If you're a hungry household or you have a family of fussy eaters, there's no doubt mealtimes can sometimes come across as a strenuous occasion for the designated cook. However problems can be solved by visiting a restaurant with an abundance of delicacies on the menu.
And one choice of restaurant that displays range like no other is an all you can eat buffet. Although they're not renowned world-wide for their standard of cuisine, families can enjoy a fuss-free feast for a reasonable cost upon visiting.
The North East has an exceptional number of these restaurants available for hungry diners, with establishments in Newcastle, County Durham, Gateshead and Sunderland to name a few. And while everyone has their favourite chow-down spot, others may have never had the privilege.
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Other parties may be in search of something entirely new, after exhausting their local hotspot - but may not know where to look to find that satisfying feast they desire.
That's why here at ChronicleLive, we've had a look at the best all you can eat buffets around the North East, according to ever-faithful Google Reviewers.
The best buffets across the North East according to Google Reviews:
Rio Brazilian Steakhouse - Newcastle upon Tyne - 4.8 stars out of 5
They do things a little differently at the two Rio Steakhouse locations across Newcastle - with hand-carved selections of top tier meat brought straight to the table. Located both in Jesmond and on the Quayside, specially trained Gaucho Chefs serve 'exquisite cuts' which are continuously carved at the table in a traditional Rodizio style.
Punters can also make the most of its gourmet salad bar, where they can choose from fresh vegetables, fine imported cheeses, cured meats and authentic Brazilian dishes.
Mouth-watering cuts of steak, lamb, chicken and pork are all on the menu at Rio - with punters paying £22.95 for lunch or £34.95 for dinner.
Children under 5 can feast for free, while those aged between 5 - 8 pay £6.70 and those from 9-12 £10.30 respectively.
The steakhouse also plays host to a vegetarian, vegan and fish menu which comes with unlimited access to the salad bar itself for just £16.95.
Darran Hurburgh, said: "Fantastic food, friendly & attentive staff and an all round lovely place to eat."
Mandarin Bay - Cramlington - 4.6 stars out of 5
Cramlington's Mandarin Bay serve up quality pan Asian cuisine to local residents and visitors further afield. Although they aren't solely an all you can eat restaurant, they do offer buffet menus each Wednesday (costing £17.95) and Friday (£19.95) with children under ten eating for half price.
On the special a la carte menu, visitors can expect to find traditional Cantonese dishes with a twist. They also dish up exceptional vegetarian options for non-meat eaters.
Geordie Andy, said: "Went last night for the all you can eat buffet, here they do it so much better though. You order off menu and its cooked fresh and brought to your table rather than sitting under heat lamps like most buffets.
"The food was very tasty and staff are friendly, we will definitely return."
Aneesa's Buffet Restaurant - Newcastle upon Tyne - 4.4 stars out of 5
Aneesa's buffet which is situated on Newcastle's stunning Quayside offers punters a princely pick of delicious dishes from around the world. A self-service buffet who allow walk-ins, the diner are renowned across the Toon for their friendly and speedy catering - receiving regular praise online for staff attentiveness.
A special carvery is also served every Sunday between 12.00pm and 4.00pm alongside the traditional Grand Buffet which is open until 10pm.
The experience in which food is freshly prepared and cooked in front of your very eyes will set you back £18.99 Monday to Thursday, £19.99 on a Friday or Sunday, and £21.99 during peak service on a Saturday.
It's also half price for children aged between four and twelve years old, with youngsters under three eating completely free of charge - making it a value buffet for families who want feeding.
Rena Shuaib, said: "Truly loved the experience, had an array of delicious curries and desserts. Lamb nihari was too good. The buffet spread was very impressive and the huge selection of deserts left me wanting me to go for more."
My Shanghai - North Shields - 4.3 stars out of 5
Situated within the Cannon Inn on North Shields' Coast Road is My Shanghai and their bar and oriental buffet. Since opening in 2011, the restaurant specialises in a fusion of Eastern and Western foods ranging from Chinese and Japanese Sushi - even providing a carvery each Sunday.
Open from 12 noon through until 9.30pm seven days a week, the establishment consistently sees happy parties returning for more and more, week in, week out.
Alike many other buffets in the area, the pleasure at My Shanghai will vary depending on the day and time of your visit. Lunchtime adults can expect to pay as little as £9.40 Monday to Friday, but those visiting on an evening will need to pay £14.90. Children visiting during these times respectively pay £5.90 and £7.90.
The cost of a Sunday carvery buffet will set you back £10.40 (adults) or £6,90 (children) while Saturday service and bank holidays will set adults back £15.90 per person.
Lee Grint, said: "Brilliant place, the food is great quality and each dish I tried was amazing. Cheaper during the lunch buffets as opposed to the evening buffet - however both timings have been great with a huge variety of dishes.
"Fair and reasonable pricing too. It can get busy, therefore I would recommend booking."
Inshanghai - Durham - 4.2 stars out of 5
Opened in May 2007, Inshanghai is an Oriental Grand Buffet located on the stunning Durham Riverside. A spacious restaurant offering a meal with a view, punters can enjoy the placid and peaceful River Wear while tucking into a range of authentic Chinese dishes.
From crunchy seaweed to succulent stir-fry, the buffet has all grounds covered - with each dish being labelled to avoid confusion and disappointment.
A lunch Buffet, Grand Buffet on the evening and Sunday Lunch is all on offer at Inshanghai with prices varying depending on the date and time of visiting.
Similar to My Shanghai in North Shields lunchtime diners pay as little as £9.40 Monday to Friday, but those visiting on an evening will need to pay £14.90. Children visiting during these times respectively pay £5.90 and £7.90.
The cost of a Sunday carvery buffet will set you back £10.40 (adults) or £6,90 (children) while Saturday service and bank holidays will set adults back £15.90 or children £8.90.
Durham University Students also get 10 per cent discount on their dining experience regardless of time, when producing a valid student card.
John Robson, said: "This was the first time we have been and will definitely be calling again. The staff were very friendly and helpful and couldn't fault the service.
"Buffet was brilliant with a wide choice of starters, mains, and desserts, with a good choice of drinks as well."
Buffet King - Intu MetroCentre - 4 stars out of 5
One of the few all you can eat establishments in Gateshead's MetroCentre is that of Buffet King, which is located in the plaza's Yellow Mall. Buffet King has been a popular hit in the North East since opening its doors in 2007, with people of the surrounding areas often frequenting to sample some of their sublime plates.
With over 80 authentic oriental and South East Asian dishes, hand-prepped by Chinese chefs - the establishment is commonly praised by visitors for cheap and easy meals and exceptionally pleasant staff.
Offering both lunch and grand buffets every day of the week - adults are asked for between £14.50 and £17.50 depending on their date and time of visiting. Children on the other hand pay £8.50 regardless when accompanied by a paying adult, with babies dining for £3.50.
Chloe Humphreys, said: "First time visiting and was not disappointed at all! Lots of variety, all of the dishes were constantly topped up and staff are prompt with changing your plate.
"Definitely recommend and will be going again!"
Big Luke's - Intu MetroCentre - 3.5 stars out of 5
Just a stone's throw away from Buffet King in the Lower Yellow Mall of the MetroCentre is Big Luke's World Buffet - which serves up 'fun and friendly' eating experience with a cosy atmosphere.
The North East's first ever all you can eat establishment, the restaurant itself opened in 1990 and has found the recipe for success in its some 32 years of serving. Visitors can expect a warm welcome by servile staff, and a range of dishes from around the world to feast upon.
Prices are available upon visiting or enquiries.
Amy Baker, said: "Lovely atmosphere, very detailed allergen menu, staff couldn't have been more helpful answering any questions I had about suitability of any of the items on the buffet not on the allergen menu as I am lactose intolerant.
"Overall lovely meal, would definitely go back."
Panda Garden - Sunderland - 3.5 stars out of 5
Panda Garden on Holmeside in Sunderland City Centre has became quite the Wearside staple over the past couple of decades, becoming many's go-to restaurant for traditional Chinese cuisine on a budget. After a recent renovation and undergoing new management, the hot-spot has been serving up a range of Chinese and English dishes for all to enjoy.
They've also just last month launched a new and exciting Utepia bubble tea range, for those who want a real taste of the Far East.
Prices are available upon visiting or enquiries.
Linda Ward, said: "First time visiting yesterday since reopened. 100% better now. Food was lovely and fresh hot, and food service was kept clean.
"The new layout is stunning. Nice friendly helpful staff from going in to coming out.
"Highly recommended. I will definitely be returning."
