One of the Best All-You-Can-Eat Restaurants in Maine is Hidden on a College Campus

There are a lot of great life experiences to be had when people attend college. For many, it's their first chance to truly exist on their own. Having to be responsible for their own schedule, their own laundry and their own meals.

Since most college campuses are filled with a diverse group of people whom grew up eating a variety of different foods, it makes sense that a college cafeteria would offer a buffet for students to pick and choose what they like and occasionally try something new.

What is a little different about one college campus in South Portland, Maine, is that their buffet isn't just open to students, it's also open to the public.

On the campus of Southern Maine Community College near Willard Beach, you'll find the Oceanview Dining Hall. inside Oceanview, they offer expansive breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets each day. For a set price, you don't need to be a student to sit down, enjoy all-you-can-eat as well as a spectacular ocean view.

Oceanview Dining Hall tries to update their menu each day here. You'll often see a mix of items from soups to ethnic food to delicious desserts as well. In fact, LoveFood has deemed Oceanview as the best all-you-can-eat restaurant in the entire state of Maine.

These days, some buffets still exist but they are a little bit more challenging to find. The largest buffet in Maine can be found in South Portland near the Maine Mall. That would be Umi Sushi & Seafood, which promises a series of authentic Japanese dishes and more.

Perhaps the popularity and interest in buffets will is coming back. Several weeks ago, the Taste of Maine restaurant in Woolwich announced the return of their Sunday buffet to close out their 2024 season. It's been a massive hit.