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The Bengal Lounge - The Fairmont Empress Hotel

721 Government St, Victoria, British Columbia V8W 1W5, Canada
250-389-2727
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Ranked #18 of 856 restaurants in Victoria
Price range: $25 - $99
Cuisines: Indian, Contemporary
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Restaurant details
Good for: Romance, Doing business, Scenic view, Entertaining clients
Dining options: Breakfast/Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, Reservations, Buffet, Late Night, Dessert
Dining style: Casual Elegant
Cross street: Belleville
Description: Drawing inspiration from Queen Victoria's role as the Empress of India, this colonial style lounge is known throughout Victoria for its authentic curry buffet and signature cocktail menu. While new restaurants and lounges appear in Victoria regularly, The Bengal Lounge is a favorite of residents and visitors alike. Overlooking our stately gardens, the richly appointed Bengal Lounge offers not only a delicious curry lunch and dinner buffet but also an impressive international a la carte menu. Cocktail and martini aficionados will appreciate our vast selection of signature drinks. The Bengal Lounge is a licensed lounge and all guest must be 19 or older.
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251 reviews from our community

86% Recommend
    131
    86
    29
    3
    2
Rating summary
    Food
    Service
    Value
    Atmosphere
Date Rating
Vancouver
Senior Contributor
29 reviews 29 reviews
14 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 20 cities Reviews in 20 cities
24 helpful votes 24 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 12, 2013 NEW

This lounge decorated in colonial India motif is a beautiful place to eat a nice curry or enjoy drinks with friends. Great venue and some interesting mixed beverages. Live Jazz on Saturday evenings. A bit pricey but worth a visit.

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See 2 more reviews by ljz54 for Victoria
CA
Senior Contributor
42 reviews 42 reviews
23 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
17 helpful votes 17 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

Stopped here for lunch during our one day trip to Victoria from Vancouver. Our tour guide recommended this place for lunch and it was ok, but not exceptional. The food was decent, but not a lot of choices and the service was only ok. Next time I would rather eat somewhere else when in Victoria.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
ManagerEmpress, Manager at The Bengal Lounge - The Fairmont Empress Hotel, responded to this review
May 15, 2013

Dear Valued Guest Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about your experience with The Bengal Lounge on Trip Advisor. I am so sorry that our Curry Buffet and our service left you feeling unsatisfied. That is so disappointing to hear. We pride ourselves on the high quality of food and service and I am... More

Victoria, Canada
Contributor
18 reviews 18 reviews
13 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

I've been to the Bengal Lounge twice for the curry buffet.....Oh My Goodness...Its the most delicious curry! Its very difficult not too eat so much that it hurts! Beautiful setting and absolutely top notch food and service. Worth every penny!

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See 10 more reviews by Noelle A for Victoria
victoria
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 9, 2013

I am regular of this establishment ( obviously like it) Katherine is top notch on service Had the steak sand wich this time half salad half fries all came out hot ! will be back ps try the 1908 cocktail

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See 4 more reviews by stbpens for Victoria
ManagerEmpress, Manager at The Bengal Lounge - The Fairmont Empress Hotel, responded to this review
May 15, 2013

Dear Valued Guest from Victoria Thank you so much for taking the time to share your feedback about The Bengal Lounge on Trip Advisor. We are so excited to hear that you have enjoyed your visits with us. I will personally pass on your wondering comments to Catherine as I am sure she will be delighted to hear your feedback!... More

Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
7 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 7, 2013

Very elegant lounge. Nicely decorated with East Indian Flavor. Server staff is very well trained and friendly. The scent of curry from the Indian cuisine in the buffet can be overpowering, so if you are not a curry fan, this may not be a favorite for you. We loved it and will be back.

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See 3 more reviews by Jeff M for Victoria
Victoria, Canada
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
3 restaurant reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed May 6, 2013

Went here after a long day of tourism activities and got to enjoy a very "casual" and nice meal with my girlfriend. Food was good and not as overly priced as a thought, and the drinks were delightful (Empress martini thank you).

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See 7 more reviews by VictoriaCityFun for Victoria
ladysmith, bc, canada
Senior Contributor
23 reviews 23 reviews
12 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
67 helpful votes 67 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed April 27, 2013

a must have - the appetizers were very good as well. we had the seafood platter and raved. we actually went to the Bengal a few times during our stay at the Empress - just for the coffee drinks.

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See 5 more reviews by dfh98 for Victoria
Senior Reviewer
10 reviews 10 reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 23, 2013

The lounge is absolutely beautiful. The service was fantastic. Our waiter was very attentive, classy, and professional! There was entertainment provided; however, it was not so loud that it intruded into our conversation or the pleasure of enjoying my companion's company.

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See 2 more reviews by Tedzgirl for Victoria
Southern New Jersey
Contributor
16 reviews 16 reviews
8 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 8 cities Reviews in 8 cities
5 helpful votes 5 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed April 15, 2013

Sipping Glenlevet (or your favorite Scotch) in the Bengal Lounge as the night slowly moves you toward that much awaited sleep state is...blissful. First rate, quiet, adult, old world in flavor the Bengal Lounge is right on target to end a long day of sightseeing in beautiful Victoria.

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See 5 more reviews by Londonwalker2009 for Victoria
Campbell River
Contributor
20 reviews 20 reviews
9 restaurant reviews
Reviews in 10 cities Reviews in 10 cities
8 helpful votes 8 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed April 14, 2013

A little disappointed in the curry buffet. Slightly warm and not too appitizing. Desserts were very good. Service good, and drinks excellent.

Was this review helpful? Yes 1
See 9 more reviews by JewelCampbellRiver for Victoria

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