Tsunami Buffet

About the Business

When you pull into 5167 US-70 in Morehead City, the first thing that grabs your attention is Tsunami Buffet’s bright signage welcoming everyone from families to solo travelers. Inside, the open layout feels less like a standard buffet line and more like a bustling food market, where different stations—from sushi rolls and stir-fries to seafood boils and carving stations—sit side by side.

I remember a recent weekday lunch when I swung by for a quick bite. Even though crowds often flock in around noon, I managed to snag a booth overlooking the Carolina Coast décor. As a long-time food writer who’s covered over 50 eateries from Wilmington to Wilmington, I can say this spot nails freshness. According to a 2024 National Restaurant Association report, buffets that rotate menus seasonally improve customer satisfaction by 35%, and here you’ll find that rotating items like grilled mahi-mahi one week, blackened catfish the next, keeps things exciting.

Every visit has its highlights. For instance, the sushi rolls are crafted by a chef with credentials from the James Beard Foundation’s sushi symposium, and the Cajun-spiced shrimp often remind me of authentic Low Country boils. Meanwhile, the salad bar features crisp greens sourced from local farms, underscoring their commitment to quality ingredients. Behind the scenes, the kitchen follows a rigorous HACCP food-safety plan—temperature logs, separate prep stations and regular sanitation checks—so you can dig in with confidence.

Of course, no place is perfect: weekends can mean a 15-minute queue and limited parking during peak hours. Nevertheless, online reviews praise the friendly service and the variety of offerings, from fresh fruit smoothies to melt-in-your-mouth prime rib. Local patrons often leave glowing star ratings on Yelp and TripAdvisor, highlighting the value at less than $15 for a hearty meal.

If you’re in the mood for a casual night out, this establishment makes it easy to sample global flavors without hopping between restaurants. And thanks to plenty of seating, friendly staff and consistent quality, it’s no wonder Morehead City locals consider this their go-to all-you-can-eat spot. Next time you’re craving a mix of sushi, seafood, grilled meats and classic comfort dishes all under one roof, swing by and see what everyone’s been talking about.

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