NONZERO

By Sharon Huang　Translated by Ann Lee
Photos by Andy Lin

(02) 2772-0170
5, Alley 4, Lane 27, RenAi Rd, Sec 4
Hours: Cafe: Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2:30 pm, 6:30-9:30 pm
Sat & Sun 11:30 am-3 pm, 6:30-9:30 pm
Bistro: Mon-Sun 2 pm-1 am
Credit cards accepted. No service charge.
Corkage fee for all liquor applies.
MRT: ZhongXiao/FuXing Station

Non-Zero has such casual decor that most passersby might not recognize this quaint place as a restaurant. Two long, wooden tables, where the restaurant seats its guests family-style, are complemented by large French windows. At first, sitting next to strangers at the table might be a little odd, but it eventually lends itself to chatting about the array of tasty dishes Non-Zero has to offer. If you really prefer some privacy, however, you can head over to the bistro, on the other side of the cafe.

Most of the lunch and dinner dishes at Non-Zero are not too fancy--just tasty, wholesome, and made with fresh organic ingredients. Because the menu can change with the produce market, there is also a Daily Special. One thing is constant here, though; everything is made with quality olive oil. If you want, you can even take a look at their display racks and purchase whatever variety you prefer. The chefs will share a few tips for using the oil and cooking all kinds of dishes.

The eatery offers a variety of creatively-made Mediterranean-style cuisine. When I visited Non-Zero, they were offering a Beet and Feta Cheese Salad (NT$350), Cous Cous Warm Salad (NT$350), and a variety of tapas that range NT$120 to NT$500. For a nice treat, try the Pan-Fried Mushroom and Shrimp with Garlic or the Pan-Fried Beef Liver with Figs and Balsamic Butter Sauce (NT$500).

Non-Zero sells a good selection of olive oil imported from Italy, Spain, Australia and France. You can give each oil a taste before deciding which one to take home.