This All-You-Can-Eat Restaurant in Wisconsin Is Not for the Faint of Appetite

Very rarely will you ever hear me suggest eating at a buffet. I struggle with making choices on the fly, especially while walking around a bunch of food that smells incredible. But that was never the case at World Buffet in Madison, Wisconsin—despite its boast of being the most extensive buffet in the city. This restaurant, despite its enormous offering, never disappointed me or left me wishing I had just ordered somewhere off a menu.

If you look up this restaurant and immediately get confused because two locations pop up, don't worry too much. Both the Madison and the neighboring Monona location are operated under the same umbrella.

First and foremost, this place's variety can't be understated. World Buffet offers over 250 items. From your typical buffet cuisine, like cashew chicken and dumplings, and myriad vegetables, to fresh Mongolian barbecue. Plus, this spot has freshly made sushi rolls throughout the day. You can even see them being made almost constantly at the sushi bar. They're often very simple things like California rolls, but they were certainly enough to satisfy this sushi fan on every single visit.

Many of the buffet offerings are premade, though I encourage you to take the extra time to check out the Mongolian grill or the noodle station. Both allow you to order items exactly as you want them made fresh right away.

In addition to the smorgasbord of Chinese, Japanese, and Mongolian delights, there are also a ton of other options with a more Western palate. There can be pizza, mashed potatoes, ham, beef, and even seafood boil items available on the buffet, along with the salad bar. This is one of those buffets where if you're craving it, and it isn't too niche, there's a good chance they have it.

My golden rule for buffets (or any meal if I'm honest) is that you shouldn't skip dessert. When it comes to dessert, you better believe World Buffet has that covered. Little cakes, puddings, brownies, and even ice cream are all available for a little sweet tooth moment at the end.

If you don't have time to sit down at the buffet, don't worry. In addition to the all-you-can-eat pricing, this spot even has to-go orders priced by the pound. Go down the buffet, fill up your container, and be on your way. There isn't a bad way to spend a meal here, especially if you're looking to please a bunch of people all at the same time.

While you're in the Madison area, please stay a while. From a few hours in the city to a whole weekend, my former home is a wonderful place to be. If you feel adventurous, there is even a self-guided tour you can take to learn more about Wisconsin's capital city. Wherever you go in the Badger State, make sure you bring your appetite—and your appetite for adventure.