THE VERANDAH

It may not be the most lavish buffet in town, but The Verandah at The Peninsula hotel is probably the most civilised. While many other all-you-can-eat offerings are rowdy affairs where you might find yourself with chopsticks at ten paces ready to duel for the last lobster tail, there is rarely a queue here. What you get is an elegant sufficiency of popular items such as chilled seafood (no oysters, however), cold cuts and a salad bar, as well as hot dishes such as Indian curries and roast beef from the carvery, all replenished regularly. The ice cream counter often includes exotic flavours such as homemade milk tea ice cream. Save room for the freshly made soufflé finale. Drinks packages are offered on top of the buffet, and a separate wine list is available packed with bigticket labels as well as interesting drops from Israel, Lebanon and Hungary. Champagne lovers will find the premium drinks package good value, with free-flow Ruinart rose champagne for the duration of your meal Service is polite and efficient. Dishes are cleared promptly and drinks topped up when needed. The neutral palette of the colonial-style dining room, done up in taupe and cream, complements the calm atmosphere of the restaurant.