Legends in their own lunchtime

Dining out in the evening can be an expensive affair in Shanghai. But a large number of the city's eateries have lunch deals that offer dishes from the a la carte menu for a fraction of the price. The Global Times went in search of the best-value lunches around.

Bargain buffet for 66 yuan

No it's not a misprint. The all-you-can-eat buffet at the Taiwan Food Plaza really is only 66 yuan ($9.67). And that's with a choice of 168 dishes and drinks thrown in for free, including imported Taiwanese beer.

The Yan'an Road West plaza is still in its soft opening phase, but already features a wealth of dishes including the island's famous oyster omelet, deep fried squid ball (a favorite among Shanghai girls), deep fried crispy seafood, gluten sausages, and small pork sausage with peanut and Chinese coriander. Taiwan's famous freshly squeezed fruit juices and puddings are also available.

The interior has the feel of a typical Taiwanese night market complete with hanging red lanterns and food vendors arranged by Taiwan's regional cuisines. As this is basically an open-plan food market, there is no non-smoking area to speak of, and the seating (for 200 people) is rather cramped.

Add: Building 4, 2789 Yan'an Road West, close to Hongxu Road

Tel: 6262 7300

Lunch Hour: from 11 am to 2 pm

A tuna day

It's easy to spend 300 yuan on tuna alone at any of the city's specialist restaurants. And that's why a visit to Tenya located in the Giant View Hotel is a must for lovers of this Japanese favorite. The restaurant's lunch box for 58 to 68 yuan is one of the best deals around comprising of a warm bowl of rice topped with tuna, seaweed, soy sauce, wasaki and miso soup. The price also includes ice cream and coffee.

Add: Giant View Hotel Residence, 1520 Huashan Road

Tel: 6281 4918

Lunch Hour: 11 am to 2 pm

Grab a pizza the action

White collar workers toiling away at the Bund Center need no introduction to the nearby Gondola Veneziana. But this Italian restaurant deserves a larger audience.

Two set meal lunches are on offer. The pizza or pasta (spaghetti with mascarpone or lasagna) comes with a choice of soup or salad and a drink and costs 48 yuan. Opting for the 78 yuan set meal gets you a main course dish (rack of lamb, monkfish or veal), a drink and a soup or salad.

The thin-crusted pizza is authentic and the toppings are simple but flavorful. The lasagna comes highly recommended and has generous amounts of cheese and fresh tomatoes.

Add: No.16 Middle Henan Road, near Yan'an Road East

Tel: 6321 9803

Lunch Hour: 11 am to 2 pm

Family favorite

The menu hasn't changed at Xiang Ge Li for more than 10 years - and that's just the way its patrons like it. Lunchtime at this Luban Road fixture features a large number of families, possibly linked to its reputation for playing host to birthdays, anniversaries and other important occasions.

The restaurant serves noodles made from scratch, fresh and cooked until they are al dente to the taste. Compared with many lower-end noodle houses, the toppings are particularly generous. For a healthy option try the sauteed chicken noodles with mushrooms and green vegetable for 15 yuan.

Add: 105 Luban Road, near Liyuan Road

Tel: 6304 4186

Lunch Hour: 11 am to 2 pm