Thanks to my husband’s Grand Hyatt membership, we get fantastic buy-one-get-one deals on both accommodation and dining. After trying “Sai Japanese Cuisine” and “Keyakiya,” I have confidence in all the restaurant quality . However, I’ve never had the chance to dine at Bel Air for Western cuisine.
Bel Air Restaurant is located on the second floor of the Taipei Grand Hyatt Hotel. As you enter from the main entrance, take the right-hand escalator, and you’ll spot the silver Bel Air sign.
“Bel Air,” in French, literally translates to “beautiful atmosphere” It is used as a place name to describe locations that are considered to have pleasant, fresh, or healthy air. Picture a hillside catching gentle breezes or a seaside spot with invigorating sea winds. No wonder the decor here is so splendid—it lives up to its name!
Bel Air exudes distinct charm during both daylight and nighttime. As soon as you step into the waiting area, it conjures memories of whether the original design drew inspiration from a top-tier wine cellar or an elegant restaurant within a vineyard.
The elegant living room with its sumptuous furnishings and coffee tables invites guests to relax and wait before being escorted to their seats. The beautifully adorned hallways are still part of the waiting area, yet to reveal the inner sanctum of the restaurant!
The elegant living room with its sumptuous furnishings and coffee tables invites guests to relax and wait before being escorted to their seats. The beautifully adorned hallways are still part of the waiting area, yet to reveal the inner sanctum of the restaurant!
The grand marble tile flooring, stretching elegantly, leads us directly to the heart of the dining area.
Bel Air, once again, earned a Michelin Plate recommendation in 2019. The expert sommeliers here provide meticulous wine service tailored to each dish, making it a favorite among wine connoisseurs.
Cabernet, Malbec, Chardonnay, and Chablis—these are all dry white wines, each hailing from renowned vineyards across the five continents.
The highlight of Bel Air Restaurant, the marble fountain pool, transports you to a European realm. Its elegant decor, reminiscent of classical European style, is meticulously laid out.
The design of the high, transparent atrium draws natural light from the outdoors. The fountain pool, when illuminated by sunlight, glistens even more, creating distinct beauty whether you visit during the day or at night. Tonight, come and experience the nighttime ambiance here.
Even though I took a day off for my birthday today, just imagine how wonderfully pampered and utterly relaxed one would feel coming here after a busy day.
Dining by the window, gazing at the outdoor scenery, and listening to the soothing fountain sounds.
Every flower and blade of grass exudes an elegant ambiance!
Bel Air Restaurant unveils its brand-new menu! Renowned for its top-tier European cuisine, it features an array of grilled delights, premium American steaks, and seafood. Bel Air is particularly famous for its flame-kissed grilling techniques.
At this delightful dining spot, we’ll find an exquisite selection of premium Japanese Wagyu beef, succulent Spanish Iberian pork tomahawk steaks, and perfectly grilled New Zealand lamb chops. If you’re craving meat and desire the very best, this is the place where your culinary satisfaction is guaranteed.
Rosemary Bread
The crust of this oven-baked bread is delightfully crispy, while the interior remains wonderfully soft. Even when savored on its own, the aroma is utterly satisfying. But in anticipation of the main course and desserts that follow, exercise a bit of restraint. Allow yourself to relish just these two delectable morsels—no butter needed, as they’re already incredibly smooth.
For another appetizer, we opted for a stunning creation: a sunflower-shaped arrangement crafted from 16 marinated pumpkin slices. This chilled starter, prepared using Michelin three-star culinary techniques, is both refreshing and incredibly appetizing. It proudly stands as one of the signature dishes at Bel Air.
The combination of scallops and pumpkin offers a refreshing sweetness, complemented by the savory richness of fish roe and the smooth creaminess of spinach sauce. The resulting flavor profile is wonderfully layered.
Seared French Duck Liver
This dish is all the rage with its direct flame cooking technique! Imagine tender, succulent duck liver paired with caramelized figs, crispy coconut flakes, and a hint of sweet-tartness from the figs. The whole ensemble is swiftly cooked over high-temperature charcoal to lock in those juicy flavors!
Duck liver delights the palate with its exquisite tenderness, velvety texture, and rich flavor. The harmonious blend of taste, along with the unique sauce infused with aromatic spices, creates an unparalleled culinary indulgence.
Savor the delightful umami flavors of porcini mushroom and cheese dumplings. Inside each delicate wrapper, we’ll discover two cheese-filled dumplings—thin-skinned and pleasantly chewy. The warm, rich broth envelops our senses, leaving us with a truly aromatic and indulgent experience.
We relished the succulent, cane-smoked jumbo prawns from Asia. As steak aficionados, we chose two main courses: U.S. natural farm rib-eye steak paired with grilled prawns. The Prime-grade rib-eye, cooked to perfection in the scorching ‘super oven’ Montique, was finished with a splash of whisky for a distinctive aroma.”
This Japanese premium Wagyu New York strip steak is a masterpiece. Its intricate preparation results in a crispy, golden-brown exterior that encases tender, juicy meat. The combination of flavors and visual appeal is truly exceptional. Cooked over charcoal, the steak achieves a multi-layered taste sensation—crunchy on the outside, succulent within.
Laid delicately with rosemary-infused salt, the Wagyu beef naturally absorbs the heat and humidity, enhancing its flavor. This exquisite meat hails from Japan’s top-tier black-haired cattle in Kumamoto, and it’s infused with an additional layer of taste sensation. We should pair it with a bottle of red wine to truly complement this beautiful red meat!
Pairing it with steak and Boston lobster, the plate also features a side of roasted golden potatoes. Although technically a side dish, these potatoes are exceptionally delicious and perfectly suited to my taste.
Vanilla almond brittle ice cream paired with salted flower whipped cream profiteroles: Inspired by the timeless American treat ‘ice cream profiteroles,’ French pastry chef Julien Perrinet crafted this delightful dessert. Accompanied by three slices of tangy yet sweet starfruit, it perfectly suits my palate.
A plump, round scoop of vanilla ice cream that melts on your tongue like freshly fallen snow. But wait, there’s more! Crowned with luscious caramel chocolate sauce and a generous sprinkle of almond brittle, it’s a delightful blend of sweet warmth and cool creaminess. Pure happiness!
After indulging in the decadent and sinful dessert, it’s time for something refreshing and palate-cleansing. These fruits are all unique to Taiwan’s current season—fresh and utterly delicious.
After indulging in the satisfying surf-and-turf feast, we ordered soothing chamomile tea to calm our minds and refreshing peppermint tea to aid digestion.
The thoughtful hotel staff surprised us with a birthday cake, adding to the blissful memory of the exquisite steak, lobster, and foie gras banquet that we’ll forever cherish.
