California Seafood Lovers Swear By This Hotel-Like All-You-Can-Eat Buffet For Crab Legs, Sushi, And Chinese Classics

San Diego has no shortage of seafood, but one Mission Valley dining room has people lining up before the doors even open. Families plan monthly trips here, birthday crews book it for big nights, and crab leg fans treat it like a personal mission.

The setting looks more like a fancy hotel lobby than a typical buffet, with chandeliers hanging over the booths. Inside, the spread runs long: snow crab legs, sushi and sashimi, Chinese favorites, a carving station, and a dessert counter with gelato.

Prices land in the mid-forties per adult, which sounds like a lot until the plates start stacking up. This guide covers what to grab first, which night brings a special twist, how to dodge the longest waits, and a few quiet tips the regulars keep handy.

A Mission Valley Address Worth Remembering

Hungry seafood fans in San Diego eventually find their way to 100’s Seafood Grill Buffet. The restaurant sits at 2828 Camino del Rio S, San Diego, CA 92108, in the busy Mission Valley area of California.

It is listed as a buffet restaurant, but that label sells it a little short. The place is a roomy, all-you-can-eat Asian buffet with a strong focus on seafood.

The menu goes well past fish, though. Sushi, hibachi fare, Chinese hot dishes, a carving station, and desserts all share the floor.

Locals often treat it as the answer to an old family puzzle. When nobody can agree on dinner, everyone can usually find something they like here.

The crowd backs that up. Thousands of diners have weighed in online, and the place holds a solid 4.3-star average.

That is a strong number for a buffet of this size. Big buffets have a lot of moving parts, and keeping that many people happy takes real effort.

Mission Valley is also easy to reach from many parts of the city. That makes it a handy pick for groups coming from different neighborhoods.

So what makes people come back month after month? The answer starts the moment the doors open.

Chandeliers Over the Crab Legs

Most buffets do not get called pretty. This one does, again and again.

The interior is often compared to the inside of a nice hotel. Chandeliers hang over some of the booths, giving the room a polished, dressed-up look.

That style helps explain why so many people pick it for celebrations. Promotions, birthdays, and even Valentine’s Day dinners all land here.

One practical tip comes from frequent diners. Parts of the room can feel quite dim, so asking for a booth under a chandelier can make a big difference.

Seating is plentiful, too. The space is large enough to handle big parties, including groups of eight or more who show up together.

The roomy layout means a family can spread out without feeling squeezed. It also keeps the waits shorter than at many other buffets around town.

Still, a fancy room is only the opening act. The real headliner sits over at the seafood bar.

The Crab Leg Headliner

Ask regulars why they come, and crab legs usually come up first. For many fans, they are the whole reason to make the drive.

The seafood bar offers snow crab legs, and some diners also mention king crab legs during their visits. Both are unlimited, which is the kind of math crab lovers enjoy.

Plenty of people call the crab legs fresh and full of flavor. Some families say the crab alone is worth the trip.

To be fair, they are not perfect every single time. On some visits, the legs come out a bit overcooked or on the salty side, which makes them harder to crack.

Other nights, they hit the mark just right. Many diners describe them as sweet and not too salty.

Beyond the classic legs, there are fun twists. Baked crab and fried crabs both have loyal fans who go back for second plates.

The crab is a crowd magnet, so timing matters. Fresh trays come out often, and nothing tends to sit out for too long.

Crab may lead the parade, but the seafood bar has more tricks up its shell.

Oysters, Crawfish, and the Cajun Corner

Crab gets the spotlight, but the supporting cast is just as busy. The seafood selection here runs deep.

Oysters sit on the raw bar alongside the crab. Mussels, clams, and shrimp also show up, with baked mussels as a cooked option for those who skip raw items.

Then there is the Cajun section. Cajun boiled crawfish, clams, and shrimp have a big following, and some families plan whole outings around the seasoned crawfish.

The shrimp boil gets plenty of praise for its flavor. Cajun shrimp is another favorite that disappears quickly from plates.

Diners who stick to cooked food still have lots of choices. Salmon and shrimp dishes round things out, and red snapper has appeared as a self-serve option.

A small wish list does pop up now and then. Some fans would love to see more oyster varieties, especially smaller ones.

Even so, the range is wide enough that most seafood fans leave with a full plate and a happy grin. And that is before anyone reaches the sushi counter.

Sushi, Sashimi, and a Secret or Two

Sushi is the second most talked-about thing in the building, and for good reason. The station keeps a steady flow of rolls and fresh sashimi coming.

Salmon sashimi is a big draw, since it is all-you-can-eat. Assorted sushi rolls also get steady thumbs up from returning diners.

Here is where it gets interesting. Some regulars say the sushi station has a few off-menu extras.

Sea urchin, also called uni, can reportedly be requested from the staff at the sushi station. A fresh tuna hand roll may also be made on request.

There is a catch, though. These special items are said to be limited to once per visit, and that rule is not clearly posted.

So it pays to ask politely and enjoy it while it lasts. Think of it as a bonus round, not a bottomless prize.

For those who prefer to build their own bowl, a DIY poke bowl station sits nearby. Diners pick what goes in, which makes it a hit with picky eaters.

Raw fish is only one side of the story, though. The Chinese kitchen brings its own heavy hitters.

Chinese Classics on Repeat

Chinese comfort food is a core part of the lineup. It gives the buffet a lot of its broad appeal.

Orange chicken is a standout, with some diners saying they wanted to take extra home. Chow mein with shrimp is another quiet favorite.

Roast duck is served with steamed buns, and Peking duck fans say it should not be skipped. The duck often lands on the must-try list.

Cantonese dim sum adds even more variety. Chinese cold appetizers also appear near the salad area.

Soups deserve a mention too. Choices include miso seafood tofu soup, Chinese seafood soup, and clam chowder.

Peppered beef is another dish that wins praise for being tender and well seasoned. It shows the kitchen does not save all its attention for seafood.

A few diners have noted that certain dishes can lean salty. Tasting small portions first is a smart way to find personal favorites.

With so many trays, a full lap around the room is almost required before loading a plate. Next stop on that lap is a surprise for a seafood place.

Prime Rib in a Seafood House

Yes, a seafood buffet carves prime rib. And yes, people love it.

The carving station serves freshly cut prime rib, often cooked rare and served with au jus on the side. That small detail earns extra fans among beef lovers.

Freshly carved steak is part of the same station. It is a solid choice for diners who want a break between seafood rounds.

Then there is the hibachi and Mongolian stir-fry area. Diners pick a base and proteins, and the staff cooks it fresh on the spot.

Many items are prepared right in front of guests. That adds a bit of a show and keeps the food moving quickly.

The hibachi fare gets steady praise from those who stick to cooked foods. It is a smart pick for anyone wary of raw fish.

Having both turf and surf under one roof helps groups with mixed tastes. Nobody gets stuck eating something they did not want.

Of course, even the hungriest crowd needs room for one more course.

Gelato and the Sweet Finish

Dessert gets a dedicated station here. It is a fitting final stop after rounds of crab and sushi.

Gelato is the star, mentioned often by those who visit. Hand-churned ice cream also has its fans, especially among families with kids.

Cake, cookies, and fruit fill out the counter. Pastries also show up for those with a sweet tooth.

Creme brulee is a pleasant surprise for a buffet. Some diners call it the best dessert on the line.

Opinions on the dessert bar are mixed, though. A few regulars feel the sweets and ice cream could use some improvement.

Most of them agree the main dishes more than make up for it. Dessert here is a nice extra, not the main event.

Fruit and a large salad bar give lighter options too. Cucumber salad is one item that surprises people with how much they enjoy it.

With plates cleared and spoons down, the next question is who this place suits best.

Picky Eaters Welcome

Some restaurants work for one type of diner. This one seems built for a crowd with wildly different tastes.

Kids are covered with fries and chicken nuggets. That alone can save a family dinner.

Vegetarian options exist but are limited. Veggie spring rolls, tofu, and fries are among the few meat-free picks.

Families, couples, and big celebration groups all fit in well. The roomy floor plan makes large tables manageable.

Staff tend to clear plates fast, which keeps tables tidy during long meals. Refills and quick table cleanups are common.

Service experiences can vary. Most guests find the team attentive and welcoming, while a few have found certain servers less warm.

Not every visit goes perfectly either. A small number of diners have reported stomach trouble after meals, so it is wise to use normal care with raw items.

Overall, it is a place where a whole family can eat together without a menu debate. Now for the part everyone wants to know: when to go.

Hours, Waits, and the Thursday Twist

Timing can make or break a buffet visit. Here, the schedule is simple once it is known.

The buffet opens at 4 PM on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Saturday and Sunday hours start earlier, at noon, and every open day runs until 9 PM.

Tuesday is the day off. Plenty of hopeful diners have learned that the hard way.

Lines often form before opening, especially on weekends. Arriving right at opening usually means a quick seat and easy parking.

Weekend evenings can get crowded. Waits of around 20 minutes are common, and busy Sunday nights have stretched to around 40 minutes.

Thursday is known as lobster night. Some diners look forward to it, while others say the half lobsters come out slowly and cost a bit more.

Picking a weekday right at 4 PM is the calm-water strategy. Those chasing lobster should come early and stay patient.

Knowing when to show up is half the battle. The other half is knowing what it costs.

What the Bill Looks Like

Nobody likes a surprise at checkout. Here is what to expect.

Adult prices have hovered around $44 to $45 per person, with weekend pricing running slightly higher. Thursday lobster night also costs a bit more.

Many regulars call the value outstanding given the variety. Crab, sushi, prime rib, and dessert all for one price is a strong deal in today’s market.

Not everyone agrees, of course. A few diners felt the price was steep on a crowded night when trays sat empty.

Drinks are not included in the buffet price. Staff may offer drinks, so it helps to ask about the cost before saying yes.

Good news for some guests: military and senior discounts are available. Active duty members and veterans with valid ID can save a little.

Parking is on site, but the lot fills up fast at peak times. Early arrivals have the easiest time finding a spot.

With the budget sorted, there is one last thing to settle.

A Plate Worth Planning Around

Some buffets are a fallback. This one is a destination.

The mix is hard to beat in San Diego. Crab legs, sushi, Chinese classics, prime rib, and gelato all share one roof.

It is not flawless, and honest regulars say so. Salty dishes, crowded lines, and uneven nights pop up from time to time.

Yet the loyal crowd keeps returning, some every single month. That kind of habit says a lot about a restaurant.

A few smart moves help a lot. Arrive at opening, ask for a bright booth, skip Tuesday, and pace yourself through the seafood bar.

Save a little room for creme brulee, too. The dessert line may not wow everyone, but it is a sweet way to wrap up.

For celebrations, family dinners, or a serious crab craving, this Mission Valley favorite delivers a big night out. Just bring a healthy appetite and a little patience, and the plates will take care of the rest.