Let me start out by saying: actions speak louder than words. And my partner and I have eaten at this buffet 3 times in the last 7 days. If you've eaten at an asian-owned buffet before, you sort of already know what to expect in terms of what dishes are offered. Hokkaido has most of what you'd expect. What gives it the edge is that their service is excellent. Like, really excellent. I see the waitress standing by surveying what people need and scooping up the finished plates really promptly. The front desk are really nice people when it comes time to pay. And they were very diligent about keeping the dishes refilled and fresh. This last part is especially important because buffets like to run texture/temperature sensitive foods that get gross when outside of their ideal parameters (like french fries, wontons, or friend chicken that aren't crispy anymore). So you can usually count on those being pretty crispy (and if not, fill a plate with other items and come back after when they're restocked. #BuffetStrats) I also need to give special shoutouts to their sashimi which is pretty fresh and their bao. Which is like biting into a cloud. They've got a sweet one that I think is mango custard filled or something? Not sure. But it's amazing. They've got fried crab. TONS of fish items. Like, really a lot of seafood options. It's not a huge buffet spot. Only a couple of rows of trays. It's not fancy or trying to be flashy and as far as options, they have fewer than most. But I found almost every tray they had out to be something I actually wanted to eat. As opposed to the larger places that have tons of filler dishes and only a few things I want. So now that I'm done opining, here's the summary of why this place is 5 stars. 1) I can walk here 2) $14 lunch buffet? Yes plz. 3) Service is excellent across all 3 visits. 4) Food trays cycles regularly 5) I literally watch them diligently clean. (Particularly important for COVID concerned buffet-lovers) 6) lots of seafood options 7) BAO 8) Everything I do need. Nothing I don't. Solid choice. I might not drive miles and miles to come here. But when it's just down the street? I'm a regular. And that's a 5 star option in my book because I'm hardly a regular anywhere.
S N.
Price here is $14.99 -- $1 more than Newark Buffet . Live near San Jose/Santa Clara -- so decided to go for this . Mainly chinese food buffet . Food is very average and was not good for the price . I will try out the Newark buffet for $13.99 . Here, the items were not hot -- they use hot water to keep it heated but food was not hot . Sushi was good and to be honest they have wide selection here. Chicken dishes were ok. Desert here was good with custard buns, rice pudding, pastries . 2 stars -- bit below average . Ok if you have a large family & live in San Jose/Santa Clara border.
Yaz U.
I used to come here all the time before covid. I came here recently and wasn't impressed. I'm not sure what changed exactly but I feel like the quality of the food went down. I remember trying numerous food options before and leaving super happy, but this time I wasn't as satisfied. The other problem I had was understanding their protocol with covid. When you walk in the give you plastic gloves, require a mask, and take you to your table. No one at the serving stations were using the gloves and half the people were not wearing masks. Even though I am vaxxed and much less paranoid than others, it was unsettling to see guidelines not being followed through. Literally not a single employee said anything to anyone. I don't know if I will be back anytime soon.
Elaine L.
First time trying this buffet while California is transitioning to a "new normal" during the pandemic :) Came here during Sunday lunch hour and paid $25.99 per person since it's Father's Day pricing. A bit pricey considering how a couple of hot food sections were closed off and the food selection was limited but had variety. Be prepared for some customers walking around with no masks on. Have to trust the vaccine honor system, I guess...however, the staff were all wearing gloves and had masks on, so that was reassuring. The plates were clean and I saw staff replacing tongs occasionally and wiping counters down. The food overall is not bad, but not great enough to write home about. Just your standard AYCE grub. I missed the buffet experience so I had a good time. Service was friendly and attentive. Dirty dishes didn't pile up at my table and it was easy to flag someone down for napkins or water refills.
Natasa T.
They severed me a cup of Coke that full of fat and dirts floating on the surface . The food is cold .
Mark L.
Visited Hokkaido on a Thursday morning around 11:30am. This was the first time at a buffet in over a year, so we were really looking forward to it after seeing that it was open on Yelp. Upon entry, they had disposable gloves and we were promptly seated and were off to gather food. Lots of caveats though. While there, there were only around 20-30 customers, so basically empty. The problem with this is that AYCE quality relies on rapid turnaround of dishes, otherwise things get cold. Most dishes were less than lukewarm, though when they were refilled from the kitchen, the new food was fresh. There was little refilling until trays were near empty which was rare. the fried chicken was cool, but after refilling, the new pieces were hot. In over an hour, the chicken was replenished only once. Clams were cold, other types of chicken were cold, and pretty much everything else. There were 3 types of chicken, one pork, but no beef. Garlic bread was tough - sitting too long, and the sushi had been sitting for a while as well. One steam table had foods on melanine dishes - not enough demand to fill a whole steam table tray The steam tables seemed turned down low enough that the food did not stay warm. One steam table was not used. Even the cream puffs must have been out for a couple of days - stale and dry. The steamed dimsum was borderline spoiled. Likely because of sparse patronage, food offerings were minimal - no incentive to cook more unless there are more people to eat. One positive side effect of sparse patronage was that the restrooms were relatively clean (not as dirty). But, this was the first time eating at a buffet and it appears that people are not yet ready to eat out at this type of restaurant. In the old days, I would have rated the food unacceptable and I would not come back. However, in the future with things hopefully getting back to normal, if I drive by and the parking lot is full, I'll try it again. I have always hated crowds, but I now look forward to a full restaurant along with the freshness and variety of food that comes with that. Right now, there are better choices with much better quality at non AYCE sit down restaurants which are opening up for indoor service.
Duyen N.
I like oysters, but I must wait. It's not enough the foods for everybody. However, sushi very good, fresh and sweets.
Deekay K.
So far so good. First time here and well operated. Food is decent. Not much option but it is well dined. Very spacious and just prepared for wearing gloves and mask when getting food. Restroom well sanitize and clean. I recommend this place for buffet choice in the area.
Jake H.
YES they ARE OPEN! Finally get to revisit again after a year! I am glad they are opening again. As Asian Buffet as it gets, you get what you paid for, so I am not going to comment on the food. It is decent and I don't get the itching after I have unfresh seafood. So that's good for me. What's different is everyone needs to wear provided gloves and keep masks on when guests are getting their food.
Chris T.
I just passed by and there is an opening soon sign above the entrance. Whether it's the same owner or a buffet remains to be seen. I hope so, Hokkaido was quality .
Before covid-19 I used to have all my birthday's there excellent place
Walter zel
Excellent food quality ?
Pam Santos
Love this place !!! Chicken on a stick...pork chop bites...omg...so many delicious things here !!!
Donald Sherman
I take my family to this restaurant quite often! This is my favorite place to grab a bite. I visit this spot many times. The cooking is very good, the crew is courteous and the prices are affordable. I enjoy being in this place over a rich dinner.
Allan Cannon
I had an amazing time in this place. We loved the fantastic environment and the meals. The staff were super amiable. I am glad we eventually managed to visit here.
Let me start out by saying: actions speak louder than words. And my partner and I have eaten at this buffet 3 times in the last 7 days. If you've eaten at an asian-owned buffet before, you sort of already know what to expect in terms of what dishes are offered. Hokkaido has most of what you'd expect. What gives it the edge is that their service is excellent. Like, really excellent. I see the waitress standing by surveying what people need and scooping up the finished plates really promptly. The front desk are really nice people when it comes time to pay. And they were very diligent about keeping the dishes refilled and fresh. This last part is especially important because buffets like to run texture/temperature sensitive foods that get gross when outside of their ideal parameters (like french fries, wontons, or friend chicken that aren't crispy anymore). So you can usually count on those being pretty crispy (and if not, fill a plate with other items and come back after when they're restocked. #BuffetStrats) I also need to give special shoutouts to their sashimi which is pretty fresh and their bao. Which is like biting into a cloud. They've got a sweet one that I think is mango custard filled or something? Not sure. But it's amazing. They've got fried crab. TONS of fish items. Like, really a lot of seafood options. It's not a huge buffet spot. Only a couple of rows of trays. It's not fancy or trying to be flashy and as far as options, they have fewer than most. But I found almost every tray they had out to be something I actually wanted to eat. As opposed to the larger places that have tons of filler dishes and only a few things I want. So now that I'm done opining, here's the summary of why this place is 5 stars. 1) I can walk here 2) $14 lunch buffet? Yes plz. 3) Service is excellent across all 3 visits. 4) Food trays cycles regularly 5) I literally watch them diligently clean. (Particularly important for COVID concerned buffet-lovers) 6) lots of seafood options 7) BAO 8) Everything I do need. Nothing I don't. Solid choice. I might not drive miles and miles to come here. But when it's just down the street? I'm a regular. And that's a 5 star option in my book because I'm hardly a regular anywhere.
Price here is $14.99 -- $1 more than Newark Buffet . Live near San Jose/Santa Clara -- so decided to go for this . Mainly chinese food buffet . Food is very average and was not good for the price . I will try out the Newark buffet for $13.99 . Here, the items were not hot -- they use hot water to keep it heated but food was not hot . Sushi was good and to be honest they have wide selection here. Chicken dishes were ok. Desert here was good with custard buns, rice pudding, pastries . 2 stars -- bit below average . Ok if you have a large family & live in San Jose/Santa Clara border.
I used to come here all the time before covid. I came here recently and wasn't impressed. I'm not sure what changed exactly but I feel like the quality of the food went down. I remember trying numerous food options before and leaving super happy, but this time I wasn't as satisfied. The other problem I had was understanding their protocol with covid. When you walk in the give you plastic gloves, require a mask, and take you to your table. No one at the serving stations were using the gloves and half the people were not wearing masks. Even though I am vaxxed and much less paranoid than others, it was unsettling to see guidelines not being followed through. Literally not a single employee said anything to anyone. I don't know if I will be back anytime soon.
First time trying this buffet while California is transitioning to a "new normal" during the pandemic :) Came here during Sunday lunch hour and paid $25.99 per person since it's Father's Day pricing. A bit pricey considering how a couple of hot food sections were closed off and the food selection was limited but had variety. Be prepared for some customers walking around with no masks on. Have to trust the vaccine honor system, I guess...however, the staff were all wearing gloves and had masks on, so that was reassuring. The plates were clean and I saw staff replacing tongs occasionally and wiping counters down. The food overall is not bad, but not great enough to write home about. Just your standard AYCE grub. I missed the buffet experience so I had a good time. Service was friendly and attentive. Dirty dishes didn't pile up at my table and it was easy to flag someone down for napkins or water refills.
They severed me a cup of Coke that full of fat and dirts floating on the surface . The food is cold .
Visited Hokkaido on a Thursday morning around 11:30am. This was the first time at a buffet in over a year, so we were really looking forward to it after seeing that it was open on Yelp. Upon entry, they had disposable gloves and we were promptly seated and were off to gather food. Lots of caveats though. While there, there were only around 20-30 customers, so basically empty. The problem with this is that AYCE quality relies on rapid turnaround of dishes, otherwise things get cold. Most dishes were less than lukewarm, though when they were refilled from the kitchen, the new food was fresh. There was little refilling until trays were near empty which was rare. the fried chicken was cool, but after refilling, the new pieces were hot. In over an hour, the chicken was replenished only once. Clams were cold, other types of chicken were cold, and pretty much everything else. There were 3 types of chicken, one pork, but no beef. Garlic bread was tough - sitting too long, and the sushi had been sitting for a while as well. One steam table had foods on melanine dishes - not enough demand to fill a whole steam table tray The steam tables seemed turned down low enough that the food did not stay warm. One steam table was not used. Even the cream puffs must have been out for a couple of days - stale and dry. The steamed dimsum was borderline spoiled. Likely because of sparse patronage, food offerings were minimal - no incentive to cook more unless there are more people to eat. One positive side effect of sparse patronage was that the restrooms were relatively clean (not as dirty). But, this was the first time eating at a buffet and it appears that people are not yet ready to eat out at this type of restaurant. In the old days, I would have rated the food unacceptable and I would not come back. However, in the future with things hopefully getting back to normal, if I drive by and the parking lot is full, I'll try it again. I have always hated crowds, but I now look forward to a full restaurant along with the freshness and variety of food that comes with that. Right now, there are better choices with much better quality at non AYCE sit down restaurants which are opening up for indoor service.
I like oysters, but I must wait. It's not enough the foods for everybody. However, sushi very good, fresh and sweets.
So far so good. First time here and well operated. Food is decent. Not much option but it is well dined. Very spacious and just prepared for wearing gloves and mask when getting food. Restroom well sanitize and clean. I recommend this place for buffet choice in the area.
YES they ARE OPEN! Finally get to revisit again after a year! I am glad they are opening again. As Asian Buffet as it gets, you get what you paid for, so I am not going to comment on the food. It is decent and I don't get the itching after I have unfresh seafood. So that's good for me. What's different is everyone needs to wear provided gloves and keep masks on when guests are getting their food.
I just passed by and there is an opening soon sign above the entrance. Whether it's the same owner or a buffet remains to be seen. I hope so, Hokkaido was quality .
Restaurantji Recommends
Before covid-19 I used to have all my birthday's there excellent place
Excellent food quality ?
Love this place !!! Chicken on a stick...pork chop bites...omg...so many delicious things here !!!
I take my family to this restaurant quite often! This is my favorite place to grab a bite. I visit this spot many times. The cooking is very good, the crew is courteous and the prices are affordable. I enjoy being in this place over a rich dinner.
I had an amazing time in this place. We loved the fantastic environment and the meals. The staff were super amiable. I am glad we eventually managed to visit here.