Creative Italian cuisine！The salty-sweet combo of crispy pork pizza and peanut butter

Text and photos byDaKou (Big Mouth)

Speaking of which, not long ago during a round-island trip, I passed through Taitung and stayed there for two nights. I’ve been missing the “Fall in Love with Taitung Italian Restaurant” that I once ate at. This time, a fellow blogger was also tempted by my previous food review and said they wanted to bring their whole family for a meal. So I arranged to meet them at “Fall in Love with Taitung”! It’s located on Hanzhong Street in downtown Taitung, and its big red signboard is very easy to spot. Previously I mentioned that the owner and his wife love Taitung so much that they moved here to live and opened this restaurant. Who would’ve thought they’ve had three kids in a row? It just goes to show what a wonderful place Taitung is!“Fall in Love with Taitung” offers a very diverse menu—from single, double, four-person, and six-person set meals, you can choose from salads, appetizers, cold dishes, pasta, pizza, risotto, grilled dishes, drinks, and desserts. It satisfies all kinds of picky palates in one go. Next, let’s take a look at what delicious food we had this time at “Fall in Love with Taitung”!

[Restaurant Info]
Fall in Love with Taitung Italian Restaurant
Address: No. 13, Hanzhong Street, Taitung City
Phone: 089-346999
Business Hours: 11:00–14:00, 17:00–22:00
Last Order Time: 21:00
FB Fan Page: https://www.facebook.com/Loveing.Taitung

%The restaurant is located not far from the previous one we visited, and it still retains a bit of that peaceful neighborhood vibe. After parking the car, we headed in for lunch (we ordered the Family Set Meal for 4 people + 2 kids, costing NT$2,480), but the portions were huge—it could actually feed around four adults and four kids. First to arrive was the “Smoked Salmon Sliced Cold Dish,” which features orange-marinated onions layered with smoked salmon, paired with French mustard mayonnaise and lemon slices. It looked absolutely delicious right away.

%You can tell just by looking at how beautifully presented these colorful slices are, it makes you want to dig in right away. Try one slice— the smoked salmon has a subtle smoky saltiness, and its soft texture is still unforgettable. Paired with lemon slices, mayo, and onions, it adds a mildly tangy and refreshing taste that really whets your appetite.

%Next came the “Fruit & Vegetable Salad,” which was packed with goodies: oranges, apples, guava, bananas, lettuce, paired with an orange vinaigrette, and topped with cranberry sauce and yogurt. As someone who loves salad, DaKou was over the moon. Each bite was bursting with fruity sweetness—it felt super nutritious. The mildly tangy cranberry sauce and yogurt made it even more delicious. I could’ve eaten half the plate by myself.

%Then we had a lightly sparkling wine that had a subtly sweet taste with delicate, smooth bubbles—so even the ladies loved it.

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

%Next was the “Grilled Beef Shoulder Slices,” which we had specially prepared for our group. These slices carried a faint grilled aroma, and because they were cut very thin, they were extremely tender. Putting a piece in your mouth with all the toppings was a real treat.

%Then there was the “Grilled Chicken Wings.” The chicken wings were marinated and then grilled and fried, with the sauce fully soaked into the meat. They looked incredibly flavorful.

%Because we had kids with us, we also ordered their special kids’ menu. The kids had chicken nuggets, fries, and other favorites. Each piece had a unique texture, and these little surprises really delighted the children.

%Because we had young kids with us, we ordered the “Kids’ Combo Meal” for NT$180, which included fries, potato wedges, spicy chicken balls, and squid rings—a variety of fried snacks served with two sauces. Every item was crispy and tasty, loved by both adults and kids.

%We also skipped their famous “Tomato & Veggie Clear Soup,” which had a mildly sweet and sour flavor, generous ingredients, and was quite a popular soup choice.

%Then came the main courses. First up was the “Black Squid Risotto,” made using the store’s own specialty rice. On top of the squid ink clam risotto were several large fried squid rings—what a feast it looked like. The risotto was full of sweet umami flavors, paired with crispy, chewy squid rings, making it a true seafood delight. Just be warned, it’ll turn your mouth black—but that just proves it was cooked with real squid ink.

%Next was the “Peanut Butter Pizza,” which had a really unique name. Turns out it’s topped with half-sugar peanut butter, pan-seared pork loin, onions, and cheese, then baked. I was so curious about how the peanut butter would taste.

%It turned out to be a savory dish. The crust was also one of our favorites—crispy on the outside, soft inside. The peanut butter added a unique twist, and the combination of sweet and savory pizza crust, along with the slightly sweet-and-sour tomato salsa, was surprisingly well-matched.

%Because we had young kids with us, we also ordered the “Kids’ Combo Snack” (NT$180), which included fries, potato wedges, spicy chicken balls, and squid rings. Each bite was crispy and delicious, a hit with both adults and children.

%We also tried their “Tomato & Veggie Clear Soup,” which had a mildly sweet and sour taste, generous ingredients, and was quite a popular soup choice.

%Next came the pasta dishes. First up was the “Black Squid Risotto,” made using the store’s own specialty rice. On top of the squid ink clam risotto were several large fried squid rings—what a feast it looked like. The risotto was full of sweet umami flavors, paired with crispy, chewy squid rings, making it a true seafood delight. Just be warned, it’ll turn your mouth black—but that just proves it was cooked with real squid ink.

%Then there was the “Peanut Butter Pizza,” which had a really unique name. Turns out it’s topped with half-sugar peanut butter, pan-seared pork loin, onions, and cheese, then baked. I was so curious about how the peanut butter would taste.

%It turned out to be a savory dish. The crust was also one of our favorites—crispy on the outside, soft inside. The peanut butter added a unique twist, and the combination of sweet and savory pizza crust, along with the slightly sweet-and-sour tomato salsa, was surprisingly well-matched. The crust had a nice crunch, and the sweet-sour salsa paired unexpectedly well with it. The pork loin was tender and flavorful, and if you’re a fan of peanut butter, you’ll probably love this combo too.

% The “Spicy King Prawn Curry Noodles” feature classic curry spaghetti paired with perfectly grilled extra-large king prawns — what an impressive sight they make on the plate!! The rich, sweet, and savory flavor of the grilled prawns is irresistible to both adults and kids alike!

% At Jiyanqiao, aside from the main dishes, we also had a cheese-grilled item that was so good it was gone before we could even take a photo — clearly, it was that delicious!

% The drink menu lets you get creative too. We went for the “Azure Coast” and “Hawaiian Fruit Iced Tea.” Honestly, these two drinks are just too fancy-looking!! Even the drinks are this exciting here in Taitung. You’ve gotta try the Azure Coast when you're in Taitung — it just hits the right vibe!

% Three beautifully arranged drinks — “Sour Plum Syrup,” “Azure Coast,” and “Chocolate Milk” — lined up on the table instantly got the kids excited, they were just so pretty to look at!! The Hawaiian Fruit Iced Tea contains black tea, orange, and a variety of fruits, offering a lightly sweet and tangy taste that's really refreshing. The Azure Coast is a special mix of blue curaçao syrup, soda water, and Calpis, delivering a sweet yet slightly tangy flavor with a hint of Calpis aroma — so tasty!! The chocolate milk is for the little ones, made with chocolate sauce and fresh milk, with just the right level of sweetness that kids absolutely love!

% We also ordered the “Three Color Smoothie” and “Triple Berry Blast.” The two smoothies were layered and swirled together, which was super eye-catching. Once blended, they turned into this vibrant color that looked amazing. The Triple Berry Blast included mixed berries, making it sweet and fruity. The Three Color Smoothie was a hit too, thanks to its refreshing taste. Overall, both drinks were very well received!

% After seeing all these beautifully plated dishes, there was one more thing that stole the show — the “Golden Chocolate Explosion Cake.” Paired with Ferrero Rocher chocolates on the side, the kids’ eyes lit up as soon as they saw it!! The staff also kindly helped cut the cake — how thoughtful!!

% The Golden Chocolate Explosion Cake has layers of sponge, chocolate cream, and a cookie crust, all stacked together. It’s not overly sweet, and has a rich chocolate flavor that’s incredibly satisfying. Despite everyone being full, we still polished it off right away!

% The kids’ menu is very generous and diverse. You can choose from options like pasta, chicken nuggets, or a hamburger set. Each comes with a side and drink, allowing kids to mix and match according to their preferences. Actually, the portion sizes aren’t small at all, and there are many different flavor options. Below is the full menu for everyone to check out!

The dining environment at “Fall in Love with Taitung” is elegant and comfortable. With a wide selection of dishes that combine creativity and care, the resulting cuisine is truly delicious and memorable. The owner not only has exceptional standards for the food but also loves sharing it with friends. Coming here feels like meeting an old friend, which is why we almost always visit whenever we’re in Taitung, just to enjoy this nostalgic flavor again. Though it’s an Italian restaurant, the salads, appetizers, and cold dishes are nothing short of excellent — every bite is a surprise, and it’s a visual feast as well. Although it’s not traditional Taitung cuisine, “Fall in Love with Taitung” Italian Restaurant has become a must-try when visiting. Beyond the delicious food, you’ll also feel the warmth and hospitality of the locals. Highly recommended — if you have a chance to visit Taitung, be sure to stop by “Fall in Love with Taitung” and try the dishes lovingly prepared by the owner who adores Taitung. It’s definitely a meal you’ll remember for a long time!

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