A famous Italian restaurant in Toufen opens a branch in Hsinchu！ Its pesto risotto is bursting with basil aroma

Text & Photo／DaKou

Foodies who love Italian cuisine in Hsinchu are in for a treat！ Located on Xida Road in East District, Hsinchu City, right across from the Big City Department Store, “Felice Italian Pasta Happiness Kitchen” Hsinchu branch is the popular spot that made its name in Toufen.

“Felice” has been in business for ten years now, and its dining environment, food quality, and service all leave a deep impression. Ever since I tried the head store in Toufen once, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. When I heard they were opening a branch in Hsinchu, I just had to come and try it all！ The menu here offers even more variety — dishes like crispy soft-shell crab cream vegetable risotto and pan-seared Japanese sea bass Genoa pesto risotto are only available at the Hsinchu branch, so of course we had to order them all！

The “Felice Italian Pasta Happiness Kitchen” Hsinchu branch is located on Xida Road in East District, Hsinchu City, right across from the Big City Department Store. The whole building paired with its white signage is quite eye-catching！

It’s also right next to a major bus stop. Whether you're driving or taking public transport, there's no pressure. It’s not far from the Hsinchu Railway Station either, just a few minutes away, making it very convenient！

Upon entering, there’s a giant tree sculpture at the entrance that not only looks stylish but also gives diners a refreshing and pleasant vibe.

Note that “Felice” is closed on Mondays and also takes breaks on weekday afternoons, so be sure to check their operating hours！

“Felice” means “happiness” in Italian, and the shop hopes that besides enjoying a delicious culinary experience, guests can also feel happiness here！

The space inside is not too large, but the lighting is just right, creating a cozy atmosphere that’s very suitable for dates.

The pasta here is already very flavorful, and the portions are quite generous, making it great value for money.

The decor here not only has an Italian style, but there’s also a warm ambiance, making people feel like they’ve stepped into a European alley.

The seating arrangements are also quite considerate, whether you’re here for a solo meal or a group gathering, it’s suitable.

I noticed that every table has a small lamp that creates a warm glow, adding to the romantic atmosphere.

The drinks here are also very diverse, and you can pair your meal however you like.

They also have some unique drinks that are very refreshing.

In addition, their desserts are also very distinctive, especially those with ice cream, which many diners say are a must-try.

They also have a small private room, which is perfect whether you prefer a quieter space or have a larger group.

The bread here is also very fragrant, especially the garlic bread, which is super crispy.

The menu uses a booklet-style design with illustrations and descriptions, making it very clear. Just circle the dishes you want to order with a pencil！

There are quite a few options, and you can even upgrade your pasta by 15 NT for a set meal or pay an extra 35 NT to upgrade to a grilled version — no problem at all！

Additionally, there are little tags — if a product has a logo, it means it’s a signature dish of the shop！

They also use handmade pasta, which is another highlight that the shop takes pride in.

They also offer customization services — whether you want to make it spicier or adjust the ingredients, it’s fine.

They also have salad, soup, coffee, tea, juice, beer, cocktails, and more — the choices are many.

When you come here, you definitely have to try the garlic bread. It goes perfectly with the soup.

The garlic bread tastes a bit like French bread, with a bit of chewiness, and can be enjoyed with soup for a more layered texture！

The bread here is baked fresh, so it has that nice roasted aroma, and the crust is just the right amount of crisp.

% The portion sizes here are quite generous, and this plate is a perfect example!

% Featured dish: Crispy Soft-Shell Crab Creamy Vegetable Risotto (295 TWD), and honestly, their servings are pretty substantial—as you can see from this plate!

% The combination of flavors here is surprisingly good, blending savory, sweet, and umami elements in harmony. It looks simple but tastes surprisingly rich.

% Their seafood risotto is also excellent, featuring high-quality ingredients like scallops that aren’t overcooked, maintaining a lovely texture. The rice is cooked to perfection—not too soft or too firm—and is rich in umami. The overall taste is incredibly satisfying.

% The risotto here is always freshly made, with a delightful al dente texture that’s not overly soft. It has a pleasant chewiness that’s both satisfying and unique.

% The seafood in the risotto is also very fresh. Aside from the rich seafood flavor, it’s also paired with seasonal vegetables, adding both nutrition and texture variety. The overall taste is rich and well-balanced.

% Featured dish: Pan-Seared Yellowtail with Genoese Pesto Risotto (295 TWD), most pesto dishes are paired with seafood or shellfish, but it’s rare to see it served with fish, let alone yellowtail!

% The presentation is elegant and not overly fussy, allowing the flavors to shine. The risotto paired with the yellowtail is surprisingly delicious—the fish is tender and flavorful, and the combination is surprisingly well-balanced.

% The creamy sauce on the yellowtail is light yet rich, and the fish itself is perfectly cooked—juicy and tender without being overly oily. It leaves a very pleasant aftertaste.

% The risotto is cooked to an ideal texture—not too mushy or too dry—and has a subtle creaminess that complements the fish beautifully.

% The overall dish feels very satisfying. The flavors are well-integrated, with layers of umami from the fish and the richness of the risotto. It’s a well-balanced and delicious meal.

% Featured dish: Bolognese Pasta with Crispy Herb Chicken Cutlet (255 TWD), if you want to enjoy both Bolognese pasta and herb chicken cutlet in one go, this is the dish to go for. The portions are hearty—even guys will leave feeling full!

% The pasta is well-seasoned and has that authentic Italian taste. The sauce isn’t overly heavy, and the balance of flavors is just right. It’s a comforting and satisfying dish.

% The chicken cutlet is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The breading is light, and the meat is tender, making it a joy to eat.

% The Bolognese sauce has a rich meaty flavor with a hint of sweetness and a touch of aromatic spices. It’s not overly sweet, which makes it very enjoyable.

% The chicken cutlet has a nice crispy exterior, and when paired with the Bolognese, it adds a lovely contrast in textures. The overall dish is hearty and satisfying.

% The pasta is cooked al dente, and the meat sauce is rich and flavorful. The tender chunks of meat are juicy and delicious, adding a lot of depth to the dish.

% The meat is tender and juicy, not dry at all. When paired with the Bolognese, it enhances the overall flavor and cuts through the richness. This dish is definitely satisfying and filling!

% For drinks, we tried two options. One was an orange juice that tasted freshly squeezed—definitely not from concentrate—and had a refreshing, zesty flavor. The other orange juice was more average, with a fairly typical taste that was still refreshing and cooling.

% The orange juice wasn’t overly sweet either, which was a plus. The other drink, a yuzu and brown sugar bubble tea, was as expected—quite refreshing and light.

% The yuzu and brown sugar bubble tea used real yuzu juice and brown sugar syrup, giving it a more authentic and nuanced flavor compared to the usual versions. It wasn’t overly sweet, and the yuzu added a refreshing citrus note. Today’s drink also had chewy tapioca pearls that were soft and not overly sweet, adding a nice texture contrast. The overall drink was pleasantly balanced and easy to enjoy.

% The first sip revealed a lovely aroma, and the tea had a subtle fragrance. The tapioca pearls were soft and not overly sweet, and the yuzu and brown sugar soup wasn’t cloying. The pearls had a nice chewiness, and the overall drink had a lovely layered flavor that was addictive from the first sip.

% The drink also had a lovely aroma, with the tea complementing the yuzu and brown sugar flavors. The tapioca pearls were soft and not overly sweet, and the yuzu and brown sugar soup had a lovely balance of sweetness and tartness. The overall drink had a rich and layered flavor profile that was both refreshing and satisfying.

“Felice Italian Kitchen” in Hsinchu is not only spacious and comfortable, but its bright, green-filled dining environment also creates a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere. The menu is diverse, offering everything from pasta, risotto, and pizza to grilled dishes, appetizers, desserts, and drinks. Whether you’re looking for a full meal or something light, you’ll find plenty of options.

The food is consistently well-prepared. The new dishes we tried, like the Crispy Soft-Shell Crab Creamy Vegetable Risotto and the Pan-Seared Yellowtail with Genoese Pesto Risotto, were refreshingly unique—both a treat for the taste buds and the eyes. The desserts were also impressive, especially the Matcha Red Bean Cheese, a must-try for matcha lovers. Its delicate, not-too-sweet layers of flavor are truly delightful.

The service is also warm and polite, making you feel the care and joyful vibe the owners put into the place. I highly recommend it—whether for a colleague gathering, family meal, or a casual meet-up with friends over coffee and chats. If you’re curious, come give it a try—you might just become a regular like me!

Felice Italian Kitchen (Hsinchu Branch)
Address: No. 360, Xida Road, East District, Hsinchu City (diagonally opposite Hsinchu Big City Department Store, about an 8-minute walk from Hsinchu Railway Station, with Mingzhi Academy Parking Lot directly across the street)
Phone: 03-5281199
Business Hours: 11:00–15:00, 17:30–22:00 (Tuesday to Friday); 11:00–22:00 (Saturday to Sunday); closed on Mondays
FB Fan Page:Please click me

Big Mouth Teacher’s Travel School!
Spin it up！Big Mouth and Koumee’s Colorful Neon Lights
Blog,FB