Tucked inside a strip mall at 120 Waller Mill Rd in Williamsburg, Virginia, Peking Restaurant is one of those hidden gems that keeps locals coming back for decades. This all-day buffet offers a jaw-dropping spread of Chinese classics, Mongolian BBQ, sushi, and so much more — all under one roof.
Whether you’re a Williamsburg local or just passing through after a day at Colonial Williamsburg, this spot promises a meal worth remembering. With over 2,000 reviews and a loyal fanbase stretching back 30-plus years, Peking Restaurant is clearly doing something right.
The All-Day Buffet Spread
Walk through the doors of Peking Restaurant and the first thing that hits you is the sheer size of the buffet. Row after row of steaming dishes stretch out before you, covering everything from classic Chinese fare to unexpected crowd-pleasers like Korean beef and mac and cheese with bacon.
Loyal customers who have been visiting for 25 or 30 years swear the quality has stayed remarkably consistent. Fresh vegetables, tender meats, and carefully seasoned dishes make every plate feel worthwhile.
The buffet runs all day from 11:30 AM to 8 PM, seven days a week.
At around $17 for dinner and under $13 for lunch, the value is hard to beat. Families, couples, and solo diners all find something to love here.
Go hungry — you will want to try a little bit of everything on that magnificent spread.
Mongolian BBQ Grill Experience
Arguably the star of the show, the Mongolian BBQ grill at Peking Restaurant is the kind of interactive dining experience that turns a regular meal into a memory. You pick your own fresh ingredients — meats, vegetables, noodles, sauces — and hand them over to the grill chef who cooks everything right in front of you.
One long-time reviewer called it “the best Mongolian grill in all of Tidewater,” and after 30 years of visits, that’s a bold statement backed by real loyalty. Watching the flames and hearing the sizzle as your custom bowl comes together is genuinely exciting.
The wide variety of protein and vegetable selections means no two bowls ever taste the same. Whether you load up on garlic and ginger or keep things simple, the grill delivers bold, satisfying flavors every single time.
It’s a must-try station.
Sushi Conveyor Belt
Few things are as unexpectedly fun as a sushi conveyor belt at a Chinese buffet, and Peking Restaurant delivers exactly that. Small plates of freshly prepared sushi rolls and nigiri glide past your table on a moving track, letting you grab whatever looks good as it passes by.
One first-time visitor described it as a dream come true, having always wanted to experience a sushi train. The novelty alone makes it worth the trip, especially for kids and families who find the whole setup absolutely fascinating to watch.
You can also spot the sushi chef working behind the conveyor, carefully crafting each piece with visible skill and care. Reviews are mixed on the sushi quality — some love it, others find it average — but most agree the experience itself adds real charm to the meal.
At this price point, it feels like a genuine bonus.
General Tso’s Chicken
Ask any longtime Peking Restaurant fan what dish keeps them coming back, and General Tso’s Chicken will almost always top the list. One reviewer who has been visiting for 25 years raved that it is “ALWAYS made of thick pieces of tender white meat” — and that kind of consistency is genuinely rare in the buffet world.
The coating is crispy, the sauce hits that perfect sweet-and-spicy balance, and the chicken inside stays juicy rather than rubbery. Many buffets cut corners with this classic dish, but Peking’s version holds up to serious scrutiny.
Pair it with a scoop of fried rice or some garlic green beans and you have a plate that could easily compete with any sit-down Chinese restaurant in the region. If you only try one dish from the hot buffet section, make it this one.
You will not walk away disappointed.
Garlic Green Beans and Fresh Vegetables
Not everything at a great buffet has to be fried or sauced to impress. Peking Restaurant’s garlic green beans have earned their own fan club among regulars who appreciate vegetables done properly.
Cooked to that ideal tender-crispy texture with real garlic flavor, they stand out on a buffet table full of heavier options.
Fresh spinach sauteed with garlic is another vegetable dish that gets regular praise from reviewers. It sounds simple, but the quality of the produce and the careful seasoning make it genuinely delicious rather than an afterthought.
One longtime customer called it “yum” with zero hesitation.
For anyone watching their diet or just craving something lighter between heavier plates, these vegetable dishes offer a welcome refresh. Peking makes a real effort to keep non-fried and vegetarian options well-stocked on the buffet, which health-conscious diners genuinely appreciate.
Fresh vegetables at a buffet this affordable feel almost luxurious.
Dumplings at the Buffet
There is something deeply satisfying about grabbing a fresh dumpling off a buffet tray and knowing it was made with care. At Peking Restaurant, dumplings are consistently mentioned as a must-try by reviewers who have sampled the full spread.
One enthusiastic fan specifically called them out alongside honey chicken as a personal top recommendation.
Whether steamed or pan-fried, a good dumpling requires the right dough thickness, a flavorful filling, and proper cooking technique. Peking seems to understand this well enough to earn repeat praise over many years of visits from loyal customers throughout the Williamsburg area.
Dip them in soy sauce, chili oil, or whatever sauce combination suits your taste. The dumpling station tends to move quickly during busy periods, so grab a few before they disappear.
Weekend crowds can be significant, and the popular items go fast. Arrive early for the freshest selections straight off the tray.
Orange Chicken
Sweet, tangy, and just the right amount of sticky, Orange Chicken at Peking Restaurant has a dedicated following of its own. Reviewers specifically mention it as a standout dish, with one noting the orange chicken was “very spicy, but delicious” — a combination that keeps taste buds on their toes.
The citrus-forward glaze coats each piece of crispy chicken in a way that makes it hard to stop at just one serving. Unlike some buffet versions that turn soggy under warming lamps, Peking’s orange chicken tends to hold its texture well enough to stay enjoyable throughout the meal service.
It pairs beautifully with steamed white rice or fried rice, letting the bold sauce shine without overwhelming your palate. Long-time customers rank it alongside General Tso’s as one of the buffet’s signature dishes.
If you have a sweet-savory tooth, this plate will absolutely hit the spot on your first visit.
Crab Rangoon
Golden, crispy on the outside, and creamy on the inside — crab rangoon is one of those universally loved Chinese-American appetizers that disappears from buffet trays almost as fast as it’s restocked. At Peking Restaurant, these little fried pockets of cream cheese and crab filling have earned genuine affection from diners.
One reviewer who placed a takeout order actually received crab rangoon instead of fried wontons by mistake — and based on the tone of the review, it seemed like a pretty welcome surprise. That says a lot about how good they are when even an accidental substitution lands as a win.
Grab them while they are hot for the best experience. The crispy shell gives way to a warm, savory filling that pairs perfectly with sweet and sour dipping sauce.
They are a great starter before you work your way through the rest of the massive buffet spread at your own comfortable pace.
The Asian-Inspired Decor and Atmosphere
Before you even taste a single dish, Peking Restaurant makes an impression with its striking interior design. Artful ceiling panels, Mongolian artifacts, horse statues, painted murals, and traditional Chinese couplets on the walls create an atmosphere that feels genuinely immersive rather than generic.
Multiple reviewers have called the decor “gorgeous” and “festive and fun,” with one visitor saying the ceiling alone was worth noticing. The hibachi grill is visible from the dining area, and you can watch the sushi chef working behind the conveyor belt, adding live entertainment to the dining experience.
For families visiting Williamsburg for its famous historical attractions, this restaurant offers a cultural visual experience that complements the meal beautifully. The space feels welcoming and carefully put together rather than like a typical strip mall restaurant.
It is the kind of place where the surroundings actually enhance how much you enjoy the food in front of you.
The Friendly and Attentive Staff
Thirty years of loyal customers do not happen by accident — and at Peking Restaurant, the staff plays a huge role in keeping people coming back. Multiple reviewers describe servers who check in frequently, refill drinks without being asked, and keep a close eye on the buffet trays to make sure everything stays fresh and well-stocked.
One particularly heartwarming review mentioned that the staff knows long-time regulars by first name and even greets them with hugs. That level of personal connection is almost unheard of in a buffet setting and speaks volumes about the warmth of the team working there every day.
The front entrance staff consistently gets praised for being welcoming to new visitors, making first-timers feel just as comfortable as the regulars. Good service transforms a decent meal into a great experience, and Peking Restaurant understands that better than most buffets in the entire Williamsburg area right now.
Takeout and To-Go Options
Not everyone can sit down for a full buffet experience, and Peking Restaurant has that covered with solid takeout and to-go options. One of the most dedicated regulars in the reviews mentioned that the restaurant recently lowered its to-go prices, making an already great deal even better for regular pickup orders.
Fan favorites like General Tso’s Chicken, Orange Chicken, Orange Flavored Beef, and Beef Fried Rice are all available for takeout. Portion sizes are described as very generous, giving you real value for your money compared to other Chinese takeout spots in the Williamsburg area.
The restaurant is known for having orders ready on time, with staff who are pleasant during pickup interactions. Whether you are grabbing a quick dinner after a long day of sightseeing or stocking up on leftovers, the takeout menu offers the same quality flavors you would find at the buffet itself.
Desserts and Sweet Endings
After working your way through plates of General Tso’s, dumplings, sushi, and Mongolian BBQ, you might think there is no room left for dessert. But the sweet station at Peking Restaurant has a way of finding extra space in your stomach whether you planned for it or not.
Soft serve ice cream is a popular go-to for kids and adults alike, offering a cool and creamy finish to a hearty meal. Pastries, jello cups, and other small treats round out the dessert spread with enough variety to satisfy different cravings after a savory feast.
Reviews suggest the dessert section is best enjoyed when fresh, so timing your visit during busier hours ensures the best quality selections. Weekend lunch and early dinner crowds mean faster turnover and fresher desserts across the board.
End your meal on a sweet note before heading back out to explore everything Williamsburg has to offer.
Pricing and Overall Value
Value is one of the biggest reasons Peking Restaurant has maintained such a loyal following for over three decades in Williamsburg. Lunch buffet prices hover around $12 to $13 per person, while dinner comes in at roughly $16 to $17 per person — remarkably affordable for the sheer volume and variety of food available.
When you factor in the Mongolian BBQ grill, sushi conveyor belt, hot buffet, and dessert station all under one price, the math strongly favors giving this place a try. Families with kids especially appreciate getting a full, filling meal without breaking the bank during an already expensive Williamsburg vacation.
Drinks are typically not included in the buffet price, so plan accordingly. Overall, the consensus among loyal reviewers is clear: Peking Restaurant delivers a dining experience that punches well above its price point.
For anyone in Williamsburg looking for an affordable, satisfying, and genuinely fun meal, this buffet is the answer.