Le Zinc

In Dadaocheng area, the small alleyways that course a labyrinth in and around the Dihua Street fabric market are rich with boutique culture. A bit of Alice through rabbit hole rerouting finds you five floors up from a leather craftsmen, or down into the sake bar basement that only seats three. For those who are smitten by the smaller things and wooed by the details, and afternoon or evening adventuring in and around these alleyways is a truly rewarding way to explore Taipei's burgeoning boutique culture.

In a small alleyway that lies between Minle Street and Dihua Street is this tiny bistro, Le Zinc (洛酒館). A meditative space, breathing new life into the high ceilings of this old building. Sunlight streams into the outdoor courtyard adjacent Le Zinc, and bathes the window-side patrons in light as they lounge with Belgian beers or espressos in hand. Though a bit pricier and not the most comprehensive English service, Le Zinc is truly a treat of old Taipei and an experience worth having for a sneak-away lazy afternoon cafe retreat in Taipei city.