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Visit classic Western restaurants for retro charm and delicious flavors

Published: 2026-09-25 👁 100 views
Last updated 2026-09-25 — ...

Written/Compiled and Reported by MOOK Travel Life Network, Zhang Yingying
 
Whether it's Michelin-starred establishments or renowned Western dining spots that have gradually entered Taiwan in recent years, the enduring appeal of vintage classic Western restaurants remains undiminished. They continue to attract visitors and have even become important venues for romantic dates, family reunions, and birthday celebrations. Each of these featured historic Western restaurants has its own unique history, but they share common traits: understated elegance and timeless flavors and atmospheres that people adore.
 

The plating at classic Western restaurants is unpretentious, retaining the style of early steakhouses (Photo by Zhang Yingying)

 
 
 1. Celebrity Western Restaurant
 
Celebrity Cafe, filled with memories of the 1950s, has finally reopened after much anticipation. But what truly made it famous isn't its distinctive Russian coffee, but rather the tablefuls of cultural industry “rising stars” immersed in creative work. It nurtured many well-known cultural figures, such as Lin Hwai-min, Huang Chunming, and Ji Ji... making it the cradle of Taiwanese literature at the time.
 

Celebrity Western Restaurant, located on the second floor, features windows with charming little capes. (Image / Moleskine Editorial Department)

 
On the first floor of Celebrity Cafe, you can also find delicious desserts with simple, authentic flavors that preserve the taste of foreign sweets popular during Taiwan’s early Westernization period — Russian gummy candy, cheesecake, Black Forest chocolate cake — paired with a salon-style dining atmosphere full of literary charm, evoking a retro yet stylish vibe.
 
Attraction Info:
Address: 2F, No. 5, Section 1, Wuchang Street, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2381-5589
 

Russian candy offers a unique flavor and texture, and many people come here specifically to buy gifts for friends and family. (Image / Moleskine Editorial Department)

Celebrity Cafe, imbued with a literary atmosphere, was once a gathering place for literati and arts figures. (Image / Moleskine Editorial Department)

 
2. Zhanmei Western Restaurant
 
Zhanmei Western Restaurant is located near the Ren'ai Circle in Taipei City. Originally established in Shanghai in 1946, it opened in Taiwan in 1949 and is one of Taipei’s most well-known classic Western restaurants.

Zhanmei is located in the basement of a building. Its sign is not particularly eye-catching and can be easily overlooked when passing by. However, since its opening, its classic and retro Western food flavors, plating, and service have remained distinctive, consistently winning the love of loyal customers.
 
 

The decor style of Zhanmei Western Restaurant and its signature German-style pork knuckle. (Photo by Zhang Yingying)

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