Kumo Japanese Seafood Buffet

I enjoy all kinds of food. I know a lot of people look down their nose at buffets (especially after the pandemic), but a buffet is a great way to try things you might not normally order at a restaurant (I think Indian buffets are a great way to dip a toe in – I recommend Himalayan and Indian Flame, btw). I think Kumo is one of the better Chinese/Asian buffets in town, and many people agree with me. I liked Mandarin Seafood Buffet in Twinsburg, but it was a Fiji or Kumo as well for a while and is now Fun Buffet. I would pop in when I wanted something filling and fast. In any event, many people recommend Kumo as being one of the best – with Fiji just across the street. I’ve also been to Fiji, but I just prefer Kumo. It’s got a good vibe and comfy booths/chairs, even if they are getting a little worn. It is also in the strip mall right next to the Parma Snow library branch, so I enjoy eating there before or after a library event.

I was introduced to Kumo years ago before the pandemic by a financial advisor who appreciates good food and would go there for their lunch buffet. Like it or not, buffets are a great value for the money. The lunch buffet at Kumo is $14.99 (from 11 to 3:30) and the dinner buffet is $23.99. There are cheaper prices for seniors (60+) and kids (7-10). And they sometimes run promotional prices for less ($11.99 for lunch and $19.99 most recently if you don’t get hot pot). For that, you get all kinds of chicken, beef, seafood and pork dishes, four or five different soups, a hot pot station, a salad bar as well as 20 sushi rolls and several dessert options such as ice cream, pudding and fruit to enjoy. And they also offer dim sum on the weekends (all day on Sunday, which is $23.99 all day). The buffet is also offered to go at $3.99 a pound for lunch and $4.99 a pound for dinner (seafood and hot pot are extra) with 1, 2 or 3 entrees. And they do a great job replenishing the steam tables.

If you get there shortly before dinner, you are given a choice of lunch or dinner- and all of the dinner entrees are clearly labeled “dinner only” in front of the steam pan if you just want the lunch. I was there recently at 3:15. I decided to just pay for the dinner so I didn’t inadvertantly grab some dinner choices. That’s how I know about the signs. It turns out all of my favorites are served at lunch. The only dinner item I ended up getting were some crab legs that were overcooked/dry as dust. Hard pass next time, and now I know.

When I decided to write about Kumo, I compiled all my photos from over the years (all the way back to 2015, but not all are going to be included here). I noticed a pattern, and I definitely have favorites. The nice thing about a buffet is everyone can enjoy their own favorites and mix and match/pick and choose. All of the food is labelled on the sneeze guards, so there is no guessing.

I always start my visit at the sushi station. You can get a single slice from a roll as well as nigiri and sometimes sashimi. I love sushi, but any roll is a commitment. A sushi roll is usually about $20 now, so a plate of sushi options allows me to ‘break even’ and I haven’t even hit the entrees. There is no commitment here – you just choose what looks good to you. They also have plenty of ginger and wasabi and little containers for soy and other sauces. I also enjoy the peel and eat shrimp. I have been known to get adventurous and try the crawfish or snail – or go for other things like fried appetizers (rangoon, egg rolls, dumplings/gyoza, etc.) during round one. Sometimes I get a soup. It all depends on what I’m in the mood for.

Round two is usually dedicated to the entrees. I really enjoy the ‘seafood and cheese’ as well as the chicken and broccoli or chicken and mushroom – and the mango chicken is tasty. I always get some rice and/or lo mein as well. I just grab a scoop of whatever looks good to me. I am not a huge fan of hot pot, so I don’t get any of that. The hot pot stuff is also clearly labeled and is around the left of the sushi station and towards the rear of the restaurant. If you love hot pot there is also plenty of options.

I usually don’t have much room left for a round three of entrees, so round three for me is usually dessert. The desserts are on the very right against the wall. I obviously enjoy the pudding(s) and the bananas, because I have them on every plate I’ve had. Every. Single. Time. LOL

The buffet has some picky-kid-friendly choices like wings, but I’m there for the seafood and Asian food. It’s literally got something for everyone. So if you are in te mood for a quick meal and lots of choices, be sure to check out Kumo.

Contact info:

Kumo Japanese Seafood Buffet
1975 Snow Road
Parma, OH 44134
(216) 741-3038