Traditional Czech Cuisine | Czech Restaurants in Prague
Prague Lifestyle > Eating and Drinking in Prague > Traditional Czech Cuisine | Czech Restaurants in Prague
Czech food can be best described as comfort food. Czech cuisine has influence from surrounding countries such as Germany and Austria but many of the sweets found in Central Europe originated in the Czech lands. Diet food it is not, the main staple of the Czech diet is meat, with pork being the most common (the most popular meal is roast pork with dumplings and cabbage), alongside beef, chicken, goose, duck, and rabbit. As the Czech Republic is a landlocked country, fish is not very popular; however, the traditional Czech Christmas dinner consists of batter fried carp and potato salad. One of the mainstays of every Czech meal happens to be hearty dumplings, made from wheat or potatoes, dumplings are large and filling, perfect for soaking up meat gravy. Czech snacks, which are served in pubs, include fried cheese, pickled sausage (called ‘drowned men’), and fried potato pancakes. Desserts include many fresh pastries and cakes, as well as yummy fruit dumplings, which are yeast or cheese dumplings filled with berries or other fruits and served warm with melted butter and crumbles of sweet cheese. Popular drinks include, of course their world famous beer, Slivovitz (plum brandy that will knock your socks off!), Fernet Stock and Becherovka (herbal liqueurs) and Czech wine. Many fine dining establishments put their own spin on traditional Czech cuisine making tasty creations that are hard to forget.
Articles
Essensia Restaurant at the Mandarin Oriental
The Mandarin Oriental infused fresh culinary ideas and has spiced up fine dining in Prague. Essensia is located on the ground level of the Mandarin Oriental hotel in Prague. The whole complex is a restored medieval monastery; henceforth it breathes as a historical spirit while impeccably combining far eastern elements for an exquisite setting. The service...
Allegro Restaurant at the Four Seasons
Named the best restaurant in the Czech Republic by several sources two years in a row and the only recipient of a Michelin Star in the Czech Republic, Allegro Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel is an exquisite eatery that features a traditional setting with windows overlooking Lesser Town and Prague Castle. The wooden interior with its superb furniture is...
La Degustation Boheme Bourgeoise
La Degustation Boheme Bourgeoise is one of the newest restaurants belonging to the Ambiente chain. This gourmet restaurant serves 7 courses in one delicious extravagant feast, selected from a choice of three possible menus. Go Boheme Traditionelle and try old style Czech classics refined and renewed by modern techniques, or try the Continental menu. Or perhaps the Boheme Bourgeoisie menu, which consists of Czech inspired...
V Zatisi
The V Zatisi restaurant is a refreshing and contemporary alternative to the predominantly classical settings of fine dining establishments in Prague. A famous Czech designer combined this traditional location with a variety of contemporary forms to create a pleasant atmosphere. The interior features bold use of shape and color and is complete with plaster flowers, flying candles, gradient illumination and still pictures;...
La Rotonde in Radisson Blu Alcron Hotel
The Alcron hotel, La Rotonde and Alcron are considered to be synonyms for excellent food by many Czechs. This is clearly no coincidence. Located in the near vicinity of Wenceslas Square right in the center of Prague, this legendary hotel hosts two restaurants, one of them being an Art Deco gem, La Rotonde. Its unique circular design (yes, resembling...
Gourmet Club at Palace Hotel
The beautiful Art Nouveau Palace Hotel, one of the first 5 star hotels in Prague, is located just a few steps from Wenceslas square. The hotel has been offering high quality services to customers like Josephine Baker, Ema Destinova, Enrico Caruso, Louis Armstrong and Bob Dylan for more than a hundred years. Gourmet Club, an award-winning restaurant located in this hotel has certainly been responsible for at least part of the reputation...
Mlynec
Classical elegance combined with a breathtaking view of Charles Bridge and its Old Town Tower makes for an unforgettable dining experience in Prague. Mlynec has the first and only Chef in the Czech Republic with the Michelin Bibendum award. Did we mention he received it three times? The menu ranges from Japanese and Indian to French and Italian with several Czech favorites as well. The menu is an innovative twist on traditional...
Jihočeská restaurace
Located in Old Town is Jihočeská restaurace, a sister restaurant to Café Slavia and Restaurant Parnas. The fully air-conditioned restaurant is a pleasant blend of dark wood and soft lighting and is also available for private parties of up to 56 guests. The restaurant’s location can’t be...
Palffy Palac
An intimate and secluded restaurant located in an 18th century Baroque palace. This restaurant is located on the first floor and cannot be seen from outside giving it a very cozy and private atmosphere. The experience begins even before you enter the restaurant as you stroll down the little cobblestone street with Prague Castle overshadowing the entire area; notice the majestic complex, you are truly miniature next to such grandeur....
Potrefena Husa-Pankrac
In the up-and-coming business and shopping center of Pankrac is the new branch of Potrefená Husa. The third branch opened at the end of August 2009 and is strategically situated opposite the exit of the Pankrác (line C) metro station right close by the Arkády Shopping Center, making Potrefena Husa Pankrac the perfect place to stop for a bite and a beer. The restaurant is bound to be just as popular if not more than its sister restaurants...
Hergetova Cihelna
Fine dining with some of the best views in Prague, this restaurant is located in Lesser Town right on the riverbank. It offers breathtaking views of Charles Bridge and Old Town. The terrace is a real treat during spring and summer; dining under the stars with Charles Bridge embracing and connecting the two riverbanks is simply unforgettable. The interior is a subtle blend of traditional architecture with contemporary fittings. Designer...
Malostranská Beseda – Café and Pilsner Urquell Restaurant
Located on the ground floor of the Malostranská Beseda are two fine establishments, the Malostranská Beseda Pilsner Urquell Restaurant and the Malostranská Beseda Café. Malostranská Beseda, an important historic cultural center has been meticulously and sensitively renovated with the old concept of the house in mind and the developers of this new culture...
Ferdinanda
If you are looking for truly delicious Czech cuisine favored by locals, you should head to Ferdinanda. It is only a matter of time before this rather secluded restaurant receives rave reviews, becomes an overnight sensation and is conquered by tourists. The establishment boasts a bright interior with farm motifs - rakes serve as coat hangers and feed bins are used as ashtrays. The staff is incredibly warm, friendly and efficient....
Florentýna Bistro
The Florentýna Bistro in Prague's Žižkov offers fantastic and simple traditional cuisine that draws mainly from old Czech recipes from the period of the First Czechoslovak Republic and from similar Austrian cuisine as well. The owner of the restaurant is Jana Florentýna Zatloukalová, author of the very popular Kuchařka pro dceru (Cookbook for Your Daughter) that is intended for beginners and fans of homemade dishes. Florentýna Bistro's...
U Vejvodu
While you wander through the narrow, winding streets of Old Town, make sure you find your way to U Vejvodu, a traditional Czech jewel of a restaurant. U Vejvodu has retained the Czech spirit alive without the common smoke and noise, by keeping the Pilsner beer flowing at very reasonable prices. The first impression when you enter the small first level is one of a cozy little pub. But, a few more steps down the stairway lined with...
Pivnice u Lažanských
Located in the stone cellar of Restaurant Parnas, is the Pivnice u Lažanských, part of the restaurant complex of Cafe Slavia & Restaurant a.s. Relax in style and partake in some beer drinking at one of the best locations in town. The interior is warm and inviting with its stone walls, wooden furniture...
U císařů
At the Prague U císařů (At the Emperors') restaurant you can taste both Czech and international cuisine in a stylish environment. This intriguing restaurant with an old-fashioned atmosphere features an interior in which original decorative objects like tin dishware, hunting weapons and blacksmith's bellows play an important part in reminding visitors of ages long past. The pub-style brasserie that has a separate entrance is ideal...
Konírna Restaurant
Located in the lovely Lesser Town district of Prague and situated on the beautiful Maltézské Square close to world famous Charles Bridge, is the splendid Konírna Restaurant. The restaurant has a long history since it is located in the place of a former inn founded in 1771 while the left side of the building (now the Konirna beer hall) used to be a horse stable. This 240-seat restaurant that consists of a salon, a Medieval cellar,...
Cafe Evropa
Located in the grand Evropa Hotel, the Evropa Cafe is a hauntingly beautiful example of the past grandeur of Wenceslas Square and the Art Nouveau gems located throughout Prague. Sip on a coffee surrounded by the rich wooden and etched glass decor while enjoying the popular pastime of people watching. You may recognize the interior from the blockbuster Titanic. The movie based the dining room of the ship on the Evropa restaurant and...
U orloje
Directly facing the world famous Old Town Astronomical Clock is the U orloje restaurant. It is located in the U modré hvězdy house (At the Blue Star) that has an early Baroque facade and Roman foundation. The atmosphere of this unique ancient place is enhanced with an extensive collection of antique clocks that are part of the restaurant interior, and with pleasant folk music. This stylish enterprise offers meals of Czech and international...
Žofín Garden
Located on quiet Slovansky Island, Zofin Garden is the perfect place to have a delicious meal at affordable prices all the while relaxing on a tranquil island. Slovansky Island is home to the pretty Zofin palace, wonderful views, gorgeous greenery and also the Functionalist Manes building. From...
At the Seven Swabians
Located in between the magnificent Prague Castle district and the whimsical district of Lesser Town is the themed restaurant At the Seven Swabians. Enter this magical place and be transported back in time to 1493! It is an intriguing time indeed with the Hussite and the Hungarian wars in the past and a new peaceful time in Bohemia awakening. This little corner of the Bohemian world is of course all merriment and peacefulness for it...
Plzenska Restaurace
Plzenska Restaurace (The Pilsner Restaurant) at Obecni dum is a combination of excellent traditional Czech cuisine, legendary Pilsner Beer and a unique Art Nouveau interior. The restaurant is located in the basement of the Prague Municipal house, one of Prague's cultural centers which was renovated in the nineties and which features regular concerts, exhibitions...
Cafe Imperial
One of the grandest cafes in Prague and situated in Imperial Hotel, Cafe Imperial brings back the grandeur of the turn of the century in Prague. With millions of ceramic tiles covering the walls and the pillars of the cafe in floral and animal designs depicting oriental or Moorish scenes, the cafe has long been one of the most sought after establishments...
Port 62
Excellent gastronomy and special environment, that and more can be expected from the Port 62 restaurant located on a reconstructed 70-meter long boat named Josef Božek anchored in Prague's Modřany. Not only the taste of served dishes, but also the visual experience from their arrangement and from the views of the Vltava River will certainly arise the most pleasant emotions in you. The Port 62 restaurant and cafe that is part of the...
Restaurace u Českých Pánů
Located in the center of Prague in the New Town district is Restaurace u Českých Pánů, a medieval themed restaurant situated in an old and atmospheric cellar that was built between 1357 and 1360. Do not be fooled by the New Town district’s name, for Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV founded New Town in the Gothic period, making it anything but new and the perfect setting for an ‘ancient’ restaurant. The Gothic interior...
U Zlaté konvice
The U Zlaté konvice restaurant promises the best authentic Czech cuisine to be found in Prague‘s Old Town Square. You can come here for specialties from the grill such as excellent roasted piglet, grilled pork hock and various meals of Old Bohemian cuisine, such as the leg of lamb with garlic and rosemary, fresh fried spinach and potato dumpling or the potato pancakes filled with smoked meat and cabbage. You will certainly like...
SoKool
The SoKool bar & restaurant is located in the peaceful residential quarter of Vinohrady on the edge of the large Riegrovy sady park in the building of Sokol - the local YMCA. The new elegant interior of the restaurant is a result of a recent meticulous reconstruction of the hideous former Communist-era restaurant. SoKool has a capacity of about 70 people plus opens a pretty terrace in the summer with a view of...
U Kalicha Original Svejk Pub
A Mecca for tourists, U Kalicha has all the essential features of a traditional Czech pub: meat, dumplings, beer and more beer. This popular restaurant has stood on the same spot for over a hundred years and the interior was refurbished sometime in the thirties. The main dining space can seat several hundred guests and the walls are adorned with large cartoon depictions of the literary character Good Soldier Svejk and quotes from...
Pivovarsky Dum
Pivovarsky Dum is a bustling restaurant, bar and brewery all in one in the hopping New Town district of Prague. Pivovarsky Dum opened in 1998 and has been going strong ever since as a popular microbrewery and restaurant and has proven to be one of the best places to sample the best of the best Czech cuisine and thirst quenching Czech micro beer. The interior is warm and inviting and you may find yourself staying for hours and hours...
Potrefená Husa-Vinohrady
Potrefená Husa is a chain in the Czech Republic that combines delicious food at affordable prices with excellent, friendly service. The chain first opened in Vinohrady in 1999 and has been going strong ever since, opening new restaurants throughout the city of Prague. Potrefená Husa-Vinohrady offers a varied international menu with favorites such as duck, cheeseburgers, chicken wings, homemade pastas, soups, fresh salads and much...
Potrefená Husa-Dejvice
Located in Prague 6 is the Potrefená Husa-Dejvice. The second of the Potrefená Husa chain to open in Prague, the establishment of the restaurant is proof of the excellence of food, service and ambiance that the Husa name guarantees. The fully air-conditioned restaurant with free Wi-Fi is situated close to the wide avenues of Vítězné Náměstí on the corners of Terronská and Verdunská streets, the restaurant is situated in the same place...
Propaganda Restaurant and Pub
Located in the gorgeous Old Town district of Prague is the newly opened Propaganda Restaurant and Pub. This unique pub is decorated with numerous items of Communist memorabilia and propaganda, hence the establishment’s name. The 500 square meter club has an array of all things Communist; this unique pub will simply amaze and entertain you. The pub features over 200 socialist-realist artifacts, 7 world class beers on tap, traditional...
The Pub - Pilsner Unique Bar
The Pub is a cool place to drink fresh unpasteurized beer from individual table taps that you get to operate yourself! Even though The Pub has 4 locations throughout Prague, they are all constantly full so it is wise to call ahead and book a table and a tap. The lively atmosphere, delicious beer, comfortable seats and decent prices will not disappoint. In fact you may end up drinking the night away with your friends, as it is indeed...
U Medvidku
U Medvidku, or At the Little Bears, is one of a dwindling number of classic Czech pubs operating in Old Town. In a popular tourist destination such as Prague you often come across ‘Czech Pubs’ that are not at all traditional; U Medvidku is the complete opposite, you will be completely satisfied with U Medvidku’s traditional atmosphere and the fact that Czechs still frequent this real deal establishment is all the...
Folklore Garden
Located in a residential and hilly area in Prague 5 is the Folklore Garden. Situated in a gorgeous renovated brick mansion, the Folklore Garden is the best place to experience a Czech countryside atmosphere all the while never having left the center of Prague. The unforgettable dinner and folklore show is complete with traditional Czech cuisine, talented musicians and dancers wearing colorful costumes. The two and a half hour show...
Kampa Park
On a small peninsula jutting over the Vltava River, one of the most amazing locations in Prague, sits the famous Kampa Park restaurant. Hollywood actors, world-famous musicians and personalities have been blown away by the creative fusion and the extravagant menu with its impressive selection of international dishes. The Olive Oil Poached Halibut served with black truffles, crispy bacon, and mashed potatoes with French mustard and...
U Zavěšenýho kafe
Located in the Castle District sits this charming and artistic restaurant featuring wonderful traditional Czech food, with fantastic prices to match. The Hanging Coffee is an ideal place to taste Czech cuisine, as the food is lovingly prepared and the quality and quantity are first-rate. The restaurant is located very close to the castle, so it is the perfect place to rest and eat after a long day exploring Czech...
Restaurants in Hotel Hoffmeister
In the Hotel Hoffmeister complex complete with the Lily Wellness & Spa Center, located directly under the majestic Prague Castle among the historical palaces of Mala Strana (The Lesser Town), there are two restaurants – ADA and RIA. It is therefore no coincidence that many monarchs and presidents from all around the world...
Sklep Restaurant
Located in the hip residential quarter of Zizkov, just a few tram stops from the city center, is the bustling Sklep Restaurant. Serving traditional Czech food, fresh seafood and international dishes in a cozy setting, the restaurant is immensely popular with locals and expats and is very nearly full for every lunch rush and each happening night of the week. Sklep, which translates to Cellar, offers many different dining settings for...
Le Papillon at Le Palais Hotel Praha
Just 5 minutes drive from the Old Town, you will find Prague's and one of Europe's most luxurious 5 star experiences. Historical listed building from 1897 of the Hotel Le Palais Prague is decorated by the beautiful frescos of Ludek Marold, famous Bohemian painter. Today the 72 rooms & suites - Boutique hotel offers fine dining in Restaurant Le Papillon, 24 hours...
Strahov Monastery Brewery
Perched atop the city part of the Strahov Monastery compound and the lush surrounding Petrin Hill, the Stahov Brewery is a delightful find in the bustling city of Prague. Just steps from the massive Prague Castle complex, the microbrewery serves about six variations of St. Norbert beer and the brews are all delicious and fresh with crisp hints of unique flavors. The unfiltered and unfermented brews include a bitter amber blend that...
Francouzska Restaurace Art Nouveau at the Municipal House
Obecni dum (Municipal House), which is just celebrating 100 years from its opening, is an Art Nouveau building of fascinating beauty which can be found on the corner of the U Obecniho domu street and the Na Prikope Boulevard and which often hosts concerts, exhibitions, congresses and other social events. The ground floor of this beautiful building hosts...
Bandol Wine Bar
Bandol Wine Bar Located on a narrow lane next to the Imposing Tyn Church, this cellar wine bar is sure to please. Only steps from Old Town Square, but an underground world away; enter the hotel Cerny Slon restaurant, turn right and head downstairs to an intimate candle lit exposed brick cellar wine bar complete with wrought iron lanterns, paintings and wooden wine racks. The atmosphere is relaxed, quiet and warm. Bandol features a...
CzecHouse Grill & Rotisserie
"Tradition today" is the motto of CzecHouse Grill & Rotisserie, a dynamic non-smoking eatery set in the Prague Hilton Hotel but open to any one keen on exceptional food. This Hilton Prague flagship restaurant offers a creative concept, which enables each guest to have an unforgettable dining experience. To keep tradition alive it is necessary to find the right balance between innovative approaches and traditional recipes...
Kolkovna
If it sometimes seems as if all the restaurants and bars located around Old Town Square are extremely tourist-oriented, you should know about Kolkovna. When you happen to be in this area feeling thirsty for a glass of real Pilsner, try Kolkovna restaurant. This restaurant, the holder of the Prague 1 City Hall's award "The Best Pub" and of the title "The Best Czech and Slovak Pub" which was given to Kolkovna by...
Cafe Milena
Named after Franz Kafka's love Milena Jesenska, this cafe is operated by the Franz Kafka Society. The famous writer was not a patron, as the cafe was opened later on, but his spirit, traditional hospitality and style are very much present. The menu features a fine selection of coffees, a small but good wine list and of course, Czech beer. It is a good place to try traditional Czech dishes, most notably the goulash. The main selling...
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