Picture a single plate holding crab legs, a few pieces of sushi, and noodles fresh off a hot grill. At Hibachi Buffet in Duluth, Georgia, that plate is not a dream, it is a normal Tuesday.
I went to see if this all-you-can-eat spot really lives up to its huge menu and its thousands of online reviews. Here is what I found, the tasty parts and the honest bumps too.
A Liddell Lane Buffet Worth Finding
Tucked at 1825 Liddell Ln in Duluth, Hibachi Buffet does not shout for attention from the road. The outside is unassuming, the kind of place you might drive past a dozen times before a friend finally drags you in.
Once inside, though, the scale of the operation becomes clear. Google describes it as an all-you-can-eat stop for Asian fare and seafood, with Japanese hibachi, sushi, BBQ ribs, lobster, and crab legs all sharing the same buffet lines.
That combination is the whole hook for me. Plenty of buffets do one or two of those things well, but few try to put grilled-to-order hibachi and shellfish on the same visit.
The numbers suggest people have noticed. The restaurant holds a 4-star rating across 2,854 reviews, which is a lot of opinions for a suburban buffet in Gwinnett County.
One regular even called it the best kept secret in Duluth, and I understand the feeling. It sits quietly in the background of daily errands, then surprises you with how much is waiting behind the doors.
New Management, Fresh Renovation
Some restaurants age gracefully, and some get a second act. From what longtime visitors say, Hibachi Buffet falls into the second group.
Several reviewers mention coming back after years away and finding new management plus a full renovation. One former local said the place had grown so much since their last visit that it felt like a real upgrade, and another compared the new look to a sister-style buffet in Snellville.
The refreshed dining room gets described as bright, modern, and very clean. One guest even said the attentive plate-clearing added a touch of elegance you rarely see at a buffet.
Not every opinion lines up, of course. A couple of older reviews called the ambiance a bit worn, and one person thought some booths could use an update.
Still, the most recent chatter leans toward a space that feels well kept. For a buffet, where crowds and constant traffic can wear a room down fast, that counts for a lot.
Crab Legs, Lobster, and the Seafood Lineup
Let me be honest about why most seafood fans walk through the door: shellfish. Crab legs and lobster are right there in the restaurant’s own description, and they set the tone for the whole meal.
The seafood spread goes well beyond those two stars. Visitors mention crawfish often, with dozens of reviews bringing it up, along with clams, fried squid, and even blue crab.
One diner praised the sheer number of seafood choices and noted the lack of typical American filler like pizza and nuggets. To me, that says the kitchen knows its audience and leans into what makes it different.
Quality talk is mixed, so set your expectations wisely. One reviewer felt the pricier seafood could come out overcooked or heavily seasoned, and another described shrimp that had sat too long.
My advice is to grab smaller portions first and go back when a fresh tray hits the line. Buffets reward timing, and seafood rewards it most of all.
The Sushi Bar Everyone Talks About
Count the mentions and sushi wins easily. It comes up in reviews more than any other topic, 86 times by Google’s tally, which tells you where diners keep pointing their chopsticks.
What surprised me is how often sushi shows up even in critical reviews. One unhappy guest said the sushi variety and hibachi options were the only things that kept their rating from dropping lower.
Another diner who was not impressed with the oily hot dishes still singled out the sushi as a bright spot. When even the grumpy reviews give something a pass, that is a strong sign.
For a seafood lover, this is where the pairing in the title comes together. A few rolls next to a crab leg feels like getting two restaurant meals for one price.
Just remember this is buffet sushi, not a chef’s counter. Enjoy it for the variety and the fun of mixing it with everything else on your plate.
Your Pick, Their Flat-Top Grill
Here is the fun part. You choose raw ingredients, hand them over, and a cook fires them up on the hibachi grill right in front of you.
One reviewer called the whole concept the crazy thing about this place, and I agree it feels a little wild for a buffet price. Another praised the hibachi for its perfect flavors and just the right amount of sauce.
The station also works nicely for folks with dietary needs. A vegan visitor said they built a satisfying plate of veggies and rice on the grill, which made the trip worthwhile even in a very meat-heavy room.
Not every grill experience is smooth. One diner felt a cook seemed unfocused and unhappy during their visit, so your mileage may vary depending on the day.
Overall, the grill seems to be one of the most dependable stops in the building. If you only try one made-to-order item, make it this one.
Pho, Dim Sum, and a Noodle Bar
Did you know a buffet could double as a soup shop? Hibachi Buffet runs a noodle and soup bar that works a lot like the hibachi grill, where you build your bowl and staff help put it together.
Pho gets steady attention in reviews. One diner described tender pho as a highlight, while a vegan guest wished there had been a veggie broth option.
Dim sum also appears in visitor notes, along with a range of dishes that lean toward traditional Asian tastes. One reviewer happily listed pork feet, chicken feet, and beef tripe as reasons to return.
For the more familiar crowd, the Chinese buffet classics are here too. Sesame chicken, BBQ ribs, and a creamy white shrimp pasta that one fan called a favorite all make appearances.
A heads-up from several guests: some dishes run on the salty side. Others felt the opposite, so tasting a little first is the safest plan.
Sweet Endings at the Dessert Station
Save a little room. That is the advice I would pass along, even though it is nearly impossible to follow here.
Ice cream comes up in reviews as a must-try, and one guest flat out said not to miss it. Free ice cream gets a nod among the popular topics, which is always good news for kids and grown-ups alike.
Fried sesame balls earn love from diners who enjoy traditional Asian sweets. One less-than-thrilled visitor still said the sugar biscuits rescued the end of their meal.
Desserts are not where this buffet builds its reputation, and one reviewer did complain about freezer taste in some sweets during an off visit. Still, a scoop of ice cream after salty seafood feels like a reset button.
Grab a small bowl, sit back, and let your stomach catch up. You earned it after all those crab legs.
Servers Who Clear Plates Before You Ask
Funny how small gestures stick with people. At Hibachi Buffet, the thing reviewers rave about most often is not a dish at all, it is the staff.
One guest described a server who removed used plates before anyone even asked, and they said that alone made them want to return. Another couple noted their waitress checked in several times during lunch.
Even unhappy reviews tend to praise the team. One diner who disliked the food still called the servers the best part of the night, and another said staff are always nice.
There are occasional mix-ups. A reviewer mentioned drink orders coming out wrong, like ice when they did not want it.
Cleanliness also gets frequent shout-outs, from the food area to the restrooms. For a place juggling crowds all day, that tidy feel adds real comfort to the meal.
Who Will Love It, and Who Might Not
Big appetites, picky groups, and adventurous eaters all seem to find something here. One reviewer summed it up nicely: it is a good spot if you want a bunch of food and do not want to pick just one thing.
Families show up often, and the spacious dining room with plenty of seating helps. Carnivores get endless options, while vegetarians can lean on the hibachi grill.
Diners who love traditional Asian dishes may be especially happy. One guest said the food choices felt tailored to Asian tastes, with crawfish, clams, and tripe on hand.
Food quality does swing between batches, according to multiple reviewers. Some visits earn glowing praise for freshness, while others mention cold dishes or freezer-burned items.
If you expect fine dining, this is not it. If you want a casual, filling feast with sushi and seafood side by side, it fits the bill.
Hours, Prices, and Takeout Tips
Good news for flexible schedules: Hibachi Buffet is open every day from 11 AM to 10 PM. Call ahead at 770-279-0606 or check the website at woieat.com if you want the latest details.
Pricing earns plenty of praise. One diner paid about $20 for Saturday dinner and called it worth every penny, while another mentioned lunch under $13 a while back.
The weekday lunch special, Monday through Friday, gets glowing remarks for value. Note that one guest said lunch ends a few minutes before the 4 PM posted time, so arrive early.
Larger groups should budget accordingly. One family of two adults and three kids reported spending over $70 for lunch with sodas.
Takeout is popular too, with Hibachi to Go mentioned often. Reviewers say to-go food is priced by weight, which is handy for a quick work lunch.
Lunchtime can get crowded, so a slightly later visit may mean shorter lines.
My Honest Take on This Duluth Feast
So, is it worth the trip? For me, the answer is yes, with a few smart moves.
The pairing that drew me in, lobster and crab legs alongside sushi and hibachi, really is here. Few places around Atlanta let you mix all of that on one plate for a buffet price.
Go in knowing the food can vary by day and batch. Lean on the sushi and the hibachi grill, the two things even critics tend to enjoy, and grab seafood when fresh trays come out.
The staff and the clean, renovated room make the experience pleasant. A weekday lunch is probably the sweet spot for value.
Hibachi Buffet will not replace your favorite sushi bar or seafood shack. As a fun, filling Duluth stop where everyone at the table gets what they want, though, it earns its place on my list.
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