A wonderfully unique addition to Wallingford’s myriad of restaurants, Pacific Buffet
offers a selection of Asian cuisine in a buffet style fashion. The owner and
manager of the restaurant, Tommy Zhuo, is known in Wallingford for his work with both Pacific Buffet and Funju noodle bar. His restaurants are located in the same plaza, making it convenient for Mr. Zhuo to manage them simultaneously. For both of his restaurants, Mr. Zhuo works to achieve the same mission: to serve quality food at an affordable price.
Pacific Buffet opened roughly fifteen years ago with two locations in Hamden and Wallingford. Mr. Zhuo opened both of the restaurants with his father, who shared Mr. Zhuo’s passion for food. They decided on the name “Pacific Buffet” because of the type of cuisine they serve. The restaurant offers a wide selection of Asian food including several dishes of seafood, all in a buffet serving style. Mr. Zhuo decided to specifically focus on Asian food for his buffet because of the strong passion he gained for the Asian culinary arts. He grew up in China and moved to the United States in his early teenage years.
In addition to a large selection of Asian food, Pacific Buffet hosts special schedules, such as serving lunch earlier on Saturdays and Sundays. The restaurant also aims to recognize all of its customers’ needs, regardless of their age. In fact, it offers senior specials for those who are 65 and older. Senior customers are treated with coffee or tea at the end of the meal as well as a discount. For younger customers, the five chefs at the restaurant also serve pizza, a popular dish among children. During the holidays, Pacific Buffet remains open, unlike most restaurants in Wallingford. The buffet holds special events during every holiday except Thanksgiving.
Unlike stereotypical cheap buffet style food, the items prepared in Pacific Buffet are cooked with extravagant flavor. The pork and broccoli, macaroni and cheese, and sushi stand out the most at the restaurant. Pacific Buffet perfects the freshness aspect of seafood by having sushi chefs prepare meals directly in front of the customers. The pork and broccoli, another interesting and popular item on the menu, is smeared in a sauce that delivers the perfect amount of sweetness while also maintaining a savory flavor.
While it is not easy to manage two restaurants at once, Mr. Zhuo maintains his well-prepared food, affordable prices, and spectacular customer service. Pacific Buffet is open every day of the week for all three meals, serving all-you-can-eat Asian food!
