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Shanghai Buffet vs Lobster King— Menu Price Comparison

Side-by-side comparison of menu prices, 23 shared items, average cost, and ratings to help you decide which restaurant is the better value. Updated September 2026.

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Shanghai Buffet vs Lobster King — Key Takeaways

At-a-glance restaurant comparison data for price-conscious diners

Better Value

Shanghai Buffet

Shared Items

23

Avg Price Gap

$3.81

Top Rated

Tie

Price analysis: Lobster King averages $10.14 per item while Shanghai Buffet averages $6.33, making Shanghai Buffet approximately $3.81 cheaper per item on average.

Shared food categories:

chinese

Menu Item Price Comparison

20 items

Shared menu items ranked by largest price difference between Shanghai Buffet and Lobster King

# Menu Item Shanghai Buffet Lobster King Price Gap
1 Pepper Steak $7.50 $7.50
2 Moo Shu Vegetable $6.95 $6.95
3 Sesame Chicken $7.25 $10.95 $-3.70
4 Fried Shrimp (6) $3.50 $6.25 $-2.75
5 Cashew Chicken $6.75 $8.95 $-2.20
6 Chicken with Black Bean Sauce $6.75 $8.95 $-2.20
7 Almond Chicken $6.75 $8.95 $-2.20
8 Chicken with Garlic Sauce $6.75 $8.95 $-2.20
9 Szechuan Chicken $6.75 $8.95 $-2.20
10 Hunan Chicken $6.75 $8.95 $-2.20
11 Moo Shu Pork $6.95 $8.95 $-2.00
12 Szechuan Shrimp $8.20 $9.95 $-1.75
13 Shrimp with Lobster Sauce $8.20 $9.95 $-1.75
14 Hunan Shrimp $8.20 $9.95 $-1.75
15 Chicken with Broccoli $7.25 $8.95 $-1.70
16 Moo Shu Chicken $7.25 $8.95 $-1.70
17 French Fries $1.50 $2.95 $-1.45
18 Hunan Beef $7.50 $8.95 $-1.45
19 Mongolian Beef $7.50 $8.95 $-1.45
20 Szechuan Beef $7.50 $8.95 $-1.45

Shanghai Buffet vs Lobster King — Which Should You Choose?

When comparing Shanghai Buffet and Lobster King menu prices, several factors come into play beyond just the per-item cost. Both restaurants share 1 food category (chinese), making them direct alternatives for diners deciding where to eat.

Shanghai Buffet is the better value pick when looking at average menu item pricing. With Shanghai Buffet averaging $6.33 per item and Lobster King at $10.14, the price difference of $3.81 per item can add up over multiple orders — especially for families or groups.

We track 108 menu items at Shanghai Buffet and 295 items at Lobster King, with 23 items appearing on both menus under the same name. This overlap lets you directly compare identical items to see which restaurant charges less.

Looking at ratings, Tie leads with Shanghai Buffet scoring 4/5 versus Lobster King at 4/5. While price matters, the overall dining experience and food quality reflected in these ratings are equally important factors in choosing between these two restaurants.

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Shanghai Buffet vs Lobster King — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing these two restaurants on price, menu, and value

Is Shanghai Buffet or Lobster King cheaper?

Based on current menu data, Shanghai Buffet offers better average value. Shanghai Buffet averages $6.33 per item while Lobster King averages $10.14 per item. For the full ranked price list, see Shanghai Buffet cheapest items and Lobster King cheapest items.

Which restaurant has a bigger menu — Shanghai Buffet or Lobster King?

Lobster King has the larger menu with 295 items tracked compared to Shanghai Buffet's 108 items. Between them, there are 23 shared items with the same name, plus 85 items unique to Shanghai Buffet and 272 exclusive to Lobster King.

How many menu items do Shanghai Buffet and Lobster King share?

Shanghai Buffet and Lobster King have 23 overlapping menu items that appear on both menus under the same name. Shanghai Buffet has 85 exclusive items and Lobster King has 272 items not found at the other restaurant. The table above shows the biggest price gaps between identical items at each location.

Which has a better customer rating — Shanghai Buffet or Lobster King?

Both Shanghai Buffet and Lobster King are rated equally — 4/5 from customer reviews. The decision between the two comes down to price, menu variety, and personal preference rather than quality alone.

What type of food do Shanghai Buffet and Lobster King serve?

Both restaurants serve chinese. They share 1 food category, which makes them genuine alternatives for the same dining cravings. If you're looking for the best value within these categories, compare average prices in the key takeaways section above.

Where can I find the cheapest items at Shanghai Buffet and Lobster King?

For budget-friendly meals, check our dedicated cheap eats guides: the Shanghai Buffet cheapest menu items guide lists every item ranked by price from lowest to highest (average $6.33). The Lobster King cheapest menu items guide does the same (average $10.14). Both are updated September 2026.

How much can I save by choosing Shanghai Buffet over Lobster King?

Choosing Shanghai Buffet saves you approximately $3.81 per menu item on average. For a typical meal of 3–4 items, that adds up to roughly $13.34 in savings — meaningful for budget-conscious families or regular diners. Across a month of weekly visits, the cost difference can reach $53 or more.