Clam up at the Bela Vista

Outside of the casinos, food is probably the greatest source of enjoyment in Macau, and lunches routinely last well into the afternoon

Portuguese food is what makes Macau different as an Asian destination, and in typically Chinese style, most of the cityís restaurants are under-dressed; walk through the door of a nondescript shopfront, however, and a rich culinary experience usually awaits.

That said, easily the most beautiful restaurant in Macau is the Bela Vista at the Mandarin Oriental, which is a reproduction of the famed old hotel of the same name that is now the Portuguese Consul-Generalís residence.

Located on the hotel's second floor, the Bela Vista echoes the ambience of its famed namesake, with louvered doors, reproductions of historic watercolors by the renowned artist George Smirnoff, and softly purring fans hung from high white timber ceilings. White wicker chairs surround tables nestled against high arched windows, reminiscent of the original Bela Vistaís terrace overlooking the old Praia Grande.

The menu has something for every appetite, from local specialties to international standards, all done with flair and made with fresh, and often exotic, ingredients. The best way to sample a variety of dishes is to book a reservation for one of the popular buffets and take your choices from an eclectic mix that may include hearty roast beef, Cantonese classics like tasty fried noodles and dim sum treats, Japanese sushi and tempura, and authentic Italian pasta.

Whatever your palate leads you to select, donít leave Macau without sampling spicy African chicken, crab curry, and heavenly egg tarts, classic examples of the unique Macanese cuisine that are at their best right here where they originated.

CafÈ Bela Vista

Mandarin Oriental, Macau, Avenida da Amizade

(853)567 888