Breakfast, lunch, and dinner all covered here at East District's Café Bistro — a place to while away your whole day in laid-back comfort.

Written & photos byXiongmao Rudy

Nestled quietly within a lane on Dunhua North Road, the Day & Date Time bistro lives up to its name with versatile comfort. Whether you're in the mood for coffee and light bites or lavish, hearty European-style gourmet cuisine, everything is expertly executed. Having tried many a delicacy and visited countless design-forward, character-rich restaurants, every different stimulus and twist still manages to dazzle.

However, setting aside special circumstances or situations, most of us still seek simple comfort for much of our time — like a long-absent traveler who may carry memories and creative inspiration from around the world, but upon returning to familiar soil, what we miss most might be mom’s home-cooked noodles or a simple bowl of braised pork rice from a nearby stall. Often, dazzling, moving scenes stir the heart, but enduring, understated settings leave an unforgettable impression.

Naturally, this brings me to the restaurant I’m about to introduce. On a night before a typhoon, I was invited to visit this eatery tucked into a lane on Dunhua North Road. At first glance from the outside, it looks like a design firm, and with a closer look, it could easily be a quirky café. To be honest, as a restaurant, the name “Day & Date Time” is somewhat intriguing — does it mean it’s open 24 hours? Or that you can spend your whole day there?

As it turns out, after chatting with my dining companion Allen that day, I learned the story behind the name. This seemingly thoughtfully crafted moniker was actually the brainchild of a casual discussion among friends. In Chinese, it’s called 全日时光 (literally “All-Day Time”), and in English, DAY & DATE TIME. True to its name, it’s a place where anyone can stay the whole day or arrange to meet up with someone.



Allen said that he and his friends had a simple idea: to create a space where people could find a suitable spot to relax at any time of day. So whether you’re going on a date (DATE), or spending more time discussing with your boss or colleagues (which could also count as a DATE), or even if you just want to bring a book or your favorite laptop or tablet, order a coffee, and find a cozy corner — that’s also a form of dating yourself, and it’s the core concept of Day & Date Time.



So you could say Day & Date Time is a café, or more precisely, a bistro where you can enjoy great coffee. After a full evening’s experience, I can confidently say the staff here won’t give you an over-the-top 90-degree bow, but their small, thoughtful gestures — like noticing your gaze or movements — offer a kind of unobtrusive yet perfectly timed service reminiscent of high-end hotels.



For a relatively new establishment, the décor here is simple and comfortable, though certainly not extravagant or luxurious. Compared to many restaurants that splash out millions to create wildly unique designs, Day & Date Time might be like a fresh-faced schoolgirl — no heavy makeup, but her substance shines through in her words.



The large solid wood table near the entrance can seat eight (though it’s a bit tight, it has the vibe of an affordable version of a chef’s table).

Further inside, the simple sofa and tables give off a minimalist Nordic feel with a touch of industrial style — nothing flashy or overly designed.

And the deepest part of the space is the café area of Day & Date Time. The atmosphere here feels like a quiet, self-directed café where you have full control over what you want to do (but please don’t sing or dance here... XD).

Whatever coffee you want, Day & Date Time can probably handle it (of course, subject to availability — I tried a double espresso and it was excellent!).

Heading upstairs takes you to another key area of Day & Date Time. Future events such as wine tastings or cooking classes can be held on this floor. So why did I tell you that Day & Date Time is actually a bistro with a café vibe? The reason is simple.

First, Day & Date Time offers a selection of red and white wines, each glass priced between 180–200 NTD, with bottles ranging from 850 to 950 NTD. Essentially, these prices are reasonable and slightly below average for a restaurant.

Second, don’t assume the first floor only has coffee machines and beverage stations — the second floor is where the main kitchen is located. That means they can serve professionally prepared restaurant-quality meals, not just the light sandwiches or snacks you might expect.

Next, let me take a closer look at Day & Date Time’s menu, which gives a better sense of its philosophy and concept. Operating from 7 AM (possibly extending to 9 AM in the future) until 10 PM (last orders at 9 PM), it covers four different meal periods (breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, and dinner), requiring a diverse range of culinary skills.

So for breakfast (7 AM to 11 AM), paired with the fresh-slow-milled dragon fruit juice I chose (120 NTD per serving) and a Double Espresso (100 NTD per cup), you’ve got classic breakfast or brunch options.

Then there’s the business lunch (11 AM to 2 PM) and brunch offerings.

Additionally, since it can be called a bistro, Day & Date Time naturally serves dinner (5:30 PM to 10 PM). Judging by the dishes, the menu leans mainly toward Italian cuisine with a Canadian twist — a rather distinctive selection.

Of course, to capture the bistro vibe, you need red and white wines. So I picked a refreshing Italian Sky Poet white wine (200 NTD per glass, 950 NTD per bottle) along with a bold yet late-maturing Italian Cavacanti red wine (200 NTD per glass, 950 NTD per bottle).

● ETtoday News Cloud reminds you: Don’t drink and drive, and don’t drive after drinking.

Before my visit, I’d done some light research on Day & Date Time, but since it was my first time there by invitation, I discussed with Allen and agreed to let him recommend the dishes. He’s confident in his own cooking, and though he admits it’s not flashy, after seeing several dishes, the plating and overall feel weren’t bad — not meticulously crafted, but still with personal style.

Also, while waiting, I noticed the young staff moving attentively and skillfully around the tables, showing practiced yet unobtrusive professionalism.

First up, the Italian Sky Poet white wine (200 NTD per glass, 950 NTD per bottle) — crisp and smooth, not very acidic, but still a decent aperitif on a slightly muggy summer evening.

The first appetizer to arrive was this visually refreshing Italian raw scallop slices with truffle lemon juice (240 NTD per serving). Actually, the concept isn’t uncommon — thinly sliced raw scallops paired with lemon juice to enhance freshness and sweetness.

At first, I was a bit worried that the truffle oil might overpower the scallops’ natural flavor, but fortunately, it added an aromatic depth the scallops lacked without compromising their freshness or texture. (If you prefer a more vibrant or zesty taste, I’d also recommend pairing it with sparkling water, and it goes well with the upcoming hot appetizers too.)

Next came the salad course: mixed greens with walnuts and blue cheese, served with Italian lemon dressing (240 NTD per serving). Again using lemon dressing for flavor, but the greens were fresh enough, and the slightly bitter, adult-like taste added layers of complexity. The blue cheese, though strong and distinctive, found a clever balance between the acidity of the dressing and the aroma of the walnuts, never overwhelming the greens or leaving a greasy aftertaste.

In truth, what makes Quanrishiguang most enchanting isn’t its seemingly cleverly designed, intriguing name (which actually came about by chance) but rather the comfort and relaxation of the full-sensory experience...

Because while the dishes at Quanrishiguang may seem simple, they are all thoughtfully designed and arranged. However, generally speaking, meticulously crafted fine dining often feels overly deliberate and restrictive (even eating becomes a test—challenging whether you know the proper order or can discern the doneness and grade of that piece of beef. Why bother?).

But Quanrishiguang doesn’t play that game at all. You can eat however you want, whenever you want. Even a glass of white wine with two appetizers, not filling you up but delightfully dainty, is perfectly enjoyable.

Next up are two options for hot appetizers. One is Garlic Butter Sautéed Mixed Mushrooms with Truffle Oil on Crispy Bread Slices (220 NTD per serving), and the other is Thinly Sliced Raw Scallops. Compared to the scallops, the garlic butter mushrooms are an entirely different extreme—intensely aromatic. Yet paired with white wine, they are incredibly harmonious.

Simply put, the trio of garlic, creamy butter, and truffle oil creates a richly layered flavor that gives this dish a satisfying depth. With the aroma front and center, the juicy mushrooms and bread meld beautifully in your mouth. The crunch of the bread and the optimal moisture of the mushrooms blend fully, making it not only delicious but also leaving you wanting more even after finishing the plate.

And finally, this hot appetizer is probably my personal favorite—the Lightly Salted Milk Corn Shoots with Premium Olive Oil (160 NTD per serving). For me and Mimi, the most precious thing about ingredients is their natural, unadulterated flavor. These lightly salted milk corn shoots embody just that. Simple olive oil and a touch of salt highlight the sweetness and fragrance of the oil. The moment you take a gentle bite, it’s an indescribably joyful experience.

After sampling three distinctly different cold and hot appetizers, the wonderfully distinctive Creamy Saffron with Sun-Dried Tomato Seafood Pasta (280 NTD per serving) quietly arrives... Speaking of saffron, aside from pregnant women who still need to be cautious, its unique aroma and value make it a popular staple in Italian cuisine.

But saffron isn’t a magic fix, nor does adding it to a dish automatically elevate it to celestial heights. For me, the best part of this rich yet nuanced Creamy Saffron with Sun-Dried Tomato Seafood Pasta is that beyond the creamy and saffron notes, you can also taste the subtle tanginess of the tomatoes.

When it comes to Italian pasta, creamy flavors are generally a go-to for most pasta lovers. But I care more about the balance of ingredients. So at Quanrishiguang, the texture and sweetness of the seafood, paired with a rich yet not cloying creaminess, along with the chewy flat pasta, allow me to grasp the essence of the dish even when tackling multiple courses solo...

But the most distinctive of all is this highly talk-worthy Stir-Fried Clams with Lemon Tomato Large Tube Pasta (260 NTD per serving). Honestly, I’ve almost never seen these large tube pastas in Taiwan (though they’re pretty common in North America...). Asian-style Italian cuisine often emphasizes thick sauces and medium-soft textures, but this one cleverly goes against the grain, using a light, refreshing sauce with a chewy pasta body—something that really brightened my eyes and delighted my taste buds.

But in short, the shelled stir-fried clams are brought to life by the tangy tomato sauce. The seasoning is simple and unpretentious, yet still highly effective. The large tube pasta is fun to chew, though it might be less suitable for elderly diners or children with weaker teeth.

After the two pasta dishes, it’s time for another signature dish—and also Mimi’s favorite: a pesto-based risotto. (So far, I’ve really got to give a round of applause to Quanrishiguang’s chef. The dishes are approachable yet full of character, with great plating and creativity too!)

Similar in finesse to the previous pasta, Quanrishiguang’s exquisitely delicate Italian Pesto Mushroom Shrimp Cheese Risotto (300 NTD per serving) also takes a dry and creative route. For Mimi and me, when it comes to risotto, we have a rather stubborn notion: it must start with raw rice and be completed with the liquid fully absorbed, leaving a slightly firm core. Of course, such preferences vary by individual and there’s no absolute right or wrong—but by our standards, this Italian Pesto Mushroom Shrimp Cheese Risotto scores quite well.

In terms of flavor, the pesto strikes a moderate balance—it’s rich but not overly thick, so it’s not too heavy. The rice core has a nice bite, and when the pesto risotto is mixed with cheese, it creates a very satisfying and distinctive way to enjoy it. (Paired with sparkling water or white wine, you can also enjoy a refreshing finish, with the subtle pesto aroma lingering in your mouth for quite a while...)

Next, it’s finally time for the main courses to arrive. This time, because I was invited to a tasting, I got the chance to sample three different main dishes in one go. Normally, one main dish per person would be more than enough to feel full. The portions at Quanrishiguang are really generous.

It’s also time to pair with red wine now. Italian Cavacanti Red Wine (200 NTD per glass, 950 NTD per bottle)—currently decanting... This red wine has a lovely taste, but letting it breathe a bit more will better showcase its bold character.

Only after the dishes were served did I realize Allen was being modest earlier when he said the plating was plain. This visually substantial Italian Rosemary Roast Half Chicken (480 NTD per serving)—doesn’t it look vibrant?

Every time I see a half chicken, Mimi and I joke about something we encountered long ago. Because at many places, those “spring chickens” are actually old, stunted chickens disguised as chicks (with dry, tough meat, lacking any aroma or sweetness). So if Mimi and I had our pick, roast half chicken is usually our last choice...

But this time, the roast half chicken arrived with visibly juicy meat. The texture was tender, complemented by the aroma of sun-dried tomatoes and rosemary, plus sweet, soft roasted garlic. Each bite offered variety and didn’t grow dull (as chicken dishes often can). And at this portion size and price, it’s really quite reasonable—a fantastic high-value option.

Cutting straight into the roast half chicken, honestly, every piece is perfectly tender—not dry or tough at all. Instead, it gets more flavorful as you eat. It seems the secret lies in the skillful temperature control and cooking technique, giving the chicken this exceptional texture. Every bite bursts with juiciness and great taste.

Next up after the chicken is duck breast. Quanrishiguang presents it as French-style Low-Temperature Cooked Duck Breast with Red Wine Sauce (580 NTD per serving).

The accompanying potatoes are soft with a hint of spice.

The star, the duck breast, is cooked via low-temperature methods to ensure every piece is tender and the doneness is precisely controlled (obviously, undercooked is not an option...). Overall, the duck breast is kept at a slightly rare level to maintain its tenderness.

The proof is in the pictures—the sweet, wine-infused red wine sauce, paired with the thick-skinned, fatty, and chewy duck breast, truly impressed me. It proves the chef here has solid culinary skills and still adheres to a simple, honest philosophy.

Finally, this dish is also the one that amazed and delighted me the most. It’s not made with extravagant or flashy ingredients, but rather showcases a balanced performance of carefully selected components and meticulous cooking. This seemingly simple Pan-Seared Thick Salmon with Maple Bacon Sauce (520 NTD per serving) turned out to be the best dish of the day.

The thick, evenly cooked salmon fillet is juicy throughout. Anyone who cooks knows that while salmon isn’t prone to being undercooked, its delicate flesh can be tricky to keep tender and moist at the edges. The top is coated with a sauce made of maple syrup, bacon, and other ingredients. The sweet bacon aroma is very reminiscent of Canadian flair.

After finishing the entire meal, I was so full I can’t even describe it... But because the flavors were genuinely excellent, I couldn’t help but eat a few extra bites of each dish. Under this onslaught of deliciousness, the first experience at Quanrishiguang has now reached its final stage: desserts and drinks.

First, Quanrishiguang uses the Coway Juicepresso Three-in-One Slow Juicer to present a deliciously fresh, slow-milled Pitaya Juice (120 NTD per serving). The aroma and sweetness are unbelievable, with no awkward layered textures. Plus, it’s rich and flavorful without adding a single drop of water—truly a unique drink.

Plain Heavy Cream Cheese Cake with Italian Wild Berry Ice Cream (230 NTD per serving). The dessert here is also from another well-known brand. This Plain Heavy Cream Cheese Cake (135 NTD per serving) takes a rich yet fragrant approach, with a dense yet slowly melting texture that offers a satisfying fullness. Each bite reveals a play between aroma, sweetness, and slight saltiness. Truly worth trying.

The Italian Wild Berry Ice Cream (95 NTD per serving) has lower fat content, a mild sweetness, and isn’t too sticky—perfect for summer enjoyment.

Finally, finish it off with a richly aromatic Double ESPRESO (NT$100 per cup)—now that’s what life’s all about!

In one go, we savored 11 delightful dishes, experiencing the full spectrum of Italian cuisine from evening into late night. To be honest, for Bear and Meow, All Day Time is truly a restaurant that offers all-day dining, all-day relaxation, and all-day leisure. Whether you’re looking to go on a date, enjoy some alone time, indulge in a hearty meal, seek a bit of peace and quiet, or even drift off into a daydream, coming to All Day Time is honestly one of the most pleasant experiences imaginable. (We’ve heard there’s going to be a West Gate branch too—we’re really looking forward to it!)

All Day Time Dunbei Branch
Address: No. 6, Lane 222, Dunhua North Road, Songshan District, Taipei City
Phone: (02) 2717 7177
Business Hours: 7:00 AM to late night (open every day, last order at 9:00 PM)
Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/dayanddatetime
Recommendation: In terms of price, All Day Time offers excellent value for money. Both the flavors and the atmosphere are absolutely worth trying. The simple yet comfortable vibe left a deep impression on Bear and completely charmed us!

Author: BearMeow Rudy—a couple passionate about food who occasionally go a little wild splurging on eating, drinking, and playing around, but generally live by the motto “money is limited, appetite is endless.” Same-name blog:《BearMeow Eats the World》Updated simultaneously.