Authentic & Safe! 4 Must-Try Seafood Restaurants on the South Side of Kaohsiung Station

As a port city, Kaohsiung is one of Taiwan’s top seafood destinations. From freshly caught fish and plump shrimp and crab to sweet and large sea urchins, this city offers a seafood experience you won’t forget!

In this guide, we highlight four highly recommended seafood restaurants located in the bustling south side of Kaohsiung Station—perfect for those looking for a delicious and worry-free dining experience.

From high-end restaurants frequented by VIPs to local eateries where you can enjoy an authentic Taiwanese dining experience, we’ve got you covered! We’ve also included details on how to place your order.

1. Sea Prince Restaurant

Sea Prince Restaurant is a highly rated dining spot in Kaohsiung, popular not only among tourists but also with locals. This restaurant is known for its fresh seafood sourced directly from the pristine waters of Penghu Bay, one of Taiwan’s top resort areas. Despite being considered one of the more high-end restaurants on the southern side of Kaohsiung Station, it is well-praised for its reasonable pricing. However, as seafood prices are based on market rates, it’s always best to check before placing your order.

The restaurant tends to get crowded during dinner hours, so if you prefer a quieter and more relaxed dining experience, visiting during lunch hours is recommended.

For access via Kaohsiung’s MRT, the nearest station is City Council Station. However, reaching it from Kaohsiung Station requires a transfer at Formosa Boulevard Station from the Red Line to the Orange Line. If this seems inconvenient, taking a taxi is a hassle-free option. Alternatively, exploring Kaohsiung by rental bicycle—which is commonly seen around the city—adds an extra layer of adventure to your trip. Since Liuhe Night Market is nearby, you can include Sea Prince Restaurant in your itinerary when exploring the southern Kaohsiung Station area.

2. Haiwei Penghu Affordable Fresh Seafood

Located south of Kaohsiung Station, Haiwei Penghu Affordable Fresh Seafood is a popular seafood restaurant known for its casual and welcoming atmosphere. It’s a favorite among locals and is always bustling with customers.

Unlike typical restaurants, there is no set menu here. Instead, you choose from a display case filled with the freshest seafood, and specify how you’d like it cooked—whether steamed, stir-fried, or made into soup. While some staff members may understand simple written communication or basic English phrases like "steamed," "fried," or "soup" will work just fine.

A must-try dish is their famous uni (sea urchin) fried rice, known for its unforgettable taste. This restaurant is also highly recommended for food lovers exploring the Kaohsiung Station South area.

For sightseeing, the nearest station, Formosa Boulevard Station, is just a 1-minute MRT ride from Kaohsiung Station and is famous for its stunning stained glass artwork, ranking among the most beautiful subway stations in the world. From Formosa Boulevard Station, it’s a 10-minute walk to the restaurant.

3. Haitianxia Seafood Restaurant

A luxurious seafood restaurant in Kaohsiung, Haitianxia Seafood Restaurant is a favorite among VIPs in Taiwan. Known for its elegant and refined flavors, the restaurant showcases the natural richness of fresh seafood, prepared with expert techniques to maximize its taste and texture.

Among the must-try dishes are steamed crab with miso, mountain yam topped with sea urchin, fried silver-stripe round herring (kibinago), and seaweed-infused soups and stir-fried seafood dishes.

The restaurant is just a 4-minute ride (2 stations) from Kaohsiung Station to Central Park Station. From there, it's only a 500-meter walk. The Sando Shopping District is located slightly further south, making this an ideal spot for a fine dining experience after a day of shopping.

4. Hongmaogang Seafood Restaurant

Hongmaogang Seafood Restaurant is a well-known dining spot in Kaohsiung, frequently featured in guidebooks and highly popular among tourists. The restaurant uses a unique ordering system where diners select dishes from photo cards placed on the table, making it convenient even for first-time visitors. Many staff members speak English and offer flexible menu adjustments, such as downsizing large platters for smaller groups or modifying set-course meals—making it one of the most accommodating seafood restaurants in the city.

The restaurant specializes in Penghu-style seafood cuisine, but it is also renowned for its sashimi, which is served with a light soy sauce flavor. While the set-course meals are highly recommended, they come in large portions, so ordering à la carte might be a better option for those with smaller appetites. Be sure to try unique dishes such as porcupinefish (harisenbon) and mullet gizzards, which are rare delicacies worth experiencing.

Conveniently located just three stops (about 5 minutes) from Kaohsiung Station, the restaurant is a 400-meter walk from Sanduo Shopping District MRT Station. Situated along Sanduo 3rd Road, one of the most modern and vibrant streets in southern Kaohsiung, this restaurant is a must-visit for seafood lovers.

◎ Summary

We’ve introduced some of the most well-known seafood restaurants south of Kaohsiung Station—what do you think? Each of these establishments takes pride in bringing out the best flavors of fresh seafood, serving dishes that highlight the finest ingredients. With their extensive menu selections, you might find yourself wanting to come back again and again!

Except for Hai Wei Penghu Affordable Fresh Seafood, most of these restaurants are often fully booked with group diners, so it's highly recommended to make a reservation in advance to ensure a hassle-free dining experience.