Taipei's own Aegean hideaway, Mykonos Cafe just off An-ho Road, is a classic Greek seaside cafe which oozes coolness. Its open-air patio, white wrought-iron furniture and faux grapes sway gently from the trelises overhead, giving Mykonos Cafe the antithesis of so may stuffy, dimly lit city diners.

And in the classic Greek fashion the food at Mykonos Cafe is simple, but distinctive, with dishes comprising bold strokes of herb and citrus flavors to counter pungent flavors of the Mediterranean; just the thing to emancipate that pampered palate.

First up, we tried "tipiti" (NT$190), a spread of blended feta cheese, chili and roasted red peppers, garlic and olive oil. Drawn up on a slice of Greek country bread, the taste was creamy and the tangy pepper and feta mix produced a sharp, zingy accent.

Next up was "aitha’ia tis sks," or lamb chops (NT$520). Marinated in olive oil and a lemon herb sauce for 36 hours before cooking, the chops were cooked till golden brown, and given an extra zing after drizzling the juice of a wedge of lemon over them.

My companion tried "tifado," braised beef in wine with onion (NT$470). A meatier dish than the veal cutlets, the beef was swimming in a rich brown sauce, laced with clove, cumin and squeeze of lemon. 

For dessert, I tried baklava, a dense nutty pastry in a flaky pastry crust (NT$100).