19 essential Taipei restaurants: from street food to fine dining

This list of Taipei restaurants is from my endless hunt for unique eats in Taiwan. Taiwan is one of the countries in Southeast Asia that has a great food culture and in this post, I will share with you the list of restaurants in Taipei that I always frequent.

I first set foot in Taipei in 2014. It wasnโ€™t really on my radar of places to visit in Asia and it most certainly does not ring a bell to Western travelers.

Upon arrival in Taipei, I was able to try dishes here that I never found somewhere else. I would say that the top 10 unique eats in my life were all from Taiwan!

1. Fujin Tree: best of the best Taipei restaurants

Fujin Tree stands out among the best Taipei restaurants, blending an exceptional ambiance with a culinary experience thatโ€™s hard to match.

Known for its innovative approach to fusion cuisine, Fujin Tree takes diners on a gastronomic journey with dishes that marry local Taiwanese ingredients with international flavors.

What to order here can vary, but their signature dish, the Truffle Beef Noodles, is a must-try, offering a luxurious twist on a Taiwanese classic.

Ask for the chefโ€™s special of the day, which often features seasonal ingredients sourced from local markets, providing a unique taste of Taipeiโ€™s rich culinary landscape.

2. Mountain and Sea House: best farm-to-table restaurant

Mountain and Sea House is revered as the best farm-to-table among the top Taipei restaurants. This restaurant prides itself on its commitment to sustainability and the use of organic ingredients sourced directly from local farms and fisheries.

The Wild Mushroom Risotto and the Fresh Sea Bass are standout dishes that perfectly embody the restaurantโ€™s farm-to-table philosophy.

The cuisine at Mountain and Sea House is a modern interpretation of traditional Taiwanese dishes with a focus on health and sustainability.

Visit during the daytime to enjoy the restaurantโ€™s stunning views of Taipei, which complement the exquisite dining experience.

3. Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature: best Taiwanese restaurant

Shin Yeh Taiwanese Signature is a cornerstone among the best Taipei restaurants for those seeking authentic Taiwanese cuisine.

With a legacy that spans decades, Shin Yeh has perfected the art of Taiwanese cooking, offering dishes that resonate with depth of flavor and tradition.

The Steamed Pork Belly with Preserved Vegetables and the Oyster Omelet are highly recommended, both of which are quintessential Taiwanese dishes. Book a table by the window in the evening for a breathtaking view of Taipei by night!

4. Adachi: best Omakase sushi restaurant in Taipei

Adachi stands out as the pinnacle of Omakase sushi experiences among the best Taipei restaurants. This intimate establishment is helmed by a master sushi chef whose dedication to the craft is evident in every dish served.

The Omakase menu changes daily, based on the freshest seafood available, providing diners with an unparalleled journey through the finest flavors of the sea.

โ€œOmakaseโ€ is a Japanese term that translates to โ€œIโ€™ll leave it up to you.โ€ In the context of dining, it refers to a meal where the selection of dishes is left entirely to the chef, rather than being chosen from a menu by the diner.

5. Din Tai Fung: best xiaolongbao restaurant in Taipei

Din Tai Fung has earned a reputation as one of the best restaurants in Taipei Taiwan, particularly renowned for its xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). This globally recognized restaurant started as a humble cooking oil retail business before pivoting to become a culinary powerhouse.

Beyond xiaolongbao, the restaurant offers a wide range of Taiwanese and Chinese dishes, ensuring a comprehensive taste of the regionโ€™s cuisine. You can watch the meticulous preparation of xiaolongbao through the kitchenโ€™s glass window!

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6. Vickyโ€™s BBQ House: best buffet restaurant in Taipei

taipei restaurants

Vickyโ€™s BBQ House stands out among the best restaurants in Taipei Taiwan, for those in search of an affordable buffet experience.

Specializing in barbecue, Vickyโ€™s provides an extensive selection of meats, seafood, vegetables, and side dishes, all prepared with a unique blend of local and international flavors.

The must-try here includes their marinated beef and freshly grilled seafood, offering a taste of the finest ingredients with exceptional seasoning. The cuisine reflects a fusion approach, incorporating elements from Taiwanese, American, and Korean barbecue traditions.

Explore the DIY sauce station, where you can mix your own dipping sauces to match your personal taste preferences!

7. Haidilao: best hot pot restaurant in Taipei

Hot pot is another dining tradition in Asia where you will be brought a big boiling pot placed on the built-in stove on your table. You will choose the ingredients you want for your hot pot and voila โ€“ you will be the one to cook the hot pot yourself!

This is a great dining experience for those who love to cook and have long lunches/dinners. It is definitely an interactive way of dining in Asia and it is popular for special occasions like birthdays.

Haidilao has many branches within Taipei and almost exclusively serves hot pot, which is a good thing. Their menu is not overwhelming and this is the best place to go for experiencing hot pot, especially for first-timers.

8. Da-Wan: best yakiniku restaurant

Yakiniku is the Japanese version of Korean BBQ. You will order a few types of meat and you will grill them yourself on the griddle mounted on the tables.

For every meat you order, a selection of vegetable sides comes with it. You can also order small sides such as rice to go with your yakiniku!

Da-Wan is definitely the best yakiniku place in Taipei, not only because of their Japanese bbq but also for other specialties like sake ($13 USD a pot).

They also serve unqiue black currant cocktails that they mix with soda water, oolong tea, calpis, and orange juice, all at $6 USD. Lastly, donโ€™t forget to try their Umeshu drinks menu, especially if itโ€™s your first time in Asia!

9. Raw: best Taiwanese fine dining

taipei restaurants

Raw is the brainchild of none other than the great Andre Chang who wishes to showcase how the Taiwanese cook with ingredients available in every season. Porridge, scallops, cauliflower couscous, remoulade, and oyster bearnaise are some of the ingredients that star Rawโ€™s menu.

If you are planning to dine at Raw, itโ€™s best to order their tasting menu ($60 USD) to have a peak into Andreโ€™s carefully curated menu by the season. The tasting menu also includes drinks that will go perfectly with every dish served.

  • ๐Ÿ“ No. 301่™Ÿ, Lequn 3rd Rd, Zhongshan
  • โฐ 5 PM โ€“ 12 AM
  • ๐Ÿ’ฒ tasting menu from $60 USD
  • ๐Ÿ† No. 21 Asiaโ€™s 50 Best Restaurants 2021
  • ๐Ÿ† Asiaโ€™s 50 Best Lifetime Achievement Award 2018 (Andrรฉ Chiang)

10. Jin Feng: best braised pork rice restaurant

taipei restaurants

Braised pork rice is another common dish that you will encounter in every restaurant in Taiwan and the best is Jin Feng!!! It consists of braised fatty pork, served with hard-boiled eggs and topped on a bed of white rice.

It is a traditional Taiwanese dish that is tasty, simple, and easy to eat. Jin Feng is a restaurant that specializes in braised pork rice (believe me, they have a ton on their menu) but they also serve other Taiwanese dishes such as noodles.

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11. Right Ice Cream: traditional Taiwanese desserts

Taiwan is known to have re-invented the dishes from their neighbors and taking it as their own. One of the most notable fusions and original cuisine in Taiwan are their desserts โ€“ from rolled ice cream to tapiocas, dessert meals are easily found all over the city and they are so creatively made!

Right Ice Cream is a cute dessert restaurant in the Songshan district with different varieties of sweets starting at $1.50 USD. Most of the bowls are generously served so you can sit here and share a special ice cream, especially during the heat of the day.

12. Impromptu by Paul Lee: experimental cuisine

taipei restaurants

Located in the Regent Hotel Taipei, Impromptu by Paul Lee is a fine dining restaurant and has a great following not just in Taiwan, but all over the world.

Many food enthusiasts make sure to pop by Impromptu to try its ever-changing seasonal set menus. You can come here at different times and taste different food!

There are many different types of fixed, set menus to choose from and they are pretty affordable. To have an idea of the current prices, see below, all on a per-person rate:

  • Tasting menu: $120 USD
  • Wine pairing: $60 USD
  • Cocktail pairing: $40 USD
  • Full pairing: $66 USD

Upon arrival, get a hold of their cocktail menu featuring classic cocktails such as Pisco Sour, a traditional drink from Peru.

Other cocktails to try include Ivy Gimlet (vodka, mint, lime, sugar), Hemingway Daiquiri (rum, lime, grapefruit, maraschino), and the Bramble for the classic drinkers which consist of gin, lime, and mure.

13. Le Palais: Cantonese-French fusion

A fusion of Cantonese and French cuisine (go figure), Le Palais is a fine dining restaurant in Taipei that prides itself on high-quality ingredients. The $90 USD set menu changes on the season and the dress code here is strictly formal.

This is an ideal restaurant for those who are looking to try the best dim sum in the country and other remarkable Chinese dishes with a twist. This is also a restaurant where you will learn about the culture of Chinese banquet cuisine.

14. Logy: best Asian cuisine

taipei restaurants

Logy emerges as a distinguished name among the best restaurants in Taipei Taiwan, especially for aficionados of modern Asian cuisine.

The menu is a testament to the chefsโ€™ travels and experiences across Asia, bringing together a harmonious blend of flavors from Japan, Taiwan, Thailand, and beyond. A must-try dish is the Chefโ€™s Tasting Menu, which offers a curated selection of dishes designed to take diners on a gastronomic journey through Asia.

The intimate setting and thoughtfully designed interior provide a perfect backdrop for a culinary exploration of Asia.

  • ๐Ÿ“ 106, Taiwan, Taipei City, Daโ€™an
  • โฐ 5:30 PM โ€“ 7:30 PM and 8 PM โ€“ 10:30 PM
  • ๐Ÿ’ฒ tasting menu from $136 USD
  • ๐Ÿ† No. 24 Asiaโ€™s 50 Best Restaurants 2021

15. Ya Ge: Hong Kong-style cuisine

taipei restaurants

Located in the Mandarin Oriental Hotel, Ya Ge is a fine dining restaurant that specializes in Cantonese food and Hong Kong-style dishes. The menu stars barbecue dishes such as black pork with honey, Chinese herbal chicken, and roasted Australian wagyu beef cheek.

There is also a great selection of dim sum like the Australian abalone ($20 USD). When in Ya Ge, make sure to order the seasonal set menu, a 7-course meal that costs $132 USD per person.

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16. Mume: Taiwanese-Nordic fusion

taipei restaurants

Mumeโ€™s name is derived from Taiwanโ€™s national flower and it literally translates to โ€œpure blossom.โ€ The chef at Mume worked in Copenhagenโ€™s Noma, a constant nominee in the top 10 best restaurants in the world.

The cooking techniques at Mume focus on rare Taiwanese ingredients with a European touch. The wagyu beef tartar is definitely a best-seller as well as their mahi-mahi and green apple crepe.

  • ๐Ÿ“ No. 28, Siwei Rd, Daโ€™an
  • โฐ 5:30 PM โ€“ 11 PM
  • ๐Ÿ’ฒ from $85 USD
  • ๐Ÿ† No. 45 Asiaโ€™s 50 Best Restaurants 2023
  • ๐Ÿ† The Best Restaurant in Taiwan 2019, 2021 & 2023

17. Dannyโ€™s Steakhouse: best steak restaurant in Taipei

As youโ€™ve seen many Asian Taipei restaurants on this list, letโ€™s focus a little bit more on some American favorites. The go-to steak place in Taipei is Dannyโ€™s Steakhouse, a casual restaurant that also has other American food.

Starting at US$50, you can get a good steak cut (USDA approved). Some notable steaks on the menu include the Australian Wagyu Ribeye Steak (US$83) and the USDA prime ribeye steak (US$56).

18. Tairroir: nature-inspired Taiwanese

Another French-inspired restaurant in Taipei, Tairroirโ€™s head chef trained Odette in Singapore but is from the Taichung area of Taipei โ€“ a part of the country that is known for its notable and unique cuisine.

When in Tairroir, the best thing to order is their 9-course tasting menu that is different for lunch and dinner, both of which regularly change depending on the seasons.

The lunch set menu starts at US$112 while the dinner menu costs $179 USD per person.

19. Chuan Mu Yuan: best Dim Sum restaurant

Chuan Mu Yuan secures its position among the best restaurants in Taipei Taiwan, as the go-to destination for dim sum lovers.

This restaurant prides itself on serving authentic, meticulously prepared dim sum that captures the essence of Cantonese culinary tradition, while also incorporating local Taiwanese influences.

The dim sum selection is extensive, offering everything from classic steamed shrimp dumplings (har gow) to more innovative creations. Make sure to order their Chinese tea!

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