INITA

The story

INITA Taipei – Michelin-Starred Italian Contemporary Cuisine by Chef Kunihiro Hagimoto

Chef Kunihiro Hagimoto’s Vision

At INITA, Chef Kunihiro Hagimoto treats Italian cuisine as a canvas. With over twenty years of experience in Japan and Italy, he paints using local Taiwanese ingredients and a deep imagination. His path includes eight years living in Bologna, Puglia, Ancona, Naples, and Milan, where he worked as Sous Chef at Ristorante Tokuyoshi (Michelin 1 Star) and as Head Chef at Eataly Milano Smeraldo. A pop-up in Taipei in 2017 sparked his connection to Taiwan. He returned in 2020, married, and opened INITA in July 2022. The restaurant earned a Michelin 1 Star in the 2023 Michelin Guide Taiwan, the first contemporary Italian cuisine restaurant in Taiwan to receive that recognition.

The Dining Experience

The menu changes with Taiwan’s seasons, reflecting Chef Kuni’s philosophy of using Italian technique as a starting point while incorporating his Japanese roots and local culture. The restaurant offers counter dining and a private room, creating an intimate setting for the evening. Dinner service begins promptly at 7:00 pm, with doors opening at 6:45 pm. Guests are asked to reserve at least three hours to fully enjoy the meal. The dress code is smart casual.

A Personal Cuisine

Chef Kuni describes his food as communicating his passion and philosophy through beautiful stories and imagery. By weaving together his Italian training, Japanese heritage, and the warmth of Taiwanese hospitality, INITA presents a truly personal interpretation of contemporary Italian cuisine.