Hotel Prima Casa

A buzzy spot for home-style food, Ming Fu serves big portions ideal for sharing with friends and family. Taiwanese fare is the star, including items seldom found elsewhere, such as mullet tripe and fresh fish maw. Their signature ‘Buddha jumps over the wall’ requires pre-ordering, however, unlike traditional recipes which call on pork ribs and taro, this version of the gourmet soup uses matsutake mushrooms, gingkoes and abalone.

The Ten scenes of West Lake – iconic spots in Hangzhou – are the inspiration behind this hotel restaurant's modern decor. The head chef reimagines traditional Hangzhou recipes with new ideas. Try his fairy duck soup or Dongpo pork with a trio of sides. Eating here is a multifaceted experience, with tea sommeliers who are well-versed in tea pairings and, at dinnertime, calligraphers who turn your order into artwork for you to take home.

The pristine interior exudes understated elegance. Expect a local take on executive chef Takayama-san's refined French-Japanese culinary vision. The head chef, an avid tea lover, cleverly incorporates local teas into his cooking – it features in his sauces, amuse-bouches, dinner rolls and his version of Takayama's signature seasonal vegetables with sushi rice. The experience involves all the senses – perfect for romantic dates and special occasions.

Having had almost 30 years’ experience working in renowned sushi restaurants in Taipei, the owner-chef opened here in 2017. The décor is traditionally Japanese, with solid wood countertops imported from Canada. He insists on shipping the fish from Japan three times a week and his rice is seasoned with three different kinds of vinegar. Only omakase menus are available; the monk fish liver sushi is a standout.

Tucked away in a quiet alley, the reputation of Inn’s+ is entirely word of mouth. The owner-chef, who used to manage a bistro, re-interprets Taiwanese classics with less fat and less sodium for a health-conscious clientele, without sacrificing flavour or freshness. Her signature baby oyster omelette uses plump, creamy bivalves from Chiayi County, as well as free-range chicken eggs that boast rich flavours. Tailored menus possible for large parties.

An alumnus of several world-renowned restaurants in New York City, the head chef recounts his eclectic journey with a 10- or 14-course omakase-style tasting menu. From your counter seat, watch the hushed team skilfully prepare every dish with Asian ingredients and a Japanese culinary ethos. A standout is the kamameshi course that melds Japanese and European techniques. For the full experience, try the wine pairings or temperance flight.

With an understated façade, this place feels like a hidden gem for those in the know. The tearoom-like lobby leads into a minimalist dining room where a brightly lit open kitchen takes centre stage. The menu celebrates Japanese culinary culture, but with the odd Taiwanese twist and global influences. From shirako with bottarga to mussel noodles and wood-fired pigeon, every course is a beauty to behold and a delight to taste.