VIEW THIS PAGE You can no longer visit the observation deck of the Shin Kong Life Tower, Taipei’s second tallest building, as it closed to the public at the end of 2005, but the Howard Hotel chain’s restaurants on the 44th and 45th floors, and its Skyline Buffet, which offers a “European-Japanese” spread, serve decent meals with tableside views of western and southern Taipei.
The Skyline Buffet’s decor might be considered fancy if it were the 1990s. There is a half-hearted attempt at a cruise ship atmosphere, with a large model of a sailing ship at the center of the salad and sushi bar. A violinist came in at one point and played along to canned music piped through the room’s PA system. He played mostly classics from the great American songbook like Moon River, as well as the irritating theme from the movie Titanic, My Heart Will Go On.
At least this ship didn’t sink. The buffet was decently presented and well kept; there was plenty of variety, but it didn’t feel overwhelming.
The salad and sushi bar was stocked with sushi rolls and slices of salmon, tuna and sea bream sashimi, all of which tasted fresh.
Of the 10 or so main course selections, the baked chicken with miso marinade and steamed fish with Chinese herbs stood out. There were a few unusual selections, like the pigeon in red wine sauce and deep-fried frog legs in black bean sauce.
But before you dig into the main courses, try some of Skyline Buffet’s made-to-order dishes, which are worth the wait.
The dessert selections seemed to favor small Japanese-style cakes and jellies, which were a hit-or-miss affair. I wished I had waited for the walnut pie that appeared later. The ice cream, also of a Japanese brand, was aptly described by one of my dining companions as more like iced milk.
While it favors seafood, Skyline’s above-average buffet will have something for everyone. The nice views and comfortable seating make the Skyline worth an occasional visit, with dinner priced at NT$780 per person. Go with a large appetite, and plenty of time.
It’s best to make reservations to ensure a window-side table. You can’t access the top floors through the department store on the ground floor; instead, you’ll find a dedicated elevator to the 45th floor on the left side of the building from where you face the main entrance.
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