Who to take: This is a good place to hang out with a few friends on a lazy afternoon.

What's hot: Beira Rio has an extensive a la carte menu, but it is the set lunches that are the best deal, and there is something to fit almost every taste and pocket.

All set-lunch options include soup. We had a creamy mushroom soup with a soft bread roll.

The smoked ox-tongue with potato and chopped egg, and the pasta with mussels are both tempting and well within reach of those on a tight budget. Only slightly more expensive is the Indian lamb curry. This includes generous chunks of lamb in a rich, but not too spicy, curry with onions and carrots. It is served with rice and pickled red cabbage and garnished with plain yoghurt.

Further down the list, you'll find charcoal-grilled rib-eye steak and beef tenderloin with fois gras. But if you are feeling extravagant why not spring for the grilled half lobster, the most expensive item on the lunch menu. It comes with a kidney bean risotto with red and green peppers and mushrooms.

Tea or coffee is included in the lunch set, but if you want dessert you must turn to the a la carte menu. Chocolate pudding is always a winner, but the apple strudel is also well worth investigating.

What's not: It's a great value lunch, but the place can get very crowded between 12.30pm to 2pm so plan for an early or late lunch.

Cost: Set lunches range from HK$48 to HK$148. The a la carte menu is quite expensive, although there are snacks and pizza options that won't break the bank. Desserts are from HK$50 to HK$60.