The Great Harbour International Buffet offers a diverse, delicious menu in a modern, expansive restaurant; we share our full review.
If you’re looking for one of the most indulgent buffet experiences in Bangkok, Great Harbour International Buffet should definitely be on your list. Located on the 6th floor of ICONSIAM, this expansive restaurant offers an impressive selection of international dishes, luxurious seafood, and premium cuts of meat — all while overlooking the Chao Phraya River.
During my visit, I was genuinely surprised by both the scale and the quality of the food. From freshly sliced sashimi and giant prawns to Peking duck and durian sticky rice, this buffet brings together the best of Thai, Japanese, Chinese, and Western cuisines under one elegant roof. Here’s my detailed review covering everything — from the food and atmosphere to pricing, booking tips, and whether it’s really worth it.
Great Harbour International Buffet
Location and Ambience
Great Harbour International Buffet sits inside the luxurious ICONSIAM mall, which is one of Bangkok’s most stylish shopping and dining destinations. You’ll find it on the 6th floor — conveniently near several other restaurants, but easily recognisable by its open, welcoming layout and modern design.
The restaurant is absolutely massive, with space for more than 400 diners. It feels more like a grand dining hall than a typical buffet. The layout is open and bright, with clusters of circular booths, sleek wooden furniture, and contemporary lighting that gives it a classy, yet comfortable atmosphere. There’s also a waterfall wall feature and stylish décor that fits perfectly with ICONSIAM’s upscale setting.
If you can, try to book a table near the windows. The restaurant offers partial views of the Chao Phraya River, and dining here at sunset gives the whole experience a romantic glow. In the evenings, the warm lighting and views of the city skyline across the water make it a truly special place to enjoy dinner.
Overall, the ambience feels luxurious but not intimidating — perfect for both families and couples. It’s elegant enough for a celebration but relaxed enough for a fun weekend treat.
The Buffet Experience — Food and Stations
The buffet at Great Harbour is a food lover’s dream. There are multiple live cooking stations, themed sections from around the world, and beautifully presented dishes that are constantly refreshed. You can expect everything from sushi and sashimi to lobster, steak, dim sum, and freshly baked desserts.
Here’s a breakdown of what’s on offer and what stood out most during my visit.
Seafood and Japanese Delights
The Japanese section is one of the highlights at Great Harbour. There’s a large sushi and sashimi counter where chefs prepare fresh salmon, tuna, and octopus right in front of you. The fish was impressively fresh — the kind you’d expect at a dedicated Japanese restaurant rather than a buffet.
Alongside the sushi, you’ll find Japanese-style grilled dishes cooked to order, such as teppanyaki beef and prawns. There’s also tempura, miso soup, and a small section of Japanese side dishes like seaweed salad and edamame.
The seafood station was equally impressive. Huge trays of chilled prawns, mussels, and crab claws sit on ice, while grilled seafood options like tiger prawns and squid are available from the live cooking area. The freshness really stands out here, especially during the earlier service times. If you enjoy oysters, they’re often available too, depending on the day and package.
Western Mains and Carvery
If you prefer hearty, Western-style comfort food, the roast and grill section won’t disappoint. There are carving stations with roast beef, duck, and lamb, along with sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, and gravy. The staff carve meat fresh to order, ensuring that each serving is hot and juicy.
You’ll also find pastas, grilled chicken, lasagna, and a small salad bar for lighter options. The steak and roasted duck were particularly good — tender, flavourful, and cooked with a nice char. It’s not fine dining steakhouse level, but it’s more than satisfying for a buffet.
One small tip: if you love roast meats, head here early in your meal because this section tends to be very popular and can get busy later in the evening.
Asian and Chinese Specialties
The Asian section offers a rich mix of Thai, Chinese, and broader Asian dishes. You’ll find everything from dim sum and fried rice to spicy stir-fried seafood with basil, braised pork belly, and even abalone or lobster dishes on certain days.
One of the best stations is the Peking duck area, where the chef slices the crispy duck skin and wraps it in pancakes with hoisin sauce and cucumber — freshly made on demand. The flavour and texture are excellent, with the duck perfectly crisp and the sauce sweet and rich.
Another standout was the steamed snow fish with minced pork and black bean sauce — a classic dish that was soft, fragrant, and perfectly balanced.
The variety across the Asian stations is impressive, and it’s great to see both familiar comfort dishes and more premium choices. Whether you prefer Chinese-style braised meats, Thai-style seafood, or spicy curries, there’s something here for every taste.
Dessert Heaven
If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to leave plenty of room for dessert. The dessert section at Great Harbour feels like a patisserie counter crossed with an ice cream bar. There are cakes, mousses, tarts, puddings, and chocolate fountains, all beautifully arranged.
The highlight for me was the Thai dessert corner. It features both mango sticky rice and durian sticky rice — two classic local favourites that are rare to find in buffets of this style. The durian sticky rice, in particular, was creamy and fragrant without being overpowering.
There’s also an ice cream station with a selection of premium flavours, as well as fresh fruit, jellies, and mini pastries. Coffee, tea, and soft drinks are included in the buffet price, and the staff regularly refill your glass.
This section really rounds off the experience perfectly — indulgent, colourful, and full of flavour.
Practical Information
Opening Hours:
- Lunch: 12:00 pm – 2:30 pm
- Dinner: 5:00 pm – 9:00 pm
The buffet usually operates on a two-hour time limit, which is more than enough to explore all the stations at a comfortable pace.
Price:
Prices vary depending on the day and whether you book a standard or premium package. As of late 2024, weekday lunch typically costs around 1,100 THB per person, while dinner and weekend rates are slightly higher. The premium package, which includes unlimited lobster, foie gras, and uni sushi, can cost around 3,000 THB per person.
Booking through platforms like HungryHub or Klook can often save you 10–20%, especially if you book in advance. Discounts and special promotions are quite common, so it’s worth checking before your visit.
Booking:
Walk-ins are possible but not guaranteed. Because Great Harbour is popular with both tourists and locals, advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for dinner or weekends. You can book directly through ICONSIAM, HungryHub, or Klook.
Dress Code:
Smart casual. There’s no strict dress code, but it’s best to dress neatly since it’s located in a high-end mall.
Service and Atmosphere
One thing that stood out to me was the attentiveness of the staff. Plates were cleared quickly, water and drinks were refilled without asking, and chefs at each station were friendly and happy to explain dishes.
Even when the restaurant filled up, the staff managed to keep things running smoothly. Food was replenished regularly, and I never felt that anything had been sitting out too long.
The overall vibe during dinner is lively but not chaotic. Families chat happily over seafood towers, couples share dessert plates, and groups of friends celebrate birthdays at the larger tables. The lighting is warm, the space is clean, and despite being a buffet, it never feels crowded or rushed.
Who It’s Best For
Couples: The combination of the riverside views, elegant décor, and evening ambience makes Great Harbour a great choice for a date night or anniversary dinner and one of the more romantic restaurants in Bangkok.
Families: The buffet format and wide selection mean even the pickiest eaters will find something they love. Kids can go straight for pasta, sushi, or dessert, while adults enjoy the seafood and Asian dishes.
Food Lovers: If you’re a foodie who wants to try a little bit of everything, this is one of the best buffets in Bangkok. The range of cuisines and quality ingredients make it worth the price.
Groups or Celebrations: With spacious seating and large tables, it’s ideal for birthdays, family gatherings, or work parties. The staff are used to accommodating big groups, and the variety of food means everyone’s happy.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Arrive early: The first hour always offers the freshest dishes and best selections.
- Plan your route: The buffet is huge, so walk around first to see everything before you start loading your plate.
- Don’t miss the live stations: The made-to-order dishes are often the highlights, especially the teppanyaki and Peking duck.
- Book in advance: Reservations fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
- Request a window seat: For the best atmosphere, especially at sunset.
- Use promotions: Check apps like HungryHub, Eatigo, or Klook for discounts.
Pros and Cons of the Great Harbour International Buffet
Pros:
- Massive selection of international dishes.
- Fresh seafood and premium meats.
- Elegant yet comfortable atmosphere.
- Great for both locals and tourists.
- Beautiful riverside setting inside ICONSIAM.
- Excellent dessert selection.
Cons:
- Slightly pricey compared to smaller buffets.
- Can get busy at peak times.
- Some dishes (like roast meats) can dry out if you arrive late.
- Two-hour time limit might feel short for big groups.
Our Experience
Overall, Great Harbour International Buffet exceeded my expectations. It offers one of the most diverse and well-presented buffets in Bangkok, with consistently good quality across nearly every section.
The Japanese seafood section was my personal favourite, followed closely by the Peking duck wraps and the Thai dessert corner. The restaurant’s setting inside ICONSIAM makes it feel special, and it’s the kind of place where you can easily spend two hours indulging without feeling rushed or overwhelmed.
Is it the cheapest buffet in Bangkok? No — but it offers excellent value for what you get. The quality of the seafood, the beautiful setting, and the professional service all make it worth the price tag.
For anyone visiting Bangkok or living here and looking for a place to celebrate a special occasion, Great Harbour International Buffet is an easy recommendation.
Tips for Visiting ICONSIAM Before or After
Since Great Harbour is located inside ICONSIAM, it’s worth arriving early to explore the mall. ICONSIAM is one of Bangkok’s biggest attractions, home to luxury shops, local boutiques, and the indoor floating market area known as SookSiam.
You can wander through the market stalls, try local snacks, and admire the riverside views before heading upstairs for your buffet. After dinner, take a stroll outside along the river promenade — the area is beautifully lit at night and offers some of the best views in the city.
You can reach ICONSIAM by taking the BTS to Krung Thonburi or Saphan Taksin, then connecting with the free shuttle boat or shuttle bus.
Buffets in Bangkok FAQ
- What are the best buffets in Bangkok?
Bangkok has an incredible buffet scene; there are so many best buffets in Bangkok to choose from. Some of the most popular options include Great Harbour International Buffet at ICONSIAM, Copper Beyond Buffet at The Sense Pinklao, WISDOM International Buffet at ICONSIAM, Goji Kitchen + Bar at Marriott Marquis, and Red Oven at SO/ Bangkok.
Each offers a mix of international dishes, fresh seafood, and live cooking stations with different price ranges to suit all budgets.
- How much do buffets in Bangkok usually cost?
Prices vary depending on the restaurant and the day of the week. A mid-range buffet typically costs around 800–1,200 THB per person, while high-end options like hotel buffets or premium seafood buffets can range from 1,500–3,000 THBor more. Many places offer discounts on weekdays or through booking apps like HungryHub or Eatigo.
- Do I need to book in advance for Bangkok buffets?
Yes, especially for popular or premium buffets. Weekends and evenings fill up fast, so it’s best to book at least a few days ahead. Online booking platforms like Klook, HungryHub, or Eatigo make it easy to reserve a table and often include discounts or drink packages.
- What types of food can I expect at Bangkok buffets?
Most buffets in Bangkok are international, with a mix of Thai, Japanese, Chinese, and Western cuisines. Expect fresh seafood, sushi, grilled meats, salads, and plenty of desserts. Many also feature live cooking stations, where chefs prepare pasta, steak, or teppanyaki dishes to order. Some buffets even include unlimited lobster, foie gras, or premium sashimi depending on the package.
- Are Bangkok buffets worth it?
Absolutely — if you love variety and quality. Bangkok’s buffets often deliver restaurant-level dishes at great value, especially compared to similar experiences abroad. They’re also a fun way to try multiple cuisines in one sitting. Just come hungry and plan to stay for the full two-hour dining time to make the most of it!
Great Harbour International Buffet is more than just another all-you-can-eat restaurant — it’s a full dining experience that captures the essence of Bangkok’s diverse food scene. From premium sushi and fresh seafood to authentic Asian dishes and beautifully plated desserts, it’s a buffet that manages to balance both quantity and quality.
Whether you’re celebrating something special, hosting family from abroad, or just want to treat yourself after a day of sightseeing, this is one of the best buffets to experience in Bangkok.
It’s easy to see why Great Harbour continues to be one of the most popular choices among locals and tourists alike. With its riverside views, endless variety, and elegant setting, it’s a place where you’ll want to return again — ideally with an empty stomach and plenty of time to enjoy every bite.
