Macau is a great place to eat and it is especially good for the European-style long lunch. Its Portuguese heritage ensures that not only is a mere sandwich NOT considered lunch, but you actually have time to eat a proper meal. And just a reminder, do not try to drop by any public service offices at lunch time. In Macau, no one works from 1:00pm to 2:30pm.
As true fans of the long lunch, here is our list of affordable set lunch deals around town.
Caravela
If you want something that does not break your wallet but gets good hearty food in your belly, this is the place to visit. Situated near the city center, just behind the Café e Nata, this cafe is a nice place to relax for a drink or a meal, and is a favorite of the local Portuguese community. The best thing however is that you get a starter, a main and dessert for MOP $95. You often have two options for your main course, usually meat or fish dishes. Don’t leave without having a bica (Portuguese slang for espresso) because a Portuguese meal isn’t a meal without one, and Caravela’s is very good. It is also cheap, at MOP $15 per cup.
Caravela GF Kam Loi Building, 7 Patio Do Comandante Mata E Oliveira, Macau, 853-28712080
Il Café
This one applies if you’re in Taipa and have cravings for a decent Italian meal. Not only does this restaurant have an actual Italian chef, the atmosphere is great and children friendly. Although it serves small portions for its set lunches, it wins points for being the best value for money. You get a soup and a salad, a main dish (usually pasta), and a coffee/tea/soft drink. All for the delicious price of MOP $88.
Il Café 21 Nova Taipa Garden, 319 Rua De Seng Tou, Taipa, +853 2883 8372
Café Litoral
So you are in Macau for the day and you really want to try the best Macanese food without being broke? Not to worry. Go to Taipa Village and drop by the Litoral Café. You won’t find this kind of food anywhere else in the world and the prices are great. You get a soup of the day, and then (this is the best part) you can choose from an array of local delicacies. We strongly recommend the Macanese saffron pork w/ rice. For dessert you can take your pick too, but we would go for the mango pudding, and finish your lunch with coffee or tea. How much for the feast? MOP $88.
Café Litoral B4 Wai Chin Ko, 53/57 Rua Do Regedor, +853 2882 5255
Sky 21 Bar & Restaurant
Ok, let’s say you are in the mood to splurge a little but get some great food and dine al fresco. We suggest Sky 21. Situated in the city center as well, on the 21st floor of AIA Tower. The semi-buffet is popular with the office crowd from surrounding area.
Sky 21 Bar & Restaurant 21F AIA Tower, 251A–301 Avenida Comercial de Macau, Macau, +853 2822 2122, macaulifestyle.com/city-guide/sky-21-bar
Fado Restaurant
Although it might be unfair to compare this one with the other cheaper options, we still feel it is worth mentioning. Fado is, in our humble opinion, one of the best Portuguese restaurants in town. On the Mezzanine floor of Hotel Royal, they present one of the only higher-end versions of Portuguese cuisine in Macau, and it works quite well. Lunch there is the perfect option because you get to select two to three courses from a number of choices that vary every week. Really tasty treats, and you should really try the dessert. Every thing is traditional Portuguese, from the music floating through the room down to the porcelain on the table. MOP $125 for two courses and MOP $180 for three.
Fado Restaurant 2–4 Estrada da Vitoria, Hotel Royal mezzanine, (mezzanine between 2F-3F), Macau, +853 2855 2222, www.hotelroyal.com.mo/dining/fado
