VIBE

For all the handmade pastas, locally sourced veggies, and slow food credentials of the kitchen, this swanky rooftop Italian resto is no hippie café: the tables are heaped with fine linens, silver, crystal, and flowers, and the well-connected crowds use the chic sofa benches as launchpads for serious schmoozing. Recessed nooks are ideal for couples looking to get intimate, but the best seats in the house are on the stylish terrace overlooking Taipei 101.

CROWD

An upscale mix of professionals from the surrounding XinYi offices and couples out for a classy date.

WHAT WE WOULD WEAR

By day, a refined casual look or even a suit (if we’re here on business). After dark, it gets a touch dressier; we’d wear nice slacks and an elegant blouse with eye-catching accessories.

GO HERE WITH

Colleagues and clients; date; friends

WHY WE LIKE IT

One of our favorite refined XinYi lunch breaks–the four-course set lunch (two appetizers, entrée, and dessert/coffee) is a great deal. (And a tasty one! On our last visit, our lunch set came with goodies like Roman-style tripe and lasagne bolognese.) Despite the sizeable lunchtime crowd, the scene remains peaceful.

WHAT WE WOULD CHANGE

Beata té is located in the Bellavita Mall on an upper floor. While it’s a pretty common occurrence to have fine dining in the malls here in Taipei, we still couldn’t help wishing it were a standalone restaurant.

GOOD TO KNOW

The name Beata té in Italian means “You don’t know how lucky you are.” Owners Purple (yes, Purple!) and Alberto Zambotti also run popular local spot Chianti. The terrace can be reserved for private events. Last orders are at 9:45pm. Live musical performances occur from time to time.

CLOSEST COMPS

Spago (Los Angeles); Bocca di Lupo (London)