When it comes to hot springs in Hualien, most people immediately think of Ruisui Hot Springs or Antong Hot Springs. However, what truly excites local foodies are those restaurants that combine the hot spring experience with breathtaking scenery. This article won't discuss hot spring water quality or accommodation options – instead, we'll guide you to find those scenic restaurants where you can 'soak in the springs, look up, and see the Pacific Ocean' or 'enjoy breakfast while gazing at the Central Mountain Range.' This is the most luxurious way to experience Hualien hot springs.
Hualien's hot spring restaurants have a unique geographical advantage. The county boasts the closest proximity to both the Pacific coastline and the Central Mountain Range, with many hot spring hotels and restaurants perched on mountain slopes or coastal bluffs with absolutely stunning views. Compared to the urbanized development of Beitou Hot Springs in the north or the commercial atmosphere of Jiaoxi Hot Springs in Yilan, Hualien's hot spring restaurants are more like 'nature-wrapped Fine Dining' – the cuisine may not be as refined as in the city, but that priceless view in front of you is impossible to replicate elsewhere.
【Recommended Locations】
Songyi Manor is the most underrated scenic restaurant in the Ruisui Hot Springs area. The restaurant area here directly faces the entire pineapple fields and mountains. During lunch, sunlight pours through the floor-to-ceiling windows, and with the chef's special local ingredients set menu, you momentarily forget this is a hot spring manor and not a French restaurant. Their signature 'slow-roasted spareribs' use free-range chicken native to Hualien, paired with sauce made from fresh Ruisui milk, priced at approximately NT$680-880 – an exceptional value. The best time to visit is during evening hours when the mountain views transform into dreamy blue-purple hues. This scene looks like a filter on your phone, but seeing it in person reveals what 'nature as luxury' truly means.
Butterfly Orchid Hot Spring Resort is located in the Antong Hot Springs area. Its biggest特色是餐廳陽臺直接延伸向山谷特點 is that the restaurant terrace directly extends into the valley, and breakfast time is a 'divine experience' recommended by locals. The breakfast here is semi-buffet style – congee with pickled vegetables is the basic option, but the real surprise is their 'hot spring eggs,' cooked directly in Antong's mildly alkaline hot springs, with egg yolks presenting a unique semi-solid texture. Paired with a cup of freshly ground soy milk, this is the simplest yet most satisfying morning in Hualien's mountains. Hotel guests can enjoy breakfast for free, while non-guests need to pay approximately NT$250-350 for a breakfast voucher – this price is incredibly generous in the scenic restaurant world.
Coconut Pool Resort is one of the few restaurants specializing in 'ocean view hot springs,' located on a peninsula between the Coastal Mountain Range and the Pacific Ocean. Their most unique offering is the 'scenic hot spring dining package' – meaning you can soak in a private hot spring, enjoy sparkling wine, and simultaneously gaze at the Pacific Ocean stretching to the horizon. The cuisine features Italian dishes with seafood as the highlight. Their signature 'pan-seared mahi-mahi' fish is NT$520, paired with local Hualien ingredients like roselle sauce – the sweet and sour flavor surprisingly pairs well. This place is priced higher compared to other Hualien hot spring restaurants, but that experience of 'soaking in hot springs while watching the ocean' is unique in all of Hualien.
Xuetian Amis Cultural Restaurant is technically not a traditional hot spring restaurant, but its location right next to the Antong Hot Springs trail makes it a secret补给站 for hikers and hot spring visitors. The restaurant specializes in traditional Amis cuisine – their signature 'stone grill barbecue' uses wild boar meat grilled on a heated stone slab, with the aroma of fat mixed with herb leaves, paired with the slight acidity of millet wine – this is the standard 'mountain flavor.' The owner is a native Amis person who greets regular customers in the tribal language. The walls are decorated with photos of tribal elders and hunting trophies, making the dining atmosphere full of storytelling. There's no menu here – the dishes are made from ingredients sourced from the tribe on the same day, priced at approximately NT$300-500, depending purely on what's available that day.
【Practical Information】
Hualien hot spring restaurants are mainly concentrated in two areas: Ruisui and Antong. Driving from Hualien city to Ruisui takes about 1.5 hours, while Antong takes about 1 hour. The mountain roads are winding, so it's recommended to depart in the morning – this avoids the afternoon southwestern backlight and also gives you a better chance at securing scenic seating.
In terms of cost, the average per-person spending at Hualien hot spring restaurants is approximately NT$350-1,200, depending on whether you're staying overnight and whether you choose a set menu. Compared to Beitou Hot Springs restaurants in Taipei, which often start at NT$1,500, Hualien offers excellent value for money. Most restaurants are open from 7:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and some scenic restaurants can get crowded on weekend afternoons – it's recommended to call ahead for confirmation and reservations.
For transportation, self-driving is highly recommended, as many scenic restaurants have limited bus frequencies. If taking the Taiwan Railway, you can get off at 'Ruisui' or 'Yuli' stations and then take a taxi (approximately NT$300-500). It's worth noting that Hualien taxi drivers are often local experts who can additionally recommend secret spots known only to locals.
【Travel Tips】
The peak season for Hualien hot spring restaurants is from November to March of the following year – autumn and winter. The cool weather combined with drifting hot spring steam creates the most atmospheric experience. However, spring and summer have their unique beauty too, especially during evening hours when you can watch the complete sunset over the Pacific Ocean. In winter, the cloud layers are often thicker, so you may not be able to see it every day.
Another insider tip for locals: if you want to save money but still enjoy the scenic views, visit during 'afternoon tea time.' Most scenic restaurants charge only half the price for afternoon tea compared to lunch or dinner (approximately NT$150-300), but the view is exactly the same. For example, Songyi Manor's afternoon tea套餐, a piece of cake plus a cup of hand-poured coffee costs less than NT$200, yet you can enjoy the entire mountain view – this value for money only exists in Hualien.
Finally, a reminder: Hualien's mountain weather is unpredictable. Most hot spring restaurants are in outdoor or semi-open-air spaces, so be sure to bring a light jacket and rain gear. If visiting in summer, remember to apply mosquito repellent; in winter, stay warm – it's not only during the hot spring soak that you feel cold. When waiting for your food, the mountain breeze can be quite noticeable.
