El Mercado Buffet — Restaurant in Higüey

There was always plenty of different options. Always something new, but also something repeated (likely from the previous meal?). The food quality is better other resorts I've tried, but still just average at best (with exceptions); things are bland or dry or both, very few things are just right - like the seafood stir fried rice noodles, that was excellent. I waited a fair amount of time for freshly grilled fish and it was the most average thing you could possibly imagine and I regret waiting the moment I saw them pour an obnoxious amount of oil on the fish, might as well have deep fried it. Decided to not try any other live cooking stations after that unless there was zero wait; just not worth it.

Sushi was very good! This is the hardest thing to get right for a buffet and I was very pleasantly surprised; great flavor and texture. That said, it's not labeled. If you have a seafood allergy, I wouldn't take that chance.

Desserts are good and not overly sweet. Fruit was great (right ripeness and juicy). Pancakes and waffles were basic, the syrup is really what makes it any good (they have regular syrup, caramel syrup, I think they have honey and maybe maple, but none of that was labeled). Eggs are completely bland. I saw bacon every day, but a lot of the fat wasn't rendered (I guess it's good if you don't like it cooked too much). Their ham was great. The fried cheese was a disgrace. They do have a fair selection of raw cheese. The mini croissants were dry, not sure if that can be said about the other pastries, didn't take the chance. The flan was bland, but the rest of the desserts in my plates from pictures were very good. Bread isn't great. They have about 4 kinds of cereal, including muesli, along with a nice selection of milk (which isn't cold).

Veggies are almost non existent and those that are available are smothered in tasteless and heavy sauces. I'd say for those who want to eat healthy (or have to due to medical reasons), you may find that difficult at the buffet; you'll have options, sure, buy very limited. Even meat is either deep fried or smothered in sauce. What you may think is lean fish will be drowning in oil once you taste it. They had a great apple salad... smothered in mayo.

That said, while this buffet still gets my thumbs up because most things were at least decent (in comparison to other buffets) and they have plenty of options, I have to mention that I must've caught a stomach bug on the first day or something made me sick. I ended up not wanting to eat very much during my whole stay, and was actually nauseous too (I'm someone who hardly ever gets sick). It's a hit or miss type of thing, you can't really avoid it. If it's gonna happen, there's nothing you can do about it. But bring medicine for your stomach and nausea...

Yeesh, talk about service. 4 days in a row i finish my meal I have picked up from the buffet without even being served a drink or attended to. On my last day I had to ask 5 people before finally getting my coffee and apple juice for my girlfriend, after we’ve finished eating our breakfast. They tell you they will bring it to you and you won’t see them again, making the food even harder to enjoy. As i’m writing this review with an empty plate they’ve just advised me that they do not have apple juice, as i’m basically...

The food is way much better than last year. They still have to work on the service staff though. Is the buffet of Ocean el faro so basically you can get all your meals there without reservation. Congrats on the omelettes btw. Pancakes are not good and they also have to improve their puff pastry. Cut down on the smoked pork chops and get the real fresh thing. They have a fresh juice station which i like and also a decent amount of fruits. The cereal, instead of having them all in bowls , please just get the...