台北文华东方酒店

The modern and simple design of T+T exudes relaxed chic, à la French bistronomy. The name is an abbreviation of ‘tapas tasting’, but rather than Spanish in origin, the small plates show strong Asian roots. Miso, ginseng, Dang Gui, Shaoxing wine and red bean cake are juxtaposed ingeniously to create gustatory nuances that pleasantly surprise. The tasting menu, which changes every 3 to 4 months, offers great value; the eclectic wine list carries some interesting choices.

The 20-seater is not particularly spacious, but the clever use of shiny materials and vertical lines more than compensates. It only opens for dinner with a single tasting menu that changes according to the season (although the ever-popular pâté en croûte remains a firm fixture). The chef’s sauces are second to none and he uses fresh herbs to great effect. In echo of traditional French meals, small cheese bites are served after the main course.

Tainan cuisine is known for its sugary taste profile; the Tainanese founder thinks outside the box to reinterpret the cooking of his hometown. The end product always goes well with champagne. The menu changes regularly to reflect what's in season, while specialities such as stir-fried leafy greens with wax apple, and scrambled eggs with tomato and lobster never fail to pleasantly surprise. Clever use of plant art gives the room a greenhouse vibe.

Diners are escorted past the open kitchen into an airy room bathed in natural light, perfect for power lunches or social gatherings. For a surcharge, all the à la carte steaks can be made into a set. Australian Mayura Full-blood Wagyu ribeye tastes milkier than typical grass-fed beef, and with the cut, you get to enjoy the robust flavour of New York strip and the even marbling of ribeye cap. Wine buffs should check out the rare vintages.

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.

INITA, a portmanteau of Italy, Nippon (Japan) and Taiwan, delivers victuals that are underscored by Italian technique, jazzed up with Japanese twists and crafted with Taiwanese ingredients. The season-driven tasting menu consists of 10-plus courses inspired by the Japanese chef-owner’s culinary roots and experience. His dorayaki is a castella pancake sandwich filled with a tartare of local yellow beef, alongside an Italian tuna dip packed in briny umami.

The room sports a minimalist edge courtesy of light wood and slate grey hues. Chef Masa Chung deploys his deft craftsmanship and savvy skills, drawing on a 20-year career in Japanese cooking. He serves a single season-driven kappo menu. Chargrilling is his strong suit, but his uni and shiso tempura, as well as the famous kamameshi course are equally impressive. The meal unfolds like a page-turner, with compelling highlights and breathing spaces.