Taipei has many legendary restaurants and night markets where visitors can try virtually any local Taiwanese specialty, but the city is also a culinary mecca for world cuisine. For those looking for a nicer and more upscale dining experience, Taipei offers a number of excellent options - many located away from the luxury hotels in town.
Here are four widely popular restaurants to consider during a visit to Taipei:
Shinyeh 101
Located on the 85th floor of Taipei 101, the views alone are worth making a reservation. Fortunately, the quality of food matches the unsurpassed views of the city. Shinyeh 101 proves that Taiwanese cuisine can be gourmet by offering an extensive selection of local cuisine with that five-star touch.
Open for both lunch and dinner, the views on a clear night make it worth spending the extra money for an evening seating. Prices for lunch start around $30 US and $50 US or more for dinner. Seasonal set menus options are also available, which allows diners to taste a variety of local cuisine. The friendly and attentive wait staff will offer excellent recommendations and provide thorough descriptions of ingredients in each dish if needed. An extensive wine list is available and a delightful sommelier is also on hand to assist with finding that perfect bottle of wine.
- Shinyeh 101
- 7 XinYi Road, Sec 5, 85F-1
- (02) 8101-0185
- Hours: 11:30am - 3pm (lunch); 5:30pm - 10pm (dinner)
- Dress code: Business Casual
- Wine List: Yes
- Credit Cards: Yes
Abu Authentic Cuisine
Tucked along a tiny road is one of the best kept culinary secrets of Taipei. Chef William "Abu" Bu, formerly of the famed Tutto Bello Italian Restaurant, has now opened his own restaurant in Taiwan.
Open just under a year now, Abu is clearly making his mark in the upscale dining scene of Taipei. It is recommended that diners make reservations no later than 5 days ahead as locals fill this boutique restaurant every night of the week. The restaurant is quaint, reminiscent of one of the great Parisian eateries along the Seine.
During dinner hours Abu features two prix fixe menus, approximately $80 US each. The 8-course meals offer fine French inspired dishes, including two sinfully delicious dessert courses. For the dessert connoisseurs, be sure to ask about Abu's special souffle that needs its own table for delivery. After the final dessert course, enjoy a nice cup of renowned Chinese Pu'er Tea. Chinese Pu'er tea is an expensive tea, known often as "Oriental Beauty Tea", and recognized for its array of potential health benefits, including anti-aging and slimming properties.
- Abu Authentic Cuisine
- 28 Siwei Road
- (02) 2707-0699
- Hours: Noon - 3pm (lunch); 6pm-11pm (dinner)
- Dress Code: Business Casual
- Wine List: Yes
- Credit Cards: Yes, most cards accepted
Mitsui Sushi and Japanese Restaurant
Mitsui has several locations in Taipei, but the most grand is the downtown one on Dunhua Street. The dark chic interior makes diners feel like they are in a Japanese Zen Garden. The quiet openness is a sheer contrast to the big city noise just outside the building.
Several set menu options, ranging from approximately $40 - $80 US, showcase the bouquet of flavors and freshness that is key with finding excellent Japanese cuisine. From sushi and sashimi, to more complicated and rare seafood delicacies, Mitsui provides the true authentic Japanese dining experience at a fraction of the cost of high-end restaurants in Japan. For those less adventurous, a la carte menu items in English are also available.
- Mitsui Japanese Cuisine
- No 108, Dun-Hua South Road, Section 1, B1-1
- (02) 2741-3394
- Hours: 11:30am - 2:30pm (last lunch order 2pm); 5:30pm-10:30pm (last dinner order 9:20pm)
- Wine List: Yes
- Credit Cards: Yes
- For other locations, please see Mitsui's website
L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
The most decorated Michelin starred chef opened his latest restaurant in Taipei last November. Robuchon took care in assembling some of his best staff from the other restaurants to ensure a seamless opening for his new venture in Taiwan.
The 8-course set menus run around $200 per person, but for those who have never experienced the culinary skills of Robuchon, the price is well worth it. Surprisingly delicious courses, like caviar or carrot mousse with eel jelly, could make any skeptic fall in love with French cuisine.
For those looking to enjoy dinner at Robuchon, make reservations as early as possible - several weeks or a month ahead if possible. Lunch reservations may be even more elusive as many local business people choose lunchtime to entertain their contacts and clients.
Located inside the new luxury shopping mall called Bella Vita, Robuchon also has a tea salon that features savory pastries and several menu items from the restaurant itself.
- L'Atelier de Joël Robuchon
- 5F, Bella Vita, 28 Songren Road
- (02) 8729 - 2628
- Hours: 11:30am - 2:30pm (lunch); 6pm - 10:30pm (dinner)
- Wine List: Yes (and tailored wine flights available)
- Credit Cards: Yes
- Dress Code: Business/Upscale
- Salon de Robuchon Hours: 10am - 10pm weekdays, 10am-10:30pm weekends (located on 3rd floor)
Erin De Santiago - Erin is a freelance travel, food/wine, & Disney writer in Taipei, Taiwan, who has traveled within 40+ different countries to date.
Join the Conversation