The buffet at Valentino’s Grand Italian Buffet rotates daily specials, so checking the price board before you load your plate matters. You want the full Valentino’s Grand Italian Buffet Menu with Prices before you walk in, and I am going to give you the breakdown right here. This guide covers what you will pay, what you should eat, and how to get the best value on your visit.
Let’s be honest, buffets can be a gamble. You pay one price, and you hope the food is fresh and the selection is wide. At Valentino’s, the Italian theme means pasta, pizza, and hearty meats, but there are also salads and desserts. Knowing the cost structure helps you decide if this is your spot for a casual dinner or a special celebration.
Valentino’s Grand Italian Buffet Menu With Prices
The pricing at Valentino’s is not a single flat rate for every hour of the day. You will see different price points for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. The exact numbers can shift slightly depending on your location and the current cost of food, but here is the standard range you should expect to see posted at the entrance.
- Weekday Lunch (Monday-Friday, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM): Usually runs between $16.99 and $19.99 per adult.
- Weekday Dinner (Monday-Thursday, 3:00 PM – Close): Typically priced from $24.99 to $28.99 per adult.
- Friday Night & Saturday Dinner: Expect a premium price, often $29.99 to $34.99, because they bring out the prime rib and seafood.
- Sunday Brunch (All Day): This is usually the highest price point, around $27.99 to $32.99, featuring breakfast items plus the full lunch menu.
- Children (Ages 4-10): Generally priced at half the adult rate, or a flat fee like $9.99 depending on the day.
- Kids Under 3: Eat free at most locations.
You should always check the specific sign at your local Valentino’s. The management has the right to adjust prices for holidays like Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day. On those days, the price often jumps by $5 to $10, but the menu usually expands with higher-end items like crab legs or filet mignon.
Drinks And Beverage Costs
Your buffet price does not include drinks. You have to pay separately for sodas, tea, or coffee. The drink station is usually self-serve, but you pay at the register first.
- Soft Drinks (Pepsi Products): $3.49 for a large cup with free refills.
- Iced Tea or Lemonade: $3.49.
- Coffee or Hot Tea: $2.99.
- Bottled Water: $2.49.
- Alcoholic Beverages: Beer and wine are available at the bar. Prices range from $5.00 for a domestic beer to $8.00 for a glass of house Chianti.
You cannot bring in outside drinks. The host will check your receipt at the door if you leave and try to come back in with a bottle. It is cheaper to just get the refillable cup if you plan on staying for a while.
What Is On The Hot Food Line
The hot line is the main event. You will find a mix of classic Italian-American dishes and some general American comfort food. The selection is large, so you need a strategy to avoid filling up on bread first.
Pizza And Pasta Stations
You will see a dedicated station for pizza. It is not just cheese and pepperoni. They rotate specialty pies like BBQ chicken, spinach alfredo, and sometimes a taco pizza on Tuesdays. The crust is thin and crispy, which is good because you can try multiple slices without getting too full.
The pasta bar is where you can customize your dish. You pick your noodle, your sauce, and your toppings, and the chef tosses it in a pan to heat it up.
- Noodles: Penne, spaghetti, fettuccine, and rotini.
- Sauces: Marinara, alfredo, meat sauce, and a pink vodka sauce.
- Toppings: Meatballs, grilled chicken, mushrooms, broccoli, and shredded parmesan.
There is also a pre-made baked ziti and lasagna sitting in chafing dishes. The lasagna is hit or miss. Sometimes the edges are dried out, but the center is usually gooey and cheesy. You are better off getting the custom pasta station if you want a hot, fresh plate.
Carving Station And Meats
During dinner hours, the carving station is the star. You will see a large roast, usually prime rib or pork loin, being sliced to order. The prime rib is often cooked to a medium-rare temperature. If you ask, the carver can get you an end cut, which has more flavor and a bit more fat.
You also have roasted chicken thighs, sausage and peppers, and sometimes a fish dish like baked tilapia. The chicken is usually moist because it sits in a shallow layer of broth. The sausage is spicy and grilled, which pairs well with the peppers that have been softened in olive oil.
Side Dishes And Vegetables
Do not skip the sides. The garlic mashed potatoes are creamy and have actual roasted garlic cloves in them. The green beans are cooked with bacon bits, giving them a smoky flavor. You will also see:
- Buttered corn
- Steamed broccoli
- Roasted red potatoes
- Italian green beans
- Macaroni and cheese (only on weekends)
The mac and cheese is a crowd pleaser. It uses a blend of cheddar and provolone, and the top gets baked until it is brown and crusty. If you see it on the line, grab a scoop immediately because it runs out fast.
Salad Bar And Cold Items
Before you hit the heavy stuff, you should look at the salad bar. It is a standard setup with crisp lettuce, but the toppings are where it shines. You will find marinated artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, and roasted red peppers. These are not the cheap canned versions. They taste like they came from a decent deli.
The cold section also has a few prepared salads. The antipasto salad has salami, provolone, and pepperoncini. The seafood salad, which is usually imitation crab mixed with a light mayo, is popular but can be a bit watery if it has been sitting out. The soup station is next to the salad bar, and they usually have two options: a minestrone and a cream of chicken with wild rice.
Dessert Bar And Soft Serve
You need to save room for dessert. The dessert bar is not just a tray of cookies. They have a rotating selection of cakes and pies. The tiramisu is the signature item. It is made in-house and has a strong espresso flavor with a light mascarpone cream. It is not overly sweet, which is a good change of pace.
You will also find:
- Chocolate mousse cups
- Cheesecake with strawberry topping
- Apple crisp
- Cannoli (sometimes, but not always)
- Soft serve ice cream machine with chocolate and vanilla
The soft serve machine is self-serve. You can get a cone or a bowl and add your own sprinkles from the dispenser. The cookies are usually chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin. They are soft, but they are often the first thing to run out because kids grab them by the handful.
Tips For Getting The Best Value
If you want to maximize your money at Valentino’s, you need to be smart about your timing and your plate selection. Here are some steps to follow for the best experience.
- Go for the lunch price, but stay late. If you arrive at 2:45 PM for lunch, you pay the cheaper lunch rate. You can sit and eat until 4:00 PM, and they will not kick you out when they switch to dinner.
- Skip the pizza on the first plate. Pizza is filling and cheap for the restaurant to make. Start with the carving station and the seafood items to get your money’s worth.
- Check the rotation schedule. Some locations have a “Chef’s Special” on Thursday nights, like a shrimp scampi or a pork roast. Call ahead to ask what the special is before you go.
- Use the coupon. Valentino’s often has a “Buy One Get One Free” coupon on their website or in local mailers. You cannot use it on holidays, but it works on regular weekdays.
- Ask for a fresh batch. If the lasagna looks dried out, ask the server if they have a fresh pan in the back. They usually do, and they will bring it out for you.
Location Differences And Quality
You should know that not all Valentino’s locations are the same. The quality can vary depending on the management. The one in the suburbs near the mall tends to have a larger selection and better turnover, meaning the food is fresher. The downtown location might be smaller and have fewer options, but the price is also lower.
Check the online reviews for your specific location before you drive there. If the reviews mention cold food or empty trays, you might want to go to a different one. The buffet experience is only as good as the crowd. If you go during a rush hour, the food is constantly being replaced. If you go at 2:00 PM on a Tuesday, the food might have been sitting for a while.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Valentino’s offer a senior discount?
Yes, most locations offer a 10% discount for seniors aged 65 and older. You just need to ask the cashier before you pay. You might need to show an ID to verify your age.
Can I take food home in a to-go box?
No, the buffet is all-you-can-eat on the premises only. Taking food home is not allowed. If you are seen filling a to-go box, you will be asked to stop. The only exception is for the dessert soft serve, which you can take in a cone.
Are there gluten-free options on the buffet?
There are some options, but it is limited. You can eat the grilled meats, the salad bar, and the steamed vegetables. They do have a gluten-free pizza crust available if you ask the pizza station chef. They will make you a small one to order, but it takes about 10 minutes.
What is the price for the buffet on New Year’s Eve?
New Year’s Eve is a special event. The price is usually around $49.99 per person, and they offer a champagne toast at midnight. The menu includes lobster tails and a seafood paella. Reservations are required, and they often sell out weeks in advance.
Is the price the same for takeout?
No, they do not offer takeout for the buffet. You can order from the regular menu for takeout, but you pay the a la carte prices. The buffet price is strictly for dining in the restaurant.
Final Thoughts On Your Visit
Valentino’s Grand Italian Buffet is a solid choice for a filling meal. The prices are reasonable for the variety you get, especially if you stick to the lunch hours. The food is not gourmet, but it is consistent and comforting. You will leave full, and you will probably have a few favorites that you go back for on your second plate.
Just remember to check the daily specials board when you walk in. If they have the prime rib out, it is worth the dinner price. If it is a slow Tuesday and they only have the standard chicken and pasta, you might want to stick to the cheaper lunch option. Go hungry, bring your appetite, and enjoy the carbs.