Bengal Lounge
• 721 Government St | Victoria, BC | V8W 1W5
Average User Rating:
7.97/10
7.97/10
Recommended by:
100%
100%
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"Lounge with Charm"
Marion Ann
September 2011 — "Bengal Lounge in the Fairmont Empress is a unique and relaxing lounge. It is very inviting with larger leather chairs and a bit of a colonial décor with historical pictures through out the lounge. It is known for its curry lunch and dinner buffet plus a full al la carte menu, but I was meeting a friend for a drink who was staying the Empress and decided to experience the Bengal Lounge. Despite the beauty and charm of the hotel and lounge the prices are a little high for a glass of wine that I have had at other lounges for almost half the price. The host was very pleasant and sat us down quickly and our server was very attentive. He was knowledgeable in the wines we questioned him about and he was very professional until he brought us the bill asking us if we didn’t need anything else if we could pay right away as it was the end of his shift. I felt a little rushed, and once we paid we were not asked if we would like anything else. I do plan on returning to the lounge to try their curry buffet and experience more of the lounge atmosphere. I do recommend that you experience the Bengal lounge at least once during your time in Victoria."
User Rating
7.60/10
7.60/10
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"Classic"
Jenny
July 2010 — "This buffet is quite overpriced, but you're not paying for food...you're paying for an experience! The Bengal lounge takes you back in time to a luxurious 70's lounge, where you'd expect to see proper gentlemen smoking cigars drinking brandy!
The food? The tastiness of the Indian dishes were average. You get the standard butter chicken, naan, tandoori chicken, and a few more choices. You really can't expect buffet quality to be as good as menu ordering, and this place is not exception despite the exceptional price ($30pp).
One thing I was impressed with was the dessert! It wasn't an Indian dessert, but it was creme brulee! It was so good, I had two :)."
User Rating
8.83/10
8.83/10
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"Not worth the money"
Jenny
August 2009 — "The Bengal Lounge reminds me of some old 007 movie. It's exactly what you expect a lounge to be at the Fairmont, old, classy and full of "older" people. Maybe that's part of its charm that keeps people coming back?
We decided to try out their Indian curry buffet because we had an entertainment coupon. I got the mango smooth martini. It was pretty good cost a little too much to get again ($10).
The buffet had a 3-4 selections of curry dishes, and a couple naans. I really liked the balsamic rice because they added small pieces of raisins and some flavor in the rice too. The curry dishes were pretty standardly made and didn't jump out as super delicious which I would expect out of $28pp. Expensive dishes are supposed to have above average quality and these were on par with average."
User Rating
7.83/10
7.83/10
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"Upscale setting with average food"
Sara
February 2009 — "The Bengal Lounge is located on the main floor of the Empress Hotel. It's quite an impressive setting with it's two lions at the entrance and beautiful carved wood accents. On this cold winter day, three of us decided to try the buffet, which consists of Indian food. There's plenty of selection to choose from: lentil soup, butter chicken, salad, stir fry, and lots more. Unfortunately, the flavors are very bland and the food was warm not hot. I was surprised as they're not an inexpensive restaurant. We had a fellow come by our table shortly after we all sat down after picking out our food and asked how everything was. And right behind was another guy who made small talk and asked how we were enjoying ourselves...a bit too efficient? If a person never tried Indian food in the past, this food would probably taste good but otherwise, it's very average."
User Rating
7/10
7/10
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"Relaxing Jazz"
Gary
February 2008 — "The Bengal Lounge is situated inside the Empress Hotel and it is a great place to have a meal or quite drink. The menu specialty is curry buffet for lunch or dinner plus their chocolate dessert buffet on Fridays and Sundays. On those two evenings, they have live jazz which provides for a great atmosphere. Stepping inside the lounge makes you imagine how things were in days gone by with the old furnishings and giant animal skin, including its head, adorning the area above their open fireplace. We enjoyed some cocktails, one which is the Queen's favourite of gin and dubonnet, while seated directly in front of the jazz band. We finished off the evening with a chocolate molten lava dessert that hit the spot. At $46.00 for three drinks and a dessert, it was not the cheapest in the town but definitely a great experience and one that should be tried."
User Rating
8.50/10
8.50/10
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DescriptionBengal Lounge is a chic colonial lounge that serves a popular curry buffet along with an extensive list of specialty cocktails and jazz music to set the mood on weekends. Located in the Fairmont Empress Hotel.
Location Information721 Government St
Victoria
BC
V8W 1W5
Twestival YYJ
TBA
Join the local #yyj Victoria BC Twitter community for Twestival Global - Victoria, an evening of mixing, mingling, music and fun as we fundraise for The Victoria Cool Aid Society.
This year's venue is The Bengal Room at the Empress Hotel. Enjoy a wine and beer station, a delectable dessert buffet and many other treats. There will be a silent auction and opportunities to win fabulous raffle prizes donated by local businesses and individuals.
Take your online community offline and connect for a cause.
Even if you are not able to attend, you can make a donation on the "tickets" page.
Tickets should be purchased in advance.
Volunteers, sponsors and raffle donors always welcome.
TBA
Join the local #yyj Victoria BC Twitter community for Twestival Global - Victoria, an evening of mixing, mingling, music and fun as we fundraise for The Victoria Cool Aid Society.
This year's venue is The Bengal Room at the Empress Hotel. Enjoy a wine and beer station, a delectable dessert buffet and many other treats. There will be a silent auction and opportunities to win fabulous raffle prizes donated by local businesses and individuals.
Take your online community offline and connect for a cause.
Even if you are not able to attend, you can make a donation on the "tickets" page.
Tickets should be purchased in advance.
Volunteers, sponsors and raffle donors always welcome.
