The ITC Royal Bengal is an architectural wonder in the heart of Kolkata. You can’t miss this gorgeous elevation from the Maa Flyover. If you are looking for a five-star luxury dining experience, then check out Grand Market Pavillion. We went with a group of friends and family for a Punja lunch buffet.

Five-star dining options I feel work best for a-la-carte meals. The buffet definitely misses the mark when it comes to quality expectations but wows with its variety. When it comes to me I would prefer fewer options but with better quality.

The ambiance was gorgeous. The lobby, waiting areas, paintings, displayed art, water features were all stunning. What I missed was a good concierge service which is such a big part of the luxury experience. It was actually more like a stand-in-line kind of greeting, with no real line or any clarity about entering. We waited with three kids for more than twenty minutes before we could enter. The important thing to remember is the meal was fully prepaid for and the booking was done in advance. I was really surprised at the lack of fluidity in the process.

Imagine we are all standing trying to maintain social distance while checking for our booking (which they don’t find on their laptop and I show them my payment invoice on my phone and am allowed in . All the while other patrons are not really trying social distancing!

When we finally entered we were happy to see the many varieties of food..From Navratri fast food ,to regular vegetarian,non-vegetarian, Chinese,chaats,desserts .

The Buffet at Grand Market Pavillion-ITC Royal Bengal Kolkata

The vegetarian options included veg sushi, Dahi vada, papri chaat,golgappa, muri, veg sushi, begun, aloo bhaja, dal, paneer kebab, spicy fruit juices. Nonvegetarian included kebabs chicken Rashmi kebabs, sheekh kebab, chicken biriyani, mutton biriyani, mutton kasha, chicken curry, Lau chingri(bottle Gourd with shrimps), Live counter with various seafood charts, etc, shrimp cocktail, a live counter of noodles.

The deserts were a wide selection both Indian and otherwise. Langcha,cham-cham,mishti doi, moong dal ka halwa,rosogolla, Gajar ka halwa, badam ka halwa, moong dal ka halwa, Jalebi were the ones we tried.

Chocolate fudge, creme caramel Brule, cream custard shots, Red velvet cake, and a selection of frozen desserts including ice-cream scoops and sundaes.

The Cons

There were no complimentary drinks and even getting them by ordering separately proved very difficult that we gave up We were offered three different price points at gaps of 10 minutes.

Getting service was a challenge considering it was a puja special buffet at a five-star.

Per head, the charge was 3549 INR approximately inclusive of all taxes for adults. 50% rate for kids above seven years and complimentary for younger kids. You have to book the slots from 1 pm to 2.30 pm or 3 onwards. It started late around 1.20 were the young person tried to find reservations and names. They apparently didn’t have a final list handwritten! Avoidable overcrowding and irritation. We finally arrived at a table for 9 . Which was hastily set up. Remember payment was charged fully in advance with zero option for refund.

Not really a food experience of excellence. I have had better food at better price points with way better service. In fact, the Eden Pavillion restaurant is great. The USP is the property itself. It’s gorgeous and the silk paintings are a must-see. Sharing the video from the trip.

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ITC Grand Market Pavillion booking is through their centralized number: 03344464646.

It’s a five-star luxury hotel in Kolkata and has a beautiful ambiance. What needs work is customer care when it comes to buffet lunches. The same hotel chain, different restaurant a-la-carte menu was perfect. Unfortunately during festivals, you simply can’t book a-la-carte tables!