When it comes to Taipei's seafood, many people's instinctive reaction is "Tamsui Old Street" or "Keelung Port"—assuming you must travel to a port city for seafood. This is actually a beautiful misunderstanding. As Taiwan's most ethnically diverse metropolitan city, Taipei has developed its own unique seafood culture, characterized by convenience and multicultural cuisine (Taiwanese, Vietnamese, Japanese) rather than relying on port-of-origin freshness. This "city versus seaport" positioning is often overlooked, yet it is precisely what makes Taipei's seafood scene most fascinating.
Multi-ethnic diversity creates Taipei's unique seafood landscape
Seafood restaurants in Taipei are not like the "fresh catch" establishments of southern fishing ports, but they excel in diverse options and rich cooking techniques. Here you will find Vietnamese seafood with its refreshing sweet-and-sour profile, Japanese live seafood with its meticulous knife work, and Taiwanese traditional flavors passed down through generations. Probably only Taipei can satisfy these three distinct culinary preferences simultaneously. According to the USDA ERS food price outlook, seafood prices are expected to continue rising through 2026, with consumer demand for diverse options growing stronger—this also reflects the market pressure for Taipei's seafood restaurants to continuously innovate.
Recommended Spots
1. Chenggong Vietnamese Seafood Restaurant │ Representative of Diverse Communities
When it comes to Vietnamese seafood, many people have the stereotype of "pho with seafood," but Chenggong Vietnamese Seafood Restaurant takes the route of authentic Vietnamese seafood cuisine. Located near Taipei Main Station, this restaurant specializes in seafood hot pots and charcoal-grilled seafood. The broth is simmered with a large amount of seafood, carrying the distinctive sweet and sour lemongrass flavor of Vietnam. The owner is a Vietnamese Chinese immigrant who married a Taiwanese woman and settled down, bringing his hometown's seafood dining style to Taipei.
The signature here is the "Seafood Hot Pot Set," which includes fresh shrimp, squid, grouper slices, and crab legs. For two people, it costs approximately NT$800-1,200, with unlimited broth refills. Another recommendation is the "Charcoal-Grilled Giant Prawn," with firm and sweet meat, about NT$350 per portion. The restaurant has limited space, with only about 20 seats, and often requires queuing. It is recommended to arrive before 6 PM.
2. Shōshin Kappō │ The Ultimate Presentation of Japanese Live Seafood
If you think Taipei seafood only means Taiwanese family-style dishes, this Japanese kappō restaurant in Da'an District will change your mind. Shōshin Kappō specializes in "live seafood." The chef sources fresh stock daily from Keelung's Kanzihding fish market—lobster, king crab, and grouper are all alive and kicking. The head chef trained at a Tokyo sushi restaurant for many years and brought the Japanese "活〆" (live-kill) technique back to Taiwan.
There is no menu here; it's entirely the chef's omakase, with dishes determined by the daily catch. Generally, a 10-course set costs approximately NT$2,500-3,500, including sashimi, grilled fish, steamed egg, and miso soup. For a more luxurious version, you can upgrade to the NT$4,000 "Special Selection," which includes abalone, uni (sea urchin), and other premium ingredients.
The chef's knife skills are a major highlight—he fillets fish live at the counter, with every cut's angle and thickness carefully considered. With only 8 seats, it operates on a fully reservation-only basis; walk-ins will definitely not find a seat.
3. A-mei Seafood │ Preserving Traditional Taiwanese Flavor
If you're looking for the most traditional Taiwanese seafood, this 40-year-old establishment is not to be missed. Located on Yanji Street, A-mei Seafood has an unassuming exterior but is filled with warmth. The owner, A-mei Yi, is 70 years old this year. She learned to cook seafood from her husband when she was young and still insists on going to the Binjiang Market at 4 AM every day to select fish.
The dishes here have no elaborate plating, but the flavors are solid. Must-order items include "Braised Fish Head" (approximately NT$500, the fish head is enormous and full of collagen), "Sanbeiji Squid" (the squid is springy, the sauce sweet, about NT$280), and "Oyster Soup" (using oysters from Dongshi in Chiayi, NT$80 per bowl). Overall, a table of dishes for four people costs approximately NT$1,500-2,000, making it very affordable.
A-mei Seafood's characteristic is "no menu"—you walk directly to the freezer to see what fish is available that day, and the chef will suggest portions based on the number of guests. This traditional ordering method may feel unfamiliar to younger customers, but food connoisseurs know this is the true "order by the dish."
4. Hanoi Vietnamese Seafood │ An Affordable Everyday Option for Diverse Communities
If you have a limited budget but still want Vietnamese seafood, this option in Zhonghe is worth considering. The owner is a Vietnamese new immigrant, and the restaurant operates on a family-style business model with affordable prices and authentic flavors.
The signature dish is "Seafood Pho" (large bowl NT$120, small bowl NT$100). The broth is simmered with beef bones and seafood, pleasantly sour and sweet to stimulate the appetite. Another recommendation is "Grilled Mullet," with crispy skin and tender flesh, NT$150 per fish. Overall, two people can eat their fill for approximately NT$300-400, making it ideal for budget-conscious diners.
This shop is hidden in an alley with no obvious signboard; first-time visitors may need to look for it. However, for people living in Zhonghe and Banqiao, this is a great place for everyday cravings.
5. Hamasaku Seafood │ Creative Seafood in the Urban Area
The final recommendation is Hamasaku Seafood located in Xinyi District, which takes the "creative seafood" route—combining Japanese and Western cooking techniques, perfect for young people gathering for meals.
The head chef worked in New Zealand, incorporating Western seasonings into Japanese seafood. Recommendations include "Seared Salmon Nigiri" (NT$80 per piece, the salmon is seared with a torch, intensifying the rich oil aroma) and "Uni Macarons" (NT$120, made with uni shaped into small balls, very popular among female guests). Overall spending is approximately NT$1,000-1,500 per person, which is considered mid-range pricing in Xinyi District.
The restaurant's decor is industrial style, which young people should enjoy. Seats are limited, so advance reservations are recommended.
Practical Information
Transportation
- Success Vietnamese Seafood Restaurant: 5-minute walk from Taipei Main Station MRT Station
- Takumi Kappo: 3-minute walk from Daan Station
- Amei Seafood: 8-minute walk from Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall Station
- Hanoi Vietnamese Seafood: 10-minute walk from Zhonghe Station after taking a bus
- Hamasaku Seafood: 5-minute walk from City Hall Station
Price Range
- Vietnamese Seafood Restaurant: NT$80-1,200
- Japanese Kappo: NT$2,500-4,000
- Taiwanese Traditional: NT$300-2,000
- Creative Seafood: NT$1,000-1,500
Business Hours
Most seafood restaurants in Taipei operate during lunch 11:30-14:00 and dinner 17:30-21:30. Vietnamese restaurants usually close on Monday, while Japanese kappo establishments are open nearly every day but have limited seating. Amei Seafood is closed on Sundays.
Travel Tips
1. Reservations are Essential: Decent seafood restaurants in Taipei almost all require reservations, especially for omakase-style dining like Jiangxin Kappo. We recommend booking a week in advance.
2. Note on Price Fluctuations: According to market trends, seafood prices are expected to rise in 2026. If you find a restaurant you enjoy, consider visiting a few more times.
3. Multi-ethnic Language Considerations: Some Vietnamese restaurants don't have Chinese translations on their menus. In such cases, pointing to items in the refrigerated display is the safest way to order.
4. Local Dining Tips: These longtime establishments like A-mei Seafood tend to be less crowded at lunch but have queues in the evening.
5. Transportation & Parking: Parking is difficult near Hama-saku Seafood in Xinyi District. We recommend taking the MRT.
