Take us back to the '90s when the only way of celebrating was with a buffet dinner. We’re talking countless pieces of pizza, OD'ing on jellybeans and soft-serve icecream on tap—all washed down with a traffic light mocktail, of course. Ahh, those were the days.
But now, the buffet game has changed: think Korean BBQ hotpot, all-you-can-eat chicken or bottomless tuna crudo. We've tracked down the best endless eats for your next celebration. Gather your mates, loose clothing is advised.
Here's where to get the best buffets in Auckland.
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Wellbeing Korean BBQ & Buffet
3D Henry Rose Place, Albany
For your ultimate Korean BBQ fix, head to for your premium meat platter. It comes with unlimited fish cakes, kimbap (Korean sushi), and ramen. There’s even a ramen cooking station where you can make your own individual side of ramen for your BBQ and a bingsu (shaved ice dessert) station with all the fruity toppings to choose from. Definitely worth the $50 (and only $47 on Wednesdays and Thursdays).
Wow Buffet (Hotpot)
29 Link Drive, Wairau Valley
Another busy weekend spot that’s worth travelling to is . Open for lunch and dinner, your $39.90 ticket (which is slightly cheaper for lunch) includes unlimited drinks and ice cream. There’s a dedicated hotpot station with all the essential meat and veg to add into your spicy Sichuan style soup. They also offer hot and cold dishes, as well as the essential snacks. Did someone say unlimited spring onion pancakes and custard bao?
Grill House Buffet
Grand Drive, Orewa
Image credit: Grill House Buffet | Facebook
Alongside BBQ offerings, the buffet also includes roast duck, sweet and sour pork, chicken curry, prawns and dumplings for a sweet deal of $39.90. A glass of juice costs as little as $3 or a beer for $5 — but we’re here for watermelon guava mocktails and brown sugar bubble teas (and only at $5.80 a pop!)
Steamboat and Korean BBQ Buffet
7 Como Street, Takapuna
If you’re looking for your next birthday buffet celebration, look no further than . Open seven days a week, all birthday guys and gals dine free (the catch: book with 4 friends). Every day feels like a birthday when you get to have grilled pork belly and seafood steamboat (aka hotpot) at the same time.
Mukbang Korean BBQ & Soup Buffet Restaurant
480 Queen Street, Auckland
For those based in the city, grab your mates and head to for all-you-can-eat BBQ. In addition to BBQ offerings, there are four different lip-smacking soups to choose from: spicy pork with potatoes, a seafood number, chicken noodle soup or beef and ham broth. You’ll have all the food groups covered after this feast.
My Fried Chicken
9 Britomart Place, Auckland | 1 York Street, Newmarket, Auckland | Ponsonby Central, 4 Brown Street, Ponsonby, Auckland
Image credit: My Fried Chicken | Instagram
If you’re not a fan of spicy chicken, but more Korean-style chicken, endless drumsticks offer is not one to be missed! 90 minutes, 9 flavours of Korean fried chicken, fries, and K-slaw for $35. The catch? You just need to convince the entire table to join in too.
Monsoon Poon
1 Lower Hobson Street, Auckland CBD
Monsoon Poon’s cult classic Firecracker Chicken is celebrated every month with the Firecracker Club. For $35, you can have as much as their signature spicy wok-tossed chicken as you can possible handle. To help relieve yourself from the spice, the first beer, rice and naan is included (or perhaps it’ll only encourage you to continue eating in this case).
McHugh’s of Cheltenham
46 Cheltenham Road, Devonport
Buffet connoisseurs will agree that has the best views and a hearty Sunday roast (or weekday roast for that matter). Their $40-45 menu includes a weekend carvery, bread rolls, cold buffet section of seafood and salads, as well as hot curries and pasta dishes. Don’t forget about your dessert buffet stomach.
Bivacco
115 Customs Street West, Auckland CBD
Image credit: Bivacco | Facebook
Bivacco have elevated the Sunday buffet. With unlimited plates of poached prawns, tuna crudo and mussels, alongside prime rib cuts and crispy pork belly plus a DIY (with pro guidance, obvs) Bloody Mary station (or $15 espresso martinis if that's more your vibe).
Nice BBQ Buffet
344 Dominion Road, Mount Eden
Opened just this year, you can’t miss the neon signs of . Ribs, steaks and marinated beef are just some of the impressive range of meats they’ve got on tap for $42.90. While you’re waiting for your meat to cook, start on their cooked dishes: Korean japchae (glass noodles), dumplings, fried chicken and even dessert (we won’t judge). Don’t forget the slushy machine. Book in advance, they’re open every day for lunch and dinner.
FISH
Hilton Hotel, 147 Quay Street, Auckland CBD
On for limited time (and a good time) is the Spring Brunch Buffet at in Hilton Hotel. Created by Culinary Director Alan Smith and his team, Kiwi brunch classics are elevated with modern international twists. Choose from one of Chef’s signature courses (we can’t get enough of the boujee eggs benny—with crab cakes laden with pops of roe and yuzu), and all the pastries you desire from the breakfast bar. Eat to your hearts content with a dedicated artisan cold cuts, cheese and bread section, and build your own international salad (or in our case, the ultimate mortadella sandwich). Save room for dessert, because the pastry chef’s signature Venezuelan Chocolate Pancakes are a stand-out, alongside their selection of cakes, pav, fresh fruits and seasonal trifle. We’ll be coming back for seconds and thirds. With their views looking out to the harbour, it’d be rude not to have an aperol spritz in hand, or two.
On for the rest of October. Keep an eye out for the Thanksgiving Feast Buffet in November (we're drooling at the thought of truffle-roasted turkey and pecan-glazed ham).
Stuffed? Wash it all down with a trip to one of Auckland's best bars.
Main image credit: My Fried Chicken | Facebook.