Royal Buffet & Grill — Restaurant in Akron

2024 review update: Stopped in for a quick carry-out buffet box at 12:20 pm while in the neighborhood, HUGE mistake on my part. Posted carry-out menu shows a lunch price with seafood items listed below it @ $6.50/lb. I head to the buffet, and I see it's going to be one of those meals I'm going to regret. There are four quasi-Chinese entrees on the buffet, two of which have every indication of being reheated from last night, a quarter-inch of oil in these pans, the shrimp is shredding apart from the second reheat, some have turned to mush. Fresh shrimp were mixed in to disguise the leftovers. General Tso chicken is dried out chunks of yesterday's chicken, inedible, pass. I did add one piece of fried swai and two shrimp to my box.

Back at the scales, 1.3 pounds of food is $8.65, but charged $11.00 "because seafood." On further examination of this menu, using the cashier's unique methodology, seafood items and chicken wings appear to be priced at $9/lb and sushi is $13/lb, but these items were not separately weighed, a random number was added to the total.

Maybe dinner is fresher, but not paying $20/person with tax/tip to find out. In closing, very mediocre, reheated food, avoid carry-out at all costs. There's many other cheaper, fresher Asian carry-out options available nearby.

(Older review.) Stopped in for lunch the other day; Service was prompt and there was plenty of frequently lukewarm food: Selections included one beef dish, one shrimp dish, one unbreaded chicken dish, 2 breaded pork dishes, 3 fish/mussel dishes and multiple breaded chicken dishes, along with the usual ground meat items (1 dumpling, stuffed veggies.) Multiple deep-fried non-Chinese foods out of the box.

My overall impression was that many dishes were not especially well prepared; By this I mean that the entrees appeared as they normally do at a buffet, but the flavors/seasonings that usually accompany each entree were missing.

I did observe the waitstaff preparing dumplings/wontons on dining room tables in the unused back dining room, which is a bit concerning, as I did not observe hand washing occur between removing used plates from tables and...

Taste Review for Royal Buffet & Grill:

Taste: The variety of food offered at Royal Buffet & Grill is quite impressive. There are options for both Asian and Western cuisines, including sushi, stir-fries, grilled meats, and a variety of desserts. The taste of the food is generally good, with some standout dishes that are flavorful and well-seasoned. However, there are a few items that could use improvement in terms of taste, as they can be a bit bland or overly greasy.

Atmosphere: The atmosphere at Royal Buffet & Grill is pleasant and inviting. The restaurant is spacious, with ample seating and a clean and well-maintained dining area. The décor is tasteful, with a mix of modern and traditional elements. The lighting is just right, creating a warm and cozy ambiance. Overall, the atmosphere is conducive to enjoying a relaxed and enjoyable dining experience.

Customer Service: The customer service at Royal Buffet & Grill is generally good. The staff is friendly and attentive, and they make an effort to accommodate any special requests or dietary restrictions. The wait staff is prompt in clearing plates and refilling drinks, ensuring that guests are well taken care of. However, during peak hours, the service can be a bit slow and it may take some time to get the attention of a server.

Informative to Others: Royal Buffet & Grill is a great option for those who enjoy a wide variety of food options. The buffet offers a diverse selection of dishes that cater to different tastes and preferences. It is a good place to visit with a group of friends or family, as there is something for everyone. The pricing is reasonable, considering the wide range of choices available. However, it is worth noting that the quality of some dishes may vary, so it is advisable to carefully select what you put on your plate.

In overall, Royal Buffet & Grill offers a satisfying dining experience with its tasty variety of food, pleasant atmosphere, and decent customer service. It is a place worth considering for a casual...

I have been here hundreds of times, and it's been hit or miss. Hadn't visited for a while since COVID, and decided to go again. Took the family to have dinner. Got there at 8:25 on 11/26/22. Saturday hours are until 10PM, and verified this before being seated. Went to get food and it had clearly been sitting out for over an hour, and nothing was at temp for food safety. They appeared to be shutting down, as there was only one small platter of sushi at the sushi bar, and half the buffet was empty. I asked again if they closed at 9 or 10, and was assured they closed at 10 and told, "Go eat." We went and got plates, and the food tasted like it looked: old and cold. It made my daughter sick. Asked for the check, and it was $42 for two adults and a child. Went to the front to address it. Was insulted (the manager on duty did not seem to realize I know a bit of Mandarin). Ten minutes later, someone from the kitchen who spoke English fluently was summoned, only to be put on the spot by the manager on duty, as she was unable to do anything but say, "Sorry." I put down $30, gathered the family, and left.

Long story short: the only reason to visit is if you're a local health inspector. I won't be returning. My advice is to pass on Royal Buffet. Try Kantaro or Shogun - you're far less likely to get food poisoning there, and they actually serve food if you go in an hour and a half prior to closing.

Prior to this experience, I'd have given three stars (and, in fact, gave four stars in a prior review three years ago). Not anymore. Management is garbage and the food matches. It's a dying restaurant in a dying area of town and they just don't seem interested in being in business. There are many far better local businesses to support at that...