✨ AI Quick Take
艾朋牛排餐酒館 occupies the second floor on Zhongxiao East Road, with window views of Xinyi traffic and the night. The chef uses a Spanish Josper charcoal oven, fruitwood, and careful heat to leave steaks smoky and seared. The view suits dates, while private rooms can host gatherings of more than ten people. What truly distinguishes the restaurant remains its substantial bistro fare: charcoal steak, whole squid, lobster, and more. Uncle puts it plainly: atmosphere opens the conversation; well-grilled meat earns the next visit.
● USDA Prime Oyster Blade Steak
The oyster blade cut arrives warm in a cast-iron pan. Sliced medium-rare, it is pink without excess bloody liquid, and the Josper's fruitwood charcoal leaves a seared aroma outside while heated fat and juices unfold together in the mouth. A little rose salt best brings out the beef's sweetness; then try mustard seeds and other seasonings. Pouring on every sauce at the start is simply paying to cover the charcoal aroma.
● Chargrilled Fresh Squid with Baby Leaf Salad
The whole squid remains springy after charcoal grilling, with a clear sear on the surface—not a few symbolic seafood slices lost in salad. Baby leaves, salmon roe, and pickled cucumber add crunch, savory saltiness, and acidity, whetting the appetite for steak and breaking up a meal that would otherwise be meat from end to end.
● Boston Lobster
Firm, springy lobster meat comes whole from the shell. Black-truffle scrambled eggs add silky egg aroma and truffle fragrance, while roe sauce concentrates the umami. Both portion and flavor are substantial, so share it between two people. When steak is also on the table, no one needs to conquer it alone; your stomach is not a ring box, and stuffing it full is not more romantic.
● Italian Tomato, Vegetable, and Beef Soup
The soup holds plenty of beef pieces and vegetables. Beef is braised tender rather than dry, while rich sweet-tart tomato warms the stomach and clears the earlier charcoal-grilled fat. This is not a few sips of clear soup playing a supporting role in a set, but a substantial dish in its own bowl. In cold weather or during a late dinner, it especially deserves room.
Open the appetite with salad, then serve steak. Two diners seeking surf and turf can share Boston Lobster and beef soup. Confirm doneness with staff according to the cut and your preference; never assume a promotion exists, and ask before ordering to avoid awkwardness.
- Location:忠孝東路五段139號2樓, from Exit 4 of Taipei City Hall Station, about a 2-minute walk.
- Equipment:A Spanish Josper charcoal oven using fruitwood charcoal for smoking and grilling.
- Space:Xinyi window views, sofa seating, and private rooms for groups.
- Best for:Dates, birthdays, business entertaining, family gatherings, and late-night steak.
📌 Editor's Verdict
À Point's sense of reliability comes from three things: it is a two-minute walk from Taipei City Hall Station, the window atmosphere comes together easily, and the Josper charcoal gives the steak a clear sear. Squid, lobster, and tomato beef soup ensure a surf-and-turf meal does not depend on one piece of meat alone. Prices are not for a casual bite, but when you need a polished, convenient Xinyi date restaurant with real substance on the plate, it works.
