Pasadena Italian House & Bakery

If you have ever visited the Pasadena French Restaurant, you're familiar with their first-class cuisine and impeccable service. At the newly-opened Pasadena Italian House & Bakery, you can expect the same quality with an Italian twist. Inside, the restaurant is mainly white and the dining tables are pieced together with Italian ceramic tiles. On the first floor, there is a glass house, allowing patrons a view of the vanilla garden outside. This relaxing and comfortable environment is a break from the bustling city of Kaohsiung. Try their Shrimp with Potato, Pumpkin and Spinach Gnocchi (NT$270)—the sauce is created by boiling cream and soup-stock; you can certainly taste its rich, creamy flavor. Another dish—Braised Beef Tripe, Tongue, Oxtail with Vegetable and Tomato (NT$480)—can take up to six hours to make! Other items on the menu include Saffron Seafood Stew with Rice, and Thai Crispy Shrimp and Seafood Salad (NT$280). Starting in April, Pasadena Italian House will present afternoon tea selections and a vanilla cart to all Italian food lovers. --By Monica Lin, translated by Ann Lee, photos by Alon