Minato Japanese Buffet & Seafood — Restaurant in Pembroke Pines

Normally, I wait until I have been to a location more than once before writing a review, but considering this is a buffet, and it's difficult to get everything right when you are working with so much variety, I did not have to. This is the, arguably, the best buffet I have ever been to, hands down. The fact that they got all these different foods with different requirements cooked to almost perfection is a feat in otself already. The sushi was incredibly fresh, oysters chucked in the spot, never left out in large amounts, they only refill as needed and as food gets critically low. Perfect!! Great way to guarantee freshness and reduce waste. I personally love that. It shows good food mamagement protocols. And if you show good food management protocols, you can safely say that the quality of the food will be at least good, or better than most.

Well, im this case, the quality was fantastic for an all you can eat buffet. The food in general was so good, that th bars were constantly picked from and emptied. That's amazing that they choose to so carefully control the quality of what people eat, because they will come back for more, and thus food waste is minimal because the dish is enjoyable and doesnt have a chance to sit there. I have already decided that instead of spending 200 bucks on sushi from a high end restaurant we normally enjoy our sushi from, to share with my family of 5 household individuals, i would rather make the trip here every time.

It's a buffet. And it's that good. I'm ditching the restaurant I normally order from for this place from now on. As long as the price stays reasonable, and they continue their protocols by practicing good food management, I will be back every time. Fantastic food, fantastic variety, great servers. Hostess was definitely out of it and didnt seem like she wanted to be there at all, but the server- the tall, slender one with the glasses- he is very serious about what he does and professional person. Good waiters are hard to come by, but this guy was the definition of customer service and excellent attention to his diners. Keep him around, because he is an absolute gem and gave us an excellent impression of the location. He even asked us where we heard about the buffet, and seemed very interested in the feedback we had for him. This man could be the next manager of this buffet with that level of professionalism and consideration, if he is not already. Which would surprise me if he was not. We loved him. Very attentive to us and very calm and courteous, he was a pleasure to have around.

The giant squid was tender, the octopus salad was cooked to perfection, none of it was chewy or hard to eat. That is a huge extra point for me, because cooking those two things can be a challenge if you don't prepare it properly. Even if they're not he ones who prepared it, the level of done-ness is incredibly important too. Over cooking or undercooking can leave a very unpleasant texture, but these dishes in particular were a welcome experience. The sushi was excellent, the sushi rice itself was delicious, and many places tend to go heavy with the rice wine vinegar when preparing their rolls. The amount they used was just enough to brighten the rice without overwhelming the flavors of the contents within the rolls, and I am very picky about that. The sushi was excellently prepared. They are bot world class sushi masters, but I can for sure tell that whoever taught them to prepare the rolls know EXACTLY that they are doing. Kudos to the trainers and the people preparing it themselves.

I sampled almost one of everything they had, but unfortunately was unable to try everything because of how much variety they have, and some food items were straight up addictive, so I couldn't help myself. I will have to come back to try the rest.

Everything I did try, however.... Was immaculate. Seriously.

I love this place. I will be back. Please dont remove any of the food options. The variety is what makes this...

Welcome to Minato Japanese Buffet, an oasis of Japanese culinary delights nestled in the vibrant Pembroke Pines community. Since its opening, Minato has carved a niche for itself as a haven for food lovers seeking an authentic taste of Japan in South Florida.

Step inside, and you'll be greeted by a serene and tastefully decorated dining space that reflects the elegance of Japanese aesthetics. The restaurant's ambiance is designed to transport guests to the bustling streets of Tokyo, complete with traditional decor elements that create a welcoming atmosphere for diners of all ages.

What truly sets Minato apart is its extensive buffet offerings, curated to showcase the diversity and richness of Japanese cuisine. Freshness is paramount here, with a dedicated sushi bar where skilled chefs artfully prepare an array of nigiri, maki rolls, and sashimi using the finest ingredients sourced locally and imported from Japan.

For those craving more than sushi, Minato's buffet boasts a variety of hot dishes that highlight different regional flavors of Japan. From savory yakitori skewers and crispy tempura to hearty ramen and flavorful teriyaki dishes, each item on the menu is a testament to the restaurant's commitment to culinary excellence.

Fun fact: Minato Japanese Buffet takes pride in offering not only traditional Japanese fare but also innovative dishes that cater to modern tastes. Their menu evolves with seasonal ingredients and culinary trends, ensuring that every visit offers a fresh and exciting dining experience.

Service at Minato is as impeccable as its cuisine, with attentive staff members who are passionate about sharing their knowledge of Japanese food culture. Whether you're a connoisseur of sushi or exploring Japanese cuisine for the first time, the team at Minato is dedicated to ensuring your dining experience is memorable and enjoyable.

In conclusion, Minato Japanese Buffet in Pembroke Pines stands out not only for its delectable food and inviting ambiance but also for its commitment to providing guests with an authentic taste of Japan. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a culinary adventure, Minato promises a dining experience that combines tradition with innovation, leaving you eager to return for more.

This review now includes more details about the ambiance, variety of dishes, commitment to freshness, seasonal menu offerings, and the attentive service at Minato Japanese Buffet, making it an even more enticing choice for Japanese food enthusiasts in...

When we first walked in it was pretty packed we went around early dinner time. I went straight to the orange chicken and it was a 10/10, and then I got the lobster BAD DECISION the meat was mushy and it was hard to crack the shell, then I got the shrimp it tasted good at first untill I tasted the after taste it tasted really fishy it needed lemons. I was excited for the crab untill I saw it was cold so I skipped it. Then I went to the sushi bar and the labels were all mixed up and the guy working didn’t speak English, but I got the cooked shrimp tempura it was really good, then I went to the hibachi style thing and it was really good the guy actually spoke English so it was better then, I went to dessert and I saw kids unattended touching the jello with thier bare hands, and there was ice cream in the sprinkles and it was really unsanitary because there was 5 year olds trying to scoop ice cream. the cakes didn’t look appealing to me maybe it’s just my taste but the brownies were to die for they were super good, and they had like a beef spare ribs stew it was good too but it was tough and stretchy. And my moms allergies were acting up in there (dust allergies) our waitress barley attended us we had to call her. Before I came I read the reviews and they said the food was bland, and it was I guess it was just because of allergies. And I told the waitress for a cup of water and she brought sprite, So overall 6/10 I would go back just for the...