REVIEW : Cosmo World Buffet, Edinburgh
Stepping into Cosmo feels like arriving at one of those sprawling hotel buffets abroad, the kind where every nationality is catered for, and wide-eyed holidaymakers wander in on their first all-inclusive night, overwhelmed by choice and unsure where to begin. It’s a sensory overload, and you’re here to eat, not to overthink.
The restaurant is rammed. Tables are packed in tight, elbow-to-elbow with neighbouring diners whose conversations you can’t help but overhear. But no matter, this isn’t the place for quiet chat. It’s a place to feast.
The atmosphere is loud and lively. Families, couples, and groups chatter away, children shriek and wail, laughter bursts out, and the clatter of plates and cutlery fills the air. It’s a multilingual symphony - Chinese, Japanese, Hindi, Scots, English and everything in between, rising and falling in waves of culinary chaos.
Welcome to Cosmo: Edinburgh’s Pan-Asian, all-you-can-eat world buffet.
THE CARVERY : Start with something familiar: the British roast. Turkey, lamb or beef, served with roast tatties, veg, Yorkshire puds and gravy. Comfort food at its finest.
CONTINENTAL : Next stop: Naples. Pizza and spaghetti with meatballs, fresh from the wood-fired oven.
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TASTING KITCHEN : American classics—mini burgers, hotdogs, fries. Think diner-style indulgence.
WORLD OF ASIA : This section is vast. Dishes span eight Chinese regions—Cantonese, Sichuan, Anhui, Shandong, Jiangsu and more. Thai curries, BBQ pork, prawn crackers… it’s a tidal wave of flavour.
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TEPPANYAKI : A highlight. Salmon, scallops, tiger prawns and gyoza grilled right before your eyes. Hot, fresh, and beautifully done.
HOUSE OF SPICE : From Kashmiri lamb to Chicken Tikka Masala, this station delivers. Naan, pakoras, poppadoms, pickles, chutneys—every spicy craving covered.
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DESSERTS : Jellies, trifles, pannacottas and the ever-popular chocolate fountain. Sweet tooth heaven, though the cakes felt a bit mass-produced.
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WHAT I ATE (AND LOVED)
Sushi – Uramaki rolls with sticky rice, fish, avocado, and veg. Drenched in soy sauce, just how I like it. Fresh and satisfying.
Beef in Black Bean Sauce – Deep, umami-rich flavour. Slight chew on the beef, but still a solid dish.
Noodles – Packed with flavour and utterly addictive. I paired them with nearly everything.
Chicken Satay – Tender, juicy strips with a bold peanut kick. A standout.
Pork Gyozas – Steamed then lightly fried at the Teppanyaki station, finished with soy sauce. Crunchy prawn crackers on the side, naturally.
Indian Selection – Onion bhajis, spring rolls, and a creamy Chicken Korma. Comforting and delicious.
Sweet & Sour Chicken – Paired with more noodles and garlicky green beans. Yes, I went back for seconds.
THE EXPERIENCE
Each station has chefs cooking fresh, fast, and hot. The turnover is high, so nothing sits around. Allergen charts are clearly displayed, making it easy to navigate dietary needs—gluten-free, dairy-free, veggie options all covered.
The dessert station was the weakest link. Most cakes seemed bought-in and lacked punch. The chocolate fountain was fun, but I’d have loved more dipping options—strawberries, pretzels, sponge cake, cream puffs… you get the idea.
FINAL THOUGHTS
This was my first visit to Cosmo, and I genuinely enjoyed it for what it is: fast, global comfort food served in abundance. It’s not fine dining, but it’s tasty, varied, and you won’t leave hungry.
Perfect for big groups and picky eaters—there’s something for everyone, and plenty of it.
Would I go back? Absolutely. At £8.50 for a weekday lunch and up to £15.99 on Sundays, it’s a bargain. Just arrive ravenous and ready to graze your way around the world.
Cosmo, Omni Centre, Edinburgh. Tel : 0131 5570808 www.cosmo-restaurants.co.uk/restaurants/edinburgh
My Spoon Review : Silver Spoon 8/10
I was invited by Cosmo to review their menu. Food was complimentary but the views are very much my own.
