I'm not a fan of negative reviews.....everyone has a bad night, but our experience on Saturday was completely unacceptable! The customer service was terrible. I ordered hot tea and had to ask THREE times for a cup to place my tea in. My husband was never asked if he wanted a refill on his beverage. Our waitress was extremely rude and went as far as talking and pointing at us as we walked out. We went for "dinner" but there was no roast beef. They failed to refill the fried shrimp until right before we left. The entire meal was lackluster. We've been to Ling's at least 50 times in the 8 years we've lived in Lakeland, but I'm seriously considering never going back. read more

Very disappointing. Food was pretty much cold for a lot of the dishes. And it's overpriced. The hibachi is decent (even though you have to ring the bell to get him to show up) but be warned: you cannot take anything home... Or you pay $9 per pound if you want to take leftovers. Just let down read more

best buffet in town. clean,food is fresh,dont have breakfast because you want to be very hungry, they so good.

One of the better buffets in the South Lakeland area and for good value. This is the standard go-to Chinese buffet my family and I hit up every time I'm in town. The options are plentiful (sushi, hibachi, your chicken varieties, lo mein, etc. and even frog legs!!!), and the food is consistently decent. For dinner, you also have the option of oysters and crab legs. Never have I gotten sick or had issues with the seafood here. You typically get 1-2 dedicated servers that stop by periodically so your table is never cluttered with empty plates nor your cups empty. It's about $20/person for dinner so not a terrible price for what you get. read more

I ate dinner here last Wednesday and the crab legs were disgusting... pure mush. Couldn't get any meat out of the shell cleanly. Not sure what the cook changed up but they were disgusting. read more

Meh. Keep thinking we are going to find a decent Chinese buffet that will offer hot selections with some variety, but this is not it either. I just can't enjoy a meal when I feel like not a single thing is at the temperature it should be! The highlights were the fried donut things (as they actually put out some hot ones) and the fortune cookie.... Mei Fun wasn't too bad either. Crab legs were a joke, not sure what everyone was going crazy for!? Sushi might be decent if buffet sushi is your thing... I think we have sworn off Asian buffets from here on out! read more

I use to love lings! It has gone down hill majorly ! 4 of us went after my sons soccer game and for his bday. Sign clearly says 10.95 and NO MORE CRAB LEGS OR OUSTERS SERVED! ok, fine... we eat maybe two plates each . Their selection is sad, to say the least! After receiving our bill, it was 16.00 per person !!! SO, no all you can eat crab legs or oysters but still charge that amount per person?? Then, the girl proceeds to ask us if we want to pay 15 or 20 % gratuity ! Who does that??!! We will NEVER return to Lings! They are failing as an establishment and are gouging their customers to try and stay afloat! Don't eat here! read more

We came in on a Sunday and the buffet is $15.99 all day. Everything was clean and fresh. They were constantly refilling the food stations. I was surprised by their sushi selection, a lot more than I expected. I didn't care for the seaweed salad, but the edamame was a nice extra. They had crab legs (not sure if this was a Sunday special or not) but they were good. My sister tried a few of the "traditional" Chinese selections and said everything was pretty good. The sugar donuts were nice and hot and yummy! I don't frequent buffets much, but I'm glad we stopped in this one. read more

Ling's has the best Chinese. Any other buffet in Lakeland. And the service is always good. I always enjoy going to eat at ling's especially the Crawfish. Highly recommended if you want good Chinese food. read more

I find most Chinese buffets are not up to par, but Lings is great. The variety is impressive and plenty. Sushi bar had over 12 different choices and they continuously make it in front of you through out the night (I hate pre-made sushi). I havent tried the Mongolian dishes (been to Lings about 10 different times), but for sure next time I will. The only thing I would say is they need to keep the wonton in the boiling hot soup the entire time, otherwise the shell gets hard. Service is quick. Its is only $13.95 for dinner (snow crabs, oysters, shrimp, sushi and more). Bottomline: Recommended. read more

We used to frequent this place a lot. We haven't been back in over a year, but I'll get to that later... First off, let me just say that I used to really like this place. My wife tolerated it because of the Sat. night crab leg deal. I liked it because of the "gangsta" style sushi bar. It's about as real as calling American Chinese food, Chinese food. It's not...but it's not too shabby. Now let me be honest in saying that the food is fine, the service, ambiance, etc. What turned me off was just more of an observation. I spared my wife the trouble of standing in line for the crab legs by doing it for her. While standing in line this toothless fella turned around and decided to explain to me the "strategy" for getting the best crab legs. Right at that moment, another guy walked up with a plate heaped with what looked like buttered shrimp. He dumped two giant ladles of crab butter all over his shrimp and walked off. I was nauseated. I turned around, walked back to the table slowly observing the other clientele, and sat down with a sinking feeling. My wife asked me what was wrong, and I told her, "you know we are the smallest people in here?". I'm a pretty big guy, a little above average for my age but we were munchkins in comparison. I told her my story, and said I will never go to another buffet again. We never did. This isn't a knock on the restaurant, but merely an observation about its patrons. If you can overlook that aspect of it, you might like this place. I would make a joke about the 800lb Gorilla(s) in the living room, but I hope at this point you get the gist. read more

One thing I miss about florida are the buffets. When I visit go as often as I can. I always get lings. can't wait to go back again! read more

Vast assortment of filth and funk (not the good Gap Band kind) disguised as food. Cold Flavorless Over priced Poor quality Foul odor If you're about quantity and quality be damned, this place is for you. Award winning? How? read more

Although not a fan of buffets, Ling's has the largest selection that I've seen in the central Florida area. The food is decent, but not great. Hits are the fried potstickers, jalepeno shrimp, twice cooked pork with onions, and the sushi. The sushi is not as good as the $10 hand rolls you get at a dedicated sushi joint, but they have a large selection and it's fresh, so a good value. The buffet also has american food such as ham, pizza, onion rings, and a salad bar. I like hitting the fruit bar for dessert, but you can indulge your sweet tooth with pastries and ice cream if you so desire. Service is very good. Used plates are removed quickly and drinks are constantly refilled. Lunch is $8, drinks not included. My co-workers and I come here once a month mostly to satisfy sushi cravings. 3 1/2 stars for value, service, and selection. read more

WEAK! Was in here for a lunch with coworkers. Next to me was a HUGE guy. We'll just call him "tons of fun". "Tons" is scarfing down plate after plate of greasy lo mien, cool to the touch S&S Pork, and chicken nuggets. This place is expensive too. Pass. read more

The worst buffet I've been to I am a large man but this place is terrible. Other than the price the place is gross. Foods nasty, cold and the people that work there are something. I truly don't understand the popularity of this place, unless you have no taste buds and just like to wolf down what they call food. People get a life find somewhere else read more

Typical buffet fare. Tasty. Love the wings. Service VERY friendly. Kept my coke filled. Checked back appropriately.The salad bar was nice.Came to check on my sauces. I wish egg rolls were better. Liked having egg Foo young and gravy. Many people masked when getting food, even though they only require if not vaccinated. All staff masked. read more

Hi my name is Jytavious and I just came from Ling's Buffet today. The service was ok but there kitchen dishes were as a dirty as it gets! I wish I would've taken a picture of my plate before the server hurried up and picked it up.. it had a dirty tip of a plastic glove on it that had sauce all over it... it looked like they don't even wash the dishes and the manager only gave me 20% discount instead of taking off my meal. It was Fucking disgusting! Don't eat there! read more

After finding hair in my butter shrimp. I paid the check which had a $1.72 discount on it. So for finding hair in your food especially, not your hair, They still charge you for eating their hair. I didn't make a big stink I showed it to them they didn't even apologize. read more

I have always been a fan of a good Chinese buffet restaurant and have been to quite a few through the Lakeland and Tampa area. Ling's is definitely one of the better Chinese buffets which I have been too. The buffet has a great selection including a very large sushi section. I think there were four rows of food, a sushi area, hibachi area and a dessert area. Staff was friendly and dirty plates were removed quickly and drinks refilled quickly. I would prefer that the drinks would be refilled at the table rather than being removed as I have no idea that I am getting my same drink back when it is taken away for a refill (same comment as another reviewer, but it did seem a little odd). read more

New to Florida,looking for an Asian Buffet place like I used to go to in Los Angeles.Website stated dinner started at 4PM,so this Saturday I arrived just at 4.Hostess asked if I wanted booth or table..I didn't care.But..to seat me at a booth that had blue tape on it to cover cracks in the table,when there were many other places to sit..that table should not have guests. At 4:02..went to get crab legs..there were none.But,when they brought them out 7 min later..one family of 3..emptied the tray..This happened twice.Peoole are so greedy and thoughtless. The ribs were quite good,the sushi fresh,I like the hibachi best,because you get freshly made to your specification..exactly what you want.I will try again..maybe lunch during week... read more

Was there in Sept ,fir my grandbabies 9 birthday there were 15 of us and we sat in the very back room,as we begin to eat german roaches were running up the walls ,we complained and was told them would move us.We finished and left.We will never go back the carpet was also nasty and stained read more

Very bad, egg fu young tough and chewy, chicken dishes soggy, hibachi cook wouldn't cook with sauces you asked for, boiled shrimp was slimy, crawfish over cooked I honestly have had better buffet for have the price read more

Three places named Ling's come up on Yelp search. Two at same address but we could not find the address and the phone has message saying not connected. Tried to find the Florida Ave. location but directions left me in the 100 block of Florida Ave. Called the place and was told to go about 3 more miles south. Glad we did. Good food selection. We went back for refills several times. Our server didn't talk much and as we figured out out bill with tip he suddenly got attentive. That's really the only negative. With tip and beverage it was only about $13 for a good lunch. read more

Ling's Buffet - Inside - Chinese Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

My familia LOVES this place. The price has gone up but we still go back because... well because its a BUFFET, duh. There's something about buffet and the older Asian generations (like my parents generation) that just goes together so well its like second nature. I have tried many times to take my parents, my aunts and uncles to nice establishment but they refuse and always want to go to buffet restaurant vs a fancy 5 star joint. So when that happens its Ling's Buffet to the rescue (or any buffet). The buffet here has a decent selection of food but of course it only gets a 3 star because... well because its a BUFFET. It's basically an eating contest and the chefs knows it so the quality of the food is just "A-OK". Nothing really sticks out about their food so that is also why they only get a 3 star. Anyhow, enjoy stuffing your face. read more

It is a crowd pleasure for sure. If you need a fix for sushi, it will do. Crab legs are decent and the grill is fresh. read more

Ling's Buffet - Happy Easter - Chinese Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

This is my favorite Asian restaurant in town. I always come here with my families. The price is reasonable on weekdays and there is a variety of food choices. The staff are super friendly. I will definitely come back soon. read more

Paid over $17 without tip. Food was not worth it. Nothing was hot - lukewarm or cool. It was during a busy time so this should not be the case! I was so disappointed. Had to pay extra $4 over lunch price because Sushi bar was open - I don't eat Sushi so feel like I should not have paid for it. Oh well, not going back - too many other places to eat. read more

This used to be our favorite place to go for a fancy "dinner out" but no longer. We thought removing the crab and oysters from the dinner buffet might only be temporary but it's been over 6 months and unfortunately it looks like it will be permanent. The sliced roll sushi is still ok but except for that the selection is not as good as Golden Corral which is not far away and less expensive. Sorry to see a good place go. read more

It's just okay. I about died after we got the dinner check when I made the mistake of going in the evening with my son - almost $60.00 for 2 meals and 2 drinks! - so definitely try it out for lunch. Their salad bar is one of the most underwhelming I've seen at any buffet, but they have a large selection with good food overall. We did have to warn them when t he crab had soured when I got their crab salad - the smell and taste was very off - but we had to get another server to help because we didn't want anyone getting sick and they didn't remove the bad food right away. to give them the benefit of the doubt, hopefully that was one servers error because the second server did take it seriously. read more

We go there often it seems they have stopped serving the crab legs which is sad but they were not very large anyway for the price they charged because of them. They have a large variety and it's very tasty. Staff is often it seems in a hurry for people to leave maybe not so kid friendly really ? Not sure. Anyway last few times have felt a little less than welcome there. It's ok not my favorite we usually order in anywY read more

Very disappointed by the service I've received today at my visit. Especially with my server Georgia because I felt as if she genuinely doesn't care about her job. But defiantly will not be coming back!!! read more

Now I'm not for Chinese buffets.. but this was the best one I've been to. Their sushi bar is pretty good and I was surprised.. food is fair and service is good. I recommend going on Sunday for their special read more

I love Ling's Buffet. For a buffet, it is actually quite good, and there is a large selection to choose from, and most of the food is quite tasty. Everyone should be able to find something they like. The servers and staff are friendly, and hospitable. read more

I have very mixed feelings about Ling's, it's extremely hit or miss when you visit. It's nice because they have a lot of variety and when the food is good, it's good! But (over) half of the time, the food is room temperature and tastes like it's been sitting out for hours. Service is okay but lots of employees just standing around staring at you and talking amongst themselves which is a little uncomfortable. Also, in the bathroom you may get choked out by the employee spraying half a bottle of air freshener. read more

Lings is great, for lunch. Dinner is too expensive since they took crab legs away. They have a hibachi station but it's seriously lacking. The sushi is excellent and they always have my favorites. It is certainly one of the better Asian buffets I've been to. read more

My family and I eat at Lings an average of 20 to 30 times a year. We've liked it. In the past it has been fresh and the ownership has been friendly (the lady who always wears summer dresses). After the pandemic there was a noticeable decrease in the quality of the lunch menu, so we now spend more and eat at dinner time or on Sundays. 2 weeks ago I developed a bad case of Diarrhea after eating their sushi. It was so bad that I had to spit out some of the pieces of sushi and the ones that still tasted edible made me sick for a couple of days. I'm a forgiving person, so when my kids asked me to take them to eat at Ling's today, I said "sure". Maybe they were having an off day two weeks ago. I was truly wrong. We ate Saturday dinner time, each person paid an average of $20.00. My wife's shrimp tasted old and she could not eat them. My daughter loves the wonton soup but she could not eat it because it was overly salted and it looked like it had been on the hot plate a long time. My other daughter could not eat the bourbon chicken because it was tough and old as well. I tried the sushi and I had to spit it out again with how horrible it tasted and the crawfish tasted rotten. When we complain to the owner (lady in the dress) she acted like she could care less, she agreed that the soup and the crawfish had been left on the hot plates for 3 hours but fiercely defended the bourbon chicken and straight called me a liar for telling her the sushi tasted horrible. I tried to tell her the tongs used to grab the sushi were filthy and clearly not hygienic but she refused to hear it. By then there was no reason trying to tell her that the hibachi BBQ guy keeps cross contaminating the veggies with the raw chicken (whatever veggies fall on the chicken, he picks them with the chicken tongs and puts them back on the particular veggie container).The owner's response, after arguing with me and calling me a liar was to say "what do you want me to do?" And she left. Immediately after arriving home my daughter who had the bourbon chicken and I had a bad case of diarrhea. I spend $75.00 for my family and I to get the runs. I am never going back to this place and will do everything in my power to get the health department involved in this situation. Once can be called a coincidence, twice is an issue that needs resolving by any means necessary read more

After craving asian food, but being able to decide between chinese takeout and sushi I very happily found Ling's Buffet. It is a calm, friendly and yes, yummy buffet. Is it 5 star food? No, but for the price and selection available I found it to be very good. An asian buffet is no easy task to manage and run efficiently. I was very pleasantly surprised, especially after reading the reviews on here. My server Irene without a doubt made the experience for me. She was exceptional! Very quick, efficient and constantly checked in or was around if I needed anything. I will absolutely be back! Thank you sooo much Irene for making my first experience at Ling's Buffet an amazing one. read more

My husband and I took our three children there. We were sat at table barely big enough for two let alone five, and were sat at the front door, literally a foot from the koi pond. Waited 10 minutes for a high chair. Waited another 10 minutes for beverages, and never saw our waiter again until we were brought our bill. The hostess was a two feet away at the best, and could see we did not have drinks. The food was ok, not great. Some of the items that should have been hot were barely warm. We went during lunch so the selection wasn't very good, basically a salad bar, some fruit, a few pieces of dried out sushi, and some Chinese staple dishes. The website said kids 3 and under eat free, but when we got our bill, we found out that wasn't true. They charged us $5 each for our 1 and 3 year old. Maybe if we went without children, we would have been treated better. We noticed everyone with children were seated very near the front door, like they have special kids only section. $50 later and alot of aggravation, we probably will not go back. Too many other choices. If they don't want children in the restaurant, just be honest and have a sign that says children not welcome!! read more

After reading several reviews on yelp, I wondered if we were writing about the same place. This is a buffet . . . a buffet! Food is not delivered hot to your table. It requires that I take only a small amount of food at a time so that it does not get cold as I eat. I avoid going to buffets, but Ling's is the exception. My initial visit sold me. The cleanliness was the first thing that jumped out at me. I have been back to this Ling's many times and always found it to be nothing but outstanding. Is it perfect? No, but what place is? Entering the restaurant, you pass a small pond of fish as you approach the receptionist. I have a preferred seating area and have always been granted that specific area. As the receptionist seats you, expect her to asked for your drink choice and then instruct you to go to the food banks. There is an exceptionally wide selection of food that will surely fit almost everyone's taste. When you return to your table, your drink will be waiting for you. Return to the food banks as many times as you want. What more is there to an all-you-can-eat buffet? If for some reason the visitor does have a bad experience, and I'm certain that happens from time to time, then that client will not return. But, for as many times as I have eaten here, I have never had anything but a wonderful experience. Dinners are more expensive that lunches but offer even larger selections. read more