TAINAN (Taiwan News) — Following its expansion into Taichung, Island Buffet — a restaurant famed for being one of the most difficult reservations to secure — is planning to enter the Tainan market this year.

ETtoday reported that Island Buffet will open a new branch on the fifth floor of Mall A1 at T.S. Mall. The move was further confirmed by recent recruitment listings posted on local job search platforms.

Island Buffet is a premium brand launched by Hi-Lai Foods in 2023. Often described as an upgraded version of the company's "Hi-Lai Harbour" chain, the restaurant centers on a "one station, one fine dining" concept. 

The venue is expected to feature nine themed stations, including seafood, Japanese cuisine, cold appetizers and beverages. The buffet will offer more than 200 dishes, with each station providing a wine or drink pairing tailored to the cuisine. Prices are expected to range from approximately NT$1,490 (US$46) to NT$2,090.

The flagship outlet is located at the Taipei Grand Hi-Lai Hotel. After opening branches in Kaohsiung and Taoyuan last year, the brand is executing an aggressive expansion plan targeting Taipei, Taichung and Tainan. 

Reports indicate a second Taipei location will be at the Taipei Dome, while the Taichung branch will be in the Hanshin Intercontinental Shopping Center.

The news has sparked excitement among Tainan residents. Many took to social media to express relief that they would no longer need to travel to Kaohsiung to dine at the restaurant, while others noted that the city’s competitive all-you-can-eat scene could benefit from more high-end options.