A Buffet Todai For Todai, described by one LA food critic as "the mother of all seafood buffets," is all that and more. The restaurant, which started over twenty years ago in the U.S. and moved to Asia in 2002, offers 40 kinds of sushi and a 160-foot seafood counter—and that's just for starters. We began by loading up on Todai's huge crab legs, imported from Canada and easily consumed thanks to the claw crackers provided, and whole snow crabs. The Indian section of the buffet could have been more extensive, but we enjoyed several kinds of naan, as well as some excellent spicy chicken wings. Other hot entrees include dishes from China, the west and other parts of Asia, with a particularly notable Shrimp Malay Curry. While an all-you-can-eat buffet's not usually the place to watch your figure, Todai does make an attempt to provide healthy food, with a very nice salad bar and a fantastic selection of fresh juices. The dessert bar is also not to be missed, especially for its delicious crepes, filled with whipped cream, fruits and other sauces. A comfortable ambiance and very friendly and attentive service enhanced the feast, and we loved how the waitresses offered us hand wipes between messy seafood courses. For ¥198 at lunch and ¥258 at dinner, Todai's not budget dining, but with a buffet up to par with some of the city's most celebrated hotel brunches, as well as imported seafood and great service, it's certainly worth a visit. Just make sure to bring a big appetite.

Sienna Parulis-Cook

Contact: Solana, No. 6 Chaoyang Park Road, 朝阳公园路6号蓝色港湾商业区亮马食街, 5905-6888