Where to Eat Western Comfort Foods in Taipei

These are the places I go back to again and again in Taipei when I’m craving something Western, which let’s admit is pretty damn often.

Pizza

My top picks: Gusto Pizza near Dongmen MRT and Pizza Perse near Dunhua South Road. Salt and Stone is a good higher-end option.

Burgers

These days there are so many good burger joints. It’s almost like the city has reached burger saturation. My recommendations are Everywhere Burger Club, Taihu Craft Beer Tasting Room and Le Blanc for a knife-and-fork burger. The burger at Avenue is a recent discovery. Burger & Co used to be a favorite, but I heard they haven’t been the same since changing owners.

Fish & Chips

British Oysters Seafood Shed does a great job. The owner used to work at an oyster farm in the UK and now he’s back in Taipei running this place. Little Creatures also makes a generous serving.

Brunch

My local is Woolloomooloo, Taipei’s original Australian-style cafe. Their full English breakfast doesn’t look like it was plated to perfection for Instagram and I especially like the homemade sourdough bread. Second Floor Cafe is another good option. They have a huge menu and a bunch of locations around town.

For vegetarian and vegan options, The Best Vegan & Vegetarian Eats in Taipei has a whole section dedicated to brunch and bistro fare.

Good Italian

There are plenty of places to get pasta in Taipei, but at Antico Forno it’s made fresh in-house. The restaurant feels like a cozy neighborhood Italian place. They have a delicious cold platter for 800NT. I also loved the pappardelle with sausage, mushroom and truffle.

Salt and Stone inside the Taipei 101 mall is another quality pick for pastas, pizzas and appetizers. And I can’t forget Gusto Market of Taste. They make amazing sandwiches with Italian cheeses and cold cuts. They also have lots of burrata and mozzarella cheese chilling in the fridge.

Steakhouse

There’s Morton’s in Breeze Xinyi and Smith & Wollensky in the new Breeze Nanshan mall, but the best value steak in Taipei is still Le Blanc.

Little Creatures does a massive tomahawk if you’re happy to share with friends. Finally, a recent opening, Wild Donkey, just might be my new favorite in town.

Tacos & Burritos

El Sabroso. The Mexican chef makes everything in-house, including the salsas and tortillas, which is why they only serve tacos on Tuesdays. It’s not a restaurant though, more like a food stall. Other options for tacos are Sheep+pony and Tamed Fox. Masa is a new addition. If you’re ever in Hsinchu, you’ll need to make a reservation at El Mundo.

Potato Wedges

Yes, potato wedges is its own category because I’m such a diehard fan of the ones at Bobwundaye. They come out so hot and crispy you’ll burn your mouth — and you’ll like it. Little Creatures make the Aussie version with sour cream and sweet chili sauce.

BBQ

Baba Kevin’s American Barbecue is the only place people go to downtown. Or if you’re okay with going farther north, Ed’s Diner is a reliable option. The recently opened Bogart’s Smokehouse over by Nangang Station also got some votes. Or there’s Tony’s BBQ Smokehouse in Neihu.

Fried Chicken

I’m a fan of the amazingly crispy and juicy Southern-style fried chicken at Buttermilk restaurant inside amba Zhongshan hotel. The freshly baked biscuits are so damn good. Burger Out also has legit reviews for their fried chicken sandwich and waffles.

Sandwiches

If you have a sandwich itch, I recommend Liquid Bread Company. Fries are lovely and they serve Taihu beer on tap. If you’re lucky you’ll see locals eating with plastic gloves on.

Hot Dogs

Jimmy’s Hotdog Club by Daan MRT station has a mouthwatering menu of hotdogs loaded with pickles, salsa, mac and cheese, and chili. Each bun is lovingly toasted to order. They also have burgers on the menu but I recommend sticking with the hotdogs. Don’t forget crinkle cut fries.

Salads Etc.

I’ve been going to Gonna at the Renai roundabout lately for fast casual food. They have freshly squeezed juices (including beet juice), clean salads, a bunch of pasta and panini options and a decent burger. Reasonably priced. It’s probably my favorite fast casual option in the city right now. There’s a second location in Neihu. Sugar Pea Cafe is a more upscale option.

Spanish & Portuguese

Are Mediterranean food cravings a thing? Well, let’s just say yes. I think I’ve had just about everything on the menu at La Mesa (except patatas bravas since they sold out) and it was all delicious. Sangria goes down easy too. Tuga is popular for Portuguese wine and seafood.

Desserts

Heritage Bakery near Beimen is your best bet. Their carrot cake is so rich and carrot-y. Woolloomooloo has an in-house bakery that does a great banana cream pie. For fancier stuff, I get the chocolate and lemon tarts at Yu Chocolatier.

Coco Brownies near Gongguan makes brownies, cupcakes and cookies. Stick with the brownies. My faves are the classic and Earl Gray. COFFEE DPT makes decadent cookies you’ll regret eating. For gelato, Nice Cream is amazing and happens to be vegan.

—

Here are some more Taipei food guides:

• Where to Drink in Taipei
• Where to Eat in Taipei
• Eat Like You’re in Japan
• What to Eat at Tonghua Night Market
• Where to Eat Beef Noodle Soup in Taipei
• The Best Vegan & Vegetarian Eats in Taipei