Great Plaza Buffet — Restaurant in San Diego

I have been going to this restaurant for a long time before it's remodeling and I was really looking forward to having my celebration at the buffet. I made a reservation for 15 people well in advance and was expecting the same great service that I had experienced on numerous times before the remodeling. The biggest problem lies not with the staff but with the Ann Lin the new owner. When we arrived, the tables were set in such a way that most of my guests could not get up and good get food unless everyone else got up. When I mentioned this to Ms. Lin, she basically said, we don't have room for 15 people. This place is huge, there is room, there is no proper planning. When I insisted that the tables be moved around and 1 table be removed so that my party could sit and get up, she said there is no place to move the extra table. In addition, she raised her voice to me and the guests started to look at us and it was very embarrassing. to become the center of attention among all of these people. At the register, it took me about 20 minutes (and there were only 2 others in front of me) for me to pay the bill. The credit card machine had broken and I had to wait and luckily, I had my check book to be able to do so. Ms. Lin did give me 10% off for the inconvenience. I then told her that we had 6 seniors and I wanted the senior price that they are entitled to and she blasted back that she already gave me a discount and the she begrudgingly gave me a $1.00 off and as I understood as to their pricing, it should have been $2.00 dollars off of each senior ticket. Her behavior and attitude affected the whole group and the atmosphere. This was a $275.00 ticket and this may not be a lot for 15 people but the aggravation and upset was...

It was Christmas Day, this was pretty much the only open restaurant around for miles - so for that we were grateful - but it was absolute bedlam - a 20 minute wait (wouldn't have minded but the hostess started seating people who got there after us, for some unknown reason - I had to go and point out hey - we were there BEFORE those people you just seated) - but that wasn't a big deal, poor lady was so overworked - the place seemed understaffed, the food was pretty grotty - the salmon and tuna sashimi did not look appetizing at all - looked like a 5 year old got hold of a knife and just hacked up some pieces of fish - very unappealing - sushi rolls were very poor quality and variety wise (only about 4 or 5 choices, tons of rice in them and very little filling - didn't have any ponzu sauce either - the rest of the buffet was very, VERY average - the cheapest quality - although the desserts were good - a really good variety including a chocolate fountain.... it was $16.95 and as we were desperate to eat somewhere on Christmas night, we paid it gladly - but would we ever go back? not in a million years - very poor in my opinion. It is a HUGE place though - literally hundreds of people in there at one time - so be prepared for that - it's like a massive dining hall, and last night it was a real scrum - I scrounged up some seaweed, a couple of california rolls and some coconut shrimp and that was pretty much all that looked edible.... just not appealing and not great quality. Husband had lots of rice and noodles (carbo-loading) but he even struggled to find anything decent looking. But we were glad of something...

I was a resident of Pacific Beach when I was 19-25yrs old I’m turning 40 this year. I’ve been to this location back then but now it is VERY DIFFERENT and SO MUCH BETTER than it ever was. The food here is quality and authentic. For me the Mongolian BBQ station is new and the premium ice cream is as well all the fruit is delicious but I never eat honey dew I need to try it though. Try the Soups OMG. And even the dim sum next to it.

But my take away is also the service. Mimi the hosted was unnecessarily ridiculed by a cheap stake customer who keeps returning. It bothered me so much I had to ask her if she was alright. Mimi returned my concern with a hug I could tell she needed a ear to vent to and as a former hostess I understood. I’m also honored by the seating that I won’t say where we sat bc I want to be seated there again if available 😆 I left feeling even more connected to the place. And thank you very much Edin for refilling the hot tea it’s so yummy!!!

I’m so happy and proud of how well GPB is doing now! I’m impressed by all of it and I don’t know any other buffet in San Diego now. For me there is no other Buffet that I’m going to than Great Plaza Buffet. 😍 GPB I APPERCIATE ALL YOUR HARD WORK!!

I hope one day I can work at a wonderful Asian restaurant. I recently got confirmation my mixed heritage includes Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese so I hope to be closer to the people I’ve always felt I had a connection to and learn more about these cultures I...