You might be surprised to learn that Chinese food is not the only type of cuisine served. You’ll also find Italian and Japanese dishes, food for kids like chicken nuggets and french fries, and a host of other specialties such as potato slices and bacon and mussels in a black bean sauce.
   All the food is made fresh on the premises, which seats 300 people comfortably in a well-lighted atmosphere. A glass water fountain and wishing well add a delightful aura to the dining experience.
   Empire Buffet is excellent for families with kids who like to get up from the table and “get involved” with their meals. And for those couples on a date, there are more intimate tables in the back that overlook the bay, adding a touch of romance for those who enjoy watching boats head out to sea.
   Once seated and introduced to a waiter who will bring your drinks and clear your plates, a sense of adventure and discovery takes hold of you as you grab a plate and begin circling the food bars.
   If you take the more conventional route, you might start at the soups, of which there are several including wonton (my favorite), chicken egg drop and New England clam chowder, which is creamy and chock-full of potatoes and tasty slices of clam.
   All the foods are labeled over the sneeze bar in case you don’t recognize one of the many dishes. When circling, go slow so you don’t miss a tray and the possibility of tasting something you’ve never gotten the opportunity to try.
   That’s really the beauty of going to a buffet restaurant: you can experiment with a range of things you might not have been exposed to before. You might try a crab leg for a change instead of the same old Friday night fare you’re used to.
   According to the owner Wing Li, the restaurant, located on Crossbay Boulevard in the heart of Howard Beach’s main commercial strip, specializes in seafood. Lobster, shrimp, scallops, salmon, crab — it’s all there, prepared in a variety of fashions, be it fried or in a delicious sauce. There’s even a sushi bar for the more experienced diner.
   Of course, you’ll find classic Chinese favorites as well: spare ribs, dim sum, an assortment of egg rolls, rices, chicken dishes, roast duck, beef and broccoli and fresh vegetables.
   I tried an interesting vegetable egg foo yung that was great, as well as some fried breaded shrimp with a delicious sweet sauce. I threw some fried rice and string beans on top and tried not to go overboard, which is easy to do with all the offerings at Empire Buffet. Advice: take small portions. You can always go back for more.
   There’s also a salad bar and an assortment of desserts ranging from ice cream and jello to pineapples, peaches, pastries and cookies, all dynamite to taste.
   The restaurant has party rooms for special occasions like birthdays, showers, anniversaries or work parties that can accommodate 20 or more people. The manager recommends calling ahead for reservations because the place is popular.
   Empire Buffet is located at 161-49 Crossbay Boulevard. For information about prices or to make party reservations, call (718) 323-2888.