(02) 2773-3782
312, ZhongXiao E. Rd, Sec. 4, Taipei
Hours: 11:30 am-1:30 am;
11:30 am-2:30 am (weekend)
MRT: Sun Yatsen exit 2
Credit cards accepted. 10% service charge.
Smoking section. Parking available (Valet).
www.caponestaipei.com

--By Claire Tyrrell Translated by Liu Fang Ru

Tomato Pie
Fusili Spinach (NT$450)
Carpaccio Beef (NT$450)
Mona Lisa Pizza (NT$450/550)

As Taipei's summer heats up, new five-star chef and jazz musicians are also creating an extra sizzle in the city's long standing Capone's Restaurant. Head here for meals that burst with Italian flavour and more than a little passion from Italian chef Maurizio Parisi. Maurizio has been a chef throughout Europe as well as Taiwan, and has perfected authentic Italian fare to suit all palettes.

The large selection of pizzas comes on an expertly-made crisp base with plentiful vegetables or toppings, such as the lashings of parma ham on the Quatro Staggioni (NT$550 10- inch/650 14-inch) or Mona Lisa (NT$450/550). But Capone's is far more than just fantastic pizza. For an appetizer try the melt-in-your-mouth Carpaccio Beef (NT$450), lightly dressed thin slices which Maurizio guided us to wrap around special Sicilian bread sticks for the best taste sensation, Then the Mazzacolli (NT$750) comes recommended: tender prawn shrimp sauteed in virgin olive oil and spices, and grilled to finish. Vegetarians should try the Tomato Pie-tomatos plentifully filled with mushroom and fresh mozzarella. And there's the creamy Fusili Spinach (NT$450), with ricotta and parmessan cheeses. Soups, salads and risottos also feature on the good-sized menu.

Beyond just a meal, Capone's is a classy occasion, bringing live music every night of the week. Performances start at 9 p.m. and the week heats up with Roberto Zayas's latin flavours. Thursday sees a jazz combo hit the stage, with progressive modern jazz and freshly-arranged favourites, arranged by bass player Rick Taira. Joining him is an international selection of artists, including Taiwan favourite Hsiao Bai. This blend of talent makes Capone's one of Taipei's Thursday night hotspots.

A full bar and fine wines provide accompaniment to your feast of the senses and, if you needed any more reason to make a visit, check out the popular weekday Italian Business Lunch Buffet at just NT$270 (11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.). Check out the website for full menu, performance schedule, and great summer drink offers.