Brunch & French Bistro with a Southern French Flair – A Beloved Spot for Young Professional Women After Work

Excerpted from /Have a Delicious Brunch: A Taste Guide to Taiwan’s 100+ Most Popular Brunch Spots

Rue216 French Bistro may not be large, but it’s a cozy spot frequented by regulars and a favorite haven for young professional women unwinding after work over a glass of wine and small bites. What makes Rue216 so appealing isn’t just the tall, handsome owner Alex, but primarily its classic Southern French home-style cuisine paired with the relaxed bistro atmosphere that makes everyone feel instantly at ease—so much so that guests often don’t want to leave once seated.

 

Owner Alex used to work in the world’s financial hub, Wall Street, where he endured high-pressure, overtime-heavy days that few can imagine. After work, when most restaurants were already closed, this tall man loved to hang out at a nearby French bistro because they were always open late, offered a laid-back vibe, and were perfect for sitting back, savoring good wine, and enjoying delicious food.

After returning to Taiwan, Alex tried to recreate those memories and envisioned opening “a bistro where people could come in wearing slippers, enjoy great food, and sip fine wine.” That vision gave birth to this very place. Although Rue216 stays open late, its classic brunch offerings served around noon follow French culinary traditions and have earned a loyal following. The restaurant’s banana walnut pancakes and beef cheese crepes are especially popular and frequently ordered.

For Alex, having brunch without sparkling wine is simply odd. The Spanish CAVA sparkling wine served here is made using the same method as French Champagne, offering a smooth, not overly sweet, and refreshingly delightful taste—perfectly suited to Taiwan’s hot climate. The brunch also comes with juice, fruit, scrambled eggs, hash browns, mini croissants, bacon, smoked sausages, and a complimentary drink (tea or coffee). The portions are generous, and the plating is stunning—like orange segments garnished with blueberries for a bright, elegant, and truly beautiful start to your brunch.

 

Must Try
Beef Cheese Crepe
Inspired by Italian lasagna, this dish features especially tender New Zealand steak-grade beef, topped with a sauce simmered from beef broth, sweet paprika, fresh tomatoes, and a variety of spices, then baked with grass mushrooms and cheese. The rich melted cheese envelops the juicy, flavorful beef slices, while the sauce remains delicious—intense yet never overpowering the ingredients’ natural taste, fully satisfying even the most discerning palate.

【Rue216 French Bistro】
Address: No. 12, Lane 4, Alley 345, Section 4, Ren’ai Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: (02) 2711-3450
Business Hours: Monday to Thursday 12:00–00:00; Friday to Saturday 12:00–02:00
Sunday 12:00–00:00 (This business hour is from Facebook and may differ from what Alex stated; please double-check)
Brunch: Saturdays and Sundays 12:00–15:00