Finding a great buffet in St. Louis is a bit like unearthing a hidden gem in Forest Park—once you discover the right spot, you’ll want everyone in on the secret. The city’s buffet scene surprises with style, flavor, and no shortage of local personality. Whether you crave smoky barbecue or crisp salad bars, there’s a spread that fits your taste, your appetite, and your need for variety.
I’ve roamed countless miles—and calories—through St. Louis buffets, tasting everything from perfect St. Louis-style pizza to generous Italian classics. Along the way, I’ve swapped stories with chefs, compared sauce ratios at lunch counters, and debated the merits of pit beans with strangers who quickly became friends. If your goal is memorable food, fair prices, and choices that never leave you bored—you’ve come to the right guide. Let’s dig into the best buffets St. Louis has to offer.
Where to find the best buffets in St. Louis, MO
Here are some of the top spots to find the best buffets in St. Louis, MO:
- Salt + Smoke
- Mama’s on The Hill
- Grassi’s Ristorante & Deli
- The Station Grille – Union Station a DoubleTree by Hilton
- Pirrone’s Pizzeria
- Rigazzi’s
- Bombay Food Junkies
- Haveli Indian Restaurant
- St. Louis Incredible Pizza Company
- Ol Henry Restaurant
1. Salt + Smoke
Salt + Smoke brings a modern touch to classic St. Louis barbecue, serving generous platters that are perfect for anyone who loves a little bit of everything. When it comes to buffets, their approach isn’t about the usual steam trays—it’s about sharing plates stacked with smoky brisket, turkey, and those famous pit beans.
The first time I visited, I knew I had found a spot that takes barbecue seriously. The brisket—tender, with just enough bark— sets the tone for the meal, while their creamy mac and cheese adds a little comfort.
What makes Salt + Smoke stand out is how they balance tradition and creativity. Pile up your plate with sliced turkey and crunchy slaw, then finish with a slice of homemade pie. It’s easy to see why this place is a local staple.
2. Mama’s on The Hill
Mama’s on The Hill brings authentic Italian charm straight to St. Louis, pairing classic recipes with a warm, inviting atmosphere. Whether you’re new to “The Hill” or have strolled these streets before, this spot always feels like a friendly gathering place.
During one Sunday visit, I sampled an array of handmade pastas and crisp salads laid out across the buffet. The eggplant parmesan was a highlight—rich, layered, and never heavy. Their buffet shines by offering vegetarian and gluten-free options that don’t sacrifice flavor.
If you go, do not skip the house-baked bread or any pasta with their signature tomato sauce. Mama’s delivers comfort, tradition, and a reminder that simple ingredients, done right, always win.
3. Grassi’s Ristorante & Deli
Grassi’s Ristorante & Deli builds its buffets around a casual, cafeteria-style experience. Here, the sound of clattering trays meets the aroma of freshly baked bread and classic Italian sauces. Popular with high school students and locals, it offers quick service without sacrificing “from the Hill” authenticity.
I once filled my tray with their signature Italian salad and a slice of cheese pizza, each bite layered with fresh produce and old-school flavor. The highlight: the “House Special”—roast beef piled high, paired with a generous ladle of marinara sauce. For lighter meals, the vegetarian lasagna is worth a try too.
At Grassi’s, everything from salad dressing to pizza dough is house-made, showing that speed and quality can go hand in hand. This is comfort food in its purest, most satisfying form.
4. The Station Grille – Union Station a DoubleTree by Hilton
The Station Grille sits inside the iconic Union Station, blending grand architecture with a buffet that feels both refined and approachable. Morning visits here set the tone for the day, with made-to-order omelets and fresh fruit spreads laid out under vintage chandeliers.
My favorite moment involved sipping coffee in a plush booth as chefs prepared eggs exactly as I liked. Their breakfast buffet delivers with crispy potatoes, airy pancakes, and savory turkey sausage—each item cooked with care.
What sets The Station Grille apart is how it honors tradition while staying modern. Whether you want something light or need a hearty meal before exploring downtown, this buffet covers every base with style and warmth.
5. Pirrone’s Pizzeria
Pirrone’s Pizzeria is a slice of St. Louis tradition, beloved for its crisp, thin-crust pies and buffet that pulls in pizza purists and families alike. There’s something wonderfully inviting about the old-school booths and the hum of satisfied conversation in the dining room.
During a lunch buffet, I worked my way through countless varieties of vegetarian pizza and a sprawling salad bar. Their signature pies get the St. Louis treatment: gooey cheese, cracker-thin base, and toppings spread edge to edge. The veggie pizza, in particular, balances smoky notes with bright flavors.
Pirrone’s stands out for keeping classic pizza-making alive. Grab a plate (or two), try a pasta bake, and finish up with garlic bread knots. This is comfort food, done the local way.
6. Rigazzi’s
Rigazzi’s holds the title as The Hill’s oldest restaurant, a place where tradition and community shape every dish. Step inside and you’re met with classic checkered tablecloths and an aroma that hints at slow-simmered sauces. This buffet is a nod to old-school comfort—each tray a tribute to generations of Italian-American cooking.
My last visit included a helping of fresh pasta, salads, and their iconic toasted ravioli, all lined up for easy choosing. The pasta bar is a standout—offering perfectly cooked noodles and sauces full of flavor.
What makes Rigazzi’s unique is the dedication to serving everyone; vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free selections are always in the mix. For a taste of timeless St. Louis, it’s hard to beat this local landmark.
7. Bombay Food Junkies
Bombay Food Junkies does something few places in St. Louis attempt—it offers a 100% vegetarian and vegan buffet focused on bold Indian street food. Walking in, the scent of spices and hot chai sets an inviting, laid-back mood.
I’ve spent afternoons sampling their rotating buffet lineup. Favorites include the crispy samosas, tangy chaat, piping hot pav bhaji, and comforting lentil curries. Every dish surprises, blending sweet, spicy, and sour without missing a beat.
This spot stands apart for its dedication to plant-based eating while still serving food that’s bright and deeply satisfying. If you’re searching for variety and flavor—without compromise—Bombay Food Junkies brings something new and memorable to the St. Louis buffet scene.
8. Haveli Indian Restaurant
Haveli Indian Restaurant offers a buffet that is a journey through classic Indian flavors. The space feels welcoming, with servers happy to explain each dish—a detail that makes first-timers and regulars feel equally at home.
On my last visit, I explored a spread bursting with vegetarian curries, perfectly spiced dal, and fragrant basmati rice. The fresh naan—soft and warm—became my go-to for scooping up the creamy paneer dishes.
Haveli’s buffet stands out because it offers variety without feeling overwhelming. Each recipe feels time-tested, delivering richness and complexity. Don’t miss the chana masala and vegetable biryani. If you crave authentic Indian cuisine, Haveli’s buffet is a top pick in St. Louis.
9. St. Louis Incredible Pizza Company
St. Louis Incredible Pizza Company is the city’s answer to a family-friendly buffet with more options than you thought possible. The atmosphere buzzes—think arcade games, prizes, and plenty of wide-eyed kids.
I visited with friends and quickly found my way through their never-ending line-up of vegetarian pizzas, pasta bakes, and crisp salads. The buffet makes it easy to mix and match—pile your plate with thin-crust veggie pizza, a side of seasoned wedges, and finish with a fresh fruit cup.
What sets this spot apart is its sheer scope. There’s something for everyone—adults can appreciate simple, well-made dishes, while kids rush back for seconds. For a playful group outing or casual dinner, it more than delivers.
10. Ol Henry Restaurant
Ol Henry Restaurant specializes in soul food that feels like a home-cooked meal, served up in a welcoming space. Their buffet draws a loyal lunchtime crowd; the vibe is relaxed, with staff who seem to know most guests by name.
I’ve dropped in on a Friday, when their catfish fillets and seasoned greens draw regulars from across town. The buffet also features mac and cheese, candied yams, and fresh cornbread—all staples done right and kept hot.
Ol Henry stands out because it offers comfort classics in generous portions, making it easy to fill your plate more than once. If you want a taste of local tradition, this spot is your shortcut to it.
More Things to Try in St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of buffets can I find in St. Louis?
St. Louis features a wide variety—think barbecue, Italian, Indian, pizza, and soul food. Many offer vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free options.
Are there buffets in St. Louis with vegetarian or vegan options?
Definitely. Spots like Bombay Food Junkies and Haveli Indian Restaurant focus on vegetarian and vegan dishes, while others offer several plant-based selections on their buffet lines.
Can I find halal-friendly options at St. Louis buffets?
While many buffets have vegetarian or seafood choices, always check with each restaurant for specific halal offerings, as most focus on general cuisine types.
What are the best buffets for families in St. Louis?
St. Louis Incredible Pizza Company is a top pick for families. There’s entertainment and plenty of kid-friendly food, plus salad and pizza for everyone.
Do St. Louis buffets accommodate dietary restrictions?
Most buffets label items for allergies, and many offer gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan options. If you have a specific concern, a quick call ahead can ensure your needs are met.