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Panda Buffet and Sushi Bar – Fresh Sushi & Buffet Dining in Mankato

Panda Buffet and Sushi Bar, located in River Hills Mall, Mankato, offers a fresh and inviting dining experience that stands out for its spotless, bright atmosphere and thoughtful decor. Since opening in August 2025, it has quickly become a local favorite for its diverse buffet selection and high-quality sushi. The sushi bar impresses with popular rolls like shrimp tempura, prepared with care and fresh ingredients. Highlights include sweet and sour chicken with a perfectly crispy batter, a wide range of chicken flavors, fresh salads, and delightful desserts such as banana pudding and almond cookies. The koi pond and spacious seating add to its welcoming vibe—truly a vibrant spot for families and sushi lovers alike.

Panda Buffet and Sushi Bar at a glance

  • Address River Hills Mall/Target, 1850 Adams St, Mankato, MN 56001, United States
  • Restaurant type Buffet restaurant .

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Panda Buffet and Sushi Bar: Reviews & Ratings

Cody Hall
5

WOW! this place is fantastic They opened up in August of 2025 I believe so this place is CLEAN BRIGHT FRESH very very clean the hours and prices and clearly stated from the entrance the bathrooms the dinning area everything was spotless very nice decor not over the top Very nice atmosphere the food was very fresh and everything was hot temp wise , excellent selection of items I highly recommend this place , the sushi bar has a good variety they offer the most popular rolls and do it very well the shrimp tempora roll was great , sweet sour chicken amazing they use a great batter

Aqua Addams
5

Amazing restaurant! Food was fresh and warm while the establishment was very clean.

William Hillson
5

My kiddo is a buffet nut and this is one of her two favorite places to go. There is a beautiful pond, huge seating areas, and great lighting. My kiddo is way more into fresh fruits and salads, while I like the wide variety of chicken flavors. The ice cream (and desserts in general) keep us eating more than we should! The banana pudding, sliced apples, honey chicken, and almond cookies are worth it every time.

Cam
4

Had a good overall experience, all the various food options my group of six had were all made the way it should be with good flavor. Newer restaurant, so everything wasn't greasy and slimy yet (give it time). Prices were acceptable. Very few buffet options, so nice to have one more. Kind of surprised there isn't any accces from the mall, seems like a huge missed opportunity.

Andrew Best
5

Food was fantastic! Cool this is they were bringing fresh stuff out before the pan that was out there was even gone yet! My daughter loved the little koi fish pond. Wife loved the sushi. Said it's the best she's had around here. Definitely will be back

Khanh
4

Standard chinese buffet. Sushi has variety and good taste. Sweet and sour soup tasted too sweet, not good. One big negative thing is they started cleaning up and removing food 1.5 hours before closing while continuing accepting new customers.

Xeehnia Yang
5

Food was pretty good and I love the all you can eat. Workers were pretty friendly and I love how they made sure the food trays weren’t empty. Sushi was really good! Seems like more options compared to the other buffet. Will definitely come back next time

Conrad Gavin
5

Panda buffet is good! The space has been completely remodeled and is very nice new & clean! Very modern with ALOT of seating this place is huge. The food was spot on hot and fresh. Again alot of options here with your normal staples you'd expect at your average buffet. The sushi is good too decent variety on the rolls. All in all a good place to try !

Location

  • Panda Buffet and Sushi Bar
    Panda Buffet and Sushi Bar
    River Hills Mall/Target, 1850 Adams St, Mankato, MN 56001, United States

Nestled inside River Hills Mall in Mankato, Panda Buffet and Sushi Bar stands out as a fresh and vibrant dining option that combines the best of buffet variety with the finesse of a dedicated sushi bar. Having opened its doors recently in August 2025, this new gem impresses immediately with its spotless, well-lit space and inviting decor that is pleasantly understated yet comfortable. The atmosphere strikes a balance between casual and refined, making it ideal for families, groups, or solo diners craving quality and variety.

The buffet here deserves particular praise for the freshness and temperature of the food. Each dish arrives hot and flavorful, never soggy or overcooked, which is a testament to the attentive staff and their efficient kitchen management. Highlights include the crispy and perfectly battered sweet and sour chicken—a definite crowd-pleaser—as well as an array of chicken dishes that showcase an interesting variety of flavors. For those who favor lighter fare, the fresh fruit and salad selections are plentiful and appealing, providing a well-rounded meal choice for all tastes.

The sushi bar is a standout feature and a must-visit within the buffet. It offers a carefully curated selection of popular rolls, all crafted with precision and freshness. The shrimp tempura roll, in particular, earns repeated accolades from patrons for its crunchy texture and balanced flavors. Sushi enthusiasts will appreciate the quality and variety that rival many dedicated sushi restaurants in the region.

Ambiance-wise, the addition of a koi fish pond adds a tranquil, almost zen-like touch that enhances the dining experience. The spacious seating areas with great lighting create an open and airy setting, perfect for both quick bites and leisurely meals. Families with kids will find plenty to enjoy here, especially with the impressive dessert lineup—banana pudding, almond cookies, and ice cream that tempt guests to indulge beyond their usual limits.

From my experience, Panda Buffet and Sushi Bar successfully bridges the gap between casual buffet dining and elegant sushi craftsmanship. Its clean environment, attentive staff, and thoughtfully prepared dishes make it a refreshing choice in the Mankato food scene. If you value freshness, variety, and a welcoming atmosphere, it’s definitely worth a visit.

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