The OG buffet spot in Coventry is back, and it’s better than ever. Smokin’ Hot Buffet & Grill is the city’s latest buffet and grill concept, and honestly, it’s exactly what Coventry’s been missing. With so many local restaurants sadly closing their doors, it’s refreshing to see a vibrant new venue offering a wide variety of global cuisines all under one roof, and at a price that won’t break the bank.
The all-you-can-eat pricing is incredibly reasonable, and even the drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are surprisingly cheap compared to other restaurants. You really do get excellent value for money.
A World of Flavours Under One Roof
When it comes to food, there’s something for everyone. The grill station features meats cooked over Big Green Egg BBQs, fresh seafood, Lebanese dishes, and build-your-own burgers, all cooked right in front of you on an open flame by the chefs. The live cooking experience adds a special touch that makes the visit feel even more interactive and fun.
My personal highlight was the Indian section. With a wide range of curries, including a couple of delicious vegetarian options I tried (and loved), this station truly delivered. Indian cuisine is my ultimate favourite, so I had high hopes, and it absolutely did not disappoint. Fresh naan, crispy poppadoms, fluffy rice, and a variety of dips were all on offer for you to help yourself to. I enjoyed it so much, I couldn’t resist going back for seconds!
More Cuisines to Explore
The Chinese counter also impressed with a generous selection of curries, rice dishes, sides, and stir-fries. Even on a busy Saturday evening, the staff were quick to replenish dishes, a nice touch that kept the experience smooth.
One surprise that stood out was the dedicated Mexican station, something I haven’t seen before at an all-you-can-eat buffet. It was vibrant and well-decorated to match the theme, and featured a cheese fountain, a sauce station, and even a viral pink dragonfruit sauce. It’s a creative, fun addition that really made the buffet feel unique.
Right next to that was what I like to call Beige Heaven. We're talking pizza, nuggets, chips, fish fingers, onion rings - basically every 90s kid’s dream. It wasn’t my personal favourite, but it’s a great shout for those with simpler tastes or younger diners in the group.
There was also a sushi, salad, and fruit bar with a decent selection. However, this section felt a bit neglected and could have used more attention from staff to keep it fresh and tidy.
Sweet Treats Galore
And then there’s the dessert station, fully stocked and not to be missed. From a flowing chocolate tap, sweets dispensers, and an ice cream counter to mini cube cakes, jelly, Eton mess, apple crumble with custard, and cheesecakes - there was no shortage of options.
I loved the variety of ice cream flavours and cakes, although I did notice a couple of small issues: there were only two ice cream scoops sitting in a bowl of water (which was changed regularly), but ideally, each flavour should have its own scoop to avoid mixing. Also, a few of the buttercream mini cakes tasted a little salty, perhaps a mix-up in the ingredients. The dessert area could’ve been better maintained too, as it got a bit messy during our visit. That said, in a self-serve buffet, a bit of chaos is to be expected.
Service & Atmosphere
The staff were generally friendly and attentive, regularly topping up food and cleaning up. One small issue: a waiter tried to clear my plate while I was still mid-samosa, which felt a bit rushed. A little more patience from the floor staff wouldn’t go amiss, but this didn’t take away from the overall experience.
Despite a few minor improvements needed, Smokin’ Hot Buffet & Grill delivers big on value, variety, and flavour. With its interactive grill stations, international selection, and great pricing, it’s a brilliant addition to Coventry’s dining scene. Especially if, like me, you’re a sucker for a good curry.
So… have you checked out the new Smokin’ Hot Buffet & Grill yet? Let me know what you thought!
*I was very kindly invited as press to review Smokin’ Hot Buffet & Grill. All opinions are my own, open & honest. Please refer to my disclaimer for more information.*
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