Top 5 nostalgic restaurants in Japan-style old houses for gourmet experiences across Taiwan

By MOOK Scenic Spots Editorial Department

In recent years, Taiwan has seen an increasing number of Japanese architectural attractions, with many sites even transformed into restaurants. Especially after the arrival of kurazushi in Taiwan, its unique traditional earthen-storehouse-style street-side shops immediately sparked a wave of food discussions. But beyond kurazushi, Taiwan also has many restaurants full of Japanese charm, where you can enjoy delicious dishes in traditional Japanese buildings. Gourmet lovers who love Japanese style might want to add these to their must-eat lists.

1. Kyoushirou
Located in Yilan, the specialty hot pot restaurant Kyoushirou features the appearance of a traditional Japanese old house, and its interior decoration is also filled with a strong nostalgic vibe. The restaurant’s signature charcoal-fired yudofu (hot pot) offers four types of broths, including Sichuan spicy, northeastern pickled vegetable, original pork bone, and tianxiang lingering flavor. The seafood platter is also quite generous in portion.
 
Address: No. 3, Lane 154, Hemu Road, Yilan City, Yilan County
Business hours: 11:00 - 14:30, 17:00 - 21:30

2. Lepu Ting
Located near Taipei’s Guting Station, Lepu Ting is a Japanese-style old building preserved through the Old Houses Cultural Movement after being restored. Not only does its exterior have a renewed life, but the interior decoration also gives the illusion of being inside a Japanese residence.

Lepu Ting offers dishes that blend Japanese seasoning culture with Western cooking techniques, along with creative seasonings, showcasing the finest local Taiwanese ingredients. These include locally bred sweet and tender chicken, Ah-Heshi shrimp and shellfish naturally farmed in seawater and ecological conditions, U.S. Prime-grade steak, and imported Canadian fresh Boston lobster.

Address: No. 67, Section 2, Hangzhou South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Business hours: 11:30 - 14:30, 18:00 - 22:00