V-star Buffet — Restaurant in Santa Maria

EDIT 6/25/2025: I kind of like this place again. The Mongolian grill is still gone, which I'm bummed about because there still really is no Mongolian grill option within 200 miles of this part of San Luis and Santa Barbara counties. However, I think they got rid of some of the food choices that were purely Mexican and didn't really belong. The Indian chicken is still the best item and absolutely to die for. I also really love the rice noodles. I always go for lunch because the price is a lot better.

Unfortunately, unlike other buffets I've had in other states for lunch, they really don't offer much in the way of protein but chicken. They have like chocolate clams, and beef and broccoli, but the rest of it's like orange chicken, general tso chicken, sweet and sour chicken, mushrooms and chicken, chicken on a stick, etc. All chicken. The beef in the beef and broccoli is really terrible. But I still really like that they have vegetables with fried tofu. That one's always a winner for me.

The potstickers are usually yummy. I even managed to snag some yellow watermelon one day, and that was on my bucket list to try. Thought I would have to buckle down and check a bunch of markets for that, not for it to just fall in my lap in a mediocre Chinese buffet. It was surprisingly really sweet and good.

They probably bring out all the shrimp and better tasting beef and pork for dinner. Hopefully.

But if you like vegetables, rice noodles, some really delicious chicken options, and tofu, you can't go wrong for the lunch price of $20. Especially if you eat a whole lot. Not a lot of good deals in California anymore, especially for Chinese food where I can spend upwards of $60 on just myself. Solid 3 stars.

OLD EDIT 4/27/2023: This place is terrible now. The Mongolian grill is gone. The food is now very noticeably lukewarm to cold even at 5 PM. Way too many random food choices, a lot of it Mexican. Even if it's a very Hispanic area of Santa Maria, dunno why they wanna go to an Asian buffet for Mexican food. No potstickers this day, which I consider a staple. Only thing I LOVED was the Indian chicken. Phenomenal with a sweet curry flavor. Managed to get some hot even though they buried the fresh stuff under the old stuff. Service HAS improved. They DO notice you now, take your plates, and refill your drinks. You prolly don't wanna come here though.

Original 12/1/2017 review: I was scared to try this place after reading all the negative reviews, but this was the only place I could find within 150 miles that has a Mongolian grill. I was pleasantly surprised. All the staff were nice, the potstickers were fresh and edible, (if they're hard as a rock, that's usually a sign of overall food neglect) and there was a great selection! My Mongolian grill plate was delicious and I'm posting a pic of it. People who are saying the food is bland must not have a lot of tastebuds. It tasted really good like any other Chinese buffet I've come to know. I didn't have a single experience or bite of food I thought was gross. Some food was lukewarm and almost cold, but nothing I wouldn't expect from a buffet at 2 p.m. when I ate. Definitely going to be returning for more. If you're easy or moderate to please, I say ignore the bad reviews and give the place a chance! ...

First you walk in and pay $24. Looks amazing at the start, they have a nice fountain (might have fish). They also have cheap paper signs where you pay that say 2 hour Maximum! And make sure you tip signs! The food was terrible, beyond garbage. I would recommend eating your own throw up. Ima keep it %120 with you guy could go grab a 7-11 Hot-dog instead. Would've been hotter and fresher. The Mac and cheese was stale and looks like it had food coloring. They offer 2 kinds of fruit for desert and have terrible locks in the restroom. They don't work and open on both sides of the stalls. Customer service was trash, don't expect for them to refill your drink btw unless you walk up to the front counter and ask yourself. They basically ignore your empty drinks right by your table. Very cheap. Very bad. Very trash. Save yourself some time and go to golden coral. I slurped my empty drink with melted ice to try and get their attention and they ignored me. I wouldn't hate you guys for leaving no Tip. I think the food gets warmed up by someone breathing hot air into it. Looks like it hasn't been touched in hours and dry. 0 STARS! There was at least 6 people in there including me and my friend. The Rest being employees. Don't come here unless you want the same experience. Should've checked the ratings...

Was disappointing 😞. Food selection was sub par. Not many sushi options. Weird selection since they had a Mexican food station with tacos and what-not. Not looking for that at a AYCE seafood/Chinese buffet at $25 a person but I'm assuming they are catering to high Latino customer traffic. They had crab legs but when I asked for melted butter they looked at me like "Who puts melted butter on crab legs?" Had to make my own by getting a bunch of butter packets and soaking them in the egg flower soup. Once melted opening the packets into a soup bowl. Their idea of tarter sauce is thousand island dressing mixed with pickle relish. One type of shrimp available, fried was soft mushie and unedible. No peel and eat shrimp. Ribs were cold. No refills ever offered. Had to do the refill myself even though there were only 3 tables for the staff to attend. Oysters were few and looked strange because they were dry from sitting so long. Not sure if they are keeping track of time food left out and temperatures. Staff seemed aloof and non engaged with customers. No grill as it's closed. Not sure why since they have one but it's empty and closed. They absolutely shouldn't be charging people $25.

I won't be back. There are better AYCE buffets...