Five Star’s world-class buffet

It’s no secret that along the famous strip of Waikiki is a diner’s paradise of great eats. But what some may have yet to discover are the new restaurants that have joined this iconic neighborhood.

Five Star International Buffet, which opened at Royal Hawaiian Center just days before the new year, offers an all-you-can-eat international-style gourmet buffet in a clean and welcoming, contemporary setting.

At lunchtime, there are about 30 dishes to choose from; and at dinner the selection expands to 50 to 60 choices. On weekends, the lunch buffet has about 40 items.

The majority of the food is Japanese style, but there also are other ethnic influences making their way to the buffet including Italian, French and even Hawaiian, such as Fresh Island Poke made with ahi, onion, ogo and shoyu.

Signature must-try dishes (from the dinner buffet) include Bacon Wrapped Filet Mignon, Hamakua Tomato with Mozzarella Cheese, Baked Oyster with miso sauce and mayonnaise, and Bouillabaisse, which has garlic fish, mussels and clams, as well as a flavorful broth made with a variety of vegetables combined with a lobster base.

Also popular is the nigiri sushi platter, which features salmon, scallop, squid, unagi, ahi and a rainbow roll. And, of course, there is a great assortment of desserts, including the Parfait Tart, which has a graham cracker crust at the bottom, a sweet masquerade berry mix in the middle and parfait cream on top.

Guaranteed to satisfy all appetites of any size and taste, what sets Five Star International Buffet apart from the rest is its attention to detail in everything from food and presentation to the restaurant’s design and service.

A 15 percent discount is available during dinner and weekend lunch for kamaaina, military and seniors (age 60 and above). During weekday lunch, kamaaina, military and seniors receive a free soft drink as well.

The lunch buffet is reasonably priced at $19 for adults and $12 for children age 5 to 12. The dinner buffet is $48 for adults and $24 for children. And on weekends, lunch is priced at $29 for adults and $16 for children. A special a la carte menu is available during happy hour from 2 to 5 p.m.

At Royal Hawaiian Center, Five Star International Buffet is located on the third floor near Forever21. The company also has three locations in Hokkaido, Japan.

So, treat yourself to a worldly spread of flavors at this top-notch restaurant of choice.

Five Star International Buffet