Fireweeds — Restaurant in Zhongzheng District

Discovering the essence of Japan in Taiwan, we stumbled upon a unique izakaya that offers a distinctive dining experience. Nestled within a renovated traditional Japanese building, this izakaya seamlessly blends historical charm with modern sophistication, creating an ambiance that exudes taste and refinement.

Stepping into the izakaya, the atmosphere immediately transports you into the heart of Japanese culture. Intersecting lines of wooden structures, tatami seating harmonizing with simple tables and chairs, all contribute to creating a serene and comfortable dining environment. The impeccable preservation of the building’s architectural condition adds to the enchantment of this tranquil setting.

The various skewers on the menu are a highlight of this izakaya. The use of fresh ingredients combined with skillful cooking techniques gives each dish a unique and delightful flavor. From charcoal-grilled skewers to exquisite sashimi, every bite leaves a lasting impression. This establishment not only offers a culinary feast but also an exploration of the palate.

Notably, the staff at the izakaya are exceptionally friendly. They possess an in-depth knowledge of the menu and are eager to explain the cultural background of Japanese cuisine. Whether you are a first-time explorer of izakaya delights or a seasoned connoisseur, their attentiveness and care cater to every diner’s needs.

In conclusion, this izakaya, housed within a historic building, presents an alluring dining destination. Here, you not only savor delicious dishes but also experience the unique charm of Japan’s enduring history. If you seek a place where gastronomy intertwines with cultural depth, this izakaya is undoubtedly a...

This is another place where I had high expectation prior to visiting on a Sunday evening in January 2021. As it turned out, my experience only warranted three stars.

Our party of four ordered a Fireweeds Sashimi Combination priced at NTD 1680. For the most part, the fish served were quite fresh, flavorful, and could be considered top notch except for several letdowns: 1) there was no hamachi; 2) the grade of tuna was not as high as what the price commands; 3) the spicy salmon lacked flavor; 4) the pieces were sliced too thin. If the price charged was more reasonable, these shortcomings would not have dampened my enthusiasm. As it is, I could only rate this dish three stars.

Aside from the dishes shown in the attached photos, our party also ordered a Salmon and Egg Fried Rice as well as a Steamed Egg with Clams and Sticky Rice Cake which I did not take photo of.

The grilled food were nothing to write home about. The fried rice was lightly seasoned which could be considered a plus but the salmon were overcooked. The steamed dish was actually not bad as the clams were cooked just right and the sticky rice cake was elastic.

The servers were polite but not very attentive. The dining environment was way too crowded as there is very little space separating individual tables. The ventilation was lacking given the small space and overly high number of diners.

In summary, while there are some positives, the downsides are enough to keep me...

The food was super mediocre for the price. The presentation was great, but the food didn't live up to the presentation. The sashimi looked nice, but the quality was very mediocre. The fried oysters were served with ketchup, which was very strange. The spicy salmon was almost bland and not spicy at all--it would have been better suited with some ponzu added. The uni handroll wasn't fresh. The yakitori skewers were very below average.

The service wasn't the best. We had a reservation. Despite there being 2 empty tables for 2 that were already cleaned and set up, they forced us to wait until they cleaned up a 4 person seat and split the table up in the middle of the room. This was super awkward and inconvenient. Why were we seated in the middle of the room when there were two empty tables already ready, not 10 feet away?

The food took forever to come out. You could tell they didn't know how to handle a full dining room. Then, we ordered the fried shrimp and oyster pouch dish, and they told us it was sold out, but 30 minutes later, we saw them serving it to another table that got there after us. So probably they just didn't want to make it and lied about it being sold out. Very suspicious.

Many things about this place put a bad taste in my mouth. It's also not a cheap place, and the portions are super tiny. No care was put into the food, and you could tell.

I...