Word spread quickly about the newest buffet to open in Waikiki.

Mostly because it’s from Japan. Hokkaido, specifically. And it has a reputation for serving stellar food, especially for a buffet.

Here’s the story: Back in 2003, the first Five Star International Buffet opened in Hokkaido. The idea was to serve dishes with a global influence, so naturally it would work in Hawaii.

This location is the chain’s first outside Japan. And from the looks of it — it was packed the entire time we were there — it’ll likely do well.

You have to remember, though: it’s a buffet. Don’t come expecting James Beard award-winning cuisine. But you won’t leave hungry, that’s for sure.

Here’s what our lunch looked like:

Loco moco

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These loco mocos — rice topped with hamburger, gravy and a fried egg — were as good as they looked. And the small serving size was perfect.