Grand Buffet — Restaurant in Louisiana

A Feast in the Crescent City: An Afternoon at Grand Buffet, New Orleans

In a city that thrives on flavor, culture, and celebration, it takes something truly exceptional to stand out. Tucked away in a busy corner of New Orleans, Louisiana, the Grand Buffet doesn't just stand out—it shines. On a humid summer afternoon, just after noon struck, I stepped through its glass doors and into a world that instantly silenced the noise outside. What followed was not just a lunch, but an experience—a perfectly timed, wonderfully orchestrated celebration of taste, warmth, and Southern hospitality.

First Impressions Matter

From the moment I walked in, I could tell the Grand Buffet took its name seriously. The scent of sizzling meats, simmering spices, and freshly baked bread swept through the air like a welcoming hug. Bright chandeliers glistened overhead, reflecting off polished floors and marble counters. The space was large, but not overwhelming, with rows of buffet tables neatly arranged like a well-organized banquet.

Friendly hosts greeted guests at the entrance with genuine smiles, ushering diners to their tables with a sense of calm that hinted at practiced efficiency. Families, coworkers, couples, and solo diners all seemed equally at ease. The restaurant hummed with gentle jazz in the background—a fitting tribute to the city outside—and despite the crowd, the ambiance was relaxed and pleasant.

The Layout and Options

Buffets can sometimes feel chaotic or confusing, but the Grand Buffet had a layout that made perfect sense. Stations were divided by cuisine types—seafood, Asian, Cajun-Creole, American Southern, salads, and desserts. Each section had a clear sign, fresh serving utensils, and meticulous presentation. There wasn’t a single tray that looked like it had been sitting for too long. The turnover of dishes was constant, ensuring freshness.

What immediately struck me was the sheer variety. Whether you were craving spicy crawfish etouffee, buttery garlic shrimp, fried chicken, orange-glazed pork, sushi rolls, or simply a freshly tossed Caesar salad—you’d find it. And not just one version of each dish—multiple takes, each with regional or creative twists.

The Southern Soul of the Food

I began at the Southern section, lured by the familiar aroma of fried catfish and cornbread. The catfish had a golden, crispy exterior that cracked just slightly under the fork, revealing moist, flaky fish inside. It wasn’t overly oily, and had just the right amount of seasoning—salt, pepper, a bit of paprika, and something warm and elusive, maybe cayenne or Old Bay. I paired it with a scoop of creamy red beans and rice, which was smoky with a hint of andouille sausage and garlic, and a square of jalapeño cornbread that melted in my mouth with just a whisper of heat.

The macaroni and cheese at Grand Buffet was easily one of the best I’ve ever tasted outside a home kitchen. Baked to perfection, with a crunchy top layer and creamy inside, it had multiple layers of cheese and a slight tang that suggested sharp cheddar was the star of the show. The fried chicken? Heavenly. Crunchy, tender, with a peppery kick and no dryness in sight.

But the crown jewel in that section had to be the Cajun shrimp and grits—a steaming bowl of buttery grits topped with jumbo shrimp sautéed in a dark, spicy roux. It was decadent, comforting, and bold.

Final Thoughts

At a time when many buffets have become tired or mass-produced, Grand Buffet in New Orleans is a shining exception. It captures what makes Louisiana food great—flavor, boldness, soul—and pairs it with a wide selection of global dishes executed with genuine care. Whether you're craving shrimp and grits, fresh sushi, crab legs, or a slice of pecan pie, this place delivers. And it delivers well.

Lunch at Grand Buffet wasn’t just about eating—it was about indulging, relaxing, and enjoying the flavors of a city known for loving food. I left full, happy, and already thinking about...

Do not eat from here!!! Service is horrible and food quality is not good.

Told the server my 4 year old non verbal son will not eat. She’s then asked , “he’s not eating?” as verification and I replied no. My son has autism and will only eat the same foods no matter how much we try. He noticed the 1inch square cakes and called it ice cream so I figured I would put it one on a plate in front him just to hold his attention while my husband and I ate. He played with it, hit it with a napkin and pushed it away then went back to his phone. I did see him touch the whipped cream, stick his tongue out to his finger and wipe his finger on the establishments chair. A minute later the host comes back to my table see my son on his cell phone and the uneaten cake in front him, and asks “mam is your son eating?” I said again no!!!! My husband asked why would she ask that if she see he’s not eating anything. I figured it was because the plate was in front him. I then called her to the table and said, you see the cake is not eaten, if you want me to pay for a buffet price for him because he touched the cake, I don’t mind paying but it’s obvious he’s not eating. At that point she rudely (as if I’m the one bothering her) said thank you mam that’s all I needed to know and walked away. But you clearly wasn’t satisfied when I told you he will not eat the first or second time. If we could have got him to eat one thing, I would have happily paid for him, but due to his autism he doesn’t even try foods. The food was so nasty I barely could eat. Total waste if money.

On top of this My husband got from food poisoning from crabs. The insides were so dark and did not look fresh. He had chills vomit...

Terrible experience. I would give 0 stars if I can honestly. Everything was okay until one of the waitresses rudely leaned over my sister’s fiancée while they were still eating to grab a plate. Pretty much everyone at the table jumped because she ran to the table and said nothing, just put her arm across the whole table. Then, it was time to pay and my sister and I were paying separate. She paid cash and I paid card. They didn’t bring my sister’s $1 change back, but she wanted to tip anyway and had more to tip but we were all still eating (we were being rushed by the staff). I put a $2 tip on my card and she was gonna take care of the rest. But as soon as the waitress saw the $2 card tip, they started going crazy and cursing us out in their native language and flipping us off. It was actually the most disturbing and uncomfortable experience I’ve ever had at a restaurant. After that, my sister didn’t feel the need to tip anymore. Honestly, $3 is deserved for the service given, but if $0 was an option in that moment… they wouldn’t have gotten anything.. Needless to say it was an awful experience and genuinely not worth the cost to be treated that way along with extremely mediocre food. Please spend your money at a more deserving and better tasting...