The Top

When the night falls, locals drive up to Yangmingshan to be treated one of the best night views of Taipei, and The Top is a restaurant where you can dine and enjoy a dreamy dazzling view to be remembered. The view is amazing, and the food is great, from deep-fried dishes, skewers to steaks and a prix fixe menu. There are a number of negatives though: prices are not wallet-friendly, payments can only be made with cash, queuing is inevitable, only private dining and banquet rooms can be reserved beforehand and they also ask for a minimum order.

Seating is ample and divided into several sections, with each of them allowing different aspect of the view. The interiors deliver a classic Southeast Asian charm, delightfully romantic, intimate and glamorous, especially at night with those twinkle lights: lovebirds looking to book a romantic dinner should consider this sumptuous setting. Items on the menu range from Chinese food, exotic cuisine, hot pots as well as a selection of soft and alcoholic beverages — the extensive menu has something for everyone, regardless of the number of diners. The restaurant at night is fascinating enough, but the atmosphere during the day is rather chilled, as if you were on a real laid-back vacation in Southeast Asia.