Women’s Studies · Emily Peng
I can’t remember exactly when it started, but whether it’s a girls’ gathering or a casual hangout with friends, the final choice of venue is invariably a wine bar, izakaya, or pub. The meeting spot always revolves around “alcohol,” as if the pressures of life and work can only be released when you’re slightly tipsy. Is this what it feels like to be an adult?
But for editors, choosing a wine bar as a gathering spot carries another layer of meaning beyond just the “drink” itself—it symbolizes having a stable income. Beyond affordable hundred-dollar meals, you can occasionally treat yourself to something a little more “luxurious”!
In this article, the editor will introduce 4 uniquely charming wine bars that have been personally taste-tested and proven to be high-quality yet budget-friendly:
First up is ALLEZ BISTRO, a wine bar the editor has revisited at least three times for its amazing cost-performance ratio. In Europe, people often gather with family and friends at local bistros—not just for a hearty meal, but also for good conversation and a relaxing drink. That’s why the restaurant is named Allez (which in French means “come” and “go for it”), hoping that everyone, whether on weekdays or weekends, can dine and have fun with loved ones, lifting their spirits in an otherwise mundane life.
By day, ALLEZ BISTRO is a bright eatery with large windows letting in plenty of natural light. By night, it transforms into a cozy wine bar. The delicious food, paired with a relaxed American-style decor, creates a comfortable dining atmosphere that fills up quickly during dinner service. Without a reservation, you might find yourself waiting quite a while.
Image source: ALLEZ BISTRO
The “Sea Urchin Risotto with Pan-Seared Hokkaido Scallops” features a rich sea urchin flavor perfectly blended with flying fish roe, along with bursting-texture mentaiko and tender pan-seared scallops. This dish has long been a signature at ALLEZ BISTRO, a must-order classic for every table and a personal favorite of the editor. Although she sometimes wants to try new dishes, the small party size often makes it hard to do so.
The “Garlic Prawns” are another editor favorite—savory, salty garlic prawns paired with bread are simply heavenly.
Little did they know, the chefs heard this feedback loud and clear. Starting last September, ALLEZ BISTRO launched a “Chef’s Selection” menu, offering a little bit of everything in small portions. For just NT$800–1,000, you can enjoy over 10 dishes, including wagyu beef, the previously mentioned sea urchin risotto, and even the French dessert Mont Blanc.
Editor’s note:Aside from the Mont Blanc, which is pleasantly sweet and tangy thanks to berry jam, the tiramisu is also highly recommended. It includes mascarpone cream, vanilla ice cream, orange biscotti, and coffee jelly—absolutely delicious.
The “Chef’s Selection” offers over 10 dishes, and the ones in the photo are just the tip of the iceberg.
Next up is “A Small Step,” located in the highly accessible East District. It’s the sister shop to the former “Five Flavors Bottle” in Yongkang Street. A Small Step features very simple and unpretentious decor, with warm yellow lighting that creates a cozy and comforting atmosphere at night. It’s especially famous for its fresh, daily-delivered seafood from fishing ports—a must-try for seafood lovers.
Image source: A Small Step official fan page
The dishes at A Small Step are based on traditional French flavors, with each plate meticulously and thoughtfully presented. Each time a dish arrives, it inevitably draws an “wow~” reaction. The multi-element sides give the dishes great texture, and unlike many other restaurants, A Small Step offers quite generous vegetarian sides with the main courses, effectively cutting through the richness of meat-heavy dishes. For example, the one shown below (left) includes Japanese water spinach, cherry tomato slices, and zucchini slices.
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Editor’s note:The aforementioned Five Flavors Bottle was also an outstanding wine bar, but unfortunately, it has recently closed down.
Image source: A Small Step official fan page
The third spot, “Pig Dancing,” is located near the National Father Memorial Hall in the East District. Just a five-minute walk from Exit 2 of the MRT station, it specializes in “everything pig-related” and is another place the editor has visited many times. It’s been around for about 10 years now, and its ability to thrive for so long in the food-packed area around the Memorial Hall speaks volumes about its quality.
Image source: Pig Dancing official fan page
Especially last year, the restaurant underwent a major renovation, moving away from its previous rustic style to a sleek white exterior paired with high-quality marble tabletops. Cute piggy dolls and cushions are scattered throughout the space, attracting both new and returning guests.
In addition to various creative “pig” dishes, the “Chef’s Special Meat Lovers Platter,” featuring generous portions of roast chicken and ribs, is a crowd favorite. The fragrant roast chicken, especially when eaten with the juices underneath, is mouthwatering just to think about. The ribs are equally impressive. It’s perfect for gathering with friends to eat and drink heartily. For smaller groups, there are also share plates designed for 2–6 people, or the popular business lunch for just around NT$200. Despite the low price, the taste is uncompromised—and even more impressively, the attentive service comes with no service charge.
Editor’s note:The salted pork and egg yolk pasta shown below (left) has a rich flavor that clings perfectly to the noodles—the editor thinks it’s super delicious.
Image source: Pig Dancing official fan page
The last spot, La Mole Taipei, is an Italian restaurant rated by the Red Guide. Created by Italian chef Simone, it aims to bring the most authentic Italian cuisine to Taiwanese diners. As such, all the bread and pasta here are handmade using Taiwanese flour, with no detail spared. Though the plating is rustic and simple, it better showcases the essence of rustic home-style cooking and brings you back to the roots of the dish.
Image source: La mole Taipei official fan page
In addition to an indoor dining area, La mole Taipei also has an outdoor seating section. On the day of our editor’s visit, they saw several groups of foreign guests sitting outside, chatting and enjoying their delicious meals.
Unlike typical Italian cuisine, all dishes at La mole Taipei are designed by Chef Simone, who incorporates high-quality local Taiwanese ingredients to authentically recreate flavors from his homeland. For example, the classic Mediterranean appetizer — cantaloupe with prosciutto — uses sweet Taiwanese cantaloupe. The combination of salty and sweet is so delightful that it leaves a lasting impression on anyone who tries it.
Image source: La mole Taipei official fan page
Additionally, La mole Taipei’s tiramisu is also quite special. It is made by layering mascarpone cheese, ladyfinger biscuits, mascarpone cheese again, and then another layer of ladyfingers. This creates a richly layered taste experience, and the texture of the mascarpone is incredibly smooth. If you’re a tiramisu lover, you definitely have to try a slice here.
Editor’s little secret:Not only is Chef Simone earnest and adorable in how he works, but our editor also found the proprietress to be extremely refined. Her introduction and service attitude are truly first-class.
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The four wine bars introduced above all generally offer business lunches suitable for young professionals. These generous set meals come with a main dish, and prices at each place range roughly between NT$500 and NT$1000, which is really great value. Even if it’s not for a celebration or a date, you can still come occasionally to enjoy fine food and give yourself a well-deserved treat.
Image source: A Small Step official fan page
A small reminder:Some of the dishes are photos taken by the editor during their visit. Depending on the season, the restaurant may adjust the menu. Please refer to the latest menu at each restaurant for details.
[Women’s Academy] Authorized reprint. Original article from [Best Budget-Friendly Luxurious Meals for the Frugal: 4 Stylish Wine Bars in Taipei That Won’t Break the Bank].