Buffets at Tampa restaurants are pretty great. You only have to pay a flat fee and you’re free to eat as much food as you can handle. If you’re looking to splurge but don’t have the money for a fancy restaurant, a buffet is probably your best bet.

However, it’s no lie that buffets can be pretty overwhelming, especially if you don’t have much experience with these. You see all these dishes that are just calling out to you to taste them, and the next thing you know, you’re full because you ate three plates of that amazing potato-sour cream-beef thing that was absolutely amazing, but you hadn’t had the chance to try anything else.

It would be a shame to waste your entire buffet experience on one dish. So if you have a trip to a buffet at Tampa restaurants lined up, here are some ways to make the most out of the buffet experience.

Eat food you actually like

Remember, you’re only going to enjoy large quantities of food if you actually like the food that you’re eating. Don’t be taken in by the idea of limitless food and force yourself to eat it just because it’s unlimited. As much as possible, choose buffets that offer the kind of food that you actually like.

Choose buffets that offer variety

In line with this, choose buffets that offer significant variety with their selection of food. This way, you have the chance to try different kinds of food, which makes the overall buffet experience all that much more memorable. It also makes it easier for you to eat more food because of the variety, which is what you’re aiming for at a buffet.

Lunch prices are usually cheaper

If you’re looking to save some money while at a buffet, it is highly recommended that you take a look at the buffet prices at different times. Most buffets offer a cheaper price during lunch compared to dinner. The main difference between the two is that there are usually fewer options during lunch, but the menu is usually the same.

Don’t starve yourself

Some people starve themselves for an entire day if they know that they’re going to be eating at a buffet at Tampa restaurants. This makes sense, but it’s actually counterproductive. When you eat less, your stomach shrinks, which makes it difficult for you to eat more at the buffet. The best way to prepare yourself is by eating a small meal a few hours before you head to the buffet.

Pace yourself

While it is tempting to lunge yourself at the mountains of food set in front of you, if you want to get your money’s worth, you should learn how to pace yourself by getting small portions of everything. This allows you to get a little taste of everything without overwhelming yourself and falling into a food coma.