COSMO, Doncaster – Restaurant Review
By Kirsty Reid, August 2025
Eating out with a group can feel a bit like herding cats – as I found out while trying to organise a recent family get‑together.
With Mum craving curry and Dad peckish for pizza, I ended up with the deciding vote…
Thankfully, COSMO put a swift end to the ‘so, where are we eating?’ debate.
The family-friendly world buffet offers more than 150 dishes spanning Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Mexican, Italian, British, you name it – letting you eat your way across the globe without leaving the country – or even the building. Perfect.
We settled on the Doncaster branch, which is conveniently located in the Frenchgate Centre – with ample on-site parking and just a five-minute stroll from the train station.
This Yorkshire spot’s just had a long‑awaited revamp, and it’s looking better than ever…
“Relaxed”
Floor‑to‑ceiling glass doors, framed by a pastel balloon arch, proudly show off its five‑star food hygiene rating. We’re off to a good start!
Inside, the mix of soft amber lighting, sleek fixtures, and muted colours makes it feel modern but relaxed.
The restaurant offers ample seating, with tables and chairs arranged across the floor and cosy booths for more intimate dining.
We’re seated in a booth at the back of the restaurant, where our server gives us the lowdown on how it all works.
It’s simple enough: a set price (£20.99 per person*) for 90 minutes of eating whatever you fancy. Plates are stacked up at the food stations, and staff whisk away the used ones so your table stays clear.
Drinks aren’t included in the buffet price but are reasonably priced. Dad orders a bottle of coke (£3.20), mum and I opt for bottomless soft drinks (£3.95).
“Plates are cleared”
As for the buffet itself, we’re spoilt for choice as chefs prepare dishes at various cooking stations.
We make a beeline for the Italian section first, sampling slices of pizza fresh from the oven. Dad goes for Hawaiian, Mum and I pick pepperoni, and we all agree – it’s great pizza. Judging by the queue, we’re not the only ones who think so.
Once the pizza plates are cleared, Mum heads over to the Indian counter for creamy chicken korma with a soft naan, crisp spring rolls, and golden veggie samosas.
Dad goes for roast turkey with spiced potato wedges, followed by a slice of moreish lasagne that really hit the spot.
I tuck into beef chilli tacos. The chilli could’ve done with a bit more heat, but still tasty, especially with the spiced potato wedges.
Dining at 6pm, the place is bustling, but the staff here don’t miss a beat. Every time we return with new plates, our empty ones have already disappeared.
My only niggle is that some stations empty fast as diners swoop in for their favourite foods. It’s a good indicator of just how well-loved this place is, but does mean a bit of waiting for stations to be replenished.
“Can’t resist”
When it comes to sweets, COSMO is a dessert lover’s paradise.
Chocolate fountain? Tick. Cake? Tick. Fruit? Popcorn? Ice cream? Tick, tick, and tick!
Mum keeps it light with refreshing melon and grapes, but can’t resist finishing with a helping of the super‑soft Mr Whippy-style ice cream.
I settle on the spiced carrot cake and a side of chocolate‑dipped marshmallows. This is a buffet after all – anything goes!
Dad rounds things off with the strawberry cheesecake, a light sesh that takes a bit mousse-like.
We enjoy all that we have. And the best bit? No arguments over where to dine – or how best to split the bill. For a fixed price, you can eat your way across the globe.
Prices vary depending on day and time of visit.
Visit COSMO Doncaster to find out more: cosmo-restaurants.co.uk/restaurants/doncaster
Kirsty has spent nearly 20 years grappling words, first in arts and events, then as a sub-editor for national magazines and newspapers. Now working in communications, she crafts messages that cut through the noise. She satisfies her creative appetite by writing about food, theatre and travel, sometimes accompanied by her trusty whippet, Willow.
