Hidden Gem: "Old Seat Sichuan Bistro & Bar"
Hidden in the alleys of Taipei's East District, "Old Seat Sichuan Bistro & Bar" is a truly hard-to-find gem known only to insiders. This old Shanghai-style Sichuan restaurant combines Taiwan's love for Sichuan cuisine, desserts, coffee, and cocktails. It's not just a restaurant but also a bistro-bar-café hybrid, and the fact that it opens as early as noon is a thoughtful touch. 😃
🌟 The exterior, lush with greenery, might make you mistake it for a floral shop. Once inside, the interior design deliberately avoids the typical impression of a Chinese restaurant. Bright lighting and warm tones from Western-style vintage lamps, paired with wooden tables and chairs, reflect the owner's meticulous attention to detail. There's even a story about an outdoor dining table that the owner found as a treasure on the roadside. 😆
🌟 The dishes are equally impressive. Signature items like "Old Seat Mouthwatering Chicken," "Strange Flavor Chicken," "Braised Tofu," and "Spicy Boiled Fish" match the effort put into the décor. The standout cocktail, "Hardworking Wife Grinding Tofu," features VSOP-infused peanuts, almond tea, hazelnut liqueur, rum, and Chinese-style tofu pudding. Highly recommended—it doubles as both dessert and cocktail. 👍
💯 The outdoor area is lush and inviting, equipped with cozy sofas and rocking chairs, while the indoor space exudes a strong retro nostalgic vibe. The balance between openness and privacy is just right. The fusion of Chinese and Western elements, including wooden furniture, vintage chandeliers, and nostalgic decorations, creates a warm and unique dining environment—a tranquil retreat in the bustling city.💕 Can't wait to come back for another relaxing visit!
📍 1F, No. 29, Lane 101, Section 4, Zhongxiao East Road, Da’an District, Taipei City