formoosa

Don't bother - very non-authentic, lazy "Taiwanese" dishes - Signature beef noodle soup was basic, overly salty, has no flavor other than soy sauce. Noodles were pre-packaged. Soup was so greasy I couldn't even finish. Wontons were fine but nothing to write home about. These guys apparently own two other restaurants in town that also have suspiciously high ratings for marginally above-average tastes. When one of them opened last year (Flama Llama) I remember stopping by and seeing a very attractive discount for good review promo. So that's what they were doing to get these super high ratings. This kind of shady practice really tricks first-time diners away from other solid restaurants in the area and gives them an excuse to jack up the price unwarranted by the quality. Buyers be-aware.

Menu is straight forward with a dozen or so options. The chilli wontons were heavy on the vinegar. Good shrimp and dumpling dough but go light on the sauce as it overpowers the flavor or change it altogether. . . like it's hiding something. Beef roll was a win.

Formoosa is not authentic nor is it a good restaurant to dine in. For having only the few Taiwanese classics on the menu, this place is a let down on flavor, texture, and the restaurant category on its own. We could not be more disappointed with the dishes we ordered: beef noodle soup, sesame noodle, and beef roll. To start, the beef noodle soup has low quality chewy beef, and instant noodle like noodle. The flavor of the soup was basic and mediocre that hides behind spice. Worst of all, the soup’s temperature was lukewarm at best upon arriving to our table. What is it good at? Looking passable for something of culture and heritage in photos. If you are trying beef noodle soup or Taiwanese food for the first time here, I am sorry to say that you are better off picking a nice beef flavored instant noodle from the Asian supermarket nearby and cook it yourself at home. I am not usually mean with my reviews but I do feel the responsibility to call out the complete lacking of this place. Beef roll: weirdly sweet with soggy cucumbers and greasy scallion pancake…and again, room temperature upon served to our table at best (it should’ve been either warm or chilled). The beef inside is some sort of shredded/minced beef of mysterious cut covered in sauce. The authentic type, for reference, is made with fresh cucumbers, sweet savory brown sauce, green onions, freshly pan grilled crispy pancake, and clean tender full flavored slices of beef of top cut (heel tendon). Formoosa does not cut it whatsoever on this one either. Was all the other positive reviews paid reviews? Or just people who don’t know better? Idk. Lastly, the sesame noodle… it’s barely passable because technically this is a fairly simple dish with a singular sesame sauce. But of course they messed up on the noodle choice, it’s too soft and lumps together after the while from the sauce. And the whole dish hides behind the chili spice once again and provides no satisfaction for this simple common dish that should have given you the lip licking peanut buttery experience. What. Adding a soft boiled egg gets you the right to charge $12 for a bowl of instant noodles and sauce? No thank you. Something else to mention, for naming itself Formoosa (Formosa is an old Portuguese name for Taiwan) this place does not deliver on the Taiwanese reference, nor the focus on beef (moo)…as it failed miserably on both ends in its dishes. It appears that this place focuses more on its equally, if not longer menu for their cocktails…in this case why pretend to be a specialty restaurant that misleads and ruins someone’s perception of how great and simply satisfying Taiwanese cuisine can be? It’s a shame of a place that claims this name and honestly I don’t see why anyone would return here for a meal. We definitely would go elsewhere else in the convoy area for better food experience. Ugh. I really wanted this place to be good. Parking: Have to fight for parking

Delicious, both the Beef Rolls and the Pork on rice were perfect. Had to take them in takeout but really great experience.

Very unique atmosphere! Really enjoyed the food and drinks!!! Highly recommend!! Server Priscilla was such a sweetheart!!!! So helpful! Will be coming back!

Great food. Priscilla and Julian were great. Very chill environment and drinks were great

Absolutely fell in LOVE with the BEEF ROLL!! The beef noodle soup was also yummy. Adorable atmosphere and service was great. I will be back for another beef roll very soon!

I would gatekeep this place if I could, their happy hour is absolutely exquisite, it's so cheap for so much GREAT food. The location is super cute, definitely insta-worthy and the food saves well too! 6 Stars ⭐

Very salty