The Bengal has reopened for breakfast and dinner in a beautifully refreshed space inspired by both past and present. Light-filled interiors reflect the surrounding garden, while heritage beams, plush velvet seating, and subtle cane details blend timeless elegance with modern comfort.
With nods to India, the Fairmont Empress Hotel’s bar pairs cocktails with curry buffets & live jazz.
Address and Contact Information
Address: 721 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5, Canada
Phone: +1 250-384-8111
Website: https://www.fairmont.com/en/hotels/victoria/fairmont-empress/dining/the-bengal.restaurant.html
Menu Photos
Order and Reservations
Reservations: opentable.ca
Related Web Results
The Bengal – Restaurant in Victoria – Fairmont
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The Bengal | Best Breakfast in Victoria BC – Fairmont Empress
The Bengal at Fairmont Empress offers breakfast and dinner in a … Victoria, British Columbia, V8W 1W5, Canada. Tel: +1 250 384 8111 Toll Free …
The Bengal Restaurant – Victoria, BC | OpenTable
721 Government St, Victoria, BC V8W 1W5. Neighborhood. Victoria. Parking … Bengal TartineCA$20.00. seven grain toast, whipped tofu, spiced lentils …
Reviews
S L
It was a great place to visit. First of all, the chai was excellent—the best masala chai in latte form. The Caesar was okay.
Second, the dinner rolls were phenomenal, easily the best in town. We had to get extras—they were freshly baked, tender, and absolutely delicious, and the whipped butter was top-notch.
The Dine Around menu was great as well. The salad was fresh and crisp, and the presentation was beautiful. The soup was also good, with a hint of curry flavor. The salmon was tender and paired beautifully with the beet purée and raspberry vinaigrette, finished with a lemony butter sauce. The lamb shank was tender too, but the sauce and sides had a strong curry/cumin profile, which felt a bit overwhelming after already having a curry-forward soup.
Both desserts were amazing. The pear and rose water gelato was my favorite—it was light and not heavy at all. The service was a bit inattentive, which could have been better. But, still definitely recommend a visit.
… moreSecond, the dinner rolls were phenomenal, easily the best in town. We had to get extras—they were freshly baked, tender, and absolutely delicious, and the whipped butter was top-notch.
The Dine Around menu was great as well. The salad was fresh and crisp, and the presentation was beautiful. The soup was also good, with a hint of curry flavor. The salmon was tender and paired beautifully with the beet purée and raspberry vinaigrette, finished with a lemony butter sauce. The lamb shank was tender too, but the sauce and sides had a strong curry/cumin profile, which felt a bit overwhelming after already having a curry-forward soup.
Both desserts were amazing. The pear and rose water gelato was my favorite—it was light and not heavy at all. The service was a bit inattentive, which could have been better. But, still definitely recommend a visit.
Lateral Drift Blog
The Bengal Lounge is back open after being closed for a decade and glad it’s back! We tried the brunch and were impressed with the menu. Food was very tasty and the service was impeccable. The dining room has been refreshed and thankfully the infamous ceiling fans are still in tact and operational! Thanks to the Fairmont for bringing back this piece of history!
… moreDave Best
A Culinary Odyssey at The Bengal Lounge
If you ever find yourself strolling the grand halls of the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC, prepare for a culinary experience at The Bengal Lounge that will have your taste buds singing and your heart dancing.
Let’s start with the soup and salad, the opening act in this gastronomic play. Picture this: a velvety concoction of flavors so rich, you’d think it had secrets to confess. The soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day, comforting yet sophisticated, whispering sweet nothings of aromatic herbs and spices that tease your senses. The salad? Oh, it’s not your run-of-the-mill leaf gathering. This is a riot of freshness, a colorful assembly of greens and goodies that leap off the plate, shouting, “Eat me!” in a chorus of citrusy zest and earthy crunch.
Now, brace yourself for the Tandoori Lamb Shank. This isn’t just meat; it’s an awakening of culinary ecstasy. The shank arrives glistening, marinated and kissed by the tandoor’s fiery embrace. Each bite transports you to a world of aromatic spices and tender love, where the lamb practically falls off the bone, leaving a trail of aromatic whispers with every forkful.
And just when you think it can’t get better, here comes the grand finale: the Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake. This dessert is an extraordinary triumph, marrying the creamy indulgence of cheesecake with the spiced warmth of pumpkin pie. It’s the kind of treat that makes you rethink your life choices—like, why have I been wasting my time with boring desserts?
In conclusion, dining at The Bengal Lounge isn’t just a meal; it’s an adventure. It’s a nod to the past, a love letter to the present, and a delicious promise of what’s to come. So go ahead, grab a seat, and prepare to be dazzled. Your palate will thank you, and you may leave with a newfound belief that the culinary world can indeed be a delightful circus.
… moreIf you ever find yourself strolling the grand halls of the Fairmont Empress in Victoria, BC, prepare for a culinary experience at The Bengal Lounge that will have your taste buds singing and your heart dancing.
Let’s start with the soup and salad, the opening act in this gastronomic play. Picture this: a velvety concoction of flavors so rich, you’d think it had secrets to confess. The soup is like a warm hug on a chilly day, comforting yet sophisticated, whispering sweet nothings of aromatic herbs and spices that tease your senses. The salad? Oh, it’s not your run-of-the-mill leaf gathering. This is a riot of freshness, a colorful assembly of greens and goodies that leap off the plate, shouting, “Eat me!” in a chorus of citrusy zest and earthy crunch.
Now, brace yourself for the Tandoori Lamb Shank. This isn’t just meat; it’s an awakening of culinary ecstasy. The shank arrives glistening, marinated and kissed by the tandoor’s fiery embrace. Each bite transports you to a world of aromatic spices and tender love, where the lamb practically falls off the bone, leaving a trail of aromatic whispers with every forkful.
And just when you think it can’t get better, here comes the grand finale: the Pumpkin Pie Cheesecake. This dessert is an extraordinary triumph, marrying the creamy indulgence of cheesecake with the spiced warmth of pumpkin pie. It’s the kind of treat that makes you rethink your life choices—like, why have I been wasting my time with boring desserts?
In conclusion, dining at The Bengal Lounge isn’t just a meal; it’s an adventure. It’s a nod to the past, a love letter to the present, and a delicious promise of what’s to come. So go ahead, grab a seat, and prepare to be dazzled. Your palate will thank you, and you may leave with a newfound belief that the culinary world can indeed be a delightful circus.
John de Jong
It’s not quite the Bengal Room of old but it was nice to have 75% of the old ambiance there. The menu is limited but the service was excellent. The meals were delicous and wine choices reasonable.
It’s nice to see they saved the old fans and some fixtures and were able to resurrect some of the nostalgia from the past.
It’s work in progress and it would be amazing to see the tiger skin back on the wall again.
No, you shouldnt harvest a noble creature like a tiger for its skin, I’m just lamenting that the one they had was stolen.
We were there to celebrate my wife’s birthday and while they asked if it was a special occasion, and then the waiter actually acknowledged her birthday, no other effort was made. I mean, you literally ask for a reason to wow your guests and then do nothing? It’s anti climactic so why even ask?
… moreIt’s nice to see they saved the old fans and some fixtures and were able to resurrect some of the nostalgia from the past.
It’s work in progress and it would be amazing to see the tiger skin back on the wall again.
No, you shouldnt harvest a noble creature like a tiger for its skin, I’m just lamenting that the one they had was stolen.
We were there to celebrate my wife’s birthday and while they asked if it was a special occasion, and then the waiter actually acknowledged her birthday, no other effort was made. I mean, you literally ask for a reason to wow your guests and then do nothing? It’s anti climactic so why even ask?
CNC R Factory
We tried the new revamped Bengal at the Empress. Expectations were very high and we ended up with a mixed review. Being a high end restaurant our expectations were much higher when making the review.
The food was for the most part well plated, we had the Beef filet and the dine around lamb shank. Both were very good. The beef was over 70$ which was a bit much. The lamb was better due to having an entree and dessert included in the price.
Again being a high end restaurant the service fell a bit short. So much staff, more than they have clients and it took 10 mins or get a drink ordered and another 10 to receive our drinks. The drinks needed to be stirred which we eventually figured out as the top layer on its own was awful. Server took out order in which I told them how I wanted my beef. Only to comeback 10 mins later to ask again.
Desserts were given with no thoughts on giving us a knife for a very hard to break apart pear.
The ambience lighting was partly a problem with sunset being so early during the winter months and the menu’s writing being so small it was difficult to read the menu.
The Bengal dinning room doesn’t offer much of anything. It very much feels like a bunch of tables and chairs that were dusted out. There’s no art or flowers and the views are on the entrance which don’t give much.
… moreThe food was for the most part well plated, we had the Beef filet and the dine around lamb shank. Both were very good. The beef was over 70$ which was a bit much. The lamb was better due to having an entree and dessert included in the price.
Again being a high end restaurant the service fell a bit short. So much staff, more than they have clients and it took 10 mins or get a drink ordered and another 10 to receive our drinks. The drinks needed to be stirred which we eventually figured out as the top layer on its own was awful. Server took out order in which I told them how I wanted my beef. Only to comeback 10 mins later to ask again.
Desserts were given with no thoughts on giving us a knife for a very hard to break apart pear.
The ambience lighting was partly a problem with sunset being so early during the winter months and the menu’s writing being so small it was difficult to read the menu.
The Bengal dinning room doesn’t offer much of anything. It very much feels like a bunch of tables and chairs that were dusted out. There’s no art or flowers and the views are on the entrance which don’t give much.
Sam Haigh
Honesty some of the best food in Victoria, though you do have to pay for it. The atmosphere is absolutely immaculate and the food was also pretty awesome.
… moreLea Tyrrell
The Bengal Lounge has truly reopened in style, blending its rich history with a beautifully refined, contemporary atmosphere that feels both elegant and genuinely welcoming. From the moment we arrived, it was obvious that this was the beginning of an exciting new era for one of Victoria’s most iconic dining spaces. The space feels polished and modern while still honouring the classic charm that made The Bengal so special in the first place.
We visited as part of Victoria’s Dine Around and Stay in Town program and booked effortlessly through the OpenTable app. The breakfast menu was absolutely outstanding, with elevated, thoughtfully crafted dishes that felt indulgent yet comforting. Every plate was beautifully presented and full of flavour, the kind of food that makes you slow down and really enjoy the experience.
What truly made the visit unforgettable was the staff. They were top-notch in every sense. Warm, attentive, and genuinely caring, they made us feel completely at ease from start to finish. It felt less like being served and more like being looked after, which is such a rare and special thing these days.
Honestly, I would go back for supper any day of the week without hesitation. The Bengal Lounge has completely won me over. Between the atmosphere, the exceptional food, and the incredible service, it has become one of those places you don’t just recommend, you actively look for reasons to return to. It feels like a destination again, and I can’t wait to go back.
… moreWe visited as part of Victoria’s Dine Around and Stay in Town program and booked effortlessly through the OpenTable app. The breakfast menu was absolutely outstanding, with elevated, thoughtfully crafted dishes that felt indulgent yet comforting. Every plate was beautifully presented and full of flavour, the kind of food that makes you slow down and really enjoy the experience.
What truly made the visit unforgettable was the staff. They were top-notch in every sense. Warm, attentive, and genuinely caring, they made us feel completely at ease from start to finish. It felt less like being served and more like being looked after, which is such a rare and special thing these days.
Honestly, I would go back for supper any day of the week without hesitation. The Bengal Lounge has completely won me over. Between the atmosphere, the exceptional food, and the incredible service, it has become one of those places you don’t just recommend, you actively look for reasons to return to. It feels like a destination again, and I can’t wait to go back.
H White
The Bengal was a huge disappointment and frankly an embarrassment for Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. The original Bengal Lounge was far nicer and far more suitable to the Fairmont standard. What exists now feels more like a bright buffet-style lunch spot than the refined fine dining experience it once was. Service was completely disorganized — we waited over 45 minutes past our reservation while staff seemed scattered and overwhelmed.
We stay at Fairmont properties around the world, including Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Monte Carlo, so we understand the level this brand is capable of delivering. Do not expect that same experience from “The Bengal” in Victoria.
The wine and champagne glasses feel like cheap dollar store quality, the lighting is far too bright for a romantic dinner, and there’s no live music or atmosphere to justify the fine dining price point.
The only reason the evening was salvaged at all was Austin — a wonderful server who genuinely reflects the typical Fairmont standard. He was attentive, professional, and clearly cared about the guest experience. Without him, the night would have been a total write-off.
… moreWe stay at Fairmont properties around the world, including Fairmont Banff Springs and Fairmont Monte Carlo, so we understand the level this brand is capable of delivering. Do not expect that same experience from “The Bengal” in Victoria.
The wine and champagne glasses feel like cheap dollar store quality, the lighting is far too bright for a romantic dinner, and there’s no live music or atmosphere to justify the fine dining price point.
The only reason the evening was salvaged at all was Austin — a wonderful server who genuinely reflects the typical Fairmont standard. He was attentive, professional, and clearly cared about the guest experience. Without him, the night would have been a total write-off.
Prateek Singh
We celebrated a milestone birthday for a family member and various people ordered Hen. The dish was incredibly overbrined / seasoned with salt. Our humble server was overly apologetic and agreed to replace the dishes but that would take another 30 minutes and we went with lamb shank that was not on the main menu but on dineout – no price was mentioned and it tasted incredibly underwhelming and we were astounded to see a flabbergasting charge for such a subpar dish. We could have sworn that the kitchen was without a chef that evening. We have dined at the Q before and same dishes were good but this was disappointing to say the least. 2 stars only because of good service
… moreTracey Leibel
We had a group breakfast at the newly reopened Bengal Room for Sunday brunch/breakfast. The decor was lovely, the food was excellent but the elevated service we all received was 5 star. Thank you to Joseph our waiter for making our meal special. Great service and view!!
… more