Jamul 23 serves decent seafood for a hefty eighty dollar price tag per person. The dining area was relatively small, although I enjoyed the natural lighting from the glass windows that filled the space with beautiful sunshine throughout our meal. Most tables were on the smaller side, and larger groups should make a reservation for any chance of being seated comfortably. The selection of food was rather limited, and there seemed to be a shortage of servers. No one came to take our drink orders until we had already finished a plate or two of food. Drink options were not listed, but they included green tea, hot or iced, sodas, and fruit juices such as pineapple, apple, orange, and cranberry. Each table was set with baskets of bread, butter, and Jamul labeled water bottles. Since we were a larger group, plates quickly piled up, making it difficult to eat comfortably. Our server occasionally cleared a few plates but did not consistently return to remove the rest. I was disappointed by the limited variety of options. Additionally, the layout of dishes and condiments did not feel intuitive. Lobster came in two forms, steamed or fried. I personally preferred the fried version because it had slightly more seasoning. These would have benefited from lemon and butter, which were placed on separate tables and not easy to find. The crab lacked proper tools, as no crackers were provided. The steamed preparation felt plain, and I wished there had been a more creative crab or lobster focused dish such as an entree or soup. The salad station offered two choices, caprese and Caesar. The vegetables were standard, with two dressing options available. The prime rib was extremely dry and lacked au jus. The available condiments included mint jelly, plain horseradish, and creamy horseradish. The creamy horseradish was very mild and needed more intensity. Service at the carving station was also lacking, as no one was consistently present to serve duck, salmon, sirloin, or prime rib, which caused delays. The duck was the worst item I tried. It was severely overcooked, difficult to chew, and lacked seasoning, making the texture unpleasant. The scallops were small but tender and slightly sweet. They were not especially plump, but they were clean and not fishy. The oysters were slightly oversteamed, resulting in a somewhat rubbery texture. However, the mignonette sauce was enjoyable. I also wish there had been raw oyster options. The clam chowder was somewhat watery but had a pleasant sweetness from the clams and paired well with the complimentary bread. The creme brulee was surprisingly limited in quantity. When we returned for more, we were told they had run out, even though the buffet was still open for several more hours. The sugar topping had a nice crisp texture without being overly burned. The custard was slightly loose but had a strong vanilla flavor. The macarons were small and extremely sweet. I wished the fillings had been fresher to balance the sweetness. The raspberry flavor was the most enjoyable due to its slight tartness, although it was still quite sweet overall. The eclairs had a chocolate filling, but the pastry exterior was stale. It resembled a donut that had been left out too long, becoming oily and limp. The soft serve was not listed on the menu, but we were informed about it separately. Only vanilla was available, with toppings such as nuts or caramel. The ice cream was bland, and the toppings were minimal. The overall flavor lacked richness and depth. I also wish items had been labeled clearly, especially the desserts. I could only identify them based on prior experience at other buffets. Each item should have been properly labeled, including any potential allergens such as nuts. The meats were poorly executed, so I found myself returning to the same three items: lobster, scallops, and oysters. Strangely, several items ran out before eight in the evening, further limiting our choices. This included fruit and creme brulee, which felt unreasonable given the eighty dollar price. Overall, the service was disappointing from the initial reservation through the end of our meal. The experience left our group feeling that we would have been better off buying lobster tails and vanilla ice cream ourselves rather than spending so much on this visit. read more

Jamul 23 -- Jamul, CA I had never even heard of Jamul 23, Jamul Casino, or honestly even Jamul, CA before this. Then one random Instagram reel popped up talking about unlimited lobster and crab, and apparently that was all the convincing I needed. Next thing I knew, I was driving 120 miles at 5:30 in the morning for breakfast. Spontaneity at its finest! We arrived right when they opened and were literally the first ones in. Coming from someone who is used to the massive casino buffets in Vegas, I was honestly surprised by how small the food area was. There isn't a huge variety of dishes to choose from, but that was perfectly fine because I really came for one thing: UNLIMITED LOBSTER AND CRAB. And thankfully, they delivered. The crab legs were nicely cooked and already had cuts in the shell, which made cracking them open so much easier. The steamed lobster tails were flavorful, tender, and thankfully not rubbery at all. The meat came out of the shell easily and was absolutely perfect dipped in butter. I also tried the crab claws, which I normally avoid, but since we were there early and had plenty of time, I figured why not? They also had fried lobster tails, but I didn't even bother. I had priorities and wanted to save every inch of stomach space for more steamed lobster! Our server was great and never rushed us, even though we ended up staying for over two hours. It was nice being able to actually take our time and enjoy the meal without feeling like we were being pushed out. I did venture away from the seafood for a bit. The raw oysters were pretty fresh, although I quickly realized that eating raw oysters at 8 in the morning just didn't feel right. So I only had a couple. The lox and bagel was pretty good too, but I only took one because that bagel was a little too heavy when I had much more lobster to conquer. The chicken pozole was surprisingly good and definitely one of the things that stood out to me. I also tried the prime rib, and my first--and only--round was excellent. Medium rare, juicy, tender, and that flavorful crust on the outside was so good. The fish was a little dry, although I've already forgotten what kind it was. The French toast was also really good. I especially liked that the fruit was incorporated into it rather than just sitting on the side, and the maple syrup made it even better. The omelette station was another nice touch because I could customize my omelette exactly how I wanted it. There were also noodles, beef and broccoli, sausage, bacon, and other breakfast items, but honestly... I completely ignored them. Why waste stomach real estate when there's unlimited crab and lobster? Overall, Jamul 23 is a solid spot. It's definitely not the biggest casino buffet I've been to, and the selection isn't anywhere near what you'd find at the major Vegas buffets, but if you're coming specifically for the unlimited crab and lobster, it absolutely hits the spot. Would I drive 120 miles again just for this? Absolutely not. But after a weekend getaway in San Diego? 100% yes. This just became my new go-to stop for a seafood-heavy meal before heading home. Sometimes an Instagram reel really does know what it's doing! read more

I recently visited the Jamul Casino buffet to celebrate my wife's birthday, and I have very mixed feelings about the experience. First, I want to give credit where it's due--the food selection was excellent. There was a wide variety of options, and everything we tried was fresh and flavorful. The drinks were also amazing and definitely added to the overall dining experience. Unfortunately, the customer service completely overshadowed the positives. The buffet was clearly overcrowded, and there were not enough chairs available. I actually had to stand while eating, which is unacceptable for any dining experience--especially one meant to celebrate a special occasion. What made things worse was how the staff handled the situation. Instead of trying to find a solution or accommodate us, I was told I could go sit alone at another table. This completely missed the point--we came together to celebrate, not to be separated. It felt dismissive and disrespectful, especially given the occasion. While the food and drinks were great, the lack of organization, poor customer care, and overall disregard for guests made the experience frustrating. Management and staff seriously need to sit down, reassess their operations, and come up with better solutions to handle capacity and treat customers with basic respect. At this point, I can only recommend the buffet for the food--but be aware that the service may significantly impact your experience. read more

We had an outstanding experience tonight at Jamul 23 Buffet, and a huge part of that was thanks to our server Panya and his manager Raul. First off, the ambiance of the restaurant was impressive. The space felt very upscale, clean, and well put together. Everything from the dining area to the buffet stations was spotless and organized, which really added to the overall experience and made the night feel a bit more special than your typical buffet. From the moment we sat down, Panya delivered some of the best service we've had anywhere. He was incredibly attentive, friendly, and professional without ever being intrusive. Our drinks were always full, plates were cleared quickly, and he checked in at just the right moments to make sure everything was perfect. You can tell he genuinely cares about giving guests a great experience. What also stood out was the presence of Raul. It's not often you see a manager so involved on the floor. He made sure everything was running smoothly and that guests were happy. It's clear he leads by example and supports his team, which shows in the quality of service we received. The food was great, but the service from Panya and Raul is what truly made the night exceptional. They turned a simple dinner into a memorable experience. Top-notch service all around. We'll definitely be back! read more

Jamul 23 is hands down one of the best all-you-can-eat spots I've ever been to. From the moment we walked in, the place felt warm and welcoming, and the staff specially Cindy couldn't have been friendlier and professional. They checked in just enough without hovering, and it really made the whole experience feel comfortable. The food was the real standout. Every station looked fresh and inviting, and everything I tried tasted amazing. Whether it was the perfectly seasoned meats, the fresh seafood, the salads, or the desserts, nothing felt like "buffet quality"--it all tasted like it was made with real care. The variety is huge, but the best part is that everything is consistently good, no matter how many times you go back for another plate. The restaurant itself is clean, modern, and easy to relax in, which makes the whole experience even better. It's a great place for family, friends, or even just treating yourself to a really satisfying meal. If you love great food and great service, Jamul 23 should be at the top of your list. I'm already excited to come back! read more

What an incredible dining experience at Jamul23! From the moment we arrived, everything felt warm, vibrant, and thoughtfully done. The food was absolutely outstanding, bursting with flavor and beautifully presented. Every bite felt indulgent and satisfying, making it clear how much care goes into each dish. The steak and lobster is an absolute must try. Perfectly cooked, rich, and full of bold flavor, it truly stole the show and made the entire meal unforgettable. A special shoutout to Cindy, the manager on duty, who truly elevated the experience. Her professionalism, kindness, and genuine hospitality made us feel welcomed and well taken care of from start to finish. She has an incredible presence and clearly leads with heart. Jamul23 delivered amazing food, exceptional service, and an unforgettable atmosphere. This was more than just a meal, it was a memorable experience, and I cannot wait to return. read more

I discovered a rubber band in the Buddha Delight, which presented a significant choking hazard. After expelling it, I presented it to the server. A supervisor, who arrived around 5:30 PM on November 20th, took the rubber band to the kitchen without offering an apology. I requested that the dish be discarded due to potential further contamination. A kitchen staff member initially refused, stating the dish was new. I had to request another individual to remove the dish, and it was returned approximately five minutes later. To my surprise, it appeared to be the same dish. I had discreetly placed a piece of fried fish underneath to verify if a new dish was provided. This incident represents a serious health violation, and I anticipate management will contact me regarding this matter. read more

We had such a wonderful experience at Jamul 23! From the moment we walked in, Areal made us feel so welcome. He was incredibly accommodating, very polite, and attentive to everything we needed. His kind and professional service truly made our visit extra special. The food was absolutely delicious you can really taste the quality and freshness in every bite. Everything was prepared so well, flavorful, and beautifully presented. It's clear they take pride not only in their customer service but also in the quality of their food. If you're looking for a place with great vibes, amazing service, and quality dishes, Jamul 23 is definitely worth visiting. Thank you, Areal, for your outstanding hospitality! We'll definitely be back! read more

I had an amazing experience at Jamul 23! The food was absolutely delicious--fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented. What truly made our visit exceptional was the outstanding service from Raul and Mayra. They went above and beyond to make sure we felt welcome and taken care of throughout our meal. Their attention to detail, friendliness, and professionalism made all the difference. If you're looking for fantastic food and top-notch service, I highly recommend Jamul 23. Special thanks to Raul and Mayra for making our night so memorable! read more

Outstanding Service from Cindy! I had an amazing experience at the Jamil Casino Buffet, thanks to Cindy. She was incredibly attentive, kind, and made sure our table was always taken care of. She checked in often without being intrusive and made us feel genuinely welcome. It's rare to find someone who works with such professionalism and warmth. Cindy went above and beyond to make our visit special. The food was great, but her service really stood out and made the whole experience even better. Highly recommend asking for Cindy if you visit! read more

Panya was absolutely wonderful! He was so attentive, friendly, and welcoming to me and my family throughout our entire meal. The food was delicious, but the service truly stood out and made our experience even better. Panya went above and beyond and provided top-tier service. Will definitely be returning! read more