Head Chef of National Treasure Caliber Takes the Helm: A Tianmu Italian Restaurant That Updates Its Menu Every Three Months

Text & Photos /Burnt-Out Nurse

If you’re looking to entertain or dine out in Tianmu and don’t want to disappoint your partner, 1988 is definitely one of the top choices. Not only does it boast a national treasure-level Italian head chef, but the fact that the menu is updated every three months and that it was the first to bring authentic Italian cuisine to Tianmu makes it simply unbeatable.

What’s the Story Behind the Name “1988”?

The head chef stationed at the restaurant, Chef Wu, has worked at various major hotels. He initially specialized in French cuisine, and at the age of 27, he underwent 11 years of training under the personal guidance of five Italians. He has created over 1,000 dishes and published more than 10 menus. The year 1988 marks the year Chef Wu introduced Italian cuisine to Tianmu 28 years ago. Nearly 98% of the people in Tianmu know Chef Wu. He has won the 2016 Cross-Strait Cultural Exchange Forum – Special Gold Award, was certified in 2013 as a Master Chef by the official Italian authority for Italian restaurants in Taiwan, and has also taught at Kaiping.

With 20 years of culinary experience in Tianmu, freshness, healthiness, no artificial coloring, and no flavor enhancers are the hallmarks of this restaurant. To provide diners with a fresh experience, the menu is changed every three months. Regular customers are even treated to customized menu rotations and sometimes even specially prepared à la carte meals. So, not visiting 1988 when in Tianmu is like traveling abroad and skipping a famous landmark.

Just seeing Chef Wu in the kitchen makes you feel the dishes are bound to be spot-on.

From the moment you step inside, you’re greeted by an exceptionally upscale vibe, yet the dining environment never feels stuffy, allowing you to enjoy a high-end, delicious meal in a relaxed setting — truly a wonderful experience.

The reason Chef Wu’s dishes are so delicious is mainly because they are carefully selected from thousands of Italian cookbooks. They not only capture the essence of Italian cuisine but are also tailored to suit Taiwanese palates without compromising authenticity.

Milanese Cream CrabThis is a classic appetizer at 1988. The crab meat is blended with shredded cucumber into a sauce, topped with a puff pastry, and served with hand-rolled garlic focaccia bread. Each serving is freshly baked upon ordering, making it incredibly satisfying and tasty.

Baked Shrimp OmeletAt first glance, it looks like pizza, but it’s actually made with an egg base styled like a pizza, filled with a mix of spices — the taste is truly unique.

Fresh Lemon Juice Roast Chicken Leg SaladPaired with fruit vinegar, though it may seem simple at first glance, the dish features crispy skin and tender meat with an exceptional texture. For anyone craving chicken cutlet on a whim, 1988’s version is a must-try — guaranteed fresh and delicious.

Bass Seafood SoupMade with a broth simmered for five hours using fish bones, and featuring scallops, clams, squid, shrimp, and tomatoes. At 1988, no processed foods are used — everything is cooked fresh upon ordering. This Bass Seafood Soup is highly recommended and a must-order. Its rich flavor will make you wonder, “What on earth have I been eating all this time?”

Pesto Beef RisottoAnother top recommendation you absolutely must try. The texture of the risotto is like listening to beautiful music — the lingering taste stays with you for days. You might just find yourself coming back to 1988 just for this risotto.

Foie Gras Premium Filet MignonWhen it’s served, it’s bound to bring a smile to your face. Just so you know, it doesn’t usually look like this — the chef drew the design on special occasions because he was in an especially good mood today.

The large piece of foie gras may look a bit intimidating at first, but once you take a bite along with the steak, you’ll find the foie gras is perfectly cooked — tender and smooth without being off-putting. Paired with the steak, it’s absolutely fantastic. Add to that a Sicilian Marsala red wine sauce, and this dish is surprisingly delicious. It could definitely be part of your girlfriend-winning strategy.

U.S.D.A Premium Ribeye SteakFor those who don’t eat foie gras, the steak is a great option. The level of doneness and texture are absolutely amazing — even the boss who joined us kept praising how good it was.

Italian Carbonara with Creamy Bacon SpaghettiThough it looks greasy with pasta soaked in creamy sauce, let me tell you — it’s super delicious. You just can’t stop eating it, the flavor is simply captivating.

Milan Truffle Mushroom PizzaAlthough the crust isn’t as impressive as those from dedicated pizza joints, the taste is genuinely good. The cookie-like texture of the crust is actually pretty great too.

This 1988 is an Italian restaurant overseen by seasoned master chefs of national treasure caliber. For those looking to propose, celebrate a birthday, or impress someone, dining here will definitely not let you down—every dish is meticulously prepared, perfectly executed, and absolutely delicious. If you haven’t tried it yet, what are you waiting for? Come on in and have a bowl of risotto!

1988 Italian.Food
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Location: No. 6, Lane 21, Tianmu East Road, Shilin District, Taipei City
Phone: 02–28736060
Business Hours: 11:30–14:30, 17:30–21:30

We are the overworked nurses “Meatball” & “Bowl | Junbao”... and we’ve put together this travel guide to share more of our heartfelt emotions and joyful moments with everyone. We hope this written introduction can help you better understand the natural scenery, cultural charm, and local cuisine of this city, leaving an unforgettable impression on all our friends who read it. Blog, Fan Page