In Kaohsiung’s storied Zuoying district, Old New Taiwanese Cuisine (Jiuru 2nd Road) marries banquet tradition with contemporary finesse, setting a high-water mark for Kaohsiung fine dining. A beloved name since 2008, this address—revamped in 2011—pairs retro east-meets-west charm with an omakase ethos: 7- to 8-course menus that honor classic Taiwanese feasts while polishing every detail for modern palates. It’s the rare table where heritage feels glamorous, reservations are coveted, and craftsmanship takes center stage.

The Story & Heritage
The kitchen team has remained intact since opening, a remarkable continuity that anchors the restaurant’s identity. Founded to preserve and elevate traditional Taiwanese banquet cooking, the team refines time-honored recipes through disciplined technique, seasonal sourcing, and meticulous plating. After relocating to Jiuru 2nd Road in 2011, the space received a thoughtful makeover—nostalgic textures, polished woods, and a subtle cosmopolitan note—amplifying its east-meets-west DNA. Widely recognized by the Michelin Guide, the restaurant has become a benchmark for discerning diners seeking authenticity without austerity, and comfort interpreted with sophistication.

The Cuisine & Menu
Expect an elegant progression of 7–8 omakase courses, offered at varying price tiers within fine dining positioning. The culinary philosophy: banquet flavors reimagined with balance, restraint, and polish. Signatures often include Red Yeast Crispy Pork with Pickled Plum, a silken Three-Cup Abalone with Basil Jus, and a delicate Milkfish Consommé with Aged Radish. Seasonal specialties—Caramelized Taro with Salted Egg Yolk, Steamed Grouper with Aged Soy and Spring Onion Oil—reflect local catch and market rhythms. The kitchen honors Taiwan’s producers and seafood heritage, with advance notice enabling vegetarian or lighter-seasoned adaptations; guests preferring subtler flavors should request gentler seasoning when reserving.

Experience & Atmosphere
The dining room channels vintage Kaohsiung glamour: terrazzo cues, warm timber, and brushed brass under amber lighting. Service is precise yet personable, with servers narrating dishes and the cultural stories behind them. A compact but thoughtful wine program leans toward aromatic whites and elegant reds suited to umami-rich sauces, with curated Taiwanese tea pairings available on request. Limited private rooms accommodate celebratory banquets; a discreet chef’s counter experience may be available on select evenings. Smart casual attire is preferred. Reservations for prime weekend slots should be made weeks ahead, with booking windows opening monthly. Expect attentive pacing, occasional tableside finishing, and a comforting rhythm that spotlights each course.

Closing & Call-to-Action
Dine at Old New Taiwanese Cuisine (Jiuru 2nd Road) to experience Taiwan’s banquet legacy elevated with contemporary grace—one of the best restaurants in Kaohsiung for refined tradition. Reserve early for weekends or special occasions, and request a lighter hand with seasoning to your taste. For an intimate luxury experience, inquire about private rooms or tea pairings that accent the omakase menu’s layered flavors.