The Most Viral Buffet in North Carolina Is Known for Its Endless Seafood

If you're looking for the best seafood buffet in North Carolina, chances are, your eyes will wander straight to the coastline. But to your surprise, the most decadent all-you-can-eat seafood is actually tucked away in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Omni Grove Park Inn is a long-standing popular haunt thanks in part to its grand architecture, renowned spa, and famous guests across time — but also its Blue Ridge restaurant, which serves an award-winning seafood buffet. Unlike most seafood restaurants, guests can wander through multiple rooms of perfectly prepared dishes that are beautifully presented. It's an unlikely spot to visit for seafood, but well worth the trip, especially if you come prepared.

Why Everyone Is Talking About This Buffet

This buffet has made a splash among fans because of its long-standing reputation inside North Carolina's most historic (and possibly luxurious) resort, but it's also an incredible value to guests. People frequently praise the Blue Ridge restaurant for its delicious, diverse seafood and prime rib buffets as well as the attentive staff who keep it well-stocked and impeccably clean. This family-friendly buffet features multiple expansive rooms to wander through and build plates within. And while the seafood is the main attraction here, those who book a reservation earlier in the evening can enjoy a breathtaking view of the sunset behind the Blue Ridge Mountains through the floor-to-ceiling windows that wrap around the dining room.

What You'll Find on the Buffet

After being seated and drink orders have been placed, the spread of seafood is truly a feast for the senses. There are several different areas that guests can find seafood, including an iced seafood bar, seafood entrees, and made-to-order seafood. On ice, guests can choose from citrus-poached shrimp, seafood salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or mussels. Meanwhile, hot items from the entree selection include steamed crab legs, crab cakes, seafood mac and cheese (an absolute must-have), mussels with green curry, crispy buttermilk fried shrimp, chimichurri shrimp, group cheeks, beet-battered cod, or locally sourced pecan-encrusted trout. Finally, guests can order customized dishes like Mahi-Mahi tacos, a seafood boil, or even freshly shucked oysters at the restaurant's action stations. But that's just the seafood selection.

Guests will find an equally long list of salads, sides, and desserts to choose from — as well as a roasted chicken option for those who don't enjoy seafood or want another option. Don't pass by the seasonal salad selection such as the spicy cucumber salad with chili crisp and mint or the farro and wheat berry salad if it's available. Sides include options like roasted garlic and rosemary potatoes, seasonal vegetables, and, of course, hushpuppies.

Round out the meal with a wide selection of candies, pastries, cakes, pies, and even customizable orders at a bananas fosters station and an ice cream sundae station. No matter what you crave, from lean and fresh to rich and indulgent, guests will find the perfect option for every course of this buffet.

What to Know Before You Go

If you decide to go, it's best to make a reservation in advance, though you can likely book a table day-of if need be. The Blue Ridge restaurant's dinner buffets are $66 per adult, $25 per child aged 6-12, and free with a paying adult for children 5 and under. The buffet is open from 5 to 9 p.m. and can be reached in the Vanderbilt wing of the hotel, just off from the lobby, which is fully accessible. Attire is resort casual, so plan to dress smart, but no coat or tie are required. Guests can self-park for one hour free, with prices increase to $15 for up to three hours and $25 for up to six. Day parking is $35 for self-parking or $45 for valet.

While there is typically availability most weekends, plan in advance for holiday weekends, which typically include special menus and events like the National Gingerbread House Competition. Though anyone can dine in the restaurant, those who plan an overnight stay at the Omni Grove Park Inn can take full advantage of the expansive hotel property and its truly unique spa — plus an equally delectable breakfast buffet.