The most sought-after iconic stores among netizens: 7 out of the top 10 were introduced from Japan

▲ Lady M’s classic mille crêpe cake. (Photo / Huang Shih-yuan)

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

Whenever a new restaurant opens, it always attracts many visitors on a pilgrimage. Do you know which store netizens are most eager to visit right now? DailyView’s newly launched “Top 100 Reputation” rankings include a popularity chart for eateries based on online buzz over the past six months. Out of the top 10, 7 are imported and franchised from Japan, 2 are themed restaurants operated by Taiwanese businesses but authorized by Japanese brands, and only Lady M is a popular American brand.


▲ Gudetama Five-Star Chef Themed Restaurant. (Photo / Huang Shih-yuan)

When the Top 100 Reputation rankings went live on March 5, the Gudetama Five-Star Chef Restaurant ranked first, but by the 6th it had dropped to second place, with New York’s famed Lady M taking the top spot. Coming in third was Maisen Tonkatsu, known for having the most delicious tonkatsu in Tokyo. Ranks four through ten were, in order: the Chibi Maruko-chan themed restaurant, Tsutaya Books, Osaka Ohsho, GARAKU, ZAKUZAKU plush puffs, Menya Itto, and the Rilakkuma Cafe. Notably, the multi-concept bookstore Tsutaya Books also made the list.


▲ GARAKU, one of Hokkaido’s must-try soup curry spots—pictured here is their signature tender chicken thigh. (Photo / Huang Shih-yuan)

It’s worth noting that among the top 10, the Gudetama Five-Star Chef Restaurant, the Chibi Maruko-chan themed restaurant, and the Rilakkuma Cafe are all themed venues. While the food may not be the most exquisite, fans visiting these spots aren’t necessarily there for the cuisine—they’re there for the pilgrimage experience and the chance to interact closely with their favorite anime characters.

By contrast, Jamie’s Italian, the Italian dining brand launched by celebrity chef Jamie Oliver, generated significant buzz upon entering Taiwan but only ranked 20th on the Top 100 Reputation list. The star power effect wasn’t particularly strong. However, the top 40 spots were mostly occupied by Japanese cuisine, likely due to Taiwan’s high acceptance of Japanese food.

Top 10 pilgrimage destinations on the Top 100 Reputation list
1st Place: Lady M
2nd Place: Gudetama Five-Star Chef Restaurant
3rd Place: Maisen Tonkatsu
4th Place: Chibi Maruko-chan Themed Restaurant
5th Place: Tsutaya Books
6th Place: Osaka Ohsho
7th Place: GARAKU
8th Place: ZAKUZAKU Plush Puffs
9th Place: Menya Itto
10th Place: Rilakkuma Cafe


▲ TSUTAYA BOOKSTORE Taiwan’s first branch has opened at Taipei’s Uni-President Department Store. (Photo / Provided by Reporter Tsai Wen-jun)