Molino de Urdániz: Reading a Spanish Poem Softly in Taipei (Taipei 2-Star)
A two-star branch from Spain. Interpreting the soul of red shrimp, oysters, and the Almansa mountains through picturesque plating.
TL;DR / Quick Summary
A two-star branch from Spain. Interpreting the soul of red shrimp, oysters, and the Almansa mountains through picturesque plating.
Located inside Hotel MVSA (慕舍酒店), Molino de Urdániz (渥達尼斯磨坊) is the only overseas branch of the eponymous Michelin two-star restaurant in Spain. Unlike the passionate and unbridled impression that Spanish cuisine generally gives people, the food here is more like an elegant poem—quiet, delicate, and full of artistic conception.
1. Space: Understated Elegance
The restaurant continues the style of its Spanish flagship store, using a large amount of wooden elements and stone to create a warm and composed atmosphere. There is no noise here, only a tranquil space that allows people to calm down and savor the food.
2. Cuisine: Landscape Paintings on a Plate
Molino de Urdániz is most famous for its "visual aesthetics" plating. Every dish is like depicting the scenery of the Almansa mountains in Spain.
- Oyster (生蠔): This is a visual trap. You seem to see white stones and green leaves, but the "white stones" are actually molecular gastronomy made from oysters and cheese, and the "green leaves" are pickled cucumbers. The moment it enters your mouth, the umami of the ocean melts away.
- Red Shrimp (紅蝦): Selecting rouge shrimp from the northeast coast of Taiwan or red shrimp from Spain, paired with a sauce made from beetroot. The vibrant red color is like a Spanish matador's cape, and the sweetness of the shrimp meat achieves a perfect balance with the acidity of the sauce.
- The Rock (岩石): Another signature dish, imitating a moss-covered rock. It's actually a combination of cuttlefish and fish meat, paired with almond sauce, full of the breath of the earth.
3. Real User Insights
Gourmand's Notes:
- Lunch Choices: They offer both lunch and dinner set menus. The price of the lunch set is relatively affordable, and you can eat most of the classic dishes, making it a good choice for beginners.
- Service Details: The waiters' explanations of the "artistic conception" of each dish are very detailed. It is recommended to put down your phone and listen carefully; this will elevate your dining experience to another level.
4. Practical Information
- Location: G Floor, No. 61, Section 1, Jianguo North Road, Zhongshan District, Taipei City (Hotel MVSA).
- Feature: The hotel itself is also famous for fine wine. Each floor has an exclusive winery co-branding. Travelers who like wine tasting might as well just book a stay here.
Do you like the ultimate craftsmanship of Japanese tempura? Next stop, we go to Mudan (牡丹) to experience the art of deep-frying.
