American Pie 11557 12 Mile Rd., Warren, 586-578-0156, $; Value and variety come together at this new east side pizza smorgasbord. As each fresh pie is brought out of the oven, a bell rings to alert American Pie guests of the new addition. Whether it’s their signature Mac and Cheese Pizza or the conventional pepperoni, pizza aficionados will not be disappointed with these hot slices of paradise. For dessert, the apple-crumb pizza is a delicious way to end this stroll down mozzarella lane. For a modest price, the buffet includes pizza, pasta, salad, breadsticks, dessert and soft drinks. Hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Monday-Friday and 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. The buffet costs $5.65 until 3 p.m. on weekdays and $6.99 otherwise.
Ashoka Indian Cusine 3642 Rochester Rd., Troy, 248-689-7070, $; Amid bright colors, rich flavors and exotic aromas, Ashoka wanders from the north to the south of India, with more than 150 items on its menu, and more legume-based recipes and fiery spice blends than you can shake a samosa at. There are even sections of the menu devoted to Indian-Chinese food, a style with a following in India. Full-service bar. The buffet includes appetizers, desserts, soups, salads, and four vegetarian and three nonvegetarian entrées. Buffet open 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $7.95 weekdays, $8.95 weekends.
Bombay Grille 29200 Orchard Lake Rd., Farmington Hills, 248-626-2982, $; Bombay distinguishes itself with the word “grille.” You can watch the process through a window in the dining room. Chicken malai is marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled. There are three vegetarian kebabs, some with paneer, a mild, homemade farmer’s cheese. This is a great place for carnivores and vegetarians to commingle; the entrée menu is evenly split between the two. Wines, beer and liquor are offered. Their buffet features salad, soup, dessert and an even distribution of meat and vegetarian selections, and is open 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. weekdays, noon-3:30 p.m. weekends; $8.95 weekdays, $9.95 weekends.
Classics Buffet in the Motor City Casino 2847 Brooklyn St., Detroit, 313-237-7711, $$; The food is your average all-you-can-eat fare, meat being the main attraction. The desserts, however, are all above average or better. Try the varieties of cheesecakes, pies, tortes, cookies and the tartlets, which have surprisingly noble crusts. The lunch buffet is noon-4 p.m. daily ($17), the dinner buffet is 5 p.m.-midnight ($21), and the Friday dinner buffet is “seafood night” ($31).
Fishbone’s Rhythm Kitchen Café 400 Monroe St., Detroit, 313-965-4600, $$; The Cajun-influenced Fishbone’s in downtown Detroit’s Greektown offers a huge Sunday breakfast buffet, with an outstanding array of food. Have a more-is-better breakfast by heaping on the bacon and making multiple visits to the omelet station, or pack in an early supper with everything from jambalaya to ribs. Buffet is open 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sundays; $22 per person.
Grill at the Early American Room (inside Dearborn Inn) 20301 Oakwood Blvd., Dearborn, 313-271-2700, $$$: This Sunday brunch sets itself apart by offering a wide array of breakfast and lunch options while never compromising the quality of each dish. The pride of this buffet is the carving station where the meat of the day is picked by the chef and prepared to perfection. Other offerings include an omelet and waffle station, a full salad bar, seafood, pasta salads, quiche, two hot entrées (which have included chicken saltimbocca and roast pork loin) and much more. Don’t let the upscale atmosphere dampen your gluttony! There is also Champagne available after noon. Open for brunch 10 a.m.-2 p.m Sundays; $29; reservations strongly recommended.
Los Galanes 3362 Bagley, Detroit, 313-554-4444, $; In addition to the expected enchiladas, tacos and burritos, Los Galanes serves such dishes as roasted baby goat, caldo de res (hearty beef and vegetable soup) and swordfish that will please those who want to avoid the emphasis on tortillas. Outdoor seating on the side street offers great people watching. Plus, their all-you-can-eat lunch buffet is available 10 a.m.-3 p.m every day for $7.50 and all weekend for $8.50. Have music with your buffet on Fridays and Saturdays, with a DJ from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m.
MGM Grand Buffet (inside MGM Grand Casino) 1300 John C. Lodge, Detroit, 313-393-7777, $$; Think of the food court at your local mall. Now ratchet it up several notches, because everything is done to excess in casino-land. There are 10 food stations: The American Grill, The Bayou, The Wok (a miniature Mongolian barbecue), Mexican Fiesta, soul food, Italian, and a salad bar, coffee bar, ice cream bar and dessert bar. Open 11 a.m.-12:30 a.m. daily, for lunch ($14.95) and dinner ($18.95), with a special seafood dinner on Friday ($29.96).
Motown Soul Food Café (Formerly Grand City Grille) 3011 W. Grand Blvd., Detroit, 313-556-9993, $$; Ideally situated for lunch for New Center workers and for dinner before and after the shows at the Fisher Theatre, the restaurant has an impressive atmosphere, with the art deco ceiling, gauzy, ceiling-to-floor curtains and large picture windows that provide views of the New Center’s impressive buildings. Despite the relative elegance of the setting, the fare is moderately priced, with most of the eclectic main courses running less than $20. Their “Gospel Brunch” buffet caters to the after-church crowd, running noon-4 p.m. on Sundays. Expect fried catfish, smothered pork chops, collard greens, black-eyed peas, baked yams, peach cobbler and live gospel performances; $25 per person (includes a mimosa).
Nami Sushi Bar 201 W. 9 Mile Rd., Ferndale, 248-542-6458, $$$; Maybe the thought of all-you-can-eat sushi doesn’t appeal to everyone, but on Monday nights at Nami Sushi, you can sample several of their innovative and delectable rolls and nigiri to your heart’s content. Don’t miss their signature Howling Diablo roll. All-you-can-eat sushi is available Monday 4:30-10 p.m. for $29.95, which, depending on how much you can handle, could be a deal.
Rangoli Indian Cuisine 3055 E. Walton Blvd., Auburn Hills, 248-377-3800, $; Entrées at Rangoli come in small copper bowls. Among our favorites: nargisi aloo (a saucy, scooped-out potato stuffed with nuts, vegetables and cheese); chicken tikka masala (roasted breast meat in a thick and luscious sauce); spicy-hot chettinadu pepper chicken (fiery peppers in a coconut curry). If you’re new to Indian food, there are several combination dishes you can try or come for the lunch buffet, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. weekdays ($7.95), 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. weekends ($8.95).
Roma Café 3401 Riopelle St., Detroit, 313-831-5940, $$; Detroiters really ciao down. One hundred years old and counting, Roma has everything from veal parmigiana to sautéed perch, with amazing garlic bread and even better lasagna. The most coveted tables are in the bar and main floor dining room. On a Saturday night, don’t go to Roma without a reservation. Their buffet is 5-9 p.m. Monday. For $16, expect salads, five or six entrées (such as spaghetti dishes, and sometimes, Italian beef stew or veal dishes), and crepes and cannollis for dessert.
