During the month of May, there are two weekends with special flavor to them. First there is Labor Day, Saturday May 1 and then Mother's Day, Sunday May 9. In other words, the normally busy restaurant life in Taipei will be even busier during these two important days.
As in most other countries, here it's very common to invite the mother out for dinner on her special day, Mother's Day. Taiwanese people very often have their meals at a restaurant or buy a take-out to bring home to the family. As a consequence, the restaurant business is flourishing in Taiwan, with an endless variety in venues, cooking styles and price range.
It's normally a good idea to make a reservation, even more so throughout this period of time.
Shanghai Shanghai
Minsheng E. Rd. Sec 3, #129, B1 (Minsheng Shop) 8770-6969(5 More Branches) Over all a very positive experience. The menu is in Chinese as well as in English together with pictures to make it easy for you to make your order. English speaking staff are available to this very authentic Shanghai restaurant, yet not touristy. The décor is akin to that of a five-star hotel. The dumplings are, of course, a must together with the small green peas with Chinese ham. Prices reasonable, about NT$ 600 per person.
Shanghai Dumpling
Shifu Rd. #45, B1 (Taipei 101 Shop) 8101-7898 (4 More Branches) A relatively calm place for lunch or dinner at the food court in Taipei 101. This is one of the few outlets in the food court you will be served at the table. Shanghai dishes with nice dumplings. The menu is in Chinese and English along with pictures of the dishes. Friendly and helpful personnel who speak some English. Good dumplings, NT$ 180 for 6 pcs. Be prepared to line up if you arrive after 12.00 noon. Suitable even if you are alone still would like to eat Chinese food.
Saffron
Tianmu E. Rd. #38-6 2871-4842 A small good genuine Indian restaurant located in TienMou. The menu is in English and the staff speaks English. A real tandoor oven is installed just in front of the window for you to admire the chef when he is cooking. Full bar with reasonable beer and wine selection. The tikkas and the vegetable dishes are much appreciated. Remember to order some Indian bread, they have a good variety. Ventilation is very good which is essential when dining at an Indian restaurant. Remember to book your table and expect to pay around NT$ 1000 per person.
Alleycat's
Huashan Cultural Park at BaDe Rd. Sec 1, #1 2395-6006 (7 More Branches) This thin-crust pizza maker has long attracted a loyal following. The décor is the same at all eight venues - trademark red and black, with this venue a nice outdoor seating facility is added. It is highly popular with students and English teachers though not exclusively so. Relax to classic jazz, while munching your pizza and chomping on your salad. The original location on Li Shui St. remains the most atmospheric. The size of the pizza is good for one person, prices around NT$ 350.
Dozo Izakaya Dining Bar
GuangFu S. Rd. #102 2731-1147 Dozo's dramatic entrance leads to an equally striking interior with an elongated cherry tree with blossoms. Friday & Saturday at 8 pm and 10 pm, there is a militantly virile Taiko drum performance. This is the place for fun food (Japanese beer house style) and fashionable people. The menu is in Chinese and English with pictures and wine by the glass is available. The sashimi and sushi is very fresh and the presentation adds to it. Expect to pay around NT$ 1.000 per person.