RAW---anyone been?

Looking for a good local styled restaurant and was suggested this one. Anyone been there and have thoughts? Not on price but on the quality, taste and atmosphere?

I hear itā€™s very, very fancy and very, very expensive and itā€™s very, very hard to get a reservation.

Itā€™s very good atmosphere, great quality and presentation - but just too expensive.

Its OK to get a reservation. I heard horror stories, but no problem in my case. Maybe just lucky.

I thought some items were great, some were pretty bad. The service was pretty terrible so never went back.

Generally Iā€™ll give things a second chance, but not at this level. At this level every detail should be amazing.

This was a couple years ago so ymmv.

4 Likes

Havenā€™t been, but you can see more discussion of it over in this thread. Near the current end of the thread @afterspivak links to a very detailed review of their current menu offerings.

Iā€™ve heard that itā€™s ridiculously overpriced, underwhelming, and is impossible to get a reservation for.
If I want ā€œfine diningā€, I go to a decent place that gives me real portions, isnā€™t pretentious, and doesnā€™t cost an arm and a leg.

1 Like

Just as a curiosity, I know their menu changes, what was the pretty bad aspect?

Reservations and price arent an issue, as sometimes certain events call for ego dining haha. @jimipresley I hear ya. But need fancy and from talking with them their style hit our clients core interests so thinking its a good one.

Will check the michelin thread to get more iddas :slight_smile:

Thanks!

1 Like

Iā€™ve been three times. First time soon after it opened, then a year or so later, then another year or so later. First time was amazing but the last two times have been disappointing.

I wouldnā€™t really describe it as a ā€œlocal restaurantā€ either.

Personally, I think a trip to Mitsui (Japanese) on Nong An Street is much better. Weekday set business lunch at 1200 NT is top notch.

6 Likes

Cheers. Japanese isnt the ideal style but will check out their selections!

I was hoping.to.get a high end Taiwanese restaurant with some twists. Reading.his article about Penghu food made me.interested.

1 Like

Are you just redefining fine dining?

3 Likes

Have you looked at Toh-A. Itā€™s Taiwanese fusion. I like it, itā€™s not too expensive. Always happy walking out for the price.

This 但仔éŗµ fusion with lobster bisque is one of my favorite dishes.

2 Likes

I think RAWā€™s strength is in the theatrics/presentation/atmosphere, if thatā€™s what youā€™re into. The food was mostly OK but not really local/TW cuisine. Most fancy pants places will do a riff on a stereotypical TW dish or two, especially in the desserts.

For another Japanese option (modern kaiseki), I really like Shoun Ryugin, in the same building as RAW. Not cheap though.

Embers could be an option if the TW angle is important; itā€™s more casual and less polished.

Yup, Iā€™m sure the menu is completely different now. From my recollection, there were maybe 12 courses. Of that Iā€™d say a third were spectacular, a third were meh, and a third were just not good. My wife and most of the others in our party felt the same.

Regarding the service, the dishes are very high concept. None could be properly explained to me in English. Ok fine Iā€™ll rely on my friends to translate, except the dishes couldnā€™t be properly explained in Chinese either. Also, basic stuff like utensil replacement and water/wine refills didnā€™t happen consistently.

Perhaps theyā€™ve ironed these issues out, but somehow I doubt it.

1 Like

Iā€™m really shocked to hear the service being so poor. The 2 star restaurants Iā€™ve been to have impeccable service. Itā€™s almost like they read my mind when Iā€™m there.

Yes even cheap places like ę˜„ę°“å ‚ have amazing service, at least where I go

An article I read on Facebook:

4 Likes

Thats a pretty harsh review. Strangely due to.the last.paragraph I am mkre intrigued now as I like people who push boundaries and experiment against cultural norms.

Not.big on non professional service thoughā€¦maybe i.should bring my own straw?

Whoops.

Guy

4 Likes

Seeā€¦the fuck people on about me ragging on taiwans food safety practicesā€¦

Chefs have to wear masks? Seriously?