The landscaped rooftop of Central's waterfront mall, the glitzy IFC, is ringed with posh bars and restaurants. However, the resort-style sofas, tables and armchairs placed right outside those establishments are for the use of the public, and the restaurant operators have no jurisdiction over them. This means that while places like H One and Red would prefer that you blow a ton of cash on their meals and drinks, you're perfectly entitled to bring your own if you're sitting outdoors. Stop off at the CitySuper deli on Level 1, pick up a $20 bottle of wine, a corkscrew and some cheese and olives — then head to the roof for a recession-busting, alfresco afternoon. Million-dollar views almost never come this reasonably priced. (Nearest MTR: Central)

• 1. IFC
  8 Finance Street, Hong Kong; 852-2295-3308 22.286655114.156618 ifc.com.hk
• 2. H One
  8 Finance Street, Hong Kong; 852-2805-0638 22.286655114.156618 More Info
• 3. Red
  8 Finance Street, Hong Kong; 852-8129-8882 22.286655114.156618 More Info
• 4. CitySuper
  8 Finance Street, Hong Kong; 852-2234-7128 22.286655114.156618 citysuper.com.hk