Tucked away in the heart of the city, Pizza Bear Taiwan (follow them on Instagram)(follow them on Facebook) has quickly earned a reputation as a must-visit destination for pizza lovers and casual diners alike in Taipei.
With its inviting, laid-back atmosphere and quirky Americana décor, the restaurant strikes a perfect balance between cozy neighborhood joint and trendy eatery.
Whether you’re stopping by for a quick lunch or settling in for a leisurely dinner with friends, Pizza Bear’s welcoming ambiance makes it easy to relax and enjoy the experience. Read our authentic, full Pizza Bear review here in this article.
But it’s not just the atmosphere that keeps patrons coming back, the real star of the show is the pizza. Pizza Bear’s menu boasts a creative selection of wood-fired thin crust Chicago tavern style and oven-baked Detroit style pies, each crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients and a healthy dose of culinary flair.
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From classic Margheritas to inventive seasonal specials, there’s something to satisfy every palate. Paired with friendly, attentive service and a prime location that’s easy to access, Pizza Bear stands out in Taipei [and maybe even all of Asia!] as a top contender in the city’s ever-growing pizza scene.
Key Takeaways
- Pizza Bear is a LEGIT option for Detroit style pizza in Taiwan! Add it to the top of your list now. Seriously, best pizza in Taiwan.
- Maple Bacon is a must-try topping at either location.
- Make a reservation as the service gets a bit overwhelmed.
Pizza Bear Locations
Pizza Bear has established itself in Taipei with two locations, each offering its own unique charm while staying true to the brand’s playful spirit. As far as we know, the original Pizza Bear Cafe is nestled in the Xindian District, 231, Taiwan, New Taipei City, Xindian District, Lane 19, Xingzheng St, 1號1樓, a quieter suburb known for its scenic riverside views and laid-back vibe.
This Xindian location is popular with families and locals who appreciate its relaxed atmosphere, making it an ideal spot for a weekend brunch or a casual weeknight dinner. The cafe’s cozy interior, complete with whimsical bear motifs and plenty of natural light, creates a warm and inviting space that encourages guests to linger over their meals.
On the other hand, Pizza Bear Songshan, 10551, Taiwan, Taipei City, Songshan District, Lane 30, Yanji St, 5號1樓, brings the same beloved flavors and friendly service to a busier, more urban setting. The Songshan location is a bit more compact but makes up for its smaller size with a lively energy and an efficient, welcoming staff. It’s a great spot for grabbing a quick bite during lunch or meeting up with friends after work.
During my visit to Pizza Bear Songshan, I found it easy to locate via Google Maps, even though the restaurant doesn’t have an official website or centralized online presence yet. The lack of a formal website adds to its hidden-gem appeal, those who know about Pizza Bear tend to be locals or savvy foodies in the know. Despite its understated online profile, the Songshan branch was bustling with patrons, a testament to its growing popularity and word-of-mouth reputation.
The Atmosphere inside Pizza Bear
The atmosphere at Pizza Bear is instantly cheerful and inviting, starting with its eye-catching yellow facade and the adorable cartoon bear mascot that greets you above the door. The playful vibe continues inside, where the slogan “Eat square, eat happy” is boldly displayed on the wall, setting the tone for a fun and relaxed dining experience.
The interior is bright and colorful, filled with lively decor that adds to the restaurant’s friendly energy. A large pizza oven takes center stage, filling the space with the irresistible aroma of baking dough, while a welcoming staff member greeted us warmly upon arrival, making us feel right at home from the moment we stepped inside.
The Pizza Bear Menu
The menu at Pizza Bear is impressively extensive, with a variety of options that can feel a bit overwhelming at first glance. Thankfully, the friendly waitress was more than happy to guide us through the choices and explain how the ordering process works. The main attraction is the Detroit Style pizza, which comes as a square pie cut into four generous slices.
One of the most appealing features is the ability to customize each slice with a different topping, allowing diners to sample multiple flavors in a single order, perfect for those who can’t decide or want to share and compare with friends.
In addition to their Detroit Style offerings, Pizza Bear also features a section dedicated to Chicago style tavern pizzas, which looked tempting but will have to wait for our next visit. The menu rounds out with classic appetizers like breadsticks, a selection of cookies for dessert, and a variety of beverages including soda and beer.
There are also a few salads and side dishes available, though we decided to skip those in favor of focusing on the main event. With so many choices and the helpful guidance of the staff, Pizza Bear makes it easy for both newcomers and returning guests to find something to enjoy, but for us, the Detroit style was the clear highlight this time around.
Pizza at Pizza Bear
When it came time to dig into the pizza, Pizza Bear truly delivered an unforgettable experience. We opted for four different Detroit-style slices: meat lovers, red Chicago sausage, maple bacon, and red mushroom forager, all topped with their homemade red pizza sauce.
Each slice was a showcase of their dedication to quality, but the most amazing part was the homemade sourdough crust. It was airy and crisp on the outside, yet tender and flavorful on the inside, providing the perfect base for the generous toppings.
Every topping was thoughtfully prepared, but the maple bacon slice stood out as a revelation. The smoky, crispy bacon paired with a subtle sweetness from the maple was a combination I never knew I needed, and it quickly became a table favorite.
The meat lovers and red Chicago sausage slices were both hearty and satisfying, while the red mushroom forager offered a savory, earthy balance. Simply put, this was the best Detroit-style pizza I’ve ever had in Asia, maybe even rivaling the pies you’d find in Detroit itself. Pizza Bear has truly set a new standard for Detroit-style pizza in Taiwan.
Our honest Pizza Bear Review
Overall, Pizza Bear is a standout destination for anyone craving top-notch Detroit-style pizza in Taipei. The combination of their exceptional homemade sourdough crust, inventive toppings, and welcoming atmosphere makes for a memorable dining experience. The ability to customize each slice adds a fun and interactive element to your meal, and the staff’s genuine friendliness helps offset any initial confusion with the menu.
While the restaurant’s popularity can lead to a bustling scene and the occasional wait, the quality of the pizza more than makes up for it. Even though the desserts didn’t quite impress, Pizza Bear excels where it matters most, with fantastic pizza that rivals some of the best in Detroit itself. If you’re a pizza lover, this spot should be high on your list for your next meal out in Taipei.
Pros: Best Pizza in Taiwan
Pizza Bear shines brightly for several reasons. The Detroit-style pizza is the undeniable highlight, with its perfectly textured homemade sourdough crust and a creative range of toppings, especially the unforgettable maple bacon, which alone is worth the visit.
The restaurant’s location in Songshan is convenient and accessible, making it an easy stop whether you’re a local or a visitor. The overall quality of the ingredients and the friendly, helpful staff also add to the appeal, ensuring that every bite and every moment in the restaurant is enjoyable.
Cons: Skip the Cookies
Despite its many strengths, Pizza Bear does have a few areas for improvement. The menu, while extensive and inventive, can be confusing at first glance, and might intimidate newcomers without some guidance from the staff. The restaurant’s popularity means it often gets extremely busy, which can lead to longer wait times and a bustling, sometimes crowded environment.
Additionally, the team seemed a bit understaffed during peak hours, making service occasionally slower than ideal. Lastly, while most of the food was excellent, the cookies for dessert didn’t quite live up to the high standard set by the pizzas.
