CENTRAL. The simple décor and casual atmosphere of this Central Hong Kong restaurant makes for an ideal place for a quick business lunch. The food is quite good, including the poached crab and the bird's nest. It's not uncommon for Chiu Chow Garden to feature a little dancing or live music. Reservations are recommended. MTR: Admiralty.

TSIM SHA TSUI. Dynasty is located in the elegant Renaissance New World Hotel. The décor is a juxtaposition of the modern and traditional, highlighted by silk Chinese paintings and mirrors. The menu features the ever-popular bird's nest soup as an appetizer, and such entrées as the roasted pigeon, silver cod, or fried bean curd offer a delicious main course. The clientele is a nice mix of locals, tourists, and business people. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner. MTR: Tsim Sha Tsui

KOWLOON. What started in 1948 as a catering business is today a thriving restaurant serving what many people consider to be the best Cantonese cuisine in Hong Kong. The food is labor-intensive and refined, with numerous double boiled soups and the more exotic of traditional Chinese ingredients (bird's nest, fish maw) making frequent appearances. Shark's fin dishes are numerous ­ indeed, Braised Most Superior Shark's Fin with Brown Sauce is widely regarded as the finest on offer anywhere. Abalone is a specialty, and Fook Lam Moon ages theirs carefully for the tenderest results. The food far outshines décor and service, but if you're looking for authenticity, Fook Lam Moon delivers admirably.

CENTRAL. The elegantly decorated Golden Leaf, located in the Conrad Hotel, offers unparalleled Cantonese cuisine and service in a classy atmosphere. For lunch, the Golden Leaf's dim sum is immensely popular with the business crowd. Meanwhile, at dinner, it is the shark's fin dishes or the suckling pig that take center stage. An á la carte menu also is available. Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner. MTR: Admiralty

CENTRAL. Named after a Chinese province, this Forum restaurant is popular for its hot offerings of Hunanese cuisine. Most of the chicken and fish dishes are not exempt from the spiciness, but have no fear, the hot items are clearly marked on the menu. The environment is friendly, and Hunan Garden is ideally located in the heart of Exchange Square, which makes it a good place for a business lunch. Reservations are recommended. MTR: Central.