J-PING CAFE

From our archives, Compass Magazine, Apr. 2002:

Anyone looking for a exclusive, high-class dining experience out of the ordinary should check out this almost-hidden restaurant. Housed in a modern, minimalist structure on a quiet lane (opposite Ala Pub), J-Ping only takes diners with advance reservations and has no menu. The brainchild of Mr. Wang, a former chef of Papa Mia Italian, this place serves up high-end, mostly-Italian cuisine. Servers explain everything carefully, including the length of meal, and offer several main course options, which come with appetizers, soup and a dessert with coffee/tea, with various options for each category. Main courses change about once a month, while antipasti and other items change more frequently. None of the dishes are ordinary and the atmosphere is classy, with jazz and similar background music. Set-meal prices average around NT$780, for main-course options like the chicken breast or sea bass, and NT$890 for items like the tenderloin or ribeye steaks.

4, Lane 122, Chung Hsing Street
(04) 2302-3580;
Hours: 6:30-10:30 pm