HubHotel – Taipei Songshan Airport Branch

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.

This long-standing favourite appeals to locals with Edomae sushi made with Hokkaido rice dressed in veteran chef’s own blend of red vinegars, and the finest fish that he ages himself. The tuna stands out in particular, while various zensai ranging from unagi to abalone work up your appetite for the main course. Counter seats let you stay close to the action, but the room allows for more privacy. Often fully booked, but it’s worth persevering.

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.

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.

Spanish-themed paintings hang in the dining area, which boasts a stunning glazed wine cellar. The two chefs take diners on a poetic culinary journey to the Pyrenees of the Basque Country with a seafood-heavy tasting menu. Produce from Taiwan and Japan is woven into edible works of art that embody Spanish traditions, Asian influences and natural beauty. The clever use of colours and seasonal ingredients makes the experience a real delight.

This little gem with only five tables opened its doors in 1995 and moved to this address in 2010. The chef has been cooking professionally for over 40 years and he excels in making additive-free, simple but delicious Taiwanese dishes with the freshest catch from the sea. Regulars also come for abalone silkie chicken soup, double-boiled with Chinese herbs for two hours. Grilled pork trotter with gelatinous skin and juicy flesh is also unmissable.

This hipster breakfast shop was founded in 2017 before moving to a quiet alley near Xingtian Temple. It prides itself on its egg fritters in south Taiwanese style with a crisp crust and fluffy, soft centre. There are more than 10 fillings to choose from, such as Sichuan pepper sausage, or soymilk chicken. Some of the fillings are also served in the form of rice balls or sandwiched in a steamed dark brown sugar bun like a Taiwanese burger. Everything is made to order.