The Ukai Taipei - Xinyi District

Upscale, great view, amazing cuisine at its best!

Please note that there are 2 reviews in included here. 1) Positive review for TEPPANYAKI side - worth a try 2) Extremely poor review for OMAKASE side - not worth the price for poor service 1) TEPPANYAKI (5 stars, for party of 5) - After having the most amazing time at Ukai-tei Kaohsiung, we decided to try it out in Taipei. Firstly, Chef Ming Chiao Liu and the young gentleman who waited on us (unfortunately didn’t catch his name) was a delight! Their in-depth knowledge and introductions to each ingredient and plate were well appreciated along with their bright, positive and friendly demeanor. The 5 of us sat in their private room and ended up having a 3 hour lunch because we enjoyed chatting with them so much while enjoying each and every bite! We have such high praise for the two of them! Shockingly leads me to an extremely negative review. Because we had enjoyed our teppanyaki meal so much, we quickly made reservations for the adjacent side. We would come to regret it. 2) OMAKASE (1 star, party of 7) - We arrived early so we waited briefly at the restaurant’s waiting area for two of our family friends (2 lovely sweet older couple) to arrive. As they arrived, our two parties exchanged brief pleasantries and gifts. A woman, whom I only realized later was their manager, announced loudly for us to enter. Because we were still greeting each other, she proclaimed even louder (for me it was at an uncomfortable volume) for us to enter. In order to respect the elders and give them a little more time, I quickly whispered to her to wait a few seconds. The manager, Jennifer, seemed oddly confused. It’s as if she didn’t take in account of any social cues at all. As we sat down at our tables, our waitress Sara came to take our order. She asked for allergies and dietary requests. At the table, there were non green onion eater, non beef eaters and non meat eaters. Sara quickly zeroed in on the person in our party and questioned - “Are you actually allergic to the green onions?” (And no, he wasn’t, but the taste has always made him sick so hence requesting to remove). Sara quickly stated in a matter of fact tone “Well if you’re not allergic, then you should stick with what the chef prepared. It would be better to stick with what’s already on the dish.” All of us at the table were shocked to hear this. We never expected such a response considering every restaurant beforehand had been more than happy to accommodate our dietary requests. Wouldn’t this also apply to forcing non-beef eaters to eat beef as well (since technically it’s religious reasons and we aren’t allergic to it)? The waitress was just as awkward the rest of our meal. In order to not ruin the atmosphere among friends, we decided to speak with the manager towards the end of the meal. Turns out the manager, Jennifer, was just as cold, unfriendly and uptight as we had experienced at the beginning. She listened to our situation, seemed confused again and quickly brushed off our explanation and proclaimed that it must’ve been the kitchen’s fault. Instead of offering any apologies or perhaps suggestions as to how she would see to the situation, she left a snarky remark as to my mother’s shoes were not on par with the restaurants regulation. Then, she walked away...... This was the 2nd time of the night that left us with our mouths open. To think we paid for an expensive meal just to have the staff basically spite us. Because of the unfortunate attitude from the manager, Jennifer - there is no wonder that this poor leadership results is mirrored among her staff. The only saving grace at the omakase was the nice presentation of food as well as the only friendly waitress Fiona. Thank you Fiona for making our meal bearable. Last side note: On the 2 diff occasions, it was noted by multiple members of our party that the hostess was hostile and rough. Not friendly and in fact blunt and forceful when speaking. Unless this was the intention, would highly recommend the restaurant in placing a friendlier, nicer hostess as the first person who greets your guests.

Food is amazing with spirit. We got a white wine and no alcohol cocktail and both of them are yum The chef and staffs are all professional.

Have been here for many times. I found different tastes for each visit. This time I felt enrichment in seasonal flavors and full creativity. The entries and main course are as elegant as before and is more than my expectation. I also enjoy the Ukai signature red wine which amazes me a lot. And the price is ideal. Not to mention the astonishing high place over Taipei basin and far away mountains. Should try!

Food below average with fantastic view and good service! Definitely not worth the money but it’s a restaurant you are told and happy to dress up to go to!

Ingredients are good..but it is kind of a given for the price you paid (teppanyaki at lunch, NT3,500) to dine here. Dishes are executed by trainee/sous chef, so you might not get the preferred degree of doneness for your meat course. Overall, not a must and pricey..the view is good though.

We went to the kappou side and the food was very nice. The seafood are fresh and the wegyu is so tender. There are 7 portion and dessert which is perfectly match for us.

Really amazing dining experiences here. The servers are all very friendly, and the cuisines are delicious. Love the dessert here. We enjoy our lunch very much. They have 2500/3500 set of lunch menu.