When my friends and I headed to Ariala Kippa Ring for a casual Friday dinner, we expected a simple suburban buffet, but we walked into a comfort-food paradise. Their dining hall is spacious, and the promise of Carvery Night is almost sacred.

The hot buffet range was surprisingly broad, from roast lamb with gravy to creamy carbonara. The carvery station, serving freshly sliced roast pork with crackling, was a highlight and kept me coming back for seconds.

I also loved the made-to-order grilled steaks, seasoned simply and cooked right in front of you. Their fresh salad bar and cold section offered seafood sticks and a refreshing pineapple-beetroot combo you rarely see elsewhere.

The dessert was playful and satisfying, featuring soft-serve ice cream and apple crumble that was warmed just enough to melt the vanilla swirl on top. Service felt genuinely friendly too. 

However, certain dishes can cool quickly during rush hours, and popular items like prawns run out fast. The décor also feels dated compared to newer buffets, but honestly, the food and variety made up for it.

Wide food options

“There were so many options! We will have to go back as we couldn’t try everything at one visit. The food was delicious, fresh and plentiful. The staff were delightful. I did not expect such high quality food. Great night out”

– Debbie Woods, Google Review

Attentive and helpful staff

“Our first time taking the family here, we all loved it. It suited the children, the adults and grandparents. The food choices were amazing and each dish we tried was simply delicious. The food was always topped up, our dirty dishes taken away immediately. The staff were helpful and friendly. The desert bar and chocolate fountain was a huge hit. We all left there with our bellies full and a smile on our faces. We will be back.”

– Carolyn Tookarchi, Google Review

Visiting Shabu House is a feast for the senses and a buffet experience unlike any other. The space, accessibility, and the overall ambience didn’t disappoint. 

Each guest receives their own mini hot pot, giving you control. The moment we sat down, the bubbling sound of hot pots filled the room. The aroma of simmering miso broth and tom yum, with premium Wagyu layered in, instantly pulled us in.

Between cooking bites, we couldn’t resist the sushi bar. It’s stocked with fresh aburi rolls and salmon sashimi that taste as good as they look. 

The buffet doesn’t stop there. There’s a spread of karaage chicken and okonomiyaki ready to pile on your plate. There’s a dessert section that finishes things on a sweet note. 

The staff moved briskly and quickly refilled trays, keeping the rhythm of the night smooth despite the crowd’s buzz.

However, peak hours can lead to slower food replenishment and slightly higher drink prices. Still, for the quality and fun factor, Shabu House remains one of Brisbane’s best dinner buffets.

Well laid out and great food selection

“Amazing all you can eat sushi and hotpot. Well laid out and great range. Sushi, hot food, soups, meats, seafood, vegetables, desserts, condiments, and add-in/flavourings. 1hr and 45 minutes to eat, chat, and enjoy yourself. Nice range of drinks, including cocktails (though they are well priced). Staff were polite and friendly, not a lot of interaction with them. Buffet was always well stocked. We visited on a Sunday, and prices are different through the week.”

– Charmaine Harris, Google Review

Attentive service and a huge array of food options

“I was surprised and impressed with the genuine smiles and attentive service along with a huge array of food options. The buffet consisted of many tasty ready made sushi, at least 18-20 different raw ingredients to cook in a soup base of your choosing and a entire benchtop of condiments. I tried Tom Yum base – added a bit of everything but the standouts were delicate bunches of enoki mushrooms and thinly sliced pork – use your chopsticks to hold onto the meat and swish in the broth til just cooked then into one of the dipping sauces and enjoy. I can’t fault this place at $35 for lunch. I am super keen to try dinner which is a bit more expensive but has more seafood options. Highly recommend!”

– Greta W, Google Review

The moment I walked into Yido in Sunnybank, the sizzle of meat on tabletop grills and bursts of garlic butter in the air hit me instantly. The vibe was electric with grills fired up on every table and the promise of unlimited Wagyu on the way.

The buffet lineup was a feast for the eyes: thick-cut pork belly and soy-marinated crab, all ready for grilling. Their self-serve station offered kimchi pancakes and endless banchan refills, keeping the table lively.

What really impressed me was the smooth setup. Each table had powerful vents so you could grill for hours without leaving a smoky smell. The 100-minute session flew by as friendly staff kept the trays coming, and the Wagyu’s caramelized edges were pure joy.

Prices are fair for the quality, with flexible family packages and a modern interior that makes group dining easy. It’s one of those places where food turns into an experience rather than just dinner.

However, during peak dinner rush, meat refills can take a while. Side dishes sometimes run low. A few diners also noted that the Wagyu can be inconsistent in tenderness, depending on the cut.

Excellent meat quality and variety

“The variety and quality of the meat here are amazing. The buffet offers so many delicious options that it’s perfect for when you can’t decide what to eat. I’ve been here with my parents, and we all loved it. Definitely worth a visit!”

– Deukjung Kim, Google Review

Delicious food and friendly staff

“As a first-time visitor to a Korean BBQ restaurant, I absolutely loved the experience. The all-you-can-eat menu is fantastic, and the food is incredibly delicious. The staff members are friendly and always ready to help when needed. I enjoyed cooking at the mini stove. I highly recommend checking it out; you won’t be disappointed!”

– Mark Moskwa, Google Review

Dining at The Walnut Restaurant & Lounge Bar feels like stepping into old-world luxury right in the heart of Brisbane. The grand chandeliers, plush seating, and soft jazz in the background instantly set a relaxed yet elegant mood.

I tried their dinner buffet, and it was a perfect blend of refinement and comfort. The roast lamb, cooked medium and carved right in front of you, was tender and full of flavor.

Their seafood station was another highlight, offering fresh prawns, oysters, and grilled barramundi that tasted straight from the coast. The dessert spread stole the show with rich chocolate mousse cups and bite-sized lemon tarts that melted in your mouth.

Service is polished and unobtrusive: plates are cleared quickly, and the staff refills the sparkling wine at just the right moment. 

The early-bird buffet price (usually before peak hours) adds excellent value for the premium setting and menu.

However, during peak hours,  crowds can make the buffet area feel a little cramped. Some clients noted that certain premium dishes, such as steak or duck, could be replenished more quickly during busy nights.

Delicious foods and excellent service

“We had an outstanding dinner at The Walnut. The food was simply delicious. Cannot speak more highly regarding the friendly and professional service that we received. The dining ambience was quiet and pleasant. Really enjoyed the and we will be back again.”

– Peter, Google Review

Cozy atmosphere

“We booked a dinner to celebrate our anniversary, and it couldn’t have been a better choice. The setting is absolutely gorgeus. The chandeliers, the dark wood paneling, and the quiet, cozy atmosphere made it feel like a real treat from the moment we walked in.”

– Katrina Kaniga, Google Review

When we want to relax by the riverside after a long week of work, my friends and I always choose Navala. Its location at 123 Eagle St. is where the Brisbane River and Story Bridge are lit up at night.

My favorite feature is the unlimited Rodízio-style dinner. Chefs carve skewers of picanha and chicken hearts right at your table, paired with charcoal and wood-fire cooking stations.

What set it apart was the full spread of Brazilian sides, including coconut rice and a cinnamon-pineapple dessert, all served unlimited. I appreciated the gluten-free and vegetarian options, which were clearly marked.

The atmosphere is equally memorable. It features spacious indoor dining for up to 300 guests and authentic Brazilian music on weekends. 

However, some clients have mentioned that the side-dish replenishment can lag during peak hours. Meat cuts also vary in quality or doneness. In fact, one client reported about fatty beef or cold calamari.

Still, if you’re in Brisbane and in the mood for the theatrical all-you-can-eat meat feast by the river, Navala is always a solid choice. Just book early and maybe arrive hungry. 

Efficient and polite staff

“An unusual experience comprised of a continuous stream of grilled meats on giant sword carved directly onto your plate with an assortment of sides such as salads, chips, fried banana and pineapple. It is all you can eat but the meats are very filling. The staff are efficient an polite. The drinks are expensive at $22 per cocktail. A different take on Eagle St fine dining. The glare from the river makes it hard to look at your fellow diners during the day.”

– Russell Egan, Google Review

Yummy food and great atmosphere

“We had dinner here and really enjoyed it. The food was yum and the staff & atmosphere were also really good. The idea is brilliant. $75 a head for all you can eat sides, sauces and meats that are brought to your table on skewers. Most of it was delicious – the calamari however was not lol. The lamb was the best!”

– Aussie Destinations Unknown, Google Review