7 Best All-You-Can-Eat Buffets in The State of Rhode Island
Rhode Island, RI, is a great place to visit if you're in the mood for a buffet. The state is home to some of the best all-you-can-eat buffet restaurants in the nation. Here are some of our favorites:
Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but when it comes to "all-you-can-eat" dining, it punches well above its weight. The scene here is unique: instead of just generic food troughs, you'll find "family-style" chicken halls that have been local institutions for decades, high-end Brazilian steakhouses, and one of the most famous (and expensive) seafood buffets in the country.
1. The Nordic
- Cuisine: High-End Seafood (Seasonal)
- Location: Charlestown
- The Vibe: The bucket-list gluttony experience.
- Why it's a Winner: This isn't just a meal; it's an event. For a set price (usually around $135-$145 per person), you get access to a staggeringly opulent spread. We are talking unlimited lobster tails, crab legs, prime rib, and filet mignon. It's expensive, but for seafood lovers, it is the holy grail.
- Important Note: The Nordic is seasonal. It typically opens from late April through December. If you are reading this in February, mark your calendar for the spring opener.
2. Wright's Farm Restaurant
- Cuisine: Family-Style Chicken
- Location: Harrisville (Burrillville)
- The Vibe: A massive, loud, comforting Rhode Island tradition.
- Why it's a Winner: While not a "walk-up" buffet line, Wright's is the definition of "all-you-can-eat." You sit at long tables, and servers bring endless platters of roasted chicken, pasta with marinara, French fries, and salad. There is no menu, and the food keeps coming until you tell them to stop. It is simple, iconic, and incredibly affordable.
- Must-Eat: The moist, fall-off-the-bone roasted chicken and the signature French fries.
3. Fogo de Chão
- Cuisine: Brazilian Steakhouse
- Location: Providence (Providence Place)
- The Vibe: Upscale, meaty, and modern.
- Why it's a Winner: Located in the heart of the city, this is the place for the "meat sweats." It follows the traditional Rodizio style: you control the flow of food with a green/red coaster. As long as it's green, gauchos will carve lamb chops, ribeye, and bacon-wrapped chicken directly onto your plate.
- Must-Eat: The Picanha (signature sirloin) and the "Market Table" (a massive salad bar that is a meal in itself).
4. India Restaurant
- Cuisine: Indian Brunch
- Location: Providence (Hope Street)
- The Vibe: Romantic, aromatic, and cozy.
- Why it's a Winner: While many Indian lunch buffets have disappeared post-2020, India Restaurant keeps the tradition alive with a fantastic Weekend Brunch Buffet. It's the perfect way to sample a dozen different curries, tandoori items, and appetizers without committing to a single dish.
- Must-Eat: The Chicken Tikka Masala and the fresh, warm naan brought to the table.
5. Hibachi Grill Supreme Buffet
- Cuisine: Pan-Asian / Sushi / American
- Location: East Providence
- The Vibe: The classic "mega-buffet."
- Whyit'ss a Winner: Sometimes you want variety, and this spot delivers. With over 150 items, it covers everything from sushi rolls and crab rangoon to Pizza and spare ribs. The highlight is the Hibachi station, where you select your raw meats and veggies, and a chef grills them up fresh with your choice of sauce.
- Must-Eat: The made-to-order Hibachi noodles and the salt-and-pepper shrimp.
6. Village Haven
- Cuisine: Family-Style Chicken & Roast Beef
- Location: Forestdale (North Smithfield)
- The Vibe: Old-school hospitality.
- Why it's a Winner: The main rival to Wright's Farm, Village Haven has its own die-hard fanbase. They also serve the AYCE family-style chicken dinner, but they are famous for adding their legendary cinnamon rolls to the mix. Many locals argue that the chicken here is slightly crisper than that of their competitor.
- Must-Eat: The Cinnamon Rolls are non-negotiable.
7. Churrascaria Marques
- Cuisine: Portuguese / Brazilian BBQ
- Location: Cumberland
- The Vibe: Authentic, charcoal-scented, and local.
- Why it's a Winner: Rhode Island has a massive Portuguese population, and this spot highlights that heritage perfectly. While they offer à la carte, they are known for their charcoal-grilled meats. It's less "corporate polish" than Fogo de Chão and more "backyard BBQ" style, often serving massive platters of grilled meats that feel endless.
- Must-Eat: The charcoal-grilled Chicken and ribs.