A buffet restaurant operates differently than other eateries. Instead of a menu, buffets are distinguished by self-serve food stations where guests can fill their plates as many times as they like for a flat price. Instead of cooking dishes to order, buffet cooks prepare large quantities of dishes that can be held in salad bar stations or hot food stations. Because of this, you won’t find delicate dishes at a buffet. But you will find a large variety of comfort foods that fill guests up quickly.