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Nestled in the heart of Universal City, Cafe Sierra offers an indulgent seafood buffet experience that is nothing short of spectacular. Specializing in a vibrant blend of seafood and brunch favorites, this restaurant is a treasure trove for any seafood lover craving both quality and variety. Located conveniently at 555 Universal Hollywood Dr, Cafe Sierra invites guests to dive into an all-you-can-eat feast that brims with freshness and flavor.
From the moment you step inside, the atmosphere strikes a perfect balance between casual comfort and spirited celebration. Whether you’re gathering for a special occasion or simply treating yourself, the mood is set by attentive service and a warm, inviting ambiance. Live music softly complements the experience, adding a joyous layer that elevates every bite.
The buffet highlights an impressive array of dishes that appeal to every palate. Imagine succulent king crab legs and sweet, fatty snow crab clusters—each piece bursting with ocean-fresh juiciness. The Dungeness crab rivals these in flavor, entirely free from that common “buffet sitting out” taste, testifying to Cafe Sierra’s commitment to quality. For a rich, buttery indulgence, the baked lobster and lobster thermidor entice with decadent, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Not limited to just crab and lobster, the menu includes delicate oysters, plump shrimp, clams, and an inviting fish stomach soup that intrigues the adventurous diner. Complementing the savory, the crepe station and bakery offer fresh treats that round out the meal beautifully—pancakes, donuts, and a luscious chocolate fountain provide a sweet ending that lingers delightfully on the palate.
Diners rave about the freshness and thoughtful preparation that make every dish feel like it’s made to order rather than mass-produced buffet fare. The salad bar and pasta selections add variety and freshness, while juice offerings refresh between courses. The inclusion of caviar and bone marrow showcases a sophisticated touch that surprises and delights.
Consistency in service shines through every review: servers are described as attentive and warm, promptly clearing plates and anticipating needs—which creates a relaxed, seamless dining flow. Special moments are made memorable with personal touches, such as celebratory songs and complimentary desserts that underscore Cafe Sierra’s dedication to guest satisfaction.
Although some note that the price may feel on the higher end, the quality, freshness, and extensive variety of offerings more than justify the value. For those seeking a memorable seafood brunch or buffet outing in Los Angeles, Cafe Sierra stands out as a destination where quality meets indulgence in an atmosphere that makes every visit feel like a special celebration.
In essence, Cafe Sierra is much more than a buffet—it's an immersive culinary journey that invites you to savor the ocean’s bounty while enjoying thoughtful hospitality in a lively, charming setting. Whether you're celebrating an anniversary like one delighted guest or crossing a bucket-list dining experience off your list, this is a seafood haven that leaves a lasting impression.
Came here Saturday brunch. Not even busy even though it was raining, sat down right away. The new lower price plus unlimited mimosas and drinks… man that already had me smiling. Started off with the snow crab clusters... big, fatty, sweet… real deal. Dungeness crab too, same vibe… juicy, fresh, not that “buffet sitting out” taste. Honestly every dish tasted made fresh, not like typical buffet food at all. So much variety I wish my stomach had extra storage space. Only thing I didn’t vibe with was the hot lobster with mushroom sauce...a little tough, flavor kinda funky. But everything else? Awesome. Addictive. Worth every dollar. I walked out full, happy, little tipsy from the mimosas…
My wife and I tried Cafe Sierra’s Seafood Brunch to celebrate our wedding anniversary. Great selection of seafood with crabs, oysters, shrimp, clams and lobster thermidor. Our servers were very attentive, always taking away our used plate and providing us with a new tray to throw away our lobster, oyster shells, etc. The best buffet in LA. We will definitely be back.
A bucket list dinner that I've had planned for a couple of years finally happened and I'm very happy and satisfied that it did! I tried lots of foods and deserts and it was so worth the experience. I had king and snow crab, lobster, prime rib that was excellent, lamb chops, raw and cooked oysters, fried fish that was excellent in texture and flakyness, bone marrow that was delicious, rice and Mac that were scrumptious, and salmon that was some of the best I've had anywhere! Tried many desserts as well that were great! I highly recommend the fountains for dipping strawberries it is a must try as well as the cake slice with the chocolate dots which you'll see on my desert plate. I think I've narrowed down most of what I had, and I definitely recommend this place for a visit. The live music added to the vibe and was so relaxing. I will definitely return!
Cafe Sierra’s seafood buffet is a really enjoyable experience, especially if you love seafood. The variety is the standout here — plenty of fresh options and a good mix to choose from, with dishes being refilled often so everything stays fresh. Service was great the entire time — friendly, attentive, and made the experience feel relaxed and welcoming. The only real downside is the price, which is on the higher side and keeps it from being a full five stars. That said, overall it’s a solid spot with great seafood and excellent service, and definitely worth trying at least once
GREAT service, great menu, great live music, chill/casual atmosphere. Worth the $99-160pp. My only regret is that I couldn't eat everything because seafood is so filling. Make a reservation for special occasions and note what the occasion is. The kind woman who served us gave us a really cute little dessert for our anniversary. I also noticed that they sing Happy Birthday accompanied by the live musician and (I believe) bring out a dessert too. PRICE- I've seen a couple of reviews expressing frustration with the cost. I feel like many Americans aren't really familiar with Bougie Buffets (yes, this is actually a thing), so the cost seems insulting. You're paying for the variety and experience. Having brunch at the Hilton is novel and the service is stellar, there's live music, and the sheer variety the buffet has to offer is nice (I did not take pictures of even a third of the food). Also, it's California, so always be prepared to be hit with taxes and /or fees (including parking) when you eat or stay at a hotel out here. Lastly, the tip you leave on a $200+ meal needs to be decent. All of these things add up, so consider whether or not you're willing to pay $300-$400 (for two) for a meal BEFORE you go because it's not for everybody. I think leaving bad reviews because you're disappointed by the final cost is a little trashy; the servers, cooks, and even live musician deserve better than that. Eating out anywhere nowadays is a luxury. If the cost pisses you off then stay home and cook.
As always this buffet restaurant at Hilton Universal City was always packed and good seafood . If you’re a person who loves seafood good place to go. You have to eat all to worth what you pay. I’m not a seafood person but I have to go for my friends birthday. Other food are good too and the desserts. They have many selections, whatever you prefer to eat. 4stars for me. Server is good too.
I could just eat their shrimp cocktail all day. Nice succulent juicy shrimp, and the cocktail and mignonette sauces are top tier. Other than that, I didn't find much else to be extraordinary. The seafood just wasn't up to par with other high-quality seafood buffets. The hot meat items just were texturally off: super mushy and grainy. Unfortunately, I didn't care for the lobster or king crab, but to each their own. The cold snow crab was better, in my opinion. The cold seafood items were great. I would stick to that side. They have a wonderful dessert section as well as a crepe and ice cream bar.