Kaohsiung｜The Lookout Bistro & Bar——Watch the city stir the sunset into your glass next to Central Park 🌇🍹

#September2025

Looking for a high-rise view in downtown Kaohsiung where you can enjoy a leisurely meal and a leisurely view? The Lookout Bistro & Bar captures the greenery of Central Park, the city lights, and seafood cuisine through floor-to-ceiling windows, offering stunning views from sunset to night.

• Name | The Lookout Bistro & Bar
• Address | Brio Hotel, Rooftop Floor/14F, No. 14-26, Zhongshan 1st Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City (approximately a one-minute walk from Exit 3 of Central Park Station)
• Price Range | Main Meals NT$320-520, Desserts NT$150-200, Mixed Drinks/Alcoholic Beverages NT$150-300 (prices vary)
• View | Overlooking Zhongshan 1st Road and the Central Park greenbelt; at dusk, enjoy the sunset over the Ring Road and the city skyline.

Background and First Look

The Lookout is located on the rooftop of the Brio Hotel. The door opens to a high-ceilinged space and expanses of glass, with Central Park stretching out at your feet like a vast green carpet. During the day, you can admire the shadows of trees and the flow of traffic; in the evening, the sun slowly turns orange through the gaps between the buildings, the city treating sunsets as a daily ritual. That day, I sat by the window, a glass of sparkling drink in hand, the light reflecting off the table and the sides of the glass, creating a circle of tiny dots—Kaohsiung's romance isn't the distant sea, but the light just a meter away.

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My Table (Real Experience | Dishes x Taste)

1) Mediterranean Seafood Risotto

The base is a tomato + shellfish broth, the rice retains a light bite, and the shrimp and squid are fresh. The acidity of the tomatoes enhances the seafood flavor, making it rich but not cloying, perfectly complementing the golden sunset outside the window.

2) Garlic Cuttlefish Noodles

The noodles are perfectly cooked to a black, glossy finish, and the garlic aroma and spiciness are perfectly balanced. The squid are fried to a slightly charred edge, with a springy, yet not tough texture. Take a photo before serving, then mix and eat. The black and white contrast is incredibly photogenic.

3) Citrus Sparkling Special / Seasonal Drink

Even without alcohol, it's layered, with a refreshing acidity that resets the palate. For a subtle tipple, try a gin or baijiu base. High-rise buildings can easily lead to intoxication, so the correct way to enjoy it is to drink slowly.

For two people, ordering two main courses and one to two drinks, the bill usually falls between NT$900 and NT$1,300. Given the view and location, I think it's well worth a return visit.

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Why I recommend this place: 8 straightforward reasons

1. The view enhances the food: The greenery of Central Park and the changing colors of the sky are like a built-in filter.

2. This isn't a quick observation deck: You can sit from afternoon to night, making each meal a journey.

3. The seafood is meticulously prepared: the squid and shrimp are cooked perfectly; the sauce isn't overpowering. 4. Convenient transportation: The MRT exit is just a minute away, so you don't have to worry about traffic jams or finding a table.
5. Excellent photography: The soft window lighting creates beautiful images of people and food.
6. Rain doesn't spoil the fun: Overcast clouds create a soft filter, adding drama to the reflections on the glass.
7. Party-friendly: Perfect for birthdays, dates, and family trips.
8. Nearby attractions: Central Park, Hanshin Department Store, Xinjuejiang, and the City Light Gallery are all within walking distance, making it easy to plan your itinerary.

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Practical Tips (Avoiding Pitfalls)⚠️
• Reservations: Note "Window Seat/Sunset"; if you arrive last-minute, you may have to wait for a table.
• Time of Day: Sunset is usually between 6:30 PM and 7:00 PM in summer and around 5:10 PM and 5:30 PM in winter. Arrive 30–45 minutes early for the best seating convenience. • Dishes served in batches: If you want to capture the sunset with your main course, ask your server to serve your dishes in batches so that the hot dishes don't have to wait for the light.
• Clothing: Air conditioning is stronger near windows, so a light jacket is very practical.
• Photography: Lower your phone's exposure by 0.3EV to avoid overexposure outside the window; hold the glass close for more stable night shots.
• Allergies/Alcohol Use: Many dishes contain shellfish and dairy products; inform us before ordering. Don't drink and drive.
• Parking: Parking lots on the street or in department stores nearby tend to fill up during peak hours on holidays; the MRT is the easiest option.

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How to Plan Your Route | Half-Day Stroll Suggestion
• Afternoon 3:30 PM–4:30 PM | Explore Central Park (Circular Trail, Picnic Area, City Light Gallery)
• 4:45 PM | Head upstairs to The Lookout for a refreshing drink
• 5:20 PM–Sunset | Main course and sunset photos; dessert or a drink afterward
• 8:00 PM | Stroll to Hanshin Department Store/Xinjujiang or take the MRT to Asia New Bay Area for a sea breeze

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Photography Tips (Use Your Phone to Take Photos) 📸
• Low-angle shot facing the window: 1/3 of the plate in front, 2/3 out the window; a profile of the person and the food looks the most natural.
• Reflections: The drink cup, cutlery, and tabletop will all cast an orange glow, so get closer to find the perfect angle.
• Black and white contrast: Cuttlefish noodles on a white plate; remember to wipe the rim dry for an instantly enhanced look. • Night View: Hold your phone against the glass, turn on Night View mode, and use your hand as a tripod.

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Food Review (with Address)

The Lookout Bistro & Bar
Address: Brio Hotel, Top Floor, RF/14F, No. 14-26, Zhongshan 1st Road, Xinxing District, Kaohsiung City 802 (1 minute from Central Park Station, Exit 3)
Tel: 07-281-7900 (Reservations recommended; hours subject to store announcements)

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My Moment at The Lookout

As the sun set over the edge of Central Park Circle, the entire city seemed like a palette of colors slowly brightening: first orange, then pink, and finally, a glimmer of blue. The glossy black squid noodles and the warm red stewed rice on the table were like two flavors of dusk. I suddenly realized that the most charming thing about Kaohsiung isn't the strong winds near the harbor or the bustling night market, but the fact that you sit by the window and let time and food slow down together. 👏🏻

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Conclusion

If you could only choose one restaurant in Kaohsiung where you'd enjoy a view as your appetizer, I'd recommend The Lookout Bistro & Bar: The location is super convenient, the view is breathtaking, the food is memorable, and you can enjoy both dusk and night. Time it for sunset and let the city itself be the perfect filter for your trip.

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The Lookout Bistro & Bar (Top Floor, RF/14F, B&B Residence) | Central Park | City Light Gallery | Hanshin Department Store | Xinjuejiang Shopping District | Kaohsiung MRT Central Park Station

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