Amore Pizza — Restaurant in Zhongzheng District

Decided to come here after work with a few coworkers. An Italian joint with tons of options right at Gongguan - I'd say it's more of an Italian American place as the owner did immigrate to America for many years before moving back to Taiwan. The owner speaks English very well, so there won't be any problem communicating with him if you're a foreigner. Most foods have cheese, but I opted for the spaghetti with tomato sauce (w/ no cheese) - he at first made it with cheese but after telling him I ordered without it, he immediately just said it's okay he'll make me a brand new one (great service). It wasn't too bad and I enjoyed it. My coworkers all got the baby boli, which they seem to love a lot - the portions are generous with some people having to bring home half of it because they couldn't finish.

You can tell that the owner really tries his best to get everyone's orders in as quickly as possible. Not sure how big the restaurant is as we all decided to eat...

It's probably enough to say that Amore Pizza is some of the best New York style pizza in a city with some hit-or-miss pies. The place has the standard feel of a laid-back college eatery -- with prices and friendliness to match. Walking in you'll pass the friendly owner James hard at work beside a mountain of pizza ovens. His ingredients are simple, but exceptional, including cheese, sausage, and meatballs made in the shop. On the second floor near the window you'll have a view not only of university students bustling by, but also James' herb garden pressed into service for his sauces, calzones, and pizzas. The chicken Caesar salad alone is probably worth the trek to Gongguan. A secret recipe the chef picked up in his work abroad, you get just the right hint of anchovy and tanginess in a dressing unlike the standard Taipei rendition. For Taipei pizza lovers, Amore is a must...

The best thing is the portion they give you, it's definitely American size. I got a 12" combo pizza. The cheese and the toppings I felt were extremely undercooked. There was a lot of toppings but not in the good way when it's not cooked all the way through. It was literally a cup of onions and bell peppers on the pizza and there was just too much liquid sitting on the pizza. With too much of the veggie toppings sitting right in the middle of the pizza, it really ruined the pizza. It had a great crust but it fell flat due to the veggies and undercooking as well as being way too bland. If you got a hankering for some good ole mom and pop American pizza, it's not a bad place but ask them to cook the pizza longer...