Taipei - Restaurants

Restaurants
Expensive

Food Culture Heaven
One of Taipei's most treasured culinary experiences, where exquisite Taiwanese food - a collaboration of Chinese and Japanese styles - is served within private, dimly lit oriental pavilions set in the stunning national park surrounds. Bookings essential.

160 Lane 101, Chingshan Road,
Tel: (02) 2862 0078.

Five Dime Driftwood House
Taiwan has its own Antoni Gaudi in the form of artist Hsieh Li-Hsiang, who has created this imaginative and dreamlike restaurant out of sprayed concrete, driftwood and her own clay sculptures. It is, in itself, a work of art reminiscent of the famous Spanish architect. The menu is varied with Chinese, Japanese and Western dishes allwith a contemporary edge. The emphasis on presentation is fitting given the surrounds.

8 Lane 32, Neihu Rd. Sec. 1
Tel (02) 8502 5567.
Website: www.five-dime.com.tw

Hu Jiang Yen
Traditional Shanghainese cuisine in a contemporary setting.

108 Da An Road, Section 1
Tel: (02) 2778 9667.

Din Tai Fung
Din Tai Fung hasearned an excellent reputation for its juicy steamed dumplings. A hive of activity with an open kitchen where guests can watch deft fingers create these delicious little morsels.

149 Hsinyi Road, Section 2
Tel: (02) 2721 7890.

Gan Bei (Main branch)
Great Japanese food in an unpretentious atmosphere.

2-1 Lane 25, Nanjing West Road
Tel (02) 2555 6110 or 2776 3460 for reservations.

Hotels
Cheap

First Hotel
This mid-sized business hotel in the eastern business district has a distinctly Chinese ambience. It has 176 clean and comfortable rooms equipped with cable television and Internet access. Shanghainese cuisine is served at Ning Yuan restaurant on the third floor. The hotel also has a business centre and fitness room.

63 Nanking East Road, Section 2
Tel: (02) 2541 8234.
Website: www.firsthoteltaipei.com

The United Hotel
Well-appointed, with pretensions to be a designer hotel. It is located in the commercial centre and has a concierge andbusiness and fitness centres.

200 Kwang Fu South Road
Tel: (02) 2773 1515.
Website: www.unitedhotel.com.tw

Shangri-La Far Eastern Plaza
Imposing, but calm, and consistently voted as one of the best hotels in Taipei. Indulgent all-encompassing Chakra spa packages make this an option for a luxurious weekend.

Taipei Metro, 201 Tun Hwa South Road, Section 2
Tel: (02) 2378 8888.
Website: www.shangri-la.com

San Want Residence
This new hotel does boutique luxury' to perfection. Its 81 rooms, equipped with faxes, Wi-Fi and mobile phones, cater to upscale business travellers while the spa bath, Japanese toilet and opulent dcor will satisfy leisure travellers. The collection of contemporary Taiwanese sculpture is a reason enough to pop in without staying.

128 Nanjing Easy Road, Section 1
Tel: (02) 2378 8888.
Website: www.slh.com/taiwan/taipei/hotel_taisan.html

Sherwood Hotel
A grand old dame of a hotel with four stylish restaurants and all mod cons. Owned by a local businessman, the Sherwood's philosophy is to combine western facilities with Taiwanese hospitality. As such, the hotel tends to attract A-listers including Taiwanese director Ang Lee and Chinese basketballer Yao Ming.

111 Min Sheng E Road, Sec.3
Tel: (02) 2718 1188.
Website: www.sherwood.com.tw/en