All-you-can-eat buffet restaurants have a lot of perks. If you’ve ever planned a large family get-together, party, or office function, you’ll know the difficulties of finding a restaurant that caters to everyone. Uncle Fred likes meat, Linda from Marketing only eats vegetables, Cousin John’s monster twins are lactose and wheat-intolerant, Best Friend Mandy is allergic to seafood, and there’s always someone who takes at least 30 minutes to decide what they want. That’s why we’ve compiled some of the best buffet restaurants where everyone can choose what (and how much) they eat.

JOBURG

Carnivore
Celebrated as “Africa’s Greatest Eating Experience”, Carnivore is an award-winning restaurant with an overwhelming selection of meats, from beef to warthog, as well as vegetarian and fish dishes. The wine list is also superb.
Reservations: 011 950 6000 or 0861 732 237
Address: Muldersdrift Estate, 69 Drift Boulevard (R114), Muldersdrift

Gingko
Gingko is a contemporary eatery with healthy buffet-style lunches that include fried brinjal, Mediterranean salads, and fresh breads. Check out their extensive smoothie menu!
Reservations: 011 486 3361 or info@gingko.co.za
Address: Corner Roscommon and Dundalk Avenues, Parkview

 
Carvers Restaurant & Pub
The festive buffets at Carvers often change to ensure regular diners enjoy something new. They also offer a Belgian a la carte menu and an extensive mussel menu; both prepared a la minute.
Reservations: 011 678 5417 or info@carvers.co.za (closed Monday)
Address: 51 Mountainview Avenue Darrenwood, Randburg

Moyo, Zoo Lake
Moyo offers an authentic African experience with a spread of Afro-fusion dishes that include kudu chops, chakalaka, lamb curry, a cheese table, salads, vegetables, and desserts.
Reservations:  011 646 0058 or ania@moyo.co.za
Address: 1 Prince of Wales Drive, Zoo Lake Park, Parkview

CAPE TOWN

Moyo, Blouberg and Stellenbosch
Dine to your heart’s content while you are entertained by live African singing and dancing. Moyo Stellenbosch offers an extensive buffet lunch and dinner every day, while the Blouberg branch does a breakfast buffet on weekends and a Sunday lunch buffet.
Stellenbosch
Reservations: 027 21 809 1133
Address: Spier Wine Estate, R310 Lynedoch Road, Stellenbosch
Blouberg
Reservations: 021 554 9671 or kim@moyo.co.za
Address: Shop 50 Eden on the Bay Shopping Centre, corner of Otto Du Plessis and Big Bay Boulevard

Kaprinos Buffet
Kaprinos Buffet has 4 branches across Cape Town and a reputation for great service. Enjoy a variety of exquisite seafood dishes, grills, and specialties like korma and crayfish curry. Time slots for buffets are a maximum of 2 hours.
Reservations: reservations@kaprinos.co.za
Northgate: 3 Platinum Drive, Northgate Estate
Belgravia: 11 Belgravia Road, Athlone
Promenade: Food Court, Liberty Promenade Mall, Mitchells Plain

Bloemendal Restaurant
Bloemendal Restaurant boasts panoramic views from one of the highest hills in Durbanville. Feast on a wide selection of Cape cuisine, including tomato bredie, Malay curries, and a lavish carvery.
Reservations: 021 975 7575 or info@bloemendal.co.za
Address: Bloemendal Estate, Racecourse Road, M13, Durbanville

Schoongezicht
Schoongezicht in Brackenfell has a unique dining concept where you can “eat and drink” as much as you like. The popular buffet includes bread, soup, seafood, pasta, a carvery, and desserts.
Reservations: 021 982 5623 or schoongezict@telkomsa.net
Address: Kruispad, Brackenfell

DURBAN

The Ocean Terrace
Situated at the Oyster Box Hotel, The Ocean Terrace overlooks the ocean and is perfect for families and casual diners. The curry buffet has at least 11 curries daily, including meat, fish, and vegetarian options. They also offer a full English breakfast buffet, as well as an a la carte menu for lunch and dinner.
Reservations: 031 514 5000 or restaurants@oysterbox.co.za
Address: The Oyster Box Hotel, 2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga Rocks

The Pot and Kettle
Head to The Pot and Kettle every Sunday for a 3-course carvery buffet accompanied by live music. Situated in the Valley of 1000 Hills, you’ll enjoy plenty of food and scenery. Visit during the rest of week to enjoy their range of breakfasts, lunches, snacks, and homemade cakes.
Reservations: 031 777 1312 or enquiries@potandkettle.co.za
Address: 168 Old Main Road, Botha’s Hill

Lingela
Situated in the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani complex, Lingela is one of South Africa’s top traditional buffet restaurants, serving a variety of dishes from breakfast to dinner. Enjoy live-action cooking of the most delectable meat cuts, seafood, and stir-fry, to a range of roasts, Durban curries, and casseroles.
Reservations: 031 362 1300
Address: Southern Sun Elangeni, 63 Snell Parade

Which buffet restaurant do you recommend in South Africa?