A delightful evening of delectable food and drinks at a cozy wine bar in southern Taiwan

From the classic charm of Tainan to the cutting-edge design of Kaohsiung, southern Taiwan boasts a one-of-a-kind cultural allure. As the night breeze gently blows, it’s just the right time for a drink. Whether it’s a foreign-style specialty restaurant or a genuinely traditional Taiwanese eatery, wine bars tell different stories, allowing travelers to enjoy a tipsy, satisfying evening while listening to these tales.

Pasadina French Wine Bar originates from the bouchon-style taverns of Lyon, France. Based on classic French home cooking, it blends traditional recipes with creative dishes, transforming European cuisine into a sensory delight. Unlike traditional taverns that often focus mainly on drinks with simple meals, Pasadina offers a wide range of fare including appetizers, stir-fries, deep-fried dishes, stews, grilled items, cold cuts, salads, desserts, and soups. Its Marseille-style shrimp stew follows southern French tradition, offering a mildly spicy taste with herbs such as rosemary and thyme, paired with Riesling from Alsace to highlight the umami. The Marseille fish soup substitutes local shrimp for fish, complemented by squid and clams to showcase Taiwan’s diverse seafood offerings. The wine cellar features selections from estate wineries and new-world regions, along with a variety of cocktails.

At 1982 Bistro, owners Rick and Bessy are dedicated solely to craft beer. In addition to popular Belgian brews, the bar offers a wide selection including American jasmine beer, British stout, and German wheat beer. They excel in pairing food flavors with the characteristics of various beers, often providing guests with spot-on recommendations. The chef’s signature dish, Fried Rock, is a creative twist on squid rings, with a dark exterior made from squid ink and flour. The batter has a slightly sweet taste, and the chewy squid texture gives the impression of volcanic rock—a truly unique presentation. Vegetarian pasta is another crowd favorite, especially among young women, featuring a light olive oil sauté paired perfectly with 1664 white beer. Its delicate floral-fruity aroma and smooth texture make it ideal for those who don’t enjoy the bitterness of regular beer.

Formerly known as “The Roof,” a well-known high-altitude night-view restaurant in Kaohsiung, it has now been renamed ROOF ISLAND Roof Palm Restaurant. Serving authentic Thai cuisine alongside charming British-style cocktails, it’s arguably the top lounge bar in southern Taiwan. With a tropical Southeast Asian palm theme combined with a stylish, modern space, it offers a brand-new concept in wine bars. Late-night snacks include chef-prepared stir-fries and German pork knuckle. Diners celebrating their birthday can enjoy a 25% discount on the day of their visit, plus a complimentary “birthday age tube shot” for extra fun.