Memphis may be famous for blues and barbecue, but ask any hungry local and they’ll let you in on a bigger secret—this city delivers when it comes to buffets. Picture tables crowned with slow-smoked meats, vibrant trays of fresh salads, steaming platters piled high, and desserts cooling on the sidelines. I once spent the better part of a Saturday drifting from a Southern spread stacked with fried catfish to an Indian buffet bursting with spices, each one a new discovery in flavor and hospitality. That afternoon converted me from a cautious plate-filler to a full-fledged buffet enthusiast.
Finding the best buffets in Memphis isn’t just about quantity—it’s about those spots where every bite tastes like someone’s proud of the recipe behind it. Whether you crave smoky ribs, vegan curries, or piles of cheesy pizza, Memphis kitchens know how to serve it up right. This guide leads you through the city’s top buffet picks, each handpicked for variety, quality, and atmosphere. If you savor the thrill of endless choices, keep reading—the best plates in Memphis are waiting.
Where to find the best buffets in Memphis, TN
Here are some of the top spots to find the best buffets in Memphis, TN:
- Leonard’s Pit Barbecue
- Capriccio Grill
- India Palace
- Cafe India – Authentic Indian Grill
- Taste of India
- Xeluxe
- Chow Time
- Venice Kitchen
- Super King Buffet
- Hyderabad House
1. Leonard’s Pit Barbecue
Leonard’s Pit Barbecue is a Memphis legend with roots going back to 1922. Step inside and aromas of slow-smoked meat greet you at the door—this is comfort food, Memphis style. The buffet is loaded with tender pulled turkey, mild sausage, and candied yams that make the plate feel like home. If you’re looking for a spot that pours southern hospitality as generously as sweet tea, Leonard’s is the place.
During my last visit, I couldn’t help but go back for another helping of their famous pit-cooked barbecue turkey and creamy mashed potatoes. The buffet here isn’t about flashy trends but steady, savory classics. For a real taste of Memphis, help yourself to their signature barbecue beans and fresh greens. You’ll understand why folks keep coming back.
2. Capriccio Grill
Capriccio Grill brings a touch of Italian flair to downtown Memphis, all within the elegant walls of the Peabody Hotel. The brunch buffet is more than a meal—it’s a leisurely event. Think freshly baked breads, made-to-order omelets, and a spread of roasted vegetables that feel vibrant and refined. There’s a clear attention to quality in every presentation.
On my last Sunday there, I layered a plate with al dente pasta, ripe fruit, and house-made pancakes. Even the salads felt indulgent, balanced with light dressings and just the right punch of flavor. Capriccio Grill stands out for its consistent attention to detail and the warm, dignified atmosphere it brings to each bite.
If you want something memorable, don’t skip the pasta station or their signature wood-fired pizza—both prove that buffet dining can be both classic and creative. This spot makes brunch in Memphis feel like an occasion rather than a habit.
3. India Palace
India Palace delivers a buffet experience that feels like a journey through India’s kitchens. The dining room is inviting, with the aroma of rich spices greeting you before you even see the spread. The buffet boasts fragrant basmati rice, velvety dal, and a rainbow of fresh vegetable curries that feel crafted by hand. Each visit reveals something new—a twist in seasoning or an unexpected burst of flavor.
On my first visit, I found myself returning for seconds of their creamy paneer tikka masala and pillowy naan. The food never feels mass-produced; rather, each dish has a personality, from sweet mango chutneys to cooling raita. India Palace stands out for its blend of authenticity and comfort—it’s the place I suggest for anyone craving hearty, soulful Indian fare.
Make room for their vegetable pakoras from the appetizer station and a delicate finish with spiced rice pudding. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Indian food or looking to try something new, this buffet offers something for everyone.
4. Cafe India – Authentic Indian Grill
Cafe India – Authentic Indian Grill offers a buffet that feels vibrant, lively, and always fresh. The space is bright and cheerful, setting the tone for a meal that delivers comfort and surprise in equal measure. At lunchtime, the buffet features richly spiced chickpea curries, fluffy rice, and a range of vegetarian delights that never taste repetitive. It’s clear the kitchen takes pride in balancing bold flavors with healthy ingredients.
When I stopped by, I couldn’t stop reaching for their tangy aloo gobi and soft roti. The buffet rotates but always includes both classics and seasonal specialties, making each visit a little different. Cafe India stands apart for its focus on finesse—dishes arrive hot, seasoned just right, and replenished often.
For newcomers, the dal tadka and fresh cucumber salad are must-tries. The lively, family-friendly setting combined with standout dishes makes this Indian buffet a repeat favorite for locals in the know.
5. Taste of India
Taste of India keeps its focus tight but its flavors broad. The lunch buffet invites you to try everything from fragrant saffron rice to warmly spiced lentil stews. The setting feels simple and unpretentious, perfect for lingering in good company. These are recipes rooted in tradition, yet each dish has its own subtle twist.
I still remember my first bite of their spinach saag and mixed vegetable curry. The food is always served fresh, which means you get that home-cooked texture and aroma plate after plate. Taste of India stands out by keeping things approachable yet full of depth.
If you’re new, start with the chana masala and vegetable biryani. They’re both beloved staples, and each showcases the restaurant’s knack for well-balanced, satisfying flavor.
6. Xeluxe
Xeluxe brings vegan comfort food straight to your door, proving that plant-based options in Memphis are more than an afterthought. This delivery-only buffet focuses on vegan pizzas, loaded potato wedges, and a changing lineup of salads—all without shortcuts on flavor or creativity. Late-night cravings don’t stand a chance here.
My first order included a sampling of their margherita-style vegan pizza and herbed potato wedges. Both came out piping hot, and the crust was crisp without feeling heavy. Xeluxe manages to turn simple, classic comfort foods into something original and memorable.
For your first try, aim for a build-your-own pizza—each topping adds a fresh layer of personality. Xeluxe stands out by serving up inventive, hearty vegan meals that satisfy everyone at the table, plant-eaters or not.
7. Chow Time
Chow Time is all about hearty Southern comfort, served buffet style with a side of nostalgia. With each trip, you’ll find an ever-changing spread of baked herb chicken, sweet potatoes, and garden-fresh greens—each dish steeped in soul food tradition.
My favorite visit started at the salad bar and ended with a helping of their creamy garlic potatoes and tender fried catfish. Every plate felt like a true taste of Memphis home cooking, made for seconds and conversation. The vibe is relaxed and buzzing, perfect for family gatherings or hungry lunch breaks.
Don’t miss the okra and buttered sweet corn. Chow Time stands out for its variety, consistently fresh food, and a buffet that delivers comfort with every bite.
8. Venice Kitchen
Venice Kitchen gives the classic Italian buffet a Memphis twist, with a spread that never leans too heavy or too bland. Here, fresh salads, herby vegetable pizza, and roasted seasonal veggies anchor the table. The ambiance is homey in the best way, making it the kind of place you hang out longer than planned.
When I dropped by, the pasta primavera and garlicky breadsticks were the surprise standouts—simple, but loaded with flavor. Venice Kitchen is perfect for anyone craving Italian comfort without the fuss.
The fun of the buffet here is discovering which pizza or pasta is next out of the kitchen. Don’t skip the grilled veggie sandwiches; they’re a clever nod to both Southern and Italian basics. Venice Kitchen stands out for its balance of variety, freshness, and a laid-back, neighborhood feel.
9. Super King Buffet
Super King Buffet puts variety front and center, laying out a lineup that stretches from traditional American comfort food to Asian classics. Vegetable stir-fries, fried rice, and sautéed noodles take up space beside fluffy mashed potatoes and steamed greens in a dining room that always seems to hum with busy energy.
During my first visit, I tried a little of everything, but it was the crispy spring rolls and sautéed broccoli that won me over. Super King Buffet nails the big buffet essentials: dishes are refilled quickly and each station feels fresh and well cared for.
The fun here is exploring the unexpected—like the rotating specialty salads or seasonal steamed vegetables. If you love buffets that truly mean “something for everyone,” this one’s ready to prove it.
10. Hyderabad House
Hyderabad House in Memphis specializes in Indian buffet dining with both flair and comfort. As soon as you enter, the aroma of fresh biryanis and slow-simmered lentil stews fills the air. The vibe is lively but never rushed, perfect for taking your time with every course.
One visit and I was hooked on their vegetable biryani and creamy paneer dishes. Each plate feels like a celebration of authentic Hyderabadi spices, with just enough heat to keep things exciting but always balanced. Hyderabad House stands out for its consistency, keeping the buffet well-stocked and the flavors layered and satisfying.
Be sure to try the tandoori vegetables and dal. It’s a spot where you can savor bold flavors in a relaxed, family-friendly setting—ideal for both first-timers and Indian food enthusiasts.
More Things to Try in Memphis, TN
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best buffets in Memphis for vegetarian options?
Several buffets offer excellent vegetarian choices. Try India Palace, Hyderabad House, and Capriccio Grill for a wide variety of fresh, flavorful vegetarian dishes and rotating seasonal specials.
Are there any all-you-can-eat pizza buffets in Memphis?
Yes, spots like CiCi’s Pizza, Pizza Inn, and Venice Kitchen are known for their generous pizza buffets, with plenty of vegetarian-friendly topping selections and fresh salad bars to round out your meal.
Where can I find Southern or soul food at a Memphis buffet?
Check out Leonard’s Pit Barbecue and Chow Time for authentic soul food and classic Southern dishes. Expect favorites like greens, baked herb chicken, and sweet potatoes on the menu.
Which buffets in Memphis are most family-friendly?
Chow Time, Venice Kitchen, and Golden Corral repeatedly get nods for being spacious, casual, and full of crowd-pleasing choices for both kids and adults.
Can I find vegan options at buffets in Memphis?
Absolutely. Xeluxe offers a 100% vegan buffet experience, while Indian buffets like Cafe India and Taste of India have plenty of plant-based selections on their buffets.