Home / Lifestyle / Buffets Roar Back: Searches Surge 252%
Buffets Roar Back: Searches Surge 252%
19 Feb
Summary
- Buffet searches on Yelp increased by 252% in the past year.
- Asian cuisine, particularly Korean BBQ and hot pot, is driving the revival.
- Upscale establishments and traditional hotels are also embracing buffets.

Searches for 'all you can eat buffet near me' saw a dramatic 252% increase in the past year, signaling a strong comeback for the once-ubiquitous dining format. This revival is significantly propelled by a renaissance in Asian cuisine.
Interest in AYCE dim sum rose 244%, while 'sushi bars all you can eat' climbed 93%. Unlimited Korean BBQ and hot pot experienced an impressive 591% surge, highlighting a growing preference for interactive, communal dining experiences.
Restaurants like NIKU X in New York and Los Angeles are transforming the traditional buffet into a curated, destination-worthy experience, offering items like Wagyu steak and seafood. Upscale hotels, such as The Peninsula New York, have also launched elevated Sunday brunch buffets.
The buffet concept, originating from the French term for a sideboard, has deep historical roots. In the United States, all-you-can-eat buffets gained widespread popularity in the 1970s and 1980s, appealing to large groups with their practical and lavish appeal.



