"Taipei’s historic Datong district thrived in the early 20th century as a major harbor for merchant ships and their wares, but lost its luster as eastern sections of Taipei began to boom in subsequent decades. A recent revitalization of the district has led to a profusion of hip eateries, boutiques, and speakeasies springing up among the old dried-goods warehouses. Tucked behind the lush courtyard of an elegant stone mansion (fronted by the quaint bakery Salt Peanuts Cafe [鹹花生]), Peacock Bistro boasts a stunning bar lined with glass jars containing a myriad of infusions, mimicking the area’s traditional medicine shops. The menu features light dishes that wink at Taiwanese classics, like the delicate oyster fritter (a modern spin on traditional Taiwanese fried oysters), or fried chicken made with a sake- and peanut-infused batter. [$$]" - Clarissa Wei