French Michelin-trained chef cuisine in Dadaocheng District! Authentic Neapolitan handmade pizza hidden in an old house

Reporter Hua Shaofu / Taipei Report

Located in the old houses area of Dadaocheng, Yi Hua Yuan French-Italian cuisine is a fine-dining spot that opened in October 2016. Its most popular offering is the pizza. Head chef Zhou Yuli is the eldest son of former Taipei County magistrate Zhou Xiwai. He graduated from Le Cordon Bleu’s Los Angeles campus and returned to Taiwan. The restaurant not only features floral arrangements grown by Zhou Xiwai but also paintings by him, creating a uniquely elegant space.

The building is divided into a front section and a back section. The first floor of the back section is the wood-fired oven area, while the second and third floors offer private dining spaces. Chef Zhou Yuli explained the origin of the restaurant: “This building has been renovated, but we preserved the original structure, including the wooden roof and beams, hoping guests can enjoy their meals in such a space.”

▲ Iberian cheese and cold cuts platter is a common Italian appetizer. (Photo / Reporter Hua Shaofu)

Iberian Cheese and Cold Cuts Platter
It’s a common Italian appetizer, featuring Italian bacon, rich Iberian ham, Italian blue cheese, Gruyère cheese grilled with a torch for a smoky flavor, Italian green pepper sausage, and the restaurant’s homemade chicken liver pâté (which can be eaten alone, paired with wine or bread). The most special item is the less commonly seen duck breast ham—definitely worth trying.

▲ Crispy-skinned spiced pork belly is served with cheese slices. (Photo / Reporter Hua Shaofu)

Crispy-skinned Spiced Pork Belly
The pork belly differs greatly from other versions. It’s marinated all day, then slow-cooked at low temperature, cubed, and seared at high heat to create a crispy skin. It’s served with mashed sweet potato, candied walnuts, cheese slices, and white Feta cheese, offering a rich flavor.

▲ Charcoal-grilled slow-cooked octopus with herb salsa requires labor-intensive prep. (Photo / Reporter Hua Shaofu)

Charcoal-grilled Slow-cooked Octopus with Herb Salsa
Italy has many dishes combining octopus and potatoes. Chef Zhou Yuli revealed that their octopus preparation is very time-consuming—the octopus is slow-cooked over low heat until tender, then grilled, and finally paired with salsa (herb sauce), which can also be served with half a lemon for a unique flavor.

▲ The pizza dough at Yi Hua Yuan French-Italian cuisine ferments for over 20 hours. (Photo / Reporter Hua Shaofu)

Truffle Naples Handmade Pizza 10T
The dough is pre-fermented for more than 20 hours. During preparation, the chef stretches and tosses the dough repeatedly to expand it before adding toppings. “Naples pizza is about the flavor of the crust, not the toppings,” Chef Zhou Yuli said with a smile. His truffle pizza uses a recipe developed from his past experience, replacing traditional tomato sauce with truffle sauce, topped with plenty of mushrooms, chili flakes, basil, and mozzarella. This balances the strong truffle flavor, and a semi-runny egg in the center adds moisture and depth.

▲ Tuscany Sunshine has a refreshing taste. (Photo / Reporter Hua Shaofu)

Tuscany Sunshine
Different from typical salads, it has a more traditional flavor, using tomatoes, broccoli, and other vegetables, paired with olive oil and honey, topped with Feta cheese and dried cranberries, resulting in a refreshing taste.

▲ Lemon tart is a very traditional French dessert. (Photo / Reporter Hua Shaofu)

Lemon Tart
It’s a very traditional French dessert. Chef Zhou Yuli said this dessert was first made when he was in school. Later, finding the flavor great, he modified it over time to create this version. “Basically, we use lemon tart elements, but deconstruct them, pairing them with caramel meringue to add a smoky flavor.” The contrast of hot and cold creates a unique “fire and ice” dual taste.

▲ Baladin craft beer costs 280 NT per bottle. (Photo / Reporter Hua Shaofu)

Baladin Craft Beer
It’s Italy’s top craft beer brand. Made by Italy’s earliest craft brewery, the shop offers six flavors suitable for both men and women. Chef Zhou Yuli said, “Many of my craft beer friends agree no other brewery can achieve this level.” Due to the high cost, each bottle is priced at 280 NT, slightly on the expensive side.

● ETtoday News Cloud reminds you: Don’t drink and drive, don’t drive after drinking.

Special offer: Until the end of January, show the ETtoday News Cloud app when you dine here and receive a portion of crispy fried potato balls—perfect with drinks.

Art Garden Yi Hua Yuan French-Italian Cuisine

Address: No. 261, Nanjing West Road, Datong District, Taipei City
Phone: 02-2558-0680
Business Hours: 11:30–22:00

ETtoday News Cloud is currently conducting an interview and collaboration campaign with the restaurant
Welcome to email ettravel@ettoday.net or send a direct messageto the ETtoday Food Power Facebook pagefor inquiries

For more travel information, pleasedownload the News Cloud app 

▲The “2017 Good Friends TT Music Festival” lineup is even bigger. On December 2 (Saturday), gather your good friends and head to Huashan Theaterto enjoy music, performances, shop at the market, and try DIY crafts.

★ IG-worthy gradient juices and icing cookies—sign up with your bestie now??? 

★ TT Music Festival exclusive limited-edition merchandise is super cute—grab yours quick??? 

★ I want to join the ETtoday Good Friends TT Music Festival—act now???

★ Date: December 2, 2017 (Saturday)
★ Location: Huashan Theater (at the intersection of Zhongxiao East Road and Bade Road, Taipei City, within Huashan Creative Park)
★ How to join: Bring your music spirit and link up with friends for a free TT entry