Feeling overwhelmed by life's pressures? Check out these 7 handpicked bars in Taipei to help you unwind.

Travel Center / Comprehensive Report

In the hustle and bustle of daily life, taking time to relax is essential. Visiting a cozy, foreign-style bar for a drink and some bites can be a true delight.ETtoday Travel CloudHas selected 7 unique bars in Taipei where you can enjoy a laid-back atmosphere and leave your worries behind.

▲ Youth Tapas. (Photo / Screenshot fromYouth Tapas official Facebook page)

1. Youth Tapas
Youth Tapas is primarily a Spanish cuisine bar, but besides traditional Spanish dishes, grilled and fried items also pair perfectly with drinks. When it comes to Spanish food, the must-try is Spanish paella. The broth, simmered with saffron and tomatoes, complements the sweetness of the seafood, all coming together beautifully over the rice — it’s incredibly smooth and flavorful. They also offer a variety of cocktails and popular beers. Enjoy Spanish flavors with a glass of Sangria, chat with friends, and feel like you've returned to the most innocent days of youth.

Address: No. 147, Section 4, Civic Boulevard, Songshan District, Taipei City
Phone: (02)2577-7755
Business Hours: 17:30–01:30
Official Facebook Page

▲ VG Café. (Photo / Screenshot fromVG Café official Facebook page)

2.VG Café
“They say if you don’t know how to drink, you don’t know how to love. If you don’t know how to drink, ask us; if you don’t know how to love, start by understanding drink.” This is a line from the VG Café menu, reflecting their passion for wine. Originally a coffee shop, VG Café has recently shifted to a bar concept, focusing on wine pairings. Each day, they feature different specials on their wall, so every visit brings a unique dining experience within the same cozy ambiance, creating lasting memories.

Address: No. 4, Lane 279, Section 1, Fuxing South Road, Taipei City
Phone: (02)2706-1068
Business Hours: 12:00–16:00, 18:00–02:00; Closed on Mondays
Official Facebook Page

▲ whinos Bar & Kitchen. (Photo / Screenshot fromwhinos Bar & Kitchen official Facebook page)

3.whinos Bar & Kitchen
whinos Bar & Kitchen boasts a low-key yet elegant façade that exudes sophistication. Inside, you’ll feel the refined and relaxing vibe typical of a classic bar. Their signature dish, Truffle Scallop Wild Mushroom, features plump scallops paired with warmed truffle, while mushrooms at the base absorb the aroma and texture of the entire dish. It’s finished with a half-cooked egg yolk for the perfect blend of flavor, aroma, and appearance. If you’re looking to unwind, pairing a drink with one of their refined dishes here is an excellent choice.

Address: No. 7, Lane 14, Siwei Road, Taipei City
Phone: (02)2705-0656
Business Hours: Tue–Thu: 15:00–23:00; Fri–Sat: 15:00–24:00; Sun: 15:00–23:00
Fan Page

▲Dancing Pig Restaurant. (Photo/Screen captured fromDancing Pig Restaurant fan page)


4. Dancing Pig Restaurant
As the name suggests, Dancing Pig Restaurant is known for its pork-centric dishes. In addition to a variety of pork preparations, roast suckling pig is a major highlight here. The crispy skin and tender meat require no additional seasoning to be flavorful. For fans of rice dishes, there's also a special rustic-style pork tongue risotto, which creatively combines a typically Taiwanese ingredient with Western cooking techniques — an exceptional and award-winning creation. This dish even won first prize in the first Taipei Rice Cuisine Competition. Come and experience its unique charm for yourself!

Address: No. 48, Lane 290, Guangfu South Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: (02)2731-6469
Hours: 11:30–14:30, 17:30–21:30
Fan Page

▲Island 1 Kitchen. (Photo/Screen captured fromIsland 1 Kitchen fan page)

5. Island 1 Kitchen
The standout feature of Island 1 Kitchen is its fusion of Western cuisine with a Taiwanese twist, adapting international dishes to suit local palates. The sesame oil chicken risotto is a particular highlight — aromatic Taiwanese sesame oil is paired with slightly firm Italian rice, garnished with juicy, crispy-skinned chicken thigh meat, resulting in a highly refined dish. The combination of Eastern ingredients with Western techniques truly embodies the fusion concept. Another unique aspect is the open kitchen, where you can watch your meal being prepared. Sipping wine while observing the cooking process adds to the overall dining experience.

Address: No. 10, Lane 102, Section 1, Anhe Road, Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: (02)2706-2799
Hours: Monday to Friday 12:00–23:00, Saturday to Sunday 12:00–24:00
Fan Page

▲Cat Down Plan. (Photo/Screen captured fromCat Down Plan fan page)

6. Cat Down Plan
Cat Down Plan is a true gastropub-style eatery. The owner has a strong personality, and so does the food — but the quality is high and the prices are friendly. Reservations are essential, and note that the restaurant does not accept bookings for groups of four or more. Each visit brings new anticipation, as the owner changes the risotto menu weekly. With ever-changing offerings based on inspiration, every trip to Cat Down Plan feels fresh and exciting.

Address: No. 38, Xuzhou Road, Zhongzheng District, Taipei City
Phone: (02)2321-7569
Hours: 17:30–21:00, closed Mondays
Fan Page

▲Hu Zi Beverage & Bistro. (Photo/Screen captured fromHu Zi Beverage & Bistro fan page）

7. Huzi Bistro & Bar
Located in Taipei’s Dongcheng area, Huzi Bistro & Bar features distinctive interior decor. Many Taiwanese tend to be formal when eating Western food, so Huzi Bistro & Bar hopes to offer guests a relaxed atmosphere to enjoy their meal. A common sight here is patrons taking photos with the signature menu shaped like a mustache—this has become one of the bistro’s defining features. The Truffle Mushroom & Cheese Risotto is a popular signature dish. The rich aroma of truffle enhances the overall flavor of the risotto, while the slightly firm texture of the rice core pays homage to traditional Italian cooking, delivering an authentically Italian taste.

Address: 1F, No. 4, Lane 4, Alley 345, Section 4, Ren’ai Rd., Da’an District, Taipei City
Phone: (02)8773-9292
Business Hours: 11:30–22:00
Facebook Page