Taking a break for lunch on Fuxing Lu

For this Shanghaiist, lunch during the work week typically consists of lukewarm slop served downstairs in the company canteen. So, when we get a rare chance to take a day off from work or telecommute, we like to venture out and take advantage of the many lunch specials that are offered by Shanghai's popular restaurants.

Boonna 2 has already earned its reputation as a hipster favorite with its cozy and laid back vibe. It's now even more of a favorite here at Shanghaiist for the delicious tuna melt, which is part of their weekday lunch special: 38 RMB for one of their grilled sandwiches and an espresso. We're big fans of tuna melts that aren't dripping in flop grease; Boonna's is light and crunchy and a steal at the cafe's always reasonable prices.

Not far down Fuxing Lu is Arugula, which has a pretty decent lunch special of their own. You can choose from four items on their 55 RMB set lunch menu, which includes a soup/salad and a drink. Arugula's offerings aren't particularly adventurous; we ordered the roast chicken and, as roast chicken that isn't over or undercooked usually is, it was juicy and tasty, but nothing mind-blowing. We didn't try the tuna salad sandwich or the lamb moussaka. Why are we recommending having lunc here? Because of the space; the first floor dining loft, with its brightly painted walls and wide windows reflect plenty of natural light. Indeed, a welcome oasis from the dreary life of the cubicle drone.

Boonna 2 Cafe - 57 Fuxing Lu (复兴路57号) - Tel: 13564832732

Arugula - Lane 49, House 2, Fuxing Xi Lu (复兴西路49弄2号) - Tel: 6433 8577

Eric Hu is Shanghaiist's Food Editor. Email tips, recommendations, and news and gossip about Shanghai's food scene to food at shanghaiist.com.