Get ready to indulge in the culinary wonderland of Taipei, where tradition meets innovation, and every dish tells a story. From the sizzling street food to the elegant fine dining experiences, Taipei’s food scene is a feast for the senses. As you explore the city’s vibrant streets, you’ll discover a gastronomic journey that will take you through the best restaurants in Taipei.
Our Selection of 9 Best Restaurants in Taipei
We’ve curated a list of the top picks in Taipei that will tantalise your taste buds and leave you craving more.
1. Din Tai Fung
Experience the legacy of Din Tai Fung, the international chain that has conquered the world with its delectable xiaolongbao (soup dumplings). Originating from a humble restaurant on Xinyi Road in the 1980s, Din Tai Fung has expanded to four locations in Taipei, four more in Taiwan, and numerous branches in Japan, mainland China, Korea, Hong Kong, Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Indonesia, and the USA. Their traditional Chinese cuisine is executed with consistent excellence, making it a highly sought-after dining experience. Be prepared to join the crowds at every outlet, as the brand’s popularity is a testament to its exceptional quality.
Din Tai Fung
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 08:30 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Address: 110, Taiwan, Taipei City, Xinyi District, City Hall Rd, 45號B1
Visit Them Via: Website
2. Peacock Bistro
Peacock Bistro is situated in Taipei’s restored Datong district, which was a bustling harbour for merchant ships during the early 20th century. In recent years, the area has undergone a resurgence, and Peacock Bistro is among the trendy eateries, boutiques, and speakeasies that have sprung up in the refurbished dried-goods warehouses. The elegant stone mansion that houses Peacock Bistro features a charming courtyard, and the bar area is lined with glass jars filled with various infusions, evoking the traditional medicine shops of the area. The menu offers light dishes that playfully nod to Taiwanese classics, such as oyster fritters and fried chicken made with sake- and peanut-infused batter.
Peacock Bistro
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 12:30 pm (Closed on Tuesday)
Address: No. 197, Section 1, Dihua Street, Datong District, Taipei City, Taiwan 103
Visit Them Via: Website | Facebook | Instagram
3. Lin Dong Fang
Lin Dong Fang may not look like much from the outside, but it is a popular spot in Taipei for its beef noodles. The locals swear by its half-tendon/half-shank beef noodle soup, which comes with al dente noodles in a clear and slightly spicy broth with generous portions of high-quality meat for around NT$220. The restaurant also offers a famous and highly rated hua gan (wheat gluten) appetizer for only NT$30.
This street restaurant primarily serves locals, and as such, none of the signage is in English, making ordering a bit of a challenge for foreign tourists. Nonetheless, it is worth the effort, and you should try the delicious offerings at Lin Dong Fang.
Lin Dong Fang
Operating Hours: 11:00 am – 03:00 am (Monday – Sunday)
Address: No. 322號, Section 2, Bade Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Visit Them Via: Facebook
4. No. 168 Prime Steakhouse
Savour the finest steaks at No. 168 Prime Steakhouse, one of three restaurants situated within the prestigious Grand Victoria Hotel, overseen by acclaimed Taiwanese steakhouse ‘godfather’ Chef Danny Deng. The contemporary-rustic dining room features an open-plan kitchen with two wood-fired ovens, imparting a unique smoky flavour to the premium imported meats. Indulge in the ultimate culinary experience with their top-tier set menu that includes 6 oz of USDA Black Angus Top Cap Steak, accompanied by a starter, soup, salad, roasted seasonal vegetables, and a dessert, all for roughly NT$1,500. Chef Deng’s culinary expertise ensures that every dish is expertly paired with the perfect wine, making for an unforgettable dining experience.
No. 168 Prime Steakhouse
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 03:00 pm, 06:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Address: No. 168, Jingye 4th Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
Visit Them Via: Website | Facebook
5. Lin’s Family Lamb Furnace
For a satisfying dinner on a chilly night in Taipei, head over to Lin’s Family Lamb Furnace. This restaurant offers a lamb-centric menu, with no distractions like fish balls or tofu found in other hot pot joints. The main attraction is the meat, with herbal broth that includes goji berries. For added flavour, try some of the bitter, leafy vegetables recommended as side dishes, such as chrysanthemum greens when they’re in season. Note that the restaurant closes during the hot and humid months of July, August, and September because it’s unsuitable for hot pot dining.
Lin’s Family Lamb Furnace
Operating Hours: 04:00 pm – 01:00 am (Monday – Sunday)
Address: No. 327號, Jilin Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 104
Visit Them Via: Facebook | Instagram
6. Kunming Islamic Restaurant
Kunming Islamic Restaurant is an unpretentious and down-to-earth eatery, offering delicious Indian cuisine at affordable prices. The decor is simple and basic, but the staff is warm and welcoming, making it a cosy place for a satisfying meal. You won’t find any flashy gimmicks or over-the-top aesthetics here, but the quality of the food speaks for itself. The menu features a range of authentic Indian dishes, as well as a few other Asian options to keep things interesting. It’s a great spot for a casual dinner with friends or family, where you can enjoy good food and company without breaking the bank.
Kunming Islamic Restaurant
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 02:00 pm, 05:30 – 09:00 pm (Monday – Friday) | 05:30 – 09:00 pm (Saturday) | Closed on Sunday
Address: No. 26號, Lane 81, Fuxing N Rd, Songshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 105
Visit Them Via: Website | Facebook
7. My Stove
My Stove is a charming Taiwanese restaurant, which brings back memories of the past with its papered walls and lanterns. The eatery is renowned for its delicious fatty pork over rice, a popular Taiwanese comfort food. The menu comprises shared plates, and the fried squid balls and white-cut chicken are excellent appetizers. Diners can also enjoy creamy mapo tofu cooked with eggplant and sesame oil-laced chicken over sticky rice.
My Stove
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 02:00 pm, 05:30 am – 09:30 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Address: No. 9-1號, Lane 100, Songjiang Rd, Zhongshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan 10491
Visit Them Via: Facebook | Instagram
8. Shanghai Pavilion
Shanghai Pavilion is considered the finest Shanghai cuisine eatery in Taipei and is among the six dining options offered by the renowned Far Eastern Plaza Hotel of Shangri-La. The main dining area and private rooms have a traditional red and black Chinese-style decor and provide magnificent views of the city. Many dignitaries and celebrities, including former US President Bill Clinton and former ROC President Chen Shui-Bian, have relished the masterfully prepared dishes of Head Chef Tai Chung-lin. Shanghai Pavilion offers contemporary twists to traditional Shanghai flavours, including red, wine-based sauces on different types of meats, and their signature dish is the pyramid-shaped braised sliced pork with preserved vegetables.
Shanghai Pavilion
Operating Hours: 11:30 am – 02:30 pm, 06:00 – 09:30 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Address: 106, Taiwan, Taipei City, Da’an District, Section 2, Dunhua S Rd, 201號39樓
Visit Them Via: Website
9. Mountain and Sea House
Mountain and Sea House is a must-visit restaurant for those who love to dine in groups and enjoy Taiwanese banquet food. All the dishes served at the restaurant are made with organic ingredients that are locally sourced from the owners’ farm in Nan’ao and other nearby farms. The highlight of the menu is the whole pig dish, baked inside a salt-based meringue and served with a hammer to crack open the meringue. Along with this, one should try the delicious fried rice that is seasoned with aboriginal spices and layered with powdered mullet roe and abalone. The restaurant provides a unique and unforgettable dining experience, celebrating the flavours of Taiwan’s indigenous cuisine.
Mountain and Sea House
Operating Hours: 12:00 pm – 02:30 pm, 06:00 pm – 10:00 pm (Monday – Sunday)
Address: No. 94號, Section 2, Ren’ai Rd, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City, Taiwan 100
Visit Them Via: Website | Facebook | Instagram
Conclusion
Taipei is a city that boasts a wide range of cuisines, from traditional Taiwanese dishes to international delights. In this blog post, we highlighted some of the best restaurants in Taipei that are worth a visit. Whether you’re in the mood for Italian fine dining or Taiwanese comfort food, these restaurants offer an unforgettable culinary experience. So, the next time you find yourself in Taipei, be sure to try out one of these amazing eateries and satisfy your taste buds with the delicious flavours of this vibrant city.