Picture a dining room so big it needs around 11 food bars to hold everything. That is what waits for hungry folks at Ginza Buffet in Greenville, where dinner brings crab legs, a long line of sushi, and plenty of Chinese favorites.
For families on a budget and seafood fans who like to eat until they are happy and full, it has become a well-known stop on busy Woodruff Road. Here is what visitors love, what they grumble about, and how to make the most of a trip.
A Giant Buffet on Woodruff Road
Anyone who has driven Woodruff Road in Greenville knows it as a busy stretch of shops and restaurants. Tucked right into that bustle at 1255 Woodruff Rd sits Ginza Buffet, an all-you-can-eat spot with a very big appetite of its own.
The restaurant calls itself a home for Chinese eats and sushi, but the spread goes further than that. Guests also find American dishes and a hibachi grill that cooks food to order.
One longtime visitor counted more than 200 choices on a single trip.
On Google, Ginza Buffet holds a 3.9-star rating from nearly 2,900 reviews. That is a lot of opinions, and they range from glowing to grumpy.
Still, the huge number tells you something simple: plenty of people in the Upstate keep showing up.
The place works for a quick lunch break, a family dinner, or a weekend feast after running errands nearby. Its location near so many stores makes it easy to fit into a busy day.
For seafood fans especially, the dinner lineup is the main reason to stop in.
Fresh Start After a New Year Reopening
New beginnings sometimes come with the calendar. According to one guest who stopped by a couple of years back, Ginza Buffet had just reopened on January 1st when they made their first visit.
That reviewer came away impressed by the sheer amount of food, while also noting some dishes needed work. The owners replied that improvements were on the way and that they welcome feedback.
It is a small moment, but it shows a team paying attention to what diners say.
Since then, many visitors describe the inside as nice and clean when they walk in. One happy guest noticed staff wiping down surfaces often, even the door handles going in and out.
Another mentioned the restrooms were spotless.
The owners also answer many reviews with friendly thank-you notes, inviting people back again. For a buffet this size, that kind of back-and-forth with customers helps build trust over time.
Dinner Crab Legs Worth the Wait
Ask regulars why they come for dinner, and two words pop up again and again: crab legs. They are the most talked-about seafood item here, with over 100 mentions in reviews.
One visitor said the crab legs alone made the price worth it. Another was pleased that they were not the dry, overcooked kind that often show up at buffets.
Several guests point out that crab legs are part of the dinner offering, while lunch is known more for convenience.
There is a catch, though. Crab legs can disappear fast, since some diners grab four or five plates at a time.
One regular admitted missing out on the last two visits.
The best trick, according to that same guest, is to stand near the buffet counter and wait for a fresh batch to come out of the kitchen. It takes a little patience.
For true crab fans, most agree it pays off.
Sushi Rolls by the Assembly Line
Here is a fun number: sushi gets mentioned more than anything else in Ginza Buffet reviews, with about 172 shout-outs. That beats even the crab legs.
One guest described a whole assembly line of sushi. Another was delighted to see handcrafted rolls on offer, calling it a big bonus for a huge sushi fan.
Diners also mention sashimi, seaweed salad, and squid salad on the spread.
Opinions on quality are mixed but fair. One regular said the sushi is not the best in town, but good for the price.
Others praised the seafood and sushi as well prepared.
If raw fish is not your thing, the rolls still make an easy way to try something new without paying by the piece. Grab a few, see what you like, and head back for more.
That is the joy of a buffet.
Shellfish, Calamari and More from the Sea
One visitor loved the calamari so much they never made it to the Chinese food. That tells you how deep the seafood section can go.
Guests have listed oysters, clams, crawdads, shrimp, calamari, mussels, and snails among the ocean offerings. The clams earn repeat praise, with one diner saying they had great flavor.
Another enjoyed the clams alongside the crab and sashimi.
Not every item wins. One reviewer found the mussels gritty and the large snails chewy.
That same person still called the overall variety impressive for the price.
So the smart move is to sample small portions first. Load up on your winners, skip the rest, and keep going.
With this many choices, nobody has to eat something they do not enjoy.
The Hibachi Grill Cooked to Order
Sizzle, steam, and a cook working right in front of you. The hibachi station is one of the most popular stops at Ginza Buffet, earning dozens of mentions from guests.
The idea is simple. You fill a plate with raw ingredients you pick, then hand it over to be grilled on the spot.
One diner was thrilled to find ribeye steak and even whole steaks among the choices.
That same guest called the cook-to-order grill very good, with lots of options. Others have described it as a Mongolian grill, and it sits among the roughly 11 food bars inside.
It is fair to share one warning. A recent visitor reported seeing a roach near the hibachi counter on a Sunday afternoon and left upset.
Most reviews describe a clean space, but it is a reminder that experiences can vary.
Classic Chinese Favorites and Crispy Surprises
Comfort food fans, this part is for you. Sesame chicken, sweet and sour chicken, black pepper chicken, egg rolls, and egg drop soup all show up in guest chatter.
The big surprise hit is something called special chicken. One excited family said it was the best crispy tender they had ever eaten at a buffet.
Another visitor raved about fall-off-the-bone ribs.
Honest reviews point out some weak spots too. A few diners felt certain sauces, like on the orange chicken, did not taste like takeout versions.
One found the sweet and sour sauce too vinegary, and another said the fried rice fell short.
Temperature seems to swing as well, with some saying food is sometimes hot and sometimes not. Others praised how well it was kept warm.
Your best bet is grabbing items right after a fresh tray comes out.
Sweet Endings at the Dessert Bar
Save a little room. Seriously, the end of the meal has its own fans.
Ginza Buffet sets aside a full food bar just for dessert, according to one guest who counted the stations. It sits alongside the American and Chinese sections, so there is something sweet for kids and grown-ups alike.
Fresh fruit gets the loudest praise. One visitor said the fruit was so ripe and juicy that they ate their weight in pineapple.
That is a refreshing way to finish after rich seafood and fried dishes.
A light plate of fruit also helps balance things out if you went big at the crab station. Pair it with a final bite of something sugary, and you will leave smiling.
Soft Lighting, Claw Machines and Friendly Faces
Kids tend to spot them first: the claw machines in the front foyer. One guest called them super cool and mentioned a coin machine nearby that turns dollar bills into tokens.
Inside, visitors describe peaceful lighting and a relaxed, friendly vibe. One diner said the atmosphere felt amazing, and another noted it was not overly crowded during their lunch visit.
Even when the room is packed, one reviewer said the experience stayed positive.
Staff members often get called out by name for kindness. Servers named Heidy and Dooma earned praise, including a late-night group welcomed warmly near closing time.
That said, a few guests had rougher moments. One couple felt rushed to pay while still eating, and another was seated in a back room that felt like a staff break area.
Most, though, describe a welcoming crowd of workers.
Who Will Love It Most
Big appetites and bigger families, meet your match. Ginza Buffet shines brightest for people who value variety and volume.
A parent who visited twice with their son said there is probably nothing you would want for, unless you are extremely picky. Seafood lovers get crab legs and sushi, while plain eaters can stick with American dishes and chicken.
One diner who rarely goes to buffets said this one delivers quantity, quality, and variety all together. They even tried items they had not found elsewhere.
On the other hand, a few reviewers with refined tastes felt the food did not match the price. If you want fancy, chef-driven plates, this may not be your spot.
If you want to wander around and pile up a mix of favorites, it is hard to beat.
Hours, Prices and Parking Tips
Good planning makes a buffet trip smoother. Ginza Buffet opens at 11 am every day, closing at 9:30 pm Sunday through Thursday and at 10 pm on Friday and Saturday.
Prices depend on the day and time. One recent guest paid $22 per person on a weekend, while visitors a few years back paid $17.99 for dinner, not counting drinks.
A lunch special is also available and gets good marks for value.
A few diners warn that the price inside can be higher than what is posted on the door, and one noticed a dinner-price day. It is wise to confirm before you sit down.
Another guest pointed out the suggested tip on the bill is figured including tax, so check the math yourself.
Parking is easy, with many visitors mentioning plenty of spaces. For questions, call 864-263-3585 or visit ginzabuffetsc.com.
The Final Take on Ginza Buffet
So, should you go? For many Upstate diners, the answer is a happy yes, especially at dinner when the crab legs roll out.
The strengths are clear. Huge variety, a busy sushi line, a cook-to-order hibachi grill, and friendly staff win over plenty of guests.
Several said they cannot wait to return on their next Greenville visit.
The weak points are real but manageable. Food temperature and flavor can be hit or miss, crab legs vanish quickly, and pricing deserves a quick double check.
Go in hungry, keep expectations reasonable, and time your crab run wisely. With a little strategy, Ginza Buffet can turn an ordinary evening into a fun, filling seafood feast.
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