I was just wondering what the best Italian restaurants are in Taipei. I’m not looking for a cheap place, but mid-nice place where I can bring somebody for nice nite for valentine’s day. It would be best if it’s close to an MRT station as well. Thx.
There’s Cosi Cosi on Tunhua S. Rd. somewhere between Civil Blvd. and Ren Ai Circle, on the west side of the street. Sorry, I forgot the exact address. Perhaps somebody else will chime in.
Portofino on the east side of Dunhua South Road between Xinyi and Ren’ai Roads, on the second floor of some designer/fashion store used to be a great restaurant, and ideal for a romantic dinner. I haven’t been there in about four years, though so I have no idea if they’re still that great.
Portofino serves excellent brunch. Service was attentive and the interior was very ideal for a romantic meal. Don’t recall it serving Italian per se though. I think it’s been renamed but the signage still is Portofino. It’s a few stores north of the Ferragamo shop toward Ren’ai.
Valentine’s Day is 14 February, aren’t you planning rather far in advance? Oh, silly me, you meant CHINESE LOVERS’ DAY, which this year falls on 22 August, which also happens to be my birthday.
Tutto Bello would be ideal for romantic atmosphere, very good food and excellent service, at least the time I tried it about a month ago. Their prices were reasonable for the overall quality (NT$200-400 average pasta dishes). They are on Linsen N. Rd just behind the Imperial Intercontinental hotel. I can’t find their business card at the moment but if you do a search you can find it or maybe just ask at the hotel. I had a really nice meal there and for romance they have soft lighting in an elegant dining room. Not sure how close they are to an MRT station but Linshen is a block away from Chungshan so probably close to one of those stops.
Fully agree, both Tutto Bello and Portofino are excellent restaurants. I think the manager of Portofino recently opened a new Italian style restaurant near Shin Yi. Great, small restaurant, but don’t have exact address.
If you are looking for authentic North Italian Food (Tuscany) more than just Pizzas then would be Giorgio very friendly service and great food. The place mentioned that is owned by former Portofino employees is called La Giara. It is actually a big restaurant. Very expensive but it has a great decor. Giorgio is in a lane behind Jen Ai Road near Yen Ji, La Giara is on Fuh Shing near the Howard Plaza.
Thanks, you are right, I mean the place with the nice decor, up stairs from a bakery, if i remember well.