I was advised to try out this place by a friend. We went after church, I wanted an inexpensive option for lunch after hearing the Word. We landed at China Pearl. We were seated right away when we entered, the hostess and server were very professional. The food selection was basic Chinese buffet fare but it was very tasty. I sampled several items, the shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, string beans, and chicken were all well made. The sushi was fresh, made right next to the display table by a chef. The deserts are good, nothing special but very good for the price. The servers are attentive and quick with drink refills. All in all this is a great bargain. It is very affordable and a good way to fill up if you are in the carrollwood area looking for a buffet meal without breaking your wallet.
(4)
Julius V.
Came for the dinner buffet. Maybe it wasn't the best time to come??? The sushi had been sitting for some time (the tuna rolls were turning dark brown), and the food on the hot tables seemed like it had been there for some time as well. This was surprising, as it had come highly recommended by some close friends. Maybe just not their night, as the best thing I had was the jello... to remove the taste of the teriyaki chicken from my mouth.
(2)
Peter C.
The food is cold and nasty the people are nice... I went twice and had same experience and will never go back...
(2)
Gregory M.
Probably the worst buffet I have ever eaten at, everything was cold and was obviously sitting a while before I ate it......people were nice.
(1)
Robin W.
I love chineese buffet b/c you get to sample everything and go back for seconds so for me ITS ALL GOOD. I started off (as always) with hot & sour soup topped it off with the fried noodles. The soup was great and the noodles were fresh, some that want to pass off the lil round noodles you can get from the grocery those will not do yuck! Then on to the main course; the chicken and broccoli, sweet and sour chicken, Mongolian chicken along with general tso chicken were good. The crab rangoons and spring rolls were really good and not stale.I choose for dessert, they had several usual flavors but the coconut was the flavor of the year. pleasant surprise. The place was really clean ... I mean really clean! The wait staff was friendly and did not keep coming to the table to pick up dirty dishes. I know that cleaning up the dirty dishes is a good thing but some places seem to be like vultures perched to swoop them up just before you are done. I will be going back but dont trust me go see for your self I bet you will be back,
(4)
Marynell C.
1st visit great buffet many selections including crab legs nice & clean
(3)
Sandra T.
Don't waste your money. Just went here about 2 weeks ago and everything was disgusting looking. They don't season their food well. The food was cold. I was scared to death to touch the sushi. Temperatures are off. We were scared before we ate, but we were sooo hungry and just wanted to try the food. We ate half a plate of food and left. I told the dyke lady how terrible everything was and she didn't even offer to give a discount. She just asked me eactly what was bad. I told her everything was and she just said sorry and gave me the total of $25. Had to go down the street to Burger Monger right after to get decent meal. I wouldn't take my dog here to eat. We should have known when we entered during dinner time and only 2 other tables were filled.
(1)
Xaxira V.
Run for the hills. I went here with my boyfriend who was born & raised in Tampa and the last time he made an appearance at China Pearl was when he was 13 years old. He told me this great story about their food and how they used to have unlimited crab legs and how "delicious" it was. So we went and I wanted to walk out the moment I set foot inside, but my boyfriend is an odd one that once he walks in regardless of the situation we are going to eat there. This establishment is a horror show and no longer is the China Pearl he once knew. The food is lukewarm, the sushi is alarming and should not be touched with a ten foot pole, the ambience is depressing as you stare at the surrounding delusional people eating the bland, weirdly flavored food, and going up for second helpings. On top of all that there is a sign on the buffet that says "If you need your food heated up ask your server" That right there should have been a dead giveaway, but I still proceeded to try the food that whispered "We've been out here since this morning, we're still good, I promise. Just try us." Nothing, Nothing, NOTHING, except for the water, Mountain Dew mix, and the waitresses being on top of their refill game was good. I am not too depressed for my wallet loss since it was ~10 dollars to eat there, but to those who are considering this save your time and your intestines and go somewhere else.
(1)
Mojdeh S.
How I heard of this place: Flora recommended hitting up the Chinese buffet on our way back from two hours of sun and swimming at Clearwater beach. It sounded like this was one of Carl & Flora's go-to restaurants; even Chris recognized the newly renovated interior. Type of cuisine: Chinese, sushi, American. Everything from General Tso's chicken to Crab Rangoon, gyoza to fried plantains, boiled dumplings and fried chicken to crinkle-cut fries, fish sticks and won ton soup. Two large buffets of meats and vegetables, and one smaller buffet for the sushi, fruit (limited to watermelon) and desserts: cake, ice cream, coconut macaroons, chocolate pudding, fried sesame balls with red bean paste and Asian-style donuts tossed in sugar. Ambiance: The red and yellow exterior, from signage to roof to outside walls with green accents surround an almost completely windowless, one-story building. The entryway opens up onto a small foyer with a brown, wooden shelving unit ornamented with Chinese artwork and a gold, waving cat figure. A small, jade elephant holds sprouting bamboo on its back, as patrons make their way into the restaurant. The large, open, newly renovated seating area, offers chair and booth seating around thickly laminated wooden tables, some in a deep burgundy, others in lighter cream colors. Waist-height walls are built to separate spaces one from the other, creating more intimate settings where larger parties can maintain boundaries. Red-cushioned and backed chairs with green legs or red faux-leather booth benches sit next to the tables, which are set far enough apart to allow for ease of getting up and sitting back down with new plates of food, piled high. Staff are always readily available, but inconspicuous, which gives the impression of empty plates mysteriously disappearing as you are taking your last bite or are at the buffet for your second, third or fourth helping. The music of Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey can be heard overhead, set to elevator-themes creating a light lounge feel. What I ordered: The four of us eating at China Pearl enjoyed the buffet. I sampled nearly one of everything: Crab Rangoon, General Tso's Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Bourbon Chicken, Sweet & Sour Pork, Broccoli & Beef, chow mein, rice noodles with spring onions and egg, a chicken nugget, grilled potatoes, fried bananas, mushrooms, green beans, broccoli, stuffed mushrooms, Pepper chicken, teriyaki chicken, and then I made my way to the dessert bar. I had two Sesame Balls, one and a half donuts, tasted the coconut macaroon, a bite of white cake with a thin layer of cream & strawberry preserves, and a spoon of chocolate pudding. What I loved: Of the main entrees, I most enjoyed the Pepper Chicken. One of my dining companions agreed, with General Tso's getting our third dining companions rave review. Our fourth diner enjoyed the fried chicken and desserts! I always like the sesame balls and this occasion was no different. But the thick, fried dough(nut) was delicious and warranted a full one to myself, rather than solely the first, shared donut. Why I loved it: I loved that the food was served in smaller dishes so that it could be freshly topped in less time than many buffets I have visited. The space was clean, quiet and open. Our dishes were picked up quickly, inviting us to return to the buffets for more...and more... Cost: Average
(2)
Al M.
All I can say about this place: YUCK! It should never be called "Super Buffet", rather "Mini Buffet". There is nothing either about this place warranting to be called "Sushi" when the selection of sushi is limited to 4 types of rolls! The cleaning "island" is in the middle of the restaurant and we saw an opened box of Theraflu and an opened sore throat candies laying among the dirty dishes. Someone sick was working and passing germs to all of us....wow just wow!! The premises seem dirty and the outside, parking lot and building, neglected. I will not return to this buffet again!
(1)
Steve E.
Wow, this is one of those times that I wish I had paid attention to the Yelp reviews before stepping foot into this AYCE American Chinese buffet. China Pearl SUPER Buffet is located along N. Dale Mabry Highway right before the bridge carrying you over the railroad tracks and Busch Boulevard, and then before the traffic light at Linebaugh Avenue. From the outside the restaurant is modeled to look like a cheery Asian temple with lots of blues, reds, and golds, and there is a large parking lot to handle the swarms of walking dead Wal-Creatures who decide to stop here. My first clue that this was destined to be a forgettable meal was the fact there were only 5 tables of people inside of the restaurant, and that none of these people were Asian. After surveying the crowd I realized that there were some important differentiators between me and the rest of these people: #1 I have a pulse. #2 I was not wearing pajama bottoms and flip flops. #3 I was not shoveling the food into my mouth without chewing. There are three food stations set up to one side of the restaurant. The first, closest to the wall, had wilted salad fixings, fruit, pudding, Jell-O, and sheet cakes. At the far end of this table was the sushi -- primarily California rolls, and pieces of nigiri that had been sitting out so long that the fish had actually turned a gray color. YUM!!!! The second and third stations were set up as steam tables. This was the usual collection of soup pots, fried rice, Asian noodles, crab Rangoon, greasy egg rolls, fried chicken fingers, and deep-fried mystery meals. One small problem -- there were no heated water baths under the buffet pans to keep the food steaming warm. Instead, everything sat under heat lamps until it was devoid of any moisture.....or flavor. Everything looked as though it had been fried in oil. The food tasted greasy, and salty, and was just a notch above room temperature. I will say that the servers were very pleasant, and quick to refill my Diet Coke, and for that this restaurant has earned one star. Next time I'll avoid going here and therefore no longer need the the post-meal bottle of Kaopectate. I'll just visit the drive-thru at KFC instead.
(1)
Astulia C.
This place deserves less than one star. They should NEVER be called super buffer. It's a joke! Nothing is super there. If you are looking for sushi, never go there, it was old and only like 3 kinds. Yuck. Inside looked dirty too, window frames looked so dirty. I wish i had never gone there. It's disgusting.
(1)
Sandra T.
Don't waste your money. Just went here about 2 weeks ago and everything was disgusting looking. They don't season their food well. The food was cold. I was scared to death to touch the sushi. Temperatures are off. We were scared before we ate, but we were sooo hungry and just wanted to try the food. We ate half a plate of food and left. I told the dyke lady how terrible everything was and she didn't even offer to give a discount. She just asked me eactly what was bad. I told her everything was and she just said sorry and gave me the total of $25. Had to go down the street to Burger Monger right after to get decent meal. I wouldn't take my dog here to eat. We should have known when we entered during dinner time and only 2 other tables were filled.
(1)
Xaxira V.
Run for the hills. I went here with my boyfriend who was born & raised in Tampa and the last time he made an appearance at China Pearl was when he was 13 years old. He told me this great story about their food and how they used to have unlimited crab legs and how "delicious" it was. So we went and I wanted to walk out the moment I set foot inside, but my boyfriend is an odd one that once he walks in regardless of the situation we are going to eat there. This establishment is a horror show and no longer is the China Pearl he once knew. The food is lukewarm, the sushi is alarming and should not be touched with a ten foot pole, the ambience is depressing as you stare at the surrounding delusional people eating the bland, weirdly flavored food, and going up for second helpings. On top of all that there is a sign on the buffet that says "If you need your food heated up ask your server" That right there should have been a dead giveaway, but I still proceeded to try the food that whispered "We've been out here since this morning, we're still good, I promise. Just try us." Nothing, Nothing, NOTHING, except for the water, Mountain Dew mix, and the waitresses being on top of their refill game was good. I am not too depressed for my wallet loss since it was ~10 dollars to eat there, but to those who are considering this save your time and your intestines and go somewhere else.
(1)
Mojdeh S.
How I heard of this place: Flora recommended hitting up the Chinese buffet on our way back from two hours of sun and swimming at Clearwater beach. It sounded like this was one of Carl & Flora's go-to restaurants; even Chris recognized the newly renovated interior. Type of cuisine: Chinese, sushi, American. Everything from General Tso's chicken to Crab Rangoon, gyoza to fried plantains, boiled dumplings and fried chicken to crinkle-cut fries, fish sticks and won ton soup. Two large buffets of meats and vegetables, and one smaller buffet for the sushi, fruit (limited to watermelon) and desserts: cake, ice cream, coconut macaroons, chocolate pudding, fried sesame balls with red bean paste and Asian-style donuts tossed in sugar. Ambiance: The red and yellow exterior, from signage to roof to outside walls with green accents surround an almost completely windowless, one-story building. The entryway opens up onto a small foyer with a brown, wooden shelving unit ornamented with Chinese artwork and a gold, waving cat figure. A small, jade elephant holds sprouting bamboo on its back, as patrons make their way into the restaurant. The large, open, newly renovated seating area, offers chair and booth seating around thickly laminated wooden tables, some in a deep burgundy, others in lighter cream colors. Waist-height walls are built to separate spaces one from the other, creating more intimate settings where larger parties can maintain boundaries. Red-cushioned and backed chairs with green legs or red faux-leather booth benches sit next to the tables, which are set far enough apart to allow for ease of getting up and sitting back down with new plates of food, piled high. Staff are always readily available, but inconspicuous, which gives the impression of empty plates mysteriously disappearing as you are taking your last bite or are at the buffet for your second, third or fourth helping. The music of Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey can be heard overhead, set to elevator-themes creating a light lounge feel. What I ordered: The four of us eating at China Pearl enjoyed the buffet. I sampled nearly one of everything: Crab Rangoon, General Tso's Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Bourbon Chicken, Sweet & Sour Pork, Broccoli & Beef, chow mein, rice noodles with spring onions and egg, a chicken nugget, grilled potatoes, fried bananas, mushrooms, green beans, broccoli, stuffed mushrooms, Pepper chicken, teriyaki chicken, and then I made my way to the dessert bar. I had two Sesame Balls, one and a half donuts, tasted the coconut macaroon, a bite of white cake with a thin layer of cream & strawberry preserves, and a spoon of chocolate pudding. What I loved: Of the main entrees, I most enjoyed the Pepper Chicken. One of my dining companions agreed, with General Tso's getting our third dining companions rave review. Our fourth diner enjoyed the fried chicken and desserts! I always like the sesame balls and this occasion was no different. But the thick, fried dough(nut) was delicious and warranted a full one to myself, rather than solely the first, shared donut. Why I loved it: I loved that the food was served in smaller dishes so that it could be freshly topped in less time than many buffets I have visited. The space was clean, quiet and open. Our dishes were picked up quickly, inviting us to return to the buffets for more...and more... Cost: Average
(2)
Steve E.
Wow, this is one of those times that I wish I had paid attention to the Yelp reviews before stepping foot into this AYCE American Chinese buffet. China Pearl SUPER Buffet is located along N. Dale Mabry Highway right before the bridge carrying you over the railroad tracks and Busch Boulevard, and then before the traffic light at Linebaugh Avenue. From the outside the restaurant is modeled to look like a cheery Asian temple with lots of blues, reds, and golds, and there is a large parking lot to handle the swarms of walking dead Wal-Creatures who decide to stop here. My first clue that this was destined to be a forgettable meal was the fact there were only 5 tables of people inside of the restaurant, and that none of these people were Asian. After surveying the crowd I realized that there were some important differentiators between me and the rest of these people: #1 I have a pulse. #2 I was not wearing pajama bottoms and flip flops. #3 I was not shoveling the food into my mouth without chewing. There are three food stations set up to one side of the restaurant. The first, closest to the wall, had wilted salad fixings, fruit, pudding, Jell-O, and sheet cakes. At the far end of this table was the sushi -- primarily California rolls, and pieces of nigiri that had been sitting out so long that the fish had actually turned a gray color. YUM!!!! The second and third stations were set up as steam tables. This was the usual collection of soup pots, fried rice, Asian noodles, crab Rangoon, greasy egg rolls, fried chicken fingers, and deep-fried mystery meals. One small problem -- there were no heated water baths under the buffet pans to keep the food steaming warm. Instead, everything sat under heat lamps until it was devoid of any moisture.....or flavor. Everything looked as though it had been fried in oil. The food tasted greasy, and salty, and was just a notch above room temperature. I will say that the servers were very pleasant, and quick to refill my Diet Coke, and for that this restaurant has earned one star. Next time I'll avoid going here and therefore no longer need the the post-meal bottle of Kaopectate. I'll just visit the drive-thru at KFC instead.
(1)
Astulia C.
This place deserves less than one star. They should NEVER be called super buffer. It's a joke! Nothing is super there. If you are looking for sushi, never go there, it was old and only like 3 kinds. Yuck. Inside looked dirty too, window frames looked so dirty. I wish i had never gone there. It's disgusting.
(1)
Al M.
All I can say about this place: YUCK! It should never be called "Super Buffet", rather "Mini Buffet". There is nothing either about this place warranting to be called "Sushi" when the selection of sushi is limited to 4 types of rolls! The cleaning "island" is in the middle of the restaurant and we saw an opened box of Theraflu and an opened sore throat candies laying among the dirty dishes. Someone sick was working and passing germs to all of us....wow just wow!! The premises seem dirty and the outside, parking lot and building, neglected. I will not return to this buffet again!
(1)
Chuck S.
I was advised to try out this place by a friend. We went after church, I wanted an inexpensive option for lunch after hearing the Word. We landed at China Pearl. We were seated right away when we entered, the hostess and server were very professional. The food selection was basic Chinese buffet fare but it was very tasty. I sampled several items, the shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, string beans, and chicken were all well made. The sushi was fresh, made right next to the display table by a chef. The deserts are good, nothing special but very good for the price. The servers are attentive and quick with drink refills. All in all this is a great bargain. It is very affordable and a good way to fill up if you are in the carrollwood area looking for a buffet meal without breaking your wallet.
(4)
Julius V.
Came for the dinner buffet. Maybe it wasn't the best time to come??? The sushi had been sitting for some time (the tuna rolls were turning dark brown), and the food on the hot tables seemed like it had been there for some time as well. This was surprising, as it had come highly recommended by some close friends. Maybe just not their night, as the best thing I had was the jello... to remove the taste of the teriyaki chicken from my mouth.
(2)
Peter C.
The food is cold and nasty the people are nice... I went twice and had same experience and will never go back...
(2)
Gregory M.
Probably the worst buffet I have ever eaten at, everything was cold and was obviously sitting a while before I ate it......people were nice.
(1)
Robin W.
I love chineese buffet b/c you get to sample everything and go back for seconds so for me ITS ALL GOOD. I started off (as always) with hot & sour soup topped it off with the fried noodles. The soup was great and the noodles were fresh, some that want to pass off the lil round noodles you can get from the grocery those will not do yuck! Then on to the main course; the chicken and broccoli, sweet and sour chicken, Mongolian chicken along with general tso chicken were good. The crab rangoons and spring rolls were really good and not stale.I choose for dessert, they had several usual flavors but the coconut was the flavor of the year. pleasant surprise. The place was really clean ... I mean really clean! The wait staff was friendly and did not keep coming to the table to pick up dirty dishes. I know that cleaning up the dirty dishes is a good thing but some places seem to be like vultures perched to swoop them up just before you are done. I will be going back but dont trust me go see for your self I bet you will be back,
(4)
Marynell C.
1st visit great buffet many selections including crab legs nice & clean
Takes Reservations : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Parking : Private Lot Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Noise Level : Quiet Alcohol : Beer & Wine Only Outdoor Seating : No Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : Yes
The popularity of Chinese food in America can be adjudicated by the appearance of China Town in many major cities in the United State of America. The popular trend of ordering or opting for Chinese take away food isn't unknown in America. Chinese take away food comes to rescue when you're too tired from work or too exhausted to cook. No one can resist the temptation of eating spicy noodles, shrimp, chicken, beef or pork cooked in the sweet and spicy sauce. The cooking method of authentic Chinese food is a lot different compared to what is served in America.
Generally, Chinese use dark meat small bones and organs to cook dishes but this changes when you are eating American-Chinese fusion food prepared using white boneless meat cooked with broccoli, carrots and onions. Back in China, the food is less spicy and oily as they favor steaming and braising method for cooking the most popular dishes. So, if you have a taste for authentic Chinese food, then try finding a real Chinese restaurant in the city. You can also try the most popular fusion Chinese food like Pecking Duck, Chicken Feet, Hot Pot, Shrimp Dumpling Soup, Mapo Tofu, Wontons, Chop Suey, Egg Rolls and not to forget Fortune Cookies.
There are not many restaurants in America serving authentic Chinese food. A little research on Restaurant Listings directory can help you locate the best Chinese restaurants in the city. Chinese cuisine is continuously evolving, and you can find a variety of dishes categorized as the food for lactose intolerant, gluten intolerant, vegan, vegetarian, and diabetic friendly. So, if you have a group of friends with different taste patterns, save the hassle and visit the nearest Chinese restaurant in your city.
Chuck S.
I was advised to try out this place by a friend. We went after church, I wanted an inexpensive option for lunch after hearing the Word. We landed at China Pearl. We were seated right away when we entered, the hostess and server were very professional. The food selection was basic Chinese buffet fare but it was very tasty. I sampled several items, the shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, string beans, and chicken were all well made. The sushi was fresh, made right next to the display table by a chef. The deserts are good, nothing special but very good for the price. The servers are attentive and quick with drink refills. All in all this is a great bargain. It is very affordable and a good way to fill up if you are in the carrollwood area looking for a buffet meal without breaking your wallet.
(4)Julius V.
Came for the dinner buffet. Maybe it wasn't the best time to come??? The sushi had been sitting for some time (the tuna rolls were turning dark brown), and the food on the hot tables seemed like it had been there for some time as well. This was surprising, as it had come highly recommended by some close friends. Maybe just not their night, as the best thing I had was the jello... to remove the taste of the teriyaki chicken from my mouth.
(2)Peter C.
The food is cold and nasty the people are nice... I went twice and had same experience and will never go back...
(2)Gregory M.
Probably the worst buffet I have ever eaten at, everything was cold and was obviously sitting a while before I ate it......people were nice.
(1)Robin W.
I love chineese buffet b/c you get to sample everything and go back for seconds so for me ITS ALL GOOD. I started off (as always) with hot & sour soup topped it off with the fried noodles. The soup was great and the noodles were fresh, some that want to pass off the lil round noodles you can get from the grocery those will not do yuck! Then on to the main course; the chicken and broccoli, sweet and sour chicken, Mongolian chicken along with general tso chicken were good. The crab rangoons and spring rolls were really good and not stale.I choose for dessert, they had several usual flavors but the coconut was the flavor of the year. pleasant surprise. The place was really clean ... I mean really clean! The wait staff was friendly and did not keep coming to the table to pick up dirty dishes. I know that cleaning up the dirty dishes is a good thing but some places seem to be like vultures perched to swoop them up just before you are done. I will be going back but dont trust me go see for your self I bet you will be back,
(4)Marynell C.
1st visit great buffet many selections including crab legs nice & clean
(3)Sandra T.
Don't waste your money. Just went here about 2 weeks ago and everything was disgusting looking. They don't season their food well. The food was cold. I was scared to death to touch the sushi. Temperatures are off. We were scared before we ate, but we were sooo hungry and just wanted to try the food. We ate half a plate of food and left. I told the dyke lady how terrible everything was and she didn't even offer to give a discount. She just asked me eactly what was bad. I told her everything was and she just said sorry and gave me the total of $25. Had to go down the street to Burger Monger right after to get decent meal. I wouldn't take my dog here to eat. We should have known when we entered during dinner time and only 2 other tables were filled.
(1)Xaxira V.
Run for the hills. I went here with my boyfriend who was born & raised in Tampa and the last time he made an appearance at China Pearl was when he was 13 years old. He told me this great story about their food and how they used to have unlimited crab legs and how "delicious" it was. So we went and I wanted to walk out the moment I set foot inside, but my boyfriend is an odd one that once he walks in regardless of the situation we are going to eat there. This establishment is a horror show and no longer is the China Pearl he once knew. The food is lukewarm, the sushi is alarming and should not be touched with a ten foot pole, the ambience is depressing as you stare at the surrounding delusional people eating the bland, weirdly flavored food, and going up for second helpings. On top of all that there is a sign on the buffet that says "If you need your food heated up ask your server" That right there should have been a dead giveaway, but I still proceeded to try the food that whispered "We've been out here since this morning, we're still good, I promise. Just try us." Nothing, Nothing, NOTHING, except for the water, Mountain Dew mix, and the waitresses being on top of their refill game was good. I am not too depressed for my wallet loss since it was ~10 dollars to eat there, but to those who are considering this save your time and your intestines and go somewhere else.
(1)Mojdeh S.
How I heard of this place: Flora recommended hitting up the Chinese buffet on our way back from two hours of sun and swimming at Clearwater beach. It sounded like this was one of Carl & Flora's go-to restaurants; even Chris recognized the newly renovated interior. Type of cuisine: Chinese, sushi, American. Everything from General Tso's chicken to Crab Rangoon, gyoza to fried plantains, boiled dumplings and fried chicken to crinkle-cut fries, fish sticks and won ton soup. Two large buffets of meats and vegetables, and one smaller buffet for the sushi, fruit (limited to watermelon) and desserts: cake, ice cream, coconut macaroons, chocolate pudding, fried sesame balls with red bean paste and Asian-style donuts tossed in sugar. Ambiance: The red and yellow exterior, from signage to roof to outside walls with green accents surround an almost completely windowless, one-story building. The entryway opens up onto a small foyer with a brown, wooden shelving unit ornamented with Chinese artwork and a gold, waving cat figure. A small, jade elephant holds sprouting bamboo on its back, as patrons make their way into the restaurant. The large, open, newly renovated seating area, offers chair and booth seating around thickly laminated wooden tables, some in a deep burgundy, others in lighter cream colors. Waist-height walls are built to separate spaces one from the other, creating more intimate settings where larger parties can maintain boundaries. Red-cushioned and backed chairs with green legs or red faux-leather booth benches sit next to the tables, which are set far enough apart to allow for ease of getting up and sitting back down with new plates of food, piled high. Staff are always readily available, but inconspicuous, which gives the impression of empty plates mysteriously disappearing as you are taking your last bite or are at the buffet for your second, third or fourth helping. The music of Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey can be heard overhead, set to elevator-themes creating a light lounge feel. What I ordered: The four of us eating at China Pearl enjoyed the buffet. I sampled nearly one of everything: Crab Rangoon, General Tso's Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Bourbon Chicken, Sweet & Sour Pork, Broccoli & Beef, chow mein, rice noodles with spring onions and egg, a chicken nugget, grilled potatoes, fried bananas, mushrooms, green beans, broccoli, stuffed mushrooms, Pepper chicken, teriyaki chicken, and then I made my way to the dessert bar. I had two Sesame Balls, one and a half donuts, tasted the coconut macaroon, a bite of white cake with a thin layer of cream & strawberry preserves, and a spoon of chocolate pudding. What I loved: Of the main entrees, I most enjoyed the Pepper Chicken. One of my dining companions agreed, with General Tso's getting our third dining companions rave review. Our fourth diner enjoyed the fried chicken and desserts! I always like the sesame balls and this occasion was no different. But the thick, fried dough(nut) was delicious and warranted a full one to myself, rather than solely the first, shared donut. Why I loved it: I loved that the food was served in smaller dishes so that it could be freshly topped in less time than many buffets I have visited. The space was clean, quiet and open. Our dishes were picked up quickly, inviting us to return to the buffets for more...and more... Cost: Average
(2)Al M.
All I can say about this place: YUCK! It should never be called "Super Buffet", rather "Mini Buffet". There is nothing either about this place warranting to be called "Sushi" when the selection of sushi is limited to 4 types of rolls! The cleaning "island" is in the middle of the restaurant and we saw an opened box of Theraflu and an opened sore throat candies laying among the dirty dishes. Someone sick was working and passing germs to all of us....wow just wow!! The premises seem dirty and the outside, parking lot and building, neglected. I will not return to this buffet again!
(1)Steve E.
Wow, this is one of those times that I wish I had paid attention to the Yelp reviews before stepping foot into this AYCE American Chinese buffet. China Pearl SUPER Buffet is located along N. Dale Mabry Highway right before the bridge carrying you over the railroad tracks and Busch Boulevard, and then before the traffic light at Linebaugh Avenue. From the outside the restaurant is modeled to look like a cheery Asian temple with lots of blues, reds, and golds, and there is a large parking lot to handle the swarms of walking dead Wal-Creatures who decide to stop here. My first clue that this was destined to be a forgettable meal was the fact there were only 5 tables of people inside of the restaurant, and that none of these people were Asian. After surveying the crowd I realized that there were some important differentiators between me and the rest of these people: #1 I have a pulse. #2 I was not wearing pajama bottoms and flip flops. #3 I was not shoveling the food into my mouth without chewing. There are three food stations set up to one side of the restaurant. The first, closest to the wall, had wilted salad fixings, fruit, pudding, Jell-O, and sheet cakes. At the far end of this table was the sushi -- primarily California rolls, and pieces of nigiri that had been sitting out so long that the fish had actually turned a gray color. YUM!!!! The second and third stations were set up as steam tables. This was the usual collection of soup pots, fried rice, Asian noodles, crab Rangoon, greasy egg rolls, fried chicken fingers, and deep-fried mystery meals. One small problem -- there were no heated water baths under the buffet pans to keep the food steaming warm. Instead, everything sat under heat lamps until it was devoid of any moisture.....or flavor. Everything looked as though it had been fried in oil. The food tasted greasy, and salty, and was just a notch above room temperature. I will say that the servers were very pleasant, and quick to refill my Diet Coke, and for that this restaurant has earned one star. Next time I'll avoid going here and therefore no longer need the the post-meal bottle of Kaopectate. I'll just visit the drive-thru at KFC instead.
(1)Astulia C.
This place deserves less than one star. They should NEVER be called super buffer. It's a joke! Nothing is super there. If you are looking for sushi, never go there, it was old and only like 3 kinds. Yuck. Inside looked dirty too, window frames looked so dirty. I wish i had never gone there. It's disgusting.
(1)Sandra T.
Don't waste your money. Just went here about 2 weeks ago and everything was disgusting looking. They don't season their food well. The food was cold. I was scared to death to touch the sushi. Temperatures are off. We were scared before we ate, but we were sooo hungry and just wanted to try the food. We ate half a plate of food and left. I told the dyke lady how terrible everything was and she didn't even offer to give a discount. She just asked me eactly what was bad. I told her everything was and she just said sorry and gave me the total of $25. Had to go down the street to Burger Monger right after to get decent meal. I wouldn't take my dog here to eat. We should have known when we entered during dinner time and only 2 other tables were filled.
(1)Xaxira V.
Run for the hills. I went here with my boyfriend who was born & raised in Tampa and the last time he made an appearance at China Pearl was when he was 13 years old. He told me this great story about their food and how they used to have unlimited crab legs and how "delicious" it was. So we went and I wanted to walk out the moment I set foot inside, but my boyfriend is an odd one that once he walks in regardless of the situation we are going to eat there. This establishment is a horror show and no longer is the China Pearl he once knew. The food is lukewarm, the sushi is alarming and should not be touched with a ten foot pole, the ambience is depressing as you stare at the surrounding delusional people eating the bland, weirdly flavored food, and going up for second helpings. On top of all that there is a sign on the buffet that says "If you need your food heated up ask your server" That right there should have been a dead giveaway, but I still proceeded to try the food that whispered "We've been out here since this morning, we're still good, I promise. Just try us." Nothing, Nothing, NOTHING, except for the water, Mountain Dew mix, and the waitresses being on top of their refill game was good. I am not too depressed for my wallet loss since it was ~10 dollars to eat there, but to those who are considering this save your time and your intestines and go somewhere else.
(1)Mojdeh S.
How I heard of this place: Flora recommended hitting up the Chinese buffet on our way back from two hours of sun and swimming at Clearwater beach. It sounded like this was one of Carl & Flora's go-to restaurants; even Chris recognized the newly renovated interior. Type of cuisine: Chinese, sushi, American. Everything from General Tso's chicken to Crab Rangoon, gyoza to fried plantains, boiled dumplings and fried chicken to crinkle-cut fries, fish sticks and won ton soup. Two large buffets of meats and vegetables, and one smaller buffet for the sushi, fruit (limited to watermelon) and desserts: cake, ice cream, coconut macaroons, chocolate pudding, fried sesame balls with red bean paste and Asian-style donuts tossed in sugar. Ambiance: The red and yellow exterior, from signage to roof to outside walls with green accents surround an almost completely windowless, one-story building. The entryway opens up onto a small foyer with a brown, wooden shelving unit ornamented with Chinese artwork and a gold, waving cat figure. A small, jade elephant holds sprouting bamboo on its back, as patrons make their way into the restaurant. The large, open, newly renovated seating area, offers chair and booth seating around thickly laminated wooden tables, some in a deep burgundy, others in lighter cream colors. Waist-height walls are built to separate spaces one from the other, creating more intimate settings where larger parties can maintain boundaries. Red-cushioned and backed chairs with green legs or red faux-leather booth benches sit next to the tables, which are set far enough apart to allow for ease of getting up and sitting back down with new plates of food, piled high. Staff are always readily available, but inconspicuous, which gives the impression of empty plates mysteriously disappearing as you are taking your last bite or are at the buffet for your second, third or fourth helping. The music of Michael Jackson and Mariah Carey can be heard overhead, set to elevator-themes creating a light lounge feel. What I ordered: The four of us eating at China Pearl enjoyed the buffet. I sampled nearly one of everything: Crab Rangoon, General Tso's Chicken, Sesame Chicken, Bourbon Chicken, Sweet & Sour Pork, Broccoli & Beef, chow mein, rice noodles with spring onions and egg, a chicken nugget, grilled potatoes, fried bananas, mushrooms, green beans, broccoli, stuffed mushrooms, Pepper chicken, teriyaki chicken, and then I made my way to the dessert bar. I had two Sesame Balls, one and a half donuts, tasted the coconut macaroon, a bite of white cake with a thin layer of cream & strawberry preserves, and a spoon of chocolate pudding. What I loved: Of the main entrees, I most enjoyed the Pepper Chicken. One of my dining companions agreed, with General Tso's getting our third dining companions rave review. Our fourth diner enjoyed the fried chicken and desserts! I always like the sesame balls and this occasion was no different. But the thick, fried dough(nut) was delicious and warranted a full one to myself, rather than solely the first, shared donut. Why I loved it: I loved that the food was served in smaller dishes so that it could be freshly topped in less time than many buffets I have visited. The space was clean, quiet and open. Our dishes were picked up quickly, inviting us to return to the buffets for more...and more... Cost: Average
(2)Steve E.
Wow, this is one of those times that I wish I had paid attention to the Yelp reviews before stepping foot into this AYCE American Chinese buffet. China Pearl SUPER Buffet is located along N. Dale Mabry Highway right before the bridge carrying you over the railroad tracks and Busch Boulevard, and then before the traffic light at Linebaugh Avenue. From the outside the restaurant is modeled to look like a cheery Asian temple with lots of blues, reds, and golds, and there is a large parking lot to handle the swarms of walking dead Wal-Creatures who decide to stop here. My first clue that this was destined to be a forgettable meal was the fact there were only 5 tables of people inside of the restaurant, and that none of these people were Asian. After surveying the crowd I realized that there were some important differentiators between me and the rest of these people: #1 I have a pulse. #2 I was not wearing pajama bottoms and flip flops. #3 I was not shoveling the food into my mouth without chewing. There are three food stations set up to one side of the restaurant. The first, closest to the wall, had wilted salad fixings, fruit, pudding, Jell-O, and sheet cakes. At the far end of this table was the sushi -- primarily California rolls, and pieces of nigiri that had been sitting out so long that the fish had actually turned a gray color. YUM!!!! The second and third stations were set up as steam tables. This was the usual collection of soup pots, fried rice, Asian noodles, crab Rangoon, greasy egg rolls, fried chicken fingers, and deep-fried mystery meals. One small problem -- there were no heated water baths under the buffet pans to keep the food steaming warm. Instead, everything sat under heat lamps until it was devoid of any moisture.....or flavor. Everything looked as though it had been fried in oil. The food tasted greasy, and salty, and was just a notch above room temperature. I will say that the servers were very pleasant, and quick to refill my Diet Coke, and for that this restaurant has earned one star. Next time I'll avoid going here and therefore no longer need the the post-meal bottle of Kaopectate. I'll just visit the drive-thru at KFC instead.
(1)Astulia C.
This place deserves less than one star. They should NEVER be called super buffer. It's a joke! Nothing is super there. If you are looking for sushi, never go there, it was old and only like 3 kinds. Yuck. Inside looked dirty too, window frames looked so dirty. I wish i had never gone there. It's disgusting.
(1)Al M.
All I can say about this place: YUCK! It should never be called "Super Buffet", rather "Mini Buffet". There is nothing either about this place warranting to be called "Sushi" when the selection of sushi is limited to 4 types of rolls! The cleaning "island" is in the middle of the restaurant and we saw an opened box of Theraflu and an opened sore throat candies laying among the dirty dishes. Someone sick was working and passing germs to all of us....wow just wow!! The premises seem dirty and the outside, parking lot and building, neglected. I will not return to this buffet again!
(1)Chuck S.
I was advised to try out this place by a friend. We went after church, I wanted an inexpensive option for lunch after hearing the Word. We landed at China Pearl. We were seated right away when we entered, the hostess and server were very professional. The food selection was basic Chinese buffet fare but it was very tasty. I sampled several items, the shrimp, stuffed mushrooms, string beans, and chicken were all well made. The sushi was fresh, made right next to the display table by a chef. The deserts are good, nothing special but very good for the price. The servers are attentive and quick with drink refills. All in all this is a great bargain. It is very affordable and a good way to fill up if you are in the carrollwood area looking for a buffet meal without breaking your wallet.
(4)Julius V.
Came for the dinner buffet. Maybe it wasn't the best time to come??? The sushi had been sitting for some time (the tuna rolls were turning dark brown), and the food on the hot tables seemed like it had been there for some time as well. This was surprising, as it had come highly recommended by some close friends. Maybe just not their night, as the best thing I had was the jello... to remove the taste of the teriyaki chicken from my mouth.
(2)Peter C.
The food is cold and nasty the people are nice... I went twice and had same experience and will never go back...
(2)Gregory M.
Probably the worst buffet I have ever eaten at, everything was cold and was obviously sitting a while before I ate it......people were nice.
(1)Robin W.
I love chineese buffet b/c you get to sample everything and go back for seconds so for me ITS ALL GOOD. I started off (as always) with hot & sour soup topped it off with the fried noodles. The soup was great and the noodles were fresh, some that want to pass off the lil round noodles you can get from the grocery those will not do yuck! Then on to the main course; the chicken and broccoli, sweet and sour chicken, Mongolian chicken along with general tso chicken were good. The crab rangoons and spring rolls were really good and not stale.I choose for dessert, they had several usual flavors but the coconut was the flavor of the year. pleasant surprise. The place was really clean ... I mean really clean! The wait staff was friendly and did not keep coming to the table to pick up dirty dishes. I know that cleaning up the dirty dishes is a good thing but some places seem to be like vultures perched to swoop them up just before you are done. I will be going back but dont trust me go see for your self I bet you will be back,
(4)Marynell C.
1st visit great buffet many selections including crab legs nice & clean
(3)