Restaurants in Taipei

Mume

Widely considered to be the best restaurant in Taipei, this restaurant billed as "Modern Asian European Fusion" certainly has fine pedigree - it's run by three chefs who originally hailed from Noma in Denmark, Per Se in New York and Quay in Sydney. The New Nordic influence is clearly felt on the menu, but local culinary influences have not been ignored - such as pork ribs with miso and plum gaze, or a house salad with fermented black beans.

Yen Chinese Restaurant

Set on the 31st floor of the W Hotel, this chic restaurant has floor-to-ceiling windows with views of central Taipei, and the adjoining bar has unobstructed views of Taipei 101. The sleek purple, black and white decor sets the scene for the beautifully presented modern Cantonese dishes - highlights of which include poached chicken in chilli sauce and seafood soup with lobster and ginger. There's also a short dim sum menu.

RAW Restaurant

Opened and run by the renowned Michelin-starred chef Andre Chiang, RAW is notoriously hard to get a reservation for - book in advance as far as possible. The wait and effort is worth it, though, as the set menu features exquisitely prepared and presented dishes that add new flavours to traditional Taiwanese dishes. The surroundings are Scandi-chic, and a novel touch is the little drawer at each seat that contains cutlery, napkins and the menu.

Si Zhi Tang

This restaurant is a little under the radar - and down a non-descript alleyway; watch out for a covered patio area with lots of plants and a closed wooden door - but the modern Taiwanese and Japanese fusion food (with some Western flourishes) is worth seeking out. The restaurant itself is reminiscent of a private home (and indeed used to belong to an architect) and is furnished with mismatched tables and eclectic vintage decor. The menu has small plates intended for sharing, and staff will be happy to put together a selection for you based on dietary requirements.

Herban Kitchen and Bar

The name of this casual vegetarian/vegan spot is a play on 'herb' and 'urban', and indeed it's an oasis in the city, with a small leafy patio garden and mismatched vintage furniture inside. The all-day menu includes breakfasts, sandwiches and pastas, and there are also burgers and moussaka; accompaniments include smoothies, beers and organic wines. Gluten-free options are also available.

Addiction Aquatic Development

The old Taipei fish market has been converted into a sleek, modern destination that's heaven for the seafood lover. As well as a live seafood market, there are sections to buy flowers and homeware, and there's also a grocery store selling fruit and vegetables as well as ready-to-go sushi and bento boxes. The seafood bar and sushi bar are standing-only, but outside there's an open-air BBQ restaurant offering grilled seafood, as well as a Japanese restaurant and a hot pot restaurant upstairs. Be warned, though - it gets very crowded.

Din Tai Fung

Din Tai Fung has earned an excellent reputation for its juicy steamed dumplings, and there are now branches across South East Asia, Australia and the USA. A hive of activity with an open kitchen, guests can watch deft fingers create these delicious little morsels. Be prepared to queue.

Spot Taipei

The all-day brunch menu is the main draw at this American-styled joint tucked away behind Ming Yao Shopping Center. It's popular with ex-pats and locals alike, who come for the Eggs Benedict, pancakes and delectable chicken and waffle sandwiches, but there are plenty of other delights: mac and cheese, ribeye steak, duck confit...

James Kitchen

Set in a traditional two-storey house, with tables and chairs downstairs and tatami mats upstairs, this cozy little restaurant offers simple, authentic home-style Taiwanese cooking. Don't miss the pumpkin rice noodles and bean curd mushroom roll.