Quick answer: Le Palais (頤宮) is a 3 Michelin star Cantonese restaurant on the 17th floor of the Palais de Chine Hotel in Taipei. It earned 3 stars when the Michelin Guide first launched in Taipei in 2018. Dim sum lunch costs about 1,200 to 2,500 TWD per person, and dinner about 3,000 to 6,000+ TWD. Reservations open on the 1st of each month for the following month, so book on that day.
When the Michelin Guide published its first Taipei selection in 2018, Le Palais caught the attention of food lovers across Asia right away. It did not just make the list. This Chinese restaurant went straight to 3 Michelin stars, the highest rating possible, and has held that position for several years in a row. If you love refined dim sum, this is a fine dining experience you should not miss in Taipei.
Le Palais Taipei: a 3 Michelin star home of Cantonese cuisine
Le Palais (頤宮中餐廳) sits on the 17th floor of the Palais de Chine Hotel, looking out over the old quarter of Taipei. Address: No. 1, Section 1, Chengde Road, Datong District. It is a 5 minute walk from Zhongshan Station.
The restaurant blends classic French and Chinese architecture with a simple food philosophy: seasonal ingredients, traditional techniques. The kitchen team trained in Hong Kong and mainland China. They serve Cantonese dishes and dim sum at a level that is rare outside Hong Kong.
According to the Michelin Guide, Le Palais stands out for “precise cooking techniques, premium seasonal ingredients and an elegant setting suited to a special meal”.
Menu: dishes you should not miss
The menu changes with the seasons to keep ingredients at their freshest. Still, some signature dishes are always there. They are the reason many people book weeks ahead.
Dim sum (served at lunch)
- Har gow (蝦餃, shrimp dumplings): Thin, translucent wrapper and plump whole shrimp inside, folded with 13 pleats, the standard of a top Cantonese restaurant.
- Siu mai (燒賣): Shrimp and pork filling, topped with golden fish roe.
- Fried spring rolls with hoisin: Crispy shell, rich filling, served with a hoisin and honey dip.
- Egg tart (蛋撻): Flaky, crisp pastry with a silky, wobbly egg custard.
- Bird’s nest with rock sugar: A signature luxury dish of the restaurant, about 400 to 800 TWD for a small portion.
Main dishes (dinner)
- Peking duck (whole bird, order at least 1 day ahead)
- Crispy skin roast suckling pig
- Lobster in XO sauce
- Cantonese style chili crab
Atmosphere and dining experience
Walking into Le Palais feels like entering another world. Warm golden light falls on hand embroidered artworks and arched French and Chinese style windows. Tables are dressed in white linen and set with fine porcelain.
The service is the “invisible” kind. Staff are there when you need them and never rush you. The menu is available in English and Chinese. A sommelier can suggest wine pairings if you want to take the meal up a level.
Dress code: Smart casual. Avoid flip flops, shorts or sports T-shirts.
Prices and how to book
Price guide
| Meal | Price per person (TWD) | Approx. in VND |
|---|---|---|
| Dim sum lunch | 1,200 to 2,500 | about 1.1 to 2.3 million |
| Dinner | 3,000 to 6,000+ | about 2.7 to 5.5 million |
| Special set menu | from 3,800 |
How to get a table
Le Palais opens reservations on the 1st day of each month for the following month. For example, to dine in July you need to book from June 1. On that day, tables go very fast if you are late to the website or the phone line.
Booking channels: OpenTable, the Palais de Chine Hotel website, or call directly on +886-2-2181-9988.
My practical tips
- Booking early is a must. More than 3 days after reservations open, there are usually no tables left.
- Dim sum lunch is the best choice. It costs less than dinner, and the quality is just as good.
- Arrive on time or 5 minutes early. If you are 15 minutes late, you may lose your table.
- Ask for the English menu when you arrive. The staff are happy to help.
- Save room for dessert. The egg tarts and fried mantou with honey here are unforgettable.
A meal at Le Palais is more than lunch or dinner. It is top level Chinese cuisine that few restaurants in the world can match. If you are planning a longer trip in Taiwan, consider adding Penghu to your itinerary to see more regions of the island.
FAQ
How many Michelin stars does Le Palais Taipei have?
Le Palais has 3 Michelin stars. It received them when the Michelin Guide first launched in Taipei in 2018 and kept them for several years in a row.
Where is Le Palais in Taipei?
It is on the 17th floor of the Palais de Chine Hotel, No. 1, Section 1, Chengde Road, Datong District. It is about a 5 minute walk from Zhongshan Station.
How much does dim sum at Le Palais cost?
Dim sum lunch is about 1,200 to 2,500 TWD per person. Dinner is about 3,000 to 6,000+ TWD per person, and special set menus start from 3,800 TWD.
How do I book a table at Le Palais?
Reservations open on the 1st of each month for the next month. Book via OpenTable, the Palais de Chine Hotel website, or by phone at +886-2-2181-9988. Book on opening day, because tables sell out within about 3 days.
Is there a dress code at Le Palais?
Yes, smart casual. Avoid flip flops, shorts and sports T-shirts.
Does Le Palais have an English menu?
Yes. The menu is available in English and Chinese. Just ask the staff when you arrive.
Written by Phan The Anh, Vietnamese travel blogger and marketing lecturer.
Leave a Reply