Best Buffets in Asheville, NC

If you’ve ever tried to hunt down the perfect buffet in Asheville, NC, you know it isn’t as easy as following a trail of breadcrumbs up the Blue Ridge Parkway. With so many options tucked between the city’s quirky landmarks and mountain views, finding a spread that’s both memorable and accommodating can feel like winning a golden ticket. I’ve spent enough weekends taste-testing trays and circling the salad bar to know that Asheville’s buffets come with their own personalities—and, more importantly, their own claims to fame.

Buffets in Asheville offer much more than bottomless plates. Here, you’ll discover Indian feasts with just the right punch of spice, pizza runs that fuel late-night movie marathons, and Southern classics that pack comfort into every bite. This list is a handy field guide, based on firsthand forays and a keen nose for quality, so you can skip the guesswork and focus on what matters: finding your next great meal. Get ready to uncover the city’s best trays and taste your way across Asheville, one buffet at a time.

1. Mela Indian Restaurant

Mela Indian Restaurant is something of a local legend on Lexington Avenue. Walk in during lunch, and you’re met with a colorful buffet that smells as lively as Asheville itself. The standout here is the fresh-baked naan—pillowy, warm, and perfect for scooping up their signature tandoori chicken or the ever-popular chana masala.

What sets Mela apart is its proud use of local and organic ingredients, woven into North and South Indian recipes. The seasonal vegetarian specialties and house-made raita always beckon for seconds. If you’ve never had their spinach and goat cheese naan, you’re missing out on Asheville’s best kept secret.

For anyone new to Indian cuisine, this buffet offers a friendly, laid-back way to sample the spectrum of flavors while knowing you’re getting genuine quality.

2. Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co.

Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. feels like the place you always wished existed—a creative hub where you can load your plate with piping hot pizza and then catch a movie without even leaving your seat. The buffet spread is a reliable favorite, offering a rotating selection of inventive pies and classic slices, along with fresh salads.

The signature pizzas, like the hearty “Shear Delight” and the tangy “Kosmic Karma,” are worth a second (or third) slice. If you lean toward plant-based, their buffet always features veggie and vegan options that rival the originals in flavor.

The spacious, playful setting and friendly staff seal the deal. Make sure to try the garlic knots—they vanish quickly for good reason.

3. Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co.

The Merrimon Avenue location of Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. buzzes with a fun, retro vibe that locals love. The game room feels like a throwback to childhood, but most people are here for the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet—a tempting lineup of artisan pizzas, crisp salads, and crowd-pleasing sides.

Every plate at this spot tells a story. The “Mighty Meaty” pizza wins points for its savory, loaded toppings, and the margherita pizza delivers fresh basil and bright tomato flavor in every bite. Not to be missed: the daily specialty pies that bring creative, vegetarian-friendly toppings.

Family nights are genuine community events. There’s something comforting about grabbing a slice, topping off your salad, and challenging a friend to Pac-Man—like dinner, nostalgia, and fun rolled into one.

4. Mehfil

Mehfil strikes a thoughtful balance between tradition and creativity in the heart of downtown Asheville. Step inside and the aromas of fresh-baked tandoori breads and spiced curries are instantly inviting. The daily buffet is always something new—one day, you’ll find fragrant dal and crispy pakoras, the next, a rich paneer masala ready to steal the show.

The staff treats everyone like a regular, and the atmosphere is stylish yet never stuffy. Vegetarian and vegan options keep things inclusive without sacrificing flavor or authenticity.

Order the tandoori roti and the vegetable biryani from the buffet if they’re available; both showcase Mehfil’s knack for making classic dishes exciting again.

5. Capella on 9

Capella on 9 is where Asheville’s skyline meets inspired bites and conversation flows as easily as mountain breezes. This rooftop spot is perfect for anyone looking to blend sweeping views with a memorable meal. The buffet-style brunches and sharable plates are built around local produce and artful flair, making the experience feel far from ordinary.

Sinking into a seat here, there’s a real sense of time slowing down. It’s the sort of place you visit for sunset and end up lingering long after dusk, swapping plates of roasted vegetable tapas and bright salads. The flavors are as fresh as the view is breathtaking.

If you’re here during brunch, try their seasonal fruit salad and artisan breads for a true taste of Asheville’s lighter side.

6. Chop House Asheville

Chop House Asheville brings a touch of refinement to the barbecue scene right in downtown. It’s set within the Four Points by Sheraton but offers far more character than you’d expect from a hotel eatery. The buffet here leans into Southern comfort, with a serious focus on smoked and slow-cooked classics.

The highlight, in my experience, is the tender brisket and the range of smoked meats paired with hearty, well-seasoned sides. This isn’t a place for pretense—just generous helpings and a relaxed, polished setting.

If you want to sample a bit of everything, load up your plate with the smoked turkey and classic Southern vegetables. You’ll get true local flavor without ever feeling rushed.

7. Shogun Buffet Asheville

Shogun Buffet Asheville is a favorite when the craving for variety hits hard. The buffet here feels almost endless, covering a broad range of Asian-inspired dishes that are both flavorful and approachable. I’m partial to the fresh sushi rolls and the ever-popular stir-fried vegetables, which boast a satisfying balance of texture and taste.

It’s the kind of place where you can fill your plate with something new every time or stick to old favorites and never leave disappointed.

For a well-rounded meal, try the miso soup and veggie lo mein from the buffet line. The welcoming atmosphere and steady buzz of satisfied diners speak to the consistency that keeps people coming back.

8. Asian Golden Buffet

Asian Golden Buffet delivers precisely what loyal buffet fans want: a wide, colorful spread of Asian dishes with flavors that keep you circling back for seconds. The dining room is spacious, always tidily kept, and the staff make sure trays stay full and appetites satisfied.

I gravitate toward the vegetable stir-fries and fresh dumplings, but there’s plenty for everyone, including lighter soups and salads for balance. The sushi section, while modest, serves consistently fresh rolls that add just the right touch of variety.

Go for the sautéed green beans and the tofu with mixed vegetables. Both capture the freshness and lively flavors that help Asian Golden Buffet stand out from Asheville’s other spots.

9. China Buffet

China Buffet has long been a convenient go-to for anyone in Asheville craving classic Chinese favorites in a casual setting. Set within River Ridge Market, the space is no-frills but always lively with the steady shuffle of diners loading their plates. The strength here is the sheer array of choices, making it easy to please just about any appetite.

On my visits, I tend to start with the steamed broccoli and vegetable lo mein before moving on to the heartier stir-fried specialties. There’s plenty for vegetarians, and the selection changes frequently enough to keep regulars coming back.

Don’t skip the egg drop soup—it’s simple, satisfying, and always piping hot. For classic comfort, China Buffet delivers every time.

10. Yao Buffet Sushi Grill

Yao Buffet Sushi Grill is a reliable stop for those days when only a wall-to-wall buffet will do. The spread includes Asian-inspired favorites and rows of freshly turned-out sushi rolls that make decision-making delightfully difficult. There’s an appealing balance between lighter vegetable dishes and more traditional stir-fries.

I’ve spent my fair share of visits assembling towers of cucumber rolls, hibachi vegetables, and tangy seaweed salad. Their miso soup is always warm and restorative, a gentle palate cleanser between tastings.

The buffet runs broad but never feels overwhelming. If you enjoy variety without sacrificing freshness, Yao makes sampling your way through the lineup easy—and satisfying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some of the best buffets in Asheville, NC?
Top picks include Mela Indian Restaurant for authentic spices, Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. for family-friendly pizza and salads, and Shogun Buffet Asheville for a wide selection of Asian favorites. Each spot offers its own unique spin, so there’s something for every palate.

Are there vegetarian or vegan buffet options in Asheville?
Absolutely. Places like Mela, Mehfil, and Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. each offer strong vegetarian and vegan selections, often featuring fresh local produce and creative dishes that don’t skimp on flavor.

Which buffets in Asheville are family-friendly?
Asheville Pizza & Brewing Co. is a classic family choice thanks to its arcade and movie nights. Mela and Mehfil also welcome kids, offering mild options and attentive service. Many buffets cater to families with a laid-back atmosphere and plenty of choices.

What kind of cuisine can I expect at Asheville buffets?
Expect a range—Indian, Asian, Southern barbecue, pizza, and classic American. Whether you want spice, comfort food, or lighter vegetarian fare, Asheville’s buffet scene covers a lot of ground.

When is the best time to visit a buffet in Asheville?
Lunch buffets are popular and often feature full trays and fresh selections. Dinner brings larger crowds, especially on weekends. For the best experience, arrive early during meal periods to enjoy the freshest options.