Where to go for a great business lunch

You might think the global financial crisis put an end to the era of the long lunch. But the truth is, although power lunches and dinners are shorter and perhaps less indulgent than they once were, they still play a key role in the city's business life.

Lunch breaks for stock exchange traders were cut by 30 minutes in March, but many deals are still ironed out over dim sum or an Italian pork chop. A convivial meal always helps grease the wheels.

Key to a good business meal is the venue. Ideally, this should be close to your office. Those bankers that have moved away from Central in recent years, such as Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank following Morgan Stanley, have therefore had to investigate new and unfamiliar surroundings. The venue should also offer a relaxing environment, where one can talk without being overheard. Tables that are sufficiently far apart from each other are essential - and on occasion private rooms may be necessary when one doesn't want to be seen, for example as a price-sensitive transaction or potential senior hire are being discussed. Unobtrusive service is also a prerequisite.

Investment bankers or brokers will usually rotate between half a dozen favourite venues, where they will become creatures of habit, ingratiating themselves over time with the staff. One word of warning: the best restaurants tend to be booked up quickly; trying to secure a table at the last minute in one of the business districts can prove a nightmare, even for the most insistent of personal assistants. Price-wise, every firm will have its own policy, but bills for HK$300 to HK$600 per head for lunch - more for dinner - will generally be in the right ballpark.

Here is a list of some of my best-loved haunts.