Really good, just need to go when they have the crab legs because it makes the buffet experience much better!

For some reason, I thought that #1 Buffet closed for good, so had not been here since the 2020 pandemic year, however used to come regularly with a friend with our then under 5 yr old children for lunch as means to expand the baby toddler kids opportunity to try and acquire the taste of diversity in food to expand their palate of favorites and vetting what they enjoy and dislike by actually experiencing the cuisine rather than prejudiced rejection based on look, name or smell which children (and adults) often do. So, it was an affordable experience when kids also ate free with the paying adult. Flash forward to 2026 and I drove by and it looked dark and closed, but the parking lot had cars, so I went to check it out. Note to the restaurant, invest in some sort of "open" neon sign or any sign of any noticeable size or design, electronic or not. The place looks comfortable and no frills which could deter walk in first time customers based on aesthetic decor and perceived cleanliness. It is fine. No negative issues. So, the prices range from $16 for weekday lunch to $22 for weekday dinner and $22 for weekend all day whether lunch or dinner when they bring out the higher tier food items like the seafood crab legs. Overall a great deal. Good diversity. The turnover seems adequate where food doesn't seem to sit there as typical Steam Tray Cuisine Chinese Food and dry out and get old and dehydrated. The food doesn't seem to taste fresh, as it's supposed to be... whether crispy fried, warm or hot, moist, tender, cool/cold, soft or whatever it's supposed to be. The service is efficient. Parking is easy. They do accept credit cards as well as cash. The clientele is diverse, Asians and non-Asians alike, black, brown (Hispanic), and white (Caucasian), young and old as well as families with children, couples or seniors. It's working class no-frills. It's not a place you take a first date to dress to impress of course. It's a very safe and family friendly environment. In the world of neighboring Chinese AYCE Buffets, I used to rank "China Buffet" in Torrance as the top, then when "Ichiban" in Gardena opened it earned dethroning "China Buffet" (who no longer offered Roast Duck and Snow Crab Legs), but the old standard of "#1 Buffet" in Lawndale just earned my rank and recommendation as the best Chinese AYCE Buffet based upon price, selection, ease of seating and of course the most important factor of food quality. The dinner and lunch price is justifiable based on a few key dishes alone. If you went to an "a la carte" restaurant, even Chinese "family style" entrees to share, it would be hard to affordably replicate what #1 Buffet offers in a diverse range of dishes to indulge in. The self-service style makes it fun, convenient and easy as a dining experience. Soft drinks are an added charge and have free refills. You might same money and stomach space (to eat more) and health (sugars!) by opting for the free ice water as a recommendation on how to navigate eating at a buffet and "get your money's worth" - - avoid the sugars, carbs (breads, rice, noodles and fried/battered dishes) and the cheaper foods like french fries, pizza, etc) and go for the proteins like seafood, beef, chicken and pork)... of course get your salad, soup and veggies as a balance. I took a lit of photos for context and references. However... if in doubt, you can visit and first "ask politely" if you can walk the buffet steamed tray area to see what's available before committing. Just don't be uncouth and try to "sample" any of the foods on your tour as a yet to be committed paying seated patron. The price is affordable and there is a service despite the perception of DIY, so be sure to leave a tip. These people work harder than a bartender serving a simple drink, a coffee barista, a food delivery provider and many others, and are generally low wage earners who would appreciate a gratuity and are earning it. Be kind, be thoughtful, be generous, be appreciative and be gracious. read more

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Due to limited selection, I find myself grabbing stuff I would normally pass at other buffets. What needs improvement: Many items are overcooked or not taste fresh. Fried rice is dry. Food is warm not hot. Seafood is a bit more fishy than other buffets. The small letter-size price list is posted where it's not easy to see. Redeeming quality: Friendly employees and manager. I like that they have papaya in the fresh fruit section. Add that to my ice cream then top with chopped peanuts for a delicious dessert. Chinese music playing in the background along with the outdated interior makes me a bit nostalgic. read more

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Went here for a pre Thanksgiving gathering with some coworkers. Something strange about this place. It felt dirty but it was presented well. It had that old feeling of grime and nastiness but covered up to look decent. Some entrees from the buffet was acceptable and most were just unappealing! It tasted old like they are using leftovers over and over again lol. Go at your own risk. Not the greatest when it comes to chinese buffet. I just dont trust it. I will not come back. Plenty or parking but the food is not that good. Just go with the soup and cookies. Soda tasted funny too. After eating.. I had a nasty taste. Two stars because a few workers were friendly. read more

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Arrived at opening and seated near food area. Staff was accommodating and nice. Food was tasty and good. Ambiance was casual and not felt rushed. Enjoyed eating here and will return. read more

#1 Buffet - Chinese Near Me - Lawndale, California

5 hours later i threw up multiple times, and im sure it was because of this buffet because i hadnt eaten anything all day.

Excellent selection of sushi, and seafood. The beef and chicken a bit ordinary however the last display of baked salmon and little crab cakes on a sea shell.....that is why we love #1 Buffet! The service was excellent, the restaurant dining area clean and the food kept coming out freshly made and hot. The deserts perfectly matched a wonderful evening. However your restrooms need a major make over, the only thing that keep it from a five stars for me. I will not return here until that is done. read more

On Sunday around 2:30pm, we tried to go to Ichiban Buffet but assuming everyone saw it on social media... it was packed. 1 HR & 30 minute wait which made us go to #1 Buffet which was roughly 15 minutes away! Price was $21.99 for weekend. We got a table immediately. I absolutely enjoyed my time here. The food was really good AND they also served crab legs! My favorites were the honey glazed shrimp, stir fried octopus (i believe), stuffed crab, and kimbaps. Honestly the crab legs were pretty salty. Ending my meal with the self soft-serve ice cream machine was great!! It was the perfect vibes here, it's the type of place where I would eat with my family as a child. The restaurant felt like Asian small business, appreciated all the employees. Especially the man in the front desk who went around the food bars, cleaning. So wholesome! It was my friend's first time ever trying an Asian buffet and he enjoyed it as did I. Would come here again :) read more

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Foods pretty decent. It's not fancy restaurant level if you're expecting that, but still good! Service was on point. Waiters cleared my table when I went to get more food. There's plenty of seating so the waiters will seat you right away and you can start chowing down. Their weekday lunch special is definitely a good deal. read more

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Ok one of the better Chinese/asian buffets in the area. This review is only for dinner, so they have fried crab and pepper steak that was pretty good plus beef ribs was not bad needed more bbq sauce on it. The rest of the food was typical fare, sushi that was ok, salad bar, fried rice, orange chicken that wasn't that great. They did have honey walnut shrimp without the walnut that was pretty good. I was disappointed by their chowmein and fried rice. The highlight of the meal was the honey shrimp, pepper steak, beef ribs. Their ice cream out of their machine actually was pretty good which surprised me, most Asian buffet the ice cream sucks. Parking is decent they have their own lot, the place is clean and they seem to replenish the food pretty quick. I went early dinner so it wasn't crowded. Overall a decent place. read more

I went to #1 buffet yesterday. When I tell you DO NOT GO HERE. I had got some sweet shrimp, lo mein, sushi, rice, and crab Rangoon's. THE RANGOONS RICE AND SHRIMP WERE STALE, the lo MEIN was soggy and cold. The sushi was okay from the looks of it but even being close to some of the food it had a stench. I let the manager know and she offered to "heat it up in the microwave" for me. I didn't even eat the sushi because if the rice wasn't fresh or even the lo mein then you can get sick off days old sushi! I told her and she said they stay busy consistently and they made the food fresh and lied straight to my face like I didn't just eat stale food. DO NOT GO HERE. Someone needs to inspect this place soon. It is not safe to eat read more

AYCE with everything. This is not the typical AYCE that I frequent these days. In the past, when I was broke, I would probably live here. This is a dingy, a little grimy, and a throw back to everything I loved growing up. Coming from a family of 10 children, my parents would have to find places that were cheap and would be able to meet the required amount of food to feed nine boys and one daughter. We are Polynesians, we are big people, we eat. This place, is not fancy at all, but food wise, it has anything and everything to eat. Let's go down the list, chow mein, fried rice, orange chicken, mushroom chicken, broccoli beef, squid, fried fish, two types of shrimp, potstickers, watermelon, cantaloupe, peaches, pineapple, tangerines, ice cream, soups, pizza, chicken tenders, man I lost track. if you can't find something to eat here, something is wrong with you. Oh, I forgot, there was also sushi. This place took me back to a time that I held precious, a time when big families were able to have a dinner, or lunch, together and eat until your heart is content. The service was outstanding, especially because we were in a large group that took up one section for a post funeral meal, RIP uncle Fini, they constantly make sure that each item was fully stocked at all times. They were gracious and friendly. It really is the number one buffet, and it was my uncle's favorite place to eat and to take his grandkids, keep up the good work and keep that food coming - we need places like this! Thank you. read more

Your typical Chinese buffet. Wide selection of option from noodles, rice, steamed vegetables, they even had crab legs. Must try the peppered sautéed chicken. read more

Went when it was super busy; It looked like they were hosting a memorial service and the place was packed. The food was coming out by the droves hot and fresh and it was absolutely delicious. I went another time and it was good but the food wasn't as fresh, when it's just come from the kitchen it's terrific. Love the honey shrimp, love the tender ribs. I know buffet is hit and miss but if you catch #1 Buffet when it's busy it seems that's the #1 time for good food and good service. read more

DONT EAT HERE. We normally always come to this buffet and have been for 20+ years .. Today my mother went with my brother and as they were eating they saw the owner pick up a huge rat from the floor right where customers get the food.. They even heard the scream of the rat and saw the owner take it outside. They left instantly after seeing that. My mother's been saying all day that her throat feels horrible from so much disgust . She hasn't been able to stop thinking about it. We won't EVER be coming back again . read more

This was me and my husband's first time and it was great. The food was good and all of the usual dishes we eat at buffets were yummy, specially the fried crab, the meat just melts in your mouth. The staff were very attentive and were fast to pick up our empty plates. The machine ran out of dairy and when I flagged this, they fixed it right away. And let me tell you, the ice cream was CREAMY! Not like the icey texture you get from most places. The restaurant itself is outdated but I believe that'a what gives the restaurant its charm. We will definitely come back next time. Thank you for everything! read more

So it's been about half a year since I wrote my first review for this business. As always the food is good. Service is good. Music isn't too loud depending on some days. (Prices hasn't been raised but I will post another photo just to be kept updated.) Our family is enjoying the place, but can be a hit or miss for some people. That's understandable. Gotta accept that there could be days that service won't be good or food could be par, but it still fills up our stomaches nonetheless. read more

#1 Buffet - Price list - Chinese Near Me - Lawndale, California

Imma say this....this place has some of the best buffet food around.... BUT .... I won't be coming back we went to the bathroom to wash our hands and came out fixed our plates sat down and condensation from the air conditioner was leaking in our food so we moved and the waiter got mad so we told her why we moved and she looked at the air conditioner vent and said oh .... But she bought two families to seat them there where the stuff was dripping and I said excuse me you guys but there is stuff dripping we just moved cause it was dripping in our food they said oh thanks you so much I said no problem we continue to eat and the same server brought over another family and sat them there and all I could think is why would you sit someone there and you know stuff is leaking in people food that wasn't cool and it's cold and raining outside I want warm food the food was warm but because the front door was open and the air conditioner was on the windows were sweating there are no curtains so the cold air made your food cold .. then before we leave I go to the bathroom and there is a server speaking on the phone loudly leaning against the wall she then started scratching her backside and I looked up to see if anyone else saw what I saw and made contact with a man and we both just looked at each other we were walking out she was walking behind us by the time we got to the front a lady was at the front ordering food to go the lady at the register said here this is for her food .... Lady I just watched you scratch yourself and you are touching thing without washing your hands? I'm not coming back read more

#1 Buffet - Chinese Near Me - Lawndale, California

"Perhaps you should use front store [dinning area]" is what i was told after complaining about cigarette smoke coming into store. I like their food, service is descent, but 2nd hand smoke is not ok with me. They leave back door open (saving on not having to use air conditioning perhaps). That is a few feet from where kitchen staff take their smoke breaks. ... and occasionally air blows their smoke towards the door. Anyhow, she refused to close the door. I thought in california, 2nd hand smoke was banned from restaurants? My hope is that owners can fix this issue. Did you have a similar experience with this store? Like and comment. read more

#1 Buffet - Store front - Chinese Near Me - Lawndale, California

Reasonable priced same selection that has made this place famous for years before covid.aybe new owners bui like this place for fresh solid good Chinese buffet basics my go to place in Hawthorne for china buffet read more

This buffet is really good. I've been so a lot of buffets like this before, but this one stands out since they have good food quality. As you can see in the photos, their food is fresh and cooked tastefully. Once one dish almost runs out, they change it right away. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The ambiance is very simple and straightforward, normal buffet chair set-up, and the entire buffet table is centered in the middle of the restaurant. Totally would go back here. Good price for good quality buffet. read more

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Went here and the food was not that good. The sushi was pretty decent but the pizza tasted nasty. Garlic bread was very soggy and greasy like. The restaurant was a bit dirty but the service was okay. We also found a bug on our table. Overall I would not come back here again. read more

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I wish I could give this place zero stars. The front desk service was a complete disaster. The older lady working there was rude, unhelpful, and clearly had no interest in their job. They acted like it was an inconvenience to even acknowledge us. When we asked simple questions, they rolled their eyes and gave short, snappy answers. Not the kind of welcome you expect when you're about to pay for a meal. As if the horrible service wasn't bad enough, the food was just as disappointing. We paid for our meal but didn't like the ambiance, so we decided to pack our food to go. We were given to-go plates and started packing when a lady approached us, demanding that we pay for the to-go plates as if we had taken them from behind there front desk! They essentially wanted us to pay again. At this point, they were asking us to pay $46.50 for to-go plates that others had paid $17 for." Overall, this was one of the worst dining experiences I've ever had. Save your money and go somewhere--anywhere--else. #1 Buffet? More like the last place I'd ever go again. read more

The place was very clean, the service was friendly & the food was pretty good ! For an affordable, filling meal I'd definitely recommend.

They reopened about a month and a half ago, and although the tables, booths, floor, and decor could use an upgrade, the food and ambiance are pretty good. Employees are attentive and friendly. They have plenty of options for the whole family and the food was all fresh and not greasy. Super affordable considering the times we are living in. Will definitely be back soon. read more

#1 Buffet - Hours and prices - Chinese Near Me - Lawndale, California

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Happy the re opened. Me and my Family come often. They have a new server and he's nice and attentive. read more

I have worked in Hawthorne for the last seven years and I can't believe I waited so long to try this place. The sushi and seafood was great, the salad was fresh, the restaurant was clean, and the staff was friendly. I will definitely be back. read more

#1 Buffet - Chinese Near Me - Lawndale, California

the food was great, the staffs and people were nice! it was quiet but actually really homey! it's perfect for those who likes cozy small places, it's not bad at all read more

Decided to stop by for a quick bite with my family since we were in the area. The food was delicious and the customer service was great. As I was walking out my 4 year old was asking me for quarters. He overheard me and handed me some for her to use for the coin machines. She was happy, so mom is happy! Thank you to the owner for such a kind gesture. read more

It was my first time ever trying this buffet. To start off with, the food was not cooked right, I had got myself some ribs and the ribs were not cooked all the way I was chewing on the ribs for almost a minute straight not being able to swallow it, I had also got some sushi and the sushi didn't even taste good, I also got some garlic bread and that garlic bread was not good it was cold and it wasn't even warm. The only good thing on my plate was the salad and rice. The service was okay. The place was some what clean, the taste of the place smelled a little weird. The bathroom was not really cleaned and while I was using the bathroom there was a little cockroach. read more

#1 Buffet - Chinese Near Me - Lawndale, California

Best buffet : Reopened!!! Great restaurant with Fresh Food and Friendly workers! Lots of choices and Reasonable price made me give up cooking, I strongly recommend everyone to go there! read more

#1 Buffet - Price - Chinese Near Me - Lawndale, California

The food is not too good but ok And the place is not too dirty Also the waiting was not too much time read more

No complaints Sushi I my go to when Eating here the crab melt is good as well as the fish in the tufo and vegetables mix read more

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Great, fresh hot food. Friendly service. I'm so glad they're back! After over two long years of being closed they're a welcoming spot!

I'm guess they're closed forever ? Came a long way I wish I knew it was closed before hopefully they open up again read more

#1 Buffet - Chinese Near Me - Lawndale, California

It was one of those days (AGAIN!) when I just couldn't make up my mind what to have for lunch. And it was Yelp to the rescue... AGAIN! Can't think of any other place to satisfy my muddled food craving than to hit a buffet. And that's how I ended up here. I'll admit, some reviews were a bit deterring, but my curiosity was a lot more resilient. Walked in and was seated immediately. As with all buffets, I did my little tour of their offerings before grabbing a plate. OVERALL VERDICT: There were hits as well as misses. AMONG THE HITS: shrimp cocktail, edamame, chicken roll, battered fried fish, chicken and mushroom, stuffed mushrooms, fried shrimp, California rolls, crab claw, peppered pork. AND FOR THE MISSES: salmon sashimi/poke (didn't seem very fresh), baked scallops/crab and mussels (the mayo tasted a teenee bit off - probably because they've been sitting there awhile), battered fried shrimp (over battered, over cooked hard) honey glazed chicken (over cooked. It was tough!), egg foo young (too greasy - I pressed my spoon on it and all that oil went on a burst fest), hot and sour soup (not sure what it was, but I felt it was missing something...) FOOD: 3.5. Selections are above par. Good quantity with decent (albeit barely) quality. SERVICE: 3. Very little interaction. I got seated, found my glass of water already at my table when I got back from filling my first plate, table was cleaned by the time I came back from getting my second plate, paid the cashier. VALUE: 5. Can't rate lower than this: $10.50 tax included. I felt I got a little bit more than what I paid for. PARKING: Private lot and street. Not an issue. OVERALL: 3.75. Some of my fellow Yelpers stated they got sick after eating here, so I deliberately waited a whole 24 hours before writing a review on how my experience goes. Not to discount their experience, but I am happy to report nothing of that sort happened to me. So, if you want an affordable simple buffet without the fancy bells and whistles, this is the place. read more

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So I am the person who asked if phone number was current. I drove there hoping to eat there and make reservations. Guess what? It's closed. Sign says closed til power gets back on back. What a waste of a drvie! read more

Food not fresh. Service is slow. Price is cheap. Cant expect that they are clean . Overall not really a good Chinese buffet. read more

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Ordinary Asian buffet. Adequate but nothing special. Reasonable quality for what you expect in a neighborhood Asian buffet

Ehhhhh, It's not the freshest, the customers are waiting and walking around with their masks either incorrectly on or not on at all while loading up their plates. I love the price of the food and variety. If you are looking for some "sat under the heatlamp, MSG Laden, sort-a-kind-a fresh food"- search no further! I went crazy my first time and got 2 plates full of food. I couldn't finish everything and left with 1 plate still having food on it. I'd come back if ever in the area again. 7/10 read more

#1 Buffet - Aftermath - Chinese Near Me - Lawndale, California

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