nook — Restaurant in Taipei

A really interesting place, in that it ends up being much less than meets the eye. The top line stuff is great: nice space, good coffee kit, interesting menu stuffed with high class hipsterisms (小泡菜 becomes “white kimchi” — it’s a pickle!)… But execution is really lacking. The service is poor. The staff seem somehow to be both lacking energy and also experience. The food basics are good (sourdough, flat white — both top notch) but lacking some love. Dishes are over salted just before service rather than being prepared carefully. The “avocado” is a pale green smear. Etc etc. a bit of a shame — this place could and should be GREAT. It has the feel of a detached owner with a clear vision and good taste but lacking the ability to pull it off....

First up, their flat white could easily be one of the BEST in Taipei. We are picky about this particular drink and SO many places in Taiwan don’t do them justice. Nook pretty much nailed it and we highly recommend it to flat white lovers out there!

The space is stunningly designed. It feels luxurious yet airy and cozy.

Food: we got their breakfast plate + avocado and a ricotta fresh figs open faced sandwich. They were delicious albeit not mind-blowing. We do appreciate their attention to detail in all of the elements in the dish. Vinaigrette was tasty, confit tomatoes and potatoes were perfect.

If you had enough brunches in Taipei you’d know many other places are just overpriced and mediocre. The menu here reminds us of vibrant...

A bit of a walk from the station, but so worth it.

We ordered: Can't remember the names 🥲

Avo salmon - 10 Grilled chicken - 9 - didnt like the puree Oat apple crumble (?) - omg 20/10 It was SOOO GOOD

Ambiance: 10 Cant accommodate groups beyond 5 pax in 1 table. There were 7 of us so the 2 had to be seated separately.

Service - 8, serving time was a bit slow but the one at the cashier was very polite and can speak a bit of English

Note: There's a shelter cafe worth visiting within the area, too! A lot of chic cafes and restaurants...