Taipei alleyway Italian risotto specialty shop – Crispy squid cheese meatballs

Text & photos byZhou Huahua

My friends and I absolutely love the dishes at 《Pa Pa Rice Italian Risotto Specialty Shop》. Their quietly opened second branch operates as a gastropub, not only offering signature cocktails but also several hidden bar snacks. Compared to the first branch, its flavors are just as good—if not better. Both are highly recommended, but the only dilemma now is which one to book for our next gathering!

Pa Pa Rice Italian Risotto & Gastropub
Recommendation rating: ★★★★☆ 4 stars
Short review: A great East District gastropub recommendation—bar snacks and risotto are all top-notch

《Pa Pa Rice Italian Risotto & Gastropub》 is located in an alley off Bade Road Section 3, not far from its first branch on Yanji Street. It’s about a 10-minute walk from Taipei Arena MRT Station, or you can also come from Zhongxiao Dunhua Station. The transportation isn’t extremely convenient, but that adds to the tranquil, away-from-the-crowd vibe—perfectly matching the charm of an “alleyway gem.”

The L-shaped seating surrounding the bar is dubbed the “rock zone,” where you can watch the bartenders mix drinks up close. For larger gatherings, you can opt for the wall-side square tables. During dinner hours, little candles on the tables add a romantic touch, boosting the ambiance by 10 points.

The interior decor follows a cozy style, free from the usual distance you feel in typical gastropubs. You can comfortably enjoy delicious food and chat. Dried flowers are also a trendy element these days—I really like this relaxing atmosphere.

The menu at 《Pa Pa Rice Italian Risotto & Gastropub》 is divided simply into bar snacks and special risotto. Though the options aren’t many, each dish is refined—the owner’s dedication is evident in every bite.

The biggest difference from the first branch, 《Pa Pa Rice Italian Risotto Specialty Shop》, is the extensive drink selection. Since you’re at a gastropub, naturally you should have a few drinks. See the small blackboard behind the counter for the full list, along with several hidden cocktails—you can also ask the staff for recommendations. *Drink prices and selections may vary, please refer to what’s available on-site.*

Sangria – NT$240

Sangria is considered Spain’s national drink, but every restaurant makes it differently. Based on red wine and mixed with various fruits, the aroma of the wine becomes even more vibrant with the addition of fruit. It’s a classic cocktail perfect for women and pairs well with any risotto.

*Underage drinking is prohibited. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drive after drinking.*

Strawberry Love – NT$250

A variation of strawberry liqueur, this cocktail is decorated with cookies and whipped cream. The taste is quite mild, almost like drinking strawberry milk—but because it contains alcohol, don’t drink too much too quickly or you’ll get tipsy.

*Underage drinking is prohibited. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drive after drinking.*

Blue Ocean – NT$150

A blend of gin, blue curaçao syrup, and soda. The alcohol content isn’t too strong, and it has a refreshing bubbly feel. It’s a relatively beginner-friendly cocktail—perfect for those of us with low alcohol tolerance (definitely me).

*Underage drinking is prohibited. Don’t drink and drive. Don’t drive after drinking.*

Spanish Garlic Onion Tomato Soup – NT$160

It was wet and cold the night I visited, so I started with a bowl of hot soup to warm up. One reason I love 《Pa Pa Rice Italian Risotto & Gastropub》 so much is that you can taste the care put into each dish. The presentation of ingredients shows thoughtful touches, creating layers of flavor that linger. This soup is a perfect example. The slight spiciness of garlic, the sweetness of onions—all melded into the tomato soup, with sweet-sour notes and other subtle flavor shifts. Absolutely delicious.

Crispy Squid Cheese Meatballs – NT$100

The “handmade cheese duck meatball” is a classic at Pa Pa Rice. This is an upgraded version: in addition to pork and duck, squid is added, giving it an eye-catching black exterior. The plating is quite meticulous, and when you cut into it—wow—plenty of mozzarella cheese that stretches beautifully. How could I not order this?

The outer crust is super crispy, with the flavors of pork and duck leading the way, followed by the umami of squid at the end. But the base layer of pesto mayo pairs perfectly, making this squid cheese meatball so good that even someone who usually loves the cheese duck version will switch sides. The squid cheese meatball is even more outstanding!

Truffle Cheese Chicken Ravioli – NT$200

Let’s be upfront: this is my number one dish of the night, an absolute must-order. The chicken ravioli are all handmade by the shop, sized perfectly for one bite. The pasta has a nice bounce, making a great first impression. The chicken filling is seasoned with Italian herbs, with no fishy smell at all and a faint hint of aromatic herbs. The base white sauce with truffle is the key to its deliciousness—rich yet not greasy, making me dig in without caring about appearances. I even wanted to ask if they had bread to dip in it. An incredibly well-executed dish—simple-looking but truly exceptional.

Truffle Vegetable Braised Pig’s Tongue – NT$240

It uses the same cooking method as the classic pork tongue risotto in the shop. The sauce is seasoned with various vegetables, truffles, and black rye juice, offering a sweet flavor with layers of complexity—a taste I’d never experienced before. The ultra-thickly sliced pork tongue is stewed until incredibly tender, requiring almost no chewing, making it extremely satisfying to eat. Paired with vegetables like zucchini, carrots, potatoes, and mushrooms, it’s also quite nutritious. Since the sauce is truly the highlight, a few slices of crispy baked bread are also provided—you can dip them in the sauce without any waste.

Spicy Garlic Shrimp with Mushrooms – 250 NTD

Although it's called "Spicy Garlic," the flavor isn't actually too heavy. Fresh shrimp and mushrooms are seasoned with Italian balsamic vinegar and pesto, making it a great appetizer to enjoy with wine.

Creamy Leek Cherry Duck Risotto – 340 NTD

This is an exclusive dish at *Pa Pa Rice Italian Risotto & Wine Bar*—you won’t find it at the other branch. It’s an innovative fusion of Eastern and Western flavors, which aligns perfectly with my love for new culinary creations. The concept is playfully centered around the theme of "cherries." In addition to cherry duck, there are also fresh cherries and cherry radishes—I jokingly call it the "cherry trio."

The cherry duck is also served in thick slices, pan-seared with the skin on for a rich, oily aroma, yet the texture remains anything but dry. The risotto remains a strong point at *Pa Pa Rice*, and this dish continues to deliver high standards. The base flavor is a white sauce, but the addition of garlic slices, leek strips, and red bell peppers makes it even less greasy. It’s also served with fresh cherries, providing a refreshing contrast that keeps the palate engaged—this is where the owner’s thoughtfulness shines.

Visiting *Pa Pa Rice* again, I still absolutely love it. Highly recommend the tomato soup, squid cheese meatballs, and Italian chicken dumplings—dishes I’ll definitely order on future visits. Thanks to the shop for the invitation and even drawing me a cute illustration. Although I was invited, I genuinely love everything about this place, from the heartwarming food to the people. It’s a wonderful restaurant, and I highly recommend it to you all.

*Pa Pa Rice Italian Risotto & Wine Bar*
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Address: No. 41, Lane 74, Section 3, Bade Road, Songshan District, Taipei City
Phone: 02 2579 5224
Business Hours: Monday–Sunday, 18:00–21:30 (Reservations recommended)

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