Thing To Do & See

Alleycats

This dark and swank basement pizzeria not only serves the best stone-oven pizza in Taipei, but is also the only place we've found so far to get hard cider on tap.

Celestial Restaurant

Lovers of Beijing-style cooking have been coming to this restaurant for generations. In addition to Peking duck (expensive but meant for sharing), try the elegant, comforting 'green beans (actually peas) with shredded chicken'.

Dintaifung

With Taipei's most celebrated dumplings, Dintaifung is deservedly popular for Shanghai-style treats made fresh to order. Try the classic xiǎolóng bāo (steamed pork dumplings). Very popular with locals and visitors alike, so either phone in reservations (they speak enough English) or prepare to queue up.

Haibawang

The speciality at this multistorey restaurant is Taiwanese hotpot. Expect an elegant setting, eight storeys above ground and overlooking the Taipei Arts Park and the Fine Arts Museum. If you're not up for hotpot (or some lovely Taiwanese seafood plates), some floors feature Italian or buffet-style dining.

Ice Monster

It's hard to imagine anything more refreshing on a hot summer day or after a big winter-time dinner than shaved ice topped with chunks of strawberry, kiwi fruit or (most famously) mango and a scoop of mango sorbet.