First timers are always optimistic when they enter a restaurant for the first time. Dragon Pearl has all the ingredients to be a first class Asian buffet. The place is big and tables are roomy. Ambiance is good. Parking is adequate. Staff are friendly.
I was there for a Sunday dinner.
Buffet is smaller than Mandarin and therefore does not have the same variety. They have all of the standard favorites....salad bar, sushi bar, prime rib, lobster tail (1 per customer), Peking duck and of course a dessert bar.
On the night I attended some of the items left a lot to be desired.
The Bad.....sushi was stale (very dry rice), as if rolled earlier in the day and left out. Hot items were barely warm. Bread rolls were like rocks.
Lobster tail was tiny and dry (over cooked). Table chairs weigh a ton.
The Good.....no huge crowds, sesame chicken and Peking duck were full of flavor. Soups were tasty and hot. Staff are very attentive.
Overall not overwhelming but not awful. Worth another shot.