Tucked inside a strip mall on Waller Mill Road in Williamsburg, Virginia, Peking Restaurant has been serving up heaping plates of Asian cuisine since before many of its current customers were even born. For over 35 years, this beloved buffet has drawn in locals, tourists, and hungry families looking for a great meal at an unbeatable price.
With Chinese classics, fresh sushi, Mongolian BBQ, and Thai dishes all under one roof, there is truly something for everyone. Whether you are visiting Colonial Williamsburg or just passing through town, Peking Restaurant is a spot worth knowing about.
A Legacy That Spans More Than Three Decades
Some restaurants come and go, but Peking Restaurant in Williamsburg, Virginia has stood the test of time. Opening its doors more than 35 years ago, this buffet has earned a loyal following that spans multiple generations.
Locals who visited as children now bring their own kids, making it a true family tradition.
One longtime customer shared that his parents first took him to Peking decades ago, and he still returns regularly. That kind of loyalty says a lot about a restaurant.
It is not just about the food — it is about the memories built around the table.
With over 2,000 Google reviews and a solid 3.9-star rating, Peking has clearly left a lasting impression on the Williamsburg community. Few buffets anywhere can claim that kind of staying power, making this place genuinely special in the local dining scene.
Massive Buffet Spread Covering Multiple Cuisines
Walking up to the buffet line at Peking Restaurant feels like a mini world tour on a single plate. The spread covers Chinese staples, Thai-inspired dishes, and even American comfort food — all available at the same time.
Dishes like General Tso’s Chicken, honey chicken, sauteed vegetables, and Korean beef sit side by side, giving diners a wild variety to explore.
Customers rave about the sheer number of options. One reviewer counted more than twenty serving containers during a single visit.
For families with picky eaters, that kind of selection is a lifesaver. Even vegetarians find plenty to enjoy, with multiple tofu dishes and veggie-forward plates available.
The buffet is set up in a classic style, with warming trays keeping food ready throughout the day. At roughly $13 to $17 per person depending on the time, the value is genuinely hard to beat for the variety offered.
Sushi Train That Keeps Guests Coming Back
One of the most talked-about features at Peking Restaurant is its conveyor belt sushi bar — a fun and interactive experience that sets this buffet apart from most others in the region. Plates of sushi roll past on a moving track, and diners simply grab what looks good.
It is a concept usually found only in dedicated sushi restaurants.
For many visitors, it is their first time experiencing a sushi conveyor, and the reaction is almost always excitement. One reviewer admitted she had always wanted to try a sushi train and was thrilled to finally get the chance right here in Williamsburg.
The novelty alone makes the visit memorable.
Regulars suggest hitting the sushi section during dinner hours when the selection tends to be freshest and most plentiful. Favorites include classic rolls and nigiri-style pieces that pair well with the other buffet offerings already piled on your plate.
Mongolian BBQ Grill That Cooks Right Before Your Eyes
There is something undeniably satisfying about watching your meal come to life on a sizzling hot grill. The Mongolian BBQ station at Peking Restaurant lets you do exactly that.
You pick your own raw ingredients — meats, vegetables, noodles, sauces — hand them to the hibachi-style chef, and watch as your custom dish gets cooked on the spot.
This made-to-order experience gives guests control over their meal in a way that a standard buffet simply cannot. Whether you load up on garlic beef and bok choy or keep things light with tofu and mushrooms, the result is a fresh, hot plate crafted just for you.
It feels more like dining at a sit-down restaurant than a buffet.
Several reviewers specifically called out the hibachi chef as a highlight of the visit. For groups with different tastes, the Mongolian grill station is a reliable crowd-pleaser that adds an interactive layer to the whole experience.
Prices That Make the Whole Family Happy
Budget-friendly dining is always a win, and Peking Restaurant delivers on that front in a big way. Lunch prices hover around $12 to $13 per person, while dinner runs roughly $16 to $17 per adult.
For a buffet that includes sushi, Mongolian BBQ, and a massive spread of hot dishes, that price point is genuinely impressive.
One couple reported a total bill of just $33.26 for two people at dinner — and they were shocked in the best possible way. Families with growing kids especially appreciate being able to fill everyone up without breaking the bank.
Reviewers consistently mention value as one of the top reasons they return.
Compared to sit-down restaurants in the Williamsburg area — a tourist-heavy town where prices tend to run high — Peking offers a refreshing alternative. You get variety, quantity, and a fun dining experience all rolled into one affordable outing that the whole group can enjoy.
Asian-Inspired Decor That Creates a Unique Atmosphere
Step inside Peking Restaurant and you immediately know you are somewhere different. The dining room is filled with cultural art pieces — horse statues, painted murals, Chinese couplets, and decorative artifacts that line the walls and fill display areas throughout the space.
It is the kind of decor that gives a restaurant genuine personality.
Some guests describe it as festive and fun, while others find it charmingly over-the-top. Either way, it sparks conversation and gives kids plenty to look at while waiting for their plates.
One reviewer compared it to walking into an ornamental gallery crossed with a dining hall, and that description feels pretty accurate.
The decor does show its age in some areas, which is understandable for a restaurant that has been open for more than three decades. But for many loyal visitors, that lived-in character is part of the charm.
Peking does not try to be trendy — it just tries to be itself.
Friendly and Attentive Service Staff
At a buffet, table service often takes a back seat — but not at Peking Restaurant. Multiple reviewers specifically praised the wait staff for being attentive, fast, and genuinely friendly.
Servers make regular rounds to refill drinks, clear plates, and check in on tables, which elevates the experience well beyond the typical buffet visit.
One customer mentioned that their waitress not only kept their glasses full but also shared tips about local Williamsburg attractions — the kind of personal touch that turns a meal into a memory. Another reviewer noted that multiple staff members checked in throughout their meal, making the group feel genuinely looked after.
For families dining with young children or guests with special dietary needs, attentive service makes a real difference. Peking has reportedly accommodated peanut allergies by preparing special orders and clearly communicating which dishes contain nuts — a thoughtful and responsible approach that earns serious trust from cautious diners.
Vegetarian and Tofu Options That Go Beyond the Basics
Plant-based eaters often struggle at Chinese buffets, where meat tends to dominate the lineup. Peking Restaurant is a pleasant exception.
Reviewers have noted finding three separate tofu dishes on the buffet, along with a generous selection of vegetable-forward options that hold their own as satisfying, flavorful plates.
One enthusiastic vegan reviewer put it bluntly: she cannot pass up tofu, and Peking delivered. Her meat-eating friends were equally happy, which speaks to the buffet’s ability to satisfy a mixed group without anyone feeling like an afterthought.
That kind of inclusivity is harder to pull off than it sounds.
The restaurant also reportedly keeps a healthy rotation of non-fried, lighter options on the buffet — a thoughtful touch for health-conscious diners who still want variety. Whether you are fully plant-based, flexitarian, or just craving something green alongside your General Tso’s, Peking gives you real choices worth getting excited about.
Fan-Favorite Dishes That Keep Regulars Returning
Ask any Peking regular what they always come back for, and you will get a passionate answer. General Tso’s Chicken, Orange Chicken, Sesame Crystal Chicken, honey chicken, and dumplings come up again and again in reviews.
These are the dishes that have built the restaurant’s reputation over 35-plus years of service.
One longtime customer listed off his favorites like a greatest hits album — Orange Flavored Beef, Beef Fried Rice, Peking Egg Foo Young — dishes he has been ordering since childhood. That level of menu loyalty is rare and speaks to the consistency Peking has maintained over the decades.
The dumplings in particular get frequent shoutouts, with one reviewer calling them a personal top recommendation alongside honey chicken and bacon. For first-time visitors unsure where to start, those three dishes make a solid introduction to what Peking does best.
Load up a plate and taste what all the excitement is about.
A Go-To Spot for Williamsburg Tourists and Visitors
Williamsburg, Virginia is one of the most visited destinations on the East Coast, drawing millions of tourists to Colonial Williamsburg, Busch Gardens, and Water Country USA every year. With so many restaurants competing for visitor dollars, Peking has carved out a loyal niche as the affordable, filling, crowd-pleasing option that families keep discovering.
Its location on Waller Mill Road puts it within easy reach of the major attractions, making it a practical lunch or dinner stop after a long day of sightseeing. Groups traveling with kids especially appreciate being able to feed everyone quickly and affordably without sacrificing variety or fun.
Word-of-mouth has always been Peking’s best marketing tool. Visitors who stumble upon it often describe the experience as a happy accident.
One reviewer called it a random stop that turned into a genuine highlight of his trip. That kind of organic discovery is exactly what keeps the dining room busy year after year.
Operating Hours That Work for Busy Schedules
Consistency matters when you are planning a meal around a busy day of sightseeing or family activities. Peking Restaurant keeps things simple with a steady schedule — open seven days a week from 11:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
No complicated seasonal hours, no random closures. Just reliable access to a big buffet whenever hunger strikes.
That consistent window covers both the lunch rush and a comfortable dinner service, giving visitors flexibility to plan their visit around whatever else is on the agenda. Whether you wrap up a morning at Busch Gardens and head straight to lunch or finish an afternoon at Colonial Williamsburg and want an early dinner, the timing works.
For takeout fans, Peking also offers a per-pound pricing model for food to go, which reviewers have noted as a solid deal. The restaurant can be reached at 757-229-2288 or through their website at peking-va.com for any questions before your visit.
Peanut Allergy Accommodations and Special Orders
Dining out with a food allergy can feel stressful, especially at a buffet where cross-contamination is a real concern. Peking Restaurant has earned praise for how it handles allergy requests, particularly around peanuts.
According to one reviewer, the staff was quick to identify which dishes contained peanuts and confirmed that all food is cooked in vegetable oil rather than peanut oil.
Even more reassuringly, the kitchen prepared a special order to ensure the guest with the allergy could eat safely. That level of care and communication goes well beyond what most buffet-style restaurants offer.
It shows a genuine commitment to guest safety rather than just hoping for the best.
For families where allergies are a daily reality, knowing a restaurant takes these concerns seriously removes a huge layer of stress. Peking’s willingness to accommodate and communicate clearly makes it a more welcoming option for a wider range of diners than you might expect from a buffet setting.
Multigenerational Appeal That Brings Families Together
There are not many restaurants where grandparents, parents, and kids all leave happy. Peking Restaurant has managed to pull that off for over three decades, becoming a multigenerational tradition for many Williamsburg-area families.
Parents who were brought here as children now bring their own kids, and the cycle continues.
The variety of the buffet plays a big role in this appeal. Older guests gravitate toward familiar Chinese classics, teens load up on sushi and Mongolian BBQ, and younger kids often head straight for the fried options or even the occasional mac and cheese that sneaks onto the buffet line.
Everyone finds their lane.
Beyond the food, the experience itself — the conveyor belt sushi, the live grill station, the quirky decor — gives families something to talk about together. Meals that create conversation and shared moments are the ones people remember.
At Peking, that seems to happen naturally, visit after visit, year after year.
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