Restaurants

Restaurants in Prague

The city of Prague may be known for its beauty and cultural history, but visitors will be surprised by the diversity of eateries and cuisines on offer. Largely geared to intrepid tourists, Prague's dining scene has come into its own in recent years and will not disappoint.

Beer is a huge part of Czech culture and cuisine, and it is for this reason that many gastro-pubs exist with hearty roast meats, the most common being pork, and vegetables being the perfect accompaniment to an ice-cold Pilsner Urquell. Knedlíky (boiled sliced dumplings) are a common accompaniment to meals. Those with a sweet tooth will enjoy the many pastries in Prague, such as Kolache, a type of yeast pastry filled with anything from fruits to cheeses or poppyseed on doughnut.

Just about any kind of niche restaurant can be found in Prague from Indonesian to Indian or American to Uruguayan, the most popular dining areas around the city are the Staré Mesto (Old Town), Nove Mesto (New Town) and Vinohrady. It is customary to tip a service charge of 10% and it is not uncommon to find yourself sharing a table with other diners.

Bellevue $$$$$ | International
Visitors who enjoy the finer things in life will revel in Prague's premier restaurant, the Bellevue. Every dish on the menu is a masterpiece of modern Czech cuisine, which can be enjoyed together with a stunning view of Prague's castle and piano playing in the classically elegant surroundings. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Reservations are recommended.

Address: Smetanova nábrezi 18, Stare Mesto; E-mail: bellevue@zatisigroup.cz; Telephone: 222 221 443

Francouzská Restaurant Municipal House $$$$$ | French
The beauty of the French Restaurant inside the famous art nouveau Municipal House building will take your breath away with the light of ten crystal chandeliers shimmering in the mirrors and embellishing the wall panelling. Although the name suggests French cuisine, the fare includes international and Czech specialities as good as the décor. A dazzling dining experience is guaranteed.

Address: Náměstí Republiky 5; E-mail: restaurant@obecnidum.cz; Telephone: 222 002 770

U Fleku $$$$$ | Gastropubs
The world's oldest pub and brewery and Prague's most famous tavern, U Fleku has been in the heart of Prague for 500 years and offers the chance to soak up some history along with the tasty brew and hearty Czech meals on offer. Tours of the brewery are available, and there is often cabaret entertainment. Those wanting to dine should make a reservation. Recommended are the house goulash and beer-flavoured cheese on toast. Open daily from 9am to 11pm.

Address: Kremencova 11; E-mail: ufleku@ufleku.cz; Telephone: 224 934 019

Buffalo Bill's $$$$$ | Tex-Mex
Even in Eastern Europe it is easy to eat western, and Prague's premiere place to indulge in some authentic Tex-Mex cuisine in a fun Wild West atmosphere is Buffalo Bill's cellar cantina near Wenceslas Square. The fact that it is always full testifies to the success of the food and atmosphere, which is enhanced with country music and American cowboy memorabilia. Margaritas top the house cocktail list, and burritos, tacos and fajitas abound. Open daily from 12pm to midnight.

Address: Vodickova 9, Stare Mesto; E-mail: restaurant@buffalobill.cz; Telephone: 224 948 624

King Solomon Strictly Kosher Restaurant $$$$$ | Kosher
One of Prague's only truly Kosher restaurants, King Solomon runs under the supervision of the Orthodox Council of Kaschrus with dining hours that strictly adhere to the Sabbath. With 12 booths huddled under an industrial-looking atrium, this restaurant is not big on ambience, but the authentic Kosher food is a must. Diners can choose from a variety of fresh vegetable and meat dishes such as vegetable béchamel and stuffed roast quail. Selections of Israeli, American, and Moravian kosher wines are on offer and the restaurant prides itself on a Frankovka red from the Aaron Günsberger Moravian cellars in Rakvice. Open Sunday to Thursday for lunch and dinner. Friday dinners and Saturday lunch by arrangement only. Bookings advisable.

Address: Siroká 8; Telephone: 224 818 752

La Provence $$$$$ | French
This French country cellar-cum-urban kitsch eatery is popular with locals and, despite its crowded and cramped atmosphere diners are still able to have conversations without too much eavesdropping. Dishes include an array of French Provençal dishes and other favourites such as escargots, Caesar and Niçoise salads and some of the spiciest scampi in Prague. Upstairs, the Parisian Brasserie offers traditional French classics. Open daily for lunch and dinner. Bookings recommended.

Address: Stupartská 9; Telephone: 296 826 155

U Vejvodu $$$$$ | Gastropubs
This traditional beer hall is a great place for late pub eats and even later beers. With a restaurant downstairs and a pub on the second floor balcony, the whole plays hums well into the night. Traditional Czech food is available on an extensive menu but most come for the renowned beer which can be a meal in itself.

Address: Jilská 4, Prague 1; E-mail: uvejvodu@restauraceuvejvodu.cz; Telephone: 224 219 999

Rybi Trh $$$$$ | Seafood
Regarded as the best fish restaurant in the city, it refers to itself, perhaps more aptly, as a fish market. Fishermen's catches of the day are displayed in the centre of the venue where patrons can choose their favourite seafood. Diners are encouraged to specify just how they like their favourite selections prepared although a expert team of waiters have excellent recommendations.

Address: Týnský dvůr 5, 110 00 Praha 1; E-mail:  info@rybitrh.cz; Telephone: 224 895 447

Radostfx $$$$$ | Vegetarian
This is vegetarian dining with an edge. Diners can enjoy a café, lounge and restaurant, all of which are decorated in a modern cavernous style. An adjacent art gallery for local artists and a late night club further let diners know they are in the trendiest of vegetarian restaurants. The food is a bit less exciting than the ambiance but that doesn't stop a loyal patronage.

Address: Bělehradská 120 00 Praha 2; Telephone: 603 181 500

La Degustation $$$$$ | International
Located in the Old Town quarter, this is arguably one of Prague's best eateries. The dining room is minimalistic yet three different seven-course meals await you with the onus on diners sampling both food and wine. The Boheme Bourgoisie menu provides a spin on classic European food, while the Boheme Traditionnelle draws inspiration from old Czech cookbooks and raises the bar on the level of classic Czech cuisine. It is a bit pricey, but well worth it! Open Monday to Saturday for dinner only. Closed Sundays. Reservations essential.

Address: Hastalská 18; Telephone: 222 311 234


Travel Guide | Airport Guide | City Guide | Holiday Resorts | Feedback | Contact Word Travels