reveal a mixed bag of wait times; while some patrons like Jeffrey Obayashi noted delays, he praised the complimentary chips and guacamole that made the anticipation worthwhile. The star of the show is undoubtedly the seafood, particularly the crab and lobster, which have received rave reviews for their quality and flavor.
Many diners, including Irwin A., laud the buffet's newly adopted system of serving dishes directly to tables in quantities of four, ensuring an efficient yet leisurely dining experience. This innovation has led to a newfound admiration for the establishment, making it a favorite among buffet enthusiasts. The affordability, highlighted by PHILLFS who noted the reasonable pricing, adds to its appeal, although tips are mandatory, ensuring that service remains a priority.
For dessert lovers, The Buffet's expansive dessert menu promises indulgence, with options like the much-loved chocolate sundae. Overall, visitors like Abraham Hernandez enjoyed prompt service and delightful meals, encapsulating the essence of The Buffet: delicious food, attentive service, and a vibrant atmosphere, making it a must-visit culinary destination in Valley Center.
Amenities and More
Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Has wheelchair-accessible toilet
Service options
On-site services available
Serves dine-in
No delivery
Popular for
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves alcohol
Has all you can eat
Serves beer
Serves cocktails
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves late-night food
Serves spirits
Serves wine
Dining options
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Serves dessert
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Planning
Usually has a wait
Doesn't accept reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Parking
Free multi-storey car park
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Plenty of parking
Valet parking
Photos
Reviews For The Buffet
Jeffrey Obayashi
Jun 9,2025
Food takes a long time to come but they give you chips and guacamole while you wait. Crab and lobster are very good and worth the wait. Service is good they do the best they can considered how busy it is
Abraham Hernandez
May 2,2025
We had no wait time on a weekday. Our food arrived quite timely. I'm glad everyone in our party had a great meal. I enjoyed my burger. My party also had steak and an order of bone-in wings. For dessert they also had a chocolate Sunday appropriate for 2 servings. Overall everything was good.
PHILLFS
Apr 24,2025
Good seafood and other cuisine fare and drinks! Well worth the price. Tips are mandatory, though!
Jeff Weber & Aurora Ruiz
Mar 27,2025
I had not been to Valley View Buffet since before covid, they adopted a new system, they bring you the items from the buffet, four items at a time. It is still all you can eat. The food was very good. It is approximately 50 a person does not include alcoholic beverages. It gets busy after 5pm.
Irwin A - Top 10% Google Reviewer
Mar 24,2025
So we came to the buffet at Valley for the 1st time on a Wednesday night. It was a good two hour wait but so worth it. I like to travel and love buffets, so I've been to many in Vegas and all around. And this one just jumped into 1st place as my favorite. The system they got here is very effective where you have a server that brings you whatever you want. They are fast & very friendly. The food is all delicious and cooked perfectly. The lobster is the specialty, I recommend the spicy and the garlic butter. The dessert menu is also huge. The portions are just perfect. Definitely will be returning!!
TC Freebird
Mar 24,2025
I read the reviews and the one that really made my head spin, was the “individual” (I’m trying to be nice here) who was opposed to servers bringing you your food. She preferred that the public be allowed to touch the serving spoons and God knows what else, with their germy little hands. Where was she raised? In a jungle? I’m sorry, but anyone who pays attention in public bathrooms, not everyone washes their hands, and only 1/2 of those who do, do so for longer than five seconds. For the love of God and baby koalas, please let the servers serve us! They are quick, efficient, have an eye for detail, and prevent idiots from spilling food everywhere walking around with overflowing plates. If you’re hungry after four courses, you can have them bring you more food. It’s called a BUFFET for a reason. All you can eat. Duh, “individual.” Is her name Karen? I’ve been there a couple of times now. The prime rib is delicious and their mashed potatoes are better than Grandma’s, but don’t tell Granny that! I really enjoyed the grilled asparagus and cauliflower. The salad is on hit, and mom loved her clam chowder. They have something for everyone. Italian to Mexican to seafood and southern fried chicken. Take your pick over and over again without the public’s grubby little fingers on the serving spoons and tongs. Enjoy your meal without catching someone else’s germs. Dessert is all over the place in options from various pies, cookies, ice cream. I had cheesecake the first day and second visit I enjoyed apple pie and a bowl of fresh berries. Mom had their lemon meringue tart. Next time I’ll go for the ice cream. Maybe their white chocolate bread pudding? You can never go wrong with ice cream. Or chocolate mousse. Or bread pudding. Hmmm. Maybe all of it? It is a buffet after all. They got five stars because eight wasn’t an option. A note about the guy who wrote about the men’s room: Uh, yeah it’s a men’s room where men fail to aim. What’s new? You’ll see that everywhere. The women’s room is so clean, you could eat off the sink. Not that you would, but it really comes down to gender and upbringing. Sorry about your luck. Not everyone can be born female to grow up and be a lady. Hahaha.
L N
Mar 10,2025
All you can eat lobster?!! And crab legs?!! YES!!! great service. Friendly staff. Everything was delish! Creme brulee could have used a tad more vanilla ! But still yummy
Brian P
Mar 9,2025
This buffet was great. They had plenty of options and the server who got our drinks and helped us out was amazing. Just take a look at the pictures to see some of the good food they had.
Reviews For The Buffet