Savor the Variety: Signature Restaurants
Where the Hoteliers Go for a Night Out
By Richard R. Vuylsteke
Next to an eye-catching magazine or newspaper ad, perhaps the best way to find out about a great place to eat is word of mouth. With that in mind, TOPICS asked the general managers of six top Taipei hotels a straightforward F&B question: "When you take friends outside your hotel for dinner, what are some favorite choices?" Here's their list of "signature restaurants." Not surprisingly, it's an eclectic selection. Taipei's got so much to offer!
Pearl Liang
Chinese seafood in various provincial styles. Understated interior with clean-and-neat contemporary lines and colors. "Decoration, presentation, table settings, layout -- the whole environment is outstanding." American Express named it Restaurant of the Year for 2000. It was on almost everyone's short list.
Grand Hyatt Taipei, 2 Songshou Rd.. Tel: 2720-1234, ext. 3222
Mu Lan
Japanese. Small and well designed. "Creative." "Sophisticated and enjoyable dining experience without being overly formal."
Anhe Rd., Sec. 2, Lane 209, No.2. Tel: 2739-6169
Salsa Bistro
Chilean. Good food and service. "Simple but tasteful atmosphere."
Anhe Rd., Sec. 1, Lane 141, No.9. Tel: 2700-3060
Lawry's
Western. Superb prime rib. "It's a large group place. A place to relax, have fun, and eat good and hearty food." Good atmosphere. Quality for money.
Core Pacific City, 138 Bade Rd., 12F. Tel: 3762-1312
Shou Lan Gourmet
Shanghai cuisine. "Fantastic cuisine. Friendly to any kind of taste." One repeated comment: "Not as snooty and exclusive as before" - an indication that the quality of service does indeed count.
118 Minsheng E. Rd, Sec. 3 (across from the Sherwood). Tel: 2712-5775; 2718-1310
People Restaurant
"Chinese-Western fusion food, served with a Japanese touch." Large lounge adjacent to dining area. "It's a casual place to relax. You don't have to think too much."
191 Anhe Rd, Sec. 2, B1 (across from the Far Eastern Plaza Hotel). Tel: 2735-2288
Thai & Thai
"Real Thai taste, and it can be really spicy."
Mandarina Crown Hotel, 166 Dunhua N. Rd.. Tel: 2712-1200, ext. 2168
Want Italian? Taipei is a diner's paradise.
Marco Polo
"Great view." "An 'experience' restaurant." "Authentic food." "Chefs cook from scratch, interact with customers on special dishes."
Far Eastern Plaza Hotel, 201 Dunhua S. Rd., Sec. 2, Taipei Metro, 38F. Tel: 2378-8888, ext. 5952
Tutto Bello
"Not fancy, but great food and good service."
Shuangcheng St., Lane 25, No.15 (next to Imperial Hotel). Tel: 2592-3355
Cosi o Cosi
Simple, pleasant setting - "really fresh, authentic taste." "Terrific thin-crust pizza."
Dunhua S. Rd., Sec. 1, No.155. Tel: 2771-5883
Toscana
"Authentic -- not fusion food." "Fresh ingredients from Italy."
Sherwood Hotel, 111 Minsheng E. Rd., 1F. Tel: 2718-6666, ext. 3515
Ziga Zaga
"Good Italian cuisine and a very nice bar-club-restaurant feel to it."
Grand Hyatt Taipei, 2 Songshou Rd., 2F. Tel: 2720-1129
