Palais du Dragon - Pierre-Bénite

Staying at a nearby hotel in transit, we were desperate for somewhere to eat. Other than fast-food joints, this was the only establishment open. It looked crowded and busy, usually a good sign, even though I usually avoid buffets like the plague. There was no...indication of how the buffet worked, or prices involved. Our drinks order was taken before we were led to one of the few available tables, right next to the buffet. We were surprised that only Asian beers were available! They were served in bottles. The carafe of rosé that was served to us was not chilled at all. It turns out that there are hot and cold entrees, hot mains, and an array of commercially-produced cakes etc for dessert, along with ice-cream you scoop yourself (with a scoop sitting in very dirty water) and fruit. You can also select fresh meat, seafood and vegetables to have it cooked up on-the-spot by chefs, either as a noodle dish or plain grill. This was a nice touch, although once again, we had to ask how it worked as there were no signs explaining what to do. The food was adequate, and it seemed to be replenished in a timely fashion. The cooks in the grill area and the waiting staff in general need to smile a little more and be more friendly – it was not a pleasant experience from that perspective. When we went to pay, we found out that the all-you-can-eat experience cost euros per head, which I suppose was reasonable. However, our one beer and one medium-sized carafe of wine cost euros! Next time we’ll probably stick to the nearby burger joint!

Had lunch there on a Friday afternoon as a tourist, quite a busy crowds. Nothing to shout about the Asian foods as claimed, few of the dishes were so salty. And the refill of the foods are rather slow and need to wait for it....On my visit that afternoon, I think an Asian lady in charge of the cashier and also taking care of food flows (maybe she is a manageress or the boss) were having quarrel and shouting with the open kitchen staffs in front of all the diners...rather unprofessional and created an indecent scene! Oops!

Had lunch there on a Friday afternoon as a tourist, quite a busy crowds.Nothing to shout about the Asian foods as claimed, few of the dishes were so salty. And the refill of the foods are rather slow and need to wait for it. On my visit that afternoon, I think an Asian lady in charge of the cashier and also taking care of food flows (maybe she is a manageress or the boss) were having quarrel and shouting with the open kitchen staffs in front of all the diners...rather unprofessional and created an indecent scene! Oops!