Let’s get one thing straight from the start. Cosmo is not fine dining, and that’s entirely the point.
If you’re looking for candlelight, hushed voices, and tiny plates of food arranged with tweezers, this might not be the place for you. But if you’re out with friends or family and nobody can agree on what to eat — Chinese? Indian? Sushi? Roast dinner? — Cosmo swoops in like a superhero buffet and solves that dilemma in one go.
We’ve been to Cosmo in Reading before, so we knew what to expect. But this was our first visit to the Bournemouth branch, just a short stroll from the seafront. It delivered exactly what we hoped for. A bustling, lively atmosphere, an avalanche of food choices, friendly service, and that unbeatable feeling of getting great value for money.
First Impressions
We were greeted with a smile by Francisco, who showed us to our table and explained how the process worked. Assistant Manager Umesh popped by shortly afterwards to give us the lowdown on what to expect, and his enthusiasm was infectious. He talked us through the layout, where to find different cuisines, and which dishes were new or especially popular. It is rare to see a manager so hands-on and genuinely invested in making sure people are having a good time.
And that’s really the vibe at Cosmo. It is fun. There is no pressure. No complicated menus. No worrying about whether you’re pronouncing the name of a dish correctly. You grab a plate and help yourself to whatever takes your fancy, as many times as you like.
Around the World in Eighty Bites
Cosmo is all about variety. The layout is cleverly zoned into different cuisines, so you can tour the globe in one lap of the restaurant. You could easily start with Japanese sushi and seafood, move on to Chinese stir fry and dim sum, hit up an Indian curry with naan and rice, pause for a Yorkshire pud with roast beef and gravy, and finish with pizza, pasta, or burgers. And that’s before dessert.
On our visit, the selection included:
- Chinese favourites like sweet and sour chicken, crispy beef, spring rolls, fried rice, noodles, and our personal highlight: char siu pork. Tender, flavourful, and the right balance of sweet and savoury. We went back for seconds. And then thirds.
- Japanese sushi rolls, sashimi, and seaweed salad
- Indian curries including butter chicken, tikka masala, saag aloo, and a range of sides
- A live teppanyaki station where you can watch fresh ingredients being cooked to order
- Italian options such as lasagne, spaghetti Bolognese, pizza slices, garlic bread, and pasta alfredo
- British classics including roast meats, roast potatoes, peas, and gravy
- American-style burgers and hot dogs with toppings and sauces
- A salad bar for those feeling virtuous (or trying to make themselves feel better about their fifth plate)
- And of course, desserts. A whole table of them. Think chocolate fountains, ice cream machines, mini cupcakes, cheesecakes, jelly, profiteroles, fruit, mousse, and even bubblegum-flavoured jelly beans if you’ve still got room
It is worth saying that the dishes are constantly refreshed and kept hot, which can’t be easy with a setup this size. Everything we tried tasted fresh, with plenty of turnover on busy nights to keep things moving. It never felt like anything had been sitting around under heat lamps.
For the Undecided and the Hungry
Cosmo works brilliantly for families, teens, large groups, fussy eaters, and indecisive diners. You don’t need to commit to just one cuisine. You can try a little bit of everything or load your plate with your favourites over and over again.
It is also brilliant for anyone who loves to people-watch. The atmosphere is lively without being chaotic. It is buzzy but not loud. There is music, but you can still chat. Kids are welcome, but it’s not a free-for-all. There is a good balance, and the staff do a great job keeping everything clean and organised.
We especially appreciated the attention from Francisco, who was always nearby if we needed anything topped up or had a question. Umesh was fantastic too. He clearly takes pride in what he does, and it shows in the way the team works.
Pricing and Practical Bits
Pricing is fixed and varies depending on the day and time. For an adult at dinner, you’re looking at around £20–£25, and that covers everything. Drinks are extra, but very reasonably priced. There is a full bar, soft drinks on tap, and plenty of choices for kids too.
You can book online or just walk in, though it is definitely worth reserving at peak times, especially weekends or school holidays.
It is also a good idea to go in hungry. Like, properly hungry.
Final Thoughts
Cosmo isn’t trying to be fancy, and that is exactly why it works. It is a vibrant, no-fuss, all-you-can-eat experience that delivers on choice, value, and fun. If you go in expecting fine dining, you’ll be confused. But if you want a night out where everyone leaves full, happy, and still talking about the food the next day, it hits the spot.
Would we go again? Absolutely. Especially with a group. It takes all the stress out of choosing a restaurant. You don’t need to agree on a cuisine, and nobody goes home hungry.
Plus, I’m still thinking about that char siu pork.