Not only is Tianmu a great place to go out for a drink, but it is also a hotbed of culinary delights, with both local and international cuisine well represented throughout the neighborhood. From Indian to Mexican, there is something to suit everyone’s tastes. These ten restaurants, according to locals and expats alike, are the best of the best.
For some Indian fine dining in an elegant setting, choose Saffron. This incredibly popular restaurant has been serving authentic Indian cuisine in Tianmu for many years now, and alongside The Spice Shop (which is mentioned below), is one of the first ports of call for those in need of some curry goodness.
This restaurant is everything a French fine dining establishment should be. From a seriously good selection of wines, to an incredible menu featuring some old favorites alongside some new and innovative creations, there’s a very classic feel to this elegant bistro in the heart of Tianmu.
For great American-style food, Chili’s scores pretty high with the expat community. The menu features some classic dishes such as the Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich, and the portions are said to be extremely generous. Add to that the nice trendy feel of the place and you have an ideal spot for a few drinks and a casual dinner.
Since it first opened its doors, Alleycats has set the standard for pizza in Taipei. The menu is simple yet quite effective, with plenty of side orders to fill out a plate. They also carry some great beers, and have been known to have a special or two from time to time. Forget ordering a delivery, and get down to this place for some authentic pizza.
While some may describe this place as hipster, others would just call it a plain old healthy living cafe. The focus at this place is to eat healthy food that tastes great, and doesn’t add any inches to your waistline. They try to use fresh local produce as much as possible. Their shakes are simply out of this world.
One of the city’s finest vegetarian restaurants, Chamkar offers an extensive menu that leaves all other restaurants of its ilk in the shade. This French-owned restaurant is Cambodia-inspired, which shows in both the subtle decor and the unusual flavors in each dish.
Well-known for their incredible bagels and savory pancakes, Good Cho’s is one of Tianmu’s best spots for brunch or a light meal. Their salads include fresh locally sourced produce, and everything is prepared to order. The owners’ intention to provide customers with a healthy alternative to the usual brunch places, is working so well that there are now several locations throughout the city.
One of the most famous Indian restaurants, not only in Taipei but all of Taiwan, is The Spice Shop. Located just a few doors down from Saffron Indian Cuisine, this restaurant sets a very high standard and offers some incredibly authentic North Indian cuisine. Their signature dishes include Mulāyama Veal Chaap and Chicken Tandoori, while there are also plenty of options for those that aren’t too keen on spicy meals.
This German bakery, now one of the finest European restaurants in Taipei, offers Tianmu residents the opportunity to sample some genuine German cooking. The menu includes freshly baked goods, sausages of many varieties, pork knuckles, and, of course, good old-fashioned German beer to wash it all down.
Before Eddy’s arrived on the scene, Tianmu residents found it near impossible to find authentic Mexican food. Now with two locations in the neighborhood, Eddy’s is the go-to place for tacos and chili. Not only that but the owner is a true believer in promoting Taiwanese products and has a variety of locally brewed craft beers available that perfectly complement the various Mexican delights on the menu.