Restaurants
Introduction
There are many hundreds of restaurants catering to many different tastes, styles and financial ability. The items below are largely my favourite places or the more interesting of those in which I have been privileged to eat.
I have provided a few links at the end of this section which you may want to use to find an appropriate type of food or location or price range. Be aware that many of the lower and middle end bars and restaurants (under 300kc/U$15/£10 per person) will not accept credit cards. I've grouped restaurants according to the type of food that I like so you'll find sections for Italian, Indian, Thai, French, Czech, Tex-Mex etc. There are also individual sections for the following:
- The "Best" restaurants in Prague according to "Top 10" surveys.
- Restaurants (indoor or outdoor) with excellent views.
- Vegetarian, European, Asian, Czech.
- Places to get a good steak.
People may agree or disagree with my suggestions but, they are all based on the experience of living in Prague. Links to the various restaurants go to the main index page so you may have to select an "English" option and most sites now have online menus.
The Best
www.kampapark.cz. Kampa Park serves Czech/international food. Celebrities very often to be found dining here but, not as often as 10 years ago as many more "high end" restaurants have entered the market and given more choice.
www.lacambusa.cz. La Cambusa regularly posts in the top 5 of food critic surveys. Italian food (NOT pizza/pasta). Not often you'll find caviar at more than 4000kc for 50g portion (and that's just a starter). Specialises in seafood.
www.flambee.cz. Flambee is regularly posted as number one restaurant for service. International food. Often hosts large tourist groups.
www.fourseasons.com. Four Seasons. Is there anything else needed to be said about their "Allegro" restaurant? Very high standards of International cuisine and service. Voted best in Prague 2005/2006.
www.renaissancehotels.com. The Seven restaurant is Top 10 rated. International cuisine.
Scenic
www.cihelna.com. Hergetova Cihelna is in the same group as Kampa Park mentioned in the previous section. Actually they are located less than 50 metres apart on either side of the Certovka inlet. Again it is Czech/international cuisine. I prefer Cihelna for it's friendly staff and pleasant outside area. Kampa Park certainly earns it's place as one of the best in Prague but the dress code is too restrictive for me to visit often.
www.kampafish.cz. Kampa Fish is a bit of a misleading name as this is not actually on Kampa Island. It's about 300 metres further down river towards the Manes Bridge. I like the area as you are not enclosed between walls like at Cihelna and Kampa Park and you don't get too many people walking by as the tables are on the river facing side of the restaurant. This gives you a pleasant airy view. Also has a nice bar if you arrive early. There are also tables in the inner courtyard of the building if you want more privacy.
www.sovovymlyny.com. Sovovy Mlyny is located right on the river and accessed via Kampa Park just before the kids playground (you'll see a sign). The view is of the Old Town side and you will be eating right next to the Vltava canal so be prepared to wave to passers-by on the boats.
www.nebozizek.com. The Nebozizek restaurant is halfway up the funicular ride from Ujezd this restaurant can be seen on the left set further back in the park. Excellent views over the bottom of the park and Mala Strana to the left with New/Old towns in the distance. Czech/international.
www.ozivledrevo.cz. Ozlive Drevo combines some good food with one of the most outstanding views over Mala Strana. Outside location can be cold or windy depending on the weather and it caters almost exclusively for tourists.
Kajetanka (no page) is the cafe/restaurant that you see by the low wall about 75 metres from the castle entrance. Most people only stop for ice cream or a drink but, downstairs it opens out into a longish garden with great views over Mala Strana and New Town. Czech food (inexpensive considering location).
www.laperle.cz. La Perle de Prague is located on the 7th floor of the "Dancing House". French cuisine (the fixed menu is served French Style). The really scenic area is outside on the terrace. Inside you need to be seated right next to a window to have any view. Only open until 1030pm. The original Chef left and now works in the "Oliva" restaurant in Prague 4.
www.prague.interconti.com. Zlata Praha is located on the top floor of the Intercontinental Hotel. Most people seem to prefer the "Old Town view" more than the "Castle view". Very pleasant to arrive late in the evening and watch darkness descend especially if you like "steeples and spires". Note that this is in the scenic section and not in any other category.
www.rezavakotva.cz. Rezava Kotva (Rusty Anchor) is located on Detsky Ostrov. Best way to describe how to get to it is to start at the National Theatre, walk across the bridge and turn left. After 200 metres you'll see a high footbridge over the water. The restaurant is on the other side with a nice location next to the weir. View of the Dancing House to the right and Zofin Palac to the left. Nice salad (Akropolis). It doubles as a "Music Bar" after dark.
www.hanavskypavilon.cz. If you look up at the castle and let your eyes wander to the park on the right you will see an ornate building (lit at night). This is the restaurant Hanavsky Pavilon. On the webpage the "English" prices are in Euros and the "Czech" prices are in Czech Korun. International cuisine that leans slightly towards French in presentation. Scenic tables are outside otherwise you have to sit very close to a window inside to get a view. I prefer the night view.
Czech
www.cafelouvre.cz. Cafe Louvre (it's a restaurant as well) is located on the first floor above the Reduta Jazz cafe about 50 metres past Tesco walking towards the river. An extensive menu of international choice as well as Czech and vegetarian as well. Often used as a business meeting place or just to discuss events over coffee.
www.npivovar.cz. The Novomestsky Pivovar (New Town Brewery) is a little way off the beaten path in a street called Vodickova (opposite and to the right of McDonalds) Menus in 7 languages but, the food is the same. Original Czech cuisine and as the place is a brewery, some great beer. The restaurant is in the basement and is a real rabbit warren. Great place for crepes as well.
www.kolkovna.cz. Kolkovna is located directly opposite the Spanish Synagogue. Considered a more upmarket option for Czech food but, ideal for tourists who need to ask questions as I've found that the staff speak good English. This website also has a good list of the group options.
www.upinkasu.cz. U Pinkasu is a little Czech restaurant just off Wenceslas Square. It is a microbrewery and also specialises in classic Czech meals. My preference here is the goulash as it is very dark and served with horseradish in the traditional style. If you want the brewery setting then eat downstairs. If you want just the food then go upstairs.
www.folkloregarden.cz. If you want all the Bohemian costume dancing and a meal with unlimited beer etc and still be able to use public transport then give Folklore Garden a try. Different options for "show only" up to "dinner/drinks/show". Usually the best seats are for people who elect for dinner as well.
www.restauraceuvejvodu.cz. U Vejvodu is another New Town pub/beerhall. It's a regular pub upstairs but, downstairs it opens out into a hall. You can eat on the basement floor large tables or the smaller tables up on the balcony. I prefer the balcony. It gets a mix of Czech and tourists. Also see the steak section below.
www.uprovaznice.cz. U Provaznice has a very central location opposite the rear entry to the Mustek Metro (yellow line) around the back of the "New Yorker" shop at the bottom of Wenceslas Square. The street is called Provaznicka. Regular Czech pub/restaurant but, you might need a reservation for lunch and you'll be shoulder to shoulder if you eat outside on the benches.
Places in Prague to get a good steak
I've listed a couple of specialist steak restaurants and a couple of other places where I've been lately. The terms "rare" and "medium" are recognised here. If you want "well done" then use the word "propecene" (pronounced propetchenay). Normally served with chips/fries so if you don't want chips, tell the waiter.
www.el-gaucho.cz. El Gaucho currently has a number of locations including Wenceslas Square and Na Prikope (garden). Argentinian steaks as the name suggests.
www.salvator.cz. La Boca is another Argentinian steak restaurant attached to the Salvator hotel. Much more pleasant than the "herd-in, herd out" larger restaurants.
www.restauracetitanic.cz. Steak Restaurant Titanic has a Stepanska location (about halfway up on the left as you walk from Wenceslas Square) and it's also a nice creperie.
www.restauraceuvejvodu.cz. I like pepper steak, medium to well done and U Vejvodu seems to get it spot on. Other details in the Czech section above.
In the street called Jungmannova you'll find the Plzensky Musketyr restaurant. This is a common stop for me for "Anglicky Biftek" (English style, no sauce, with a fried egg on top).
www.mount-steak.cz. The Mount Steak restaurant is a small place in Josefska. As you walk from the Charles Bridge into Mala Strana the street is on the right. Big selection.
Tex-Mex
www.banditos.cz website under construction - Banditos is my Top MEX choice. Only Cantina comes anywhere close. Located at Melounova 2, opposite the entry to the IBIS/Novotel central at IP Pavlova.
www.restauracecantina.cz. The Cantina restaurant (Tex/Mex) at Ujezd 38 is further for me to travel but, if I'm in the area I definitely stop for lunch or dinner.
www.buffalobill.cz. Buffalo Bill's is the original Tex/Mex in Prague. Been here longer than me but, well known to all tourists it seems at Vodickova 9. Good menu but I prefer smaller places.
www.mexicana.cz. The Hacienda Mexicana chain has a few places in Prague. I started off eating Mexican food here but, having been to Mexico I found it to be more Spanish than Mexican (common problem here) but, if you don't know the difference you'll enjoy it. Closest to the centre is the restaurant at Bilkova 4 in the Jewish quarter.
Indian
www.tajmahal.cz. The Taj Mahal was refurbished and expanded by the new management. The restaurant has been in this location longer than any other Indian restaurant I know. It has kept it's down to earth approachability. The only drawback is the parking or lack of it. Best to park on Wenceslas Square or the car park opposite Statni Opera and walk back under the highway using the Museum underpass. Good food and closely resembles what a "curry house" would look like in the UK.
www.rasoi.cz. Rasoi would be my choice if I wanted to stay close to the centre, more decoration than the Taj Mahal but still stylish. Nice to combine a meal and after, walk upstairs to the Bombay Cocktail bar. Standard menu online.
Japanese/Korean/Thai
If you want "moving sushi" i.e. you take it off a moving track then the best choice is the Millhose sushi bar (also called Millhouse-Kaitan) in the Slovansky Dum complex (Na Prikope, close to the Powder Tower) but, it is fairly expensive.
www.redfish.cz. Red Fish has good sushi food but, would be a lunch stop for me.
www.miyabi.cz. I would go to Miyabi for sushi/teppanyaki for either lunch or dinner. Very authentic decor and types of food. Also has a vegetarian option.
www.sushi-yami.cz. Restaurant Yami does Japanese and Korean food. Leans toward more spicy options. It has a pleasant small courtyard at the back.
www.planetsushi.cz. Planet Sushi has a partnership with TGI Fridays in Andel i.e. same building but, different styles. Very good choice and service. Personally recommend the "yuki" set of 16 pieces for a pleasant meal for two (650kc) which you'll find in the "Moriawase Sushi" section of the food menu. Very typical dish for somebody whose sushi knowledge is largely "maki" based.
"sushi-sushi" Made in Japan (no page) for lunch sushi i.e. a quick meal then it is a good option. Rytirska 10.
www.lemon.cz. Lemon Leaf serves Thai/International/Czech cuisine. I've only been here for lunch. Gets more drop in trade now that two hotels have opened in the same street. Located in Myslikova about 100 metres from the Manes Gallery. It has a 99kc lunch option but, tends to be spicy.
www.arzenal.cz. If you like Czech glass sculpture and Thai food then the Arzenal is your place. Actually it's quite difficult to see the restaurant as it is located behind the shop at Valentinska 11 (just around the corner from the Staromestska metro). Good for dinner.
www.orangemoon.cz. Orange Moon currently has two restaurants in Prague. One is in the Palac Flora shopping centre and the other is close to the Old Town in "Ramova" (off Dlouha). Thai/Burmese.
Italian
See "La Cambusa" in the Best section.
www.kogo.cz. KOGO restaurants at Havelska and Slovensky Dum. The Havelska restaurant is at the end of the street before you pass the St Gallus church. Large selection of reasonably priced good quality food in a nice environment. Delicious pasta/seafood dishes. Reservation recommended. The Slovensky Dum restaurant has the advantage of outside tables in the quiet courtyard.
Fish
www.reykjavik.cz. Reykjavik Icelandic restaurant has built a reputation on fresh ingredients and an outstanding, if not extensive, choice of meals. Take a look at the online menu. I recommend the Salmon and Plaice duette.
www.rybitrh.cz. Rybi Trh (Fish Market) has fast established itself as the best fish restaurant in Prague. An enormous selection of fresh fish so much so that you may be a little lost. Tell the waiter roughly what you want and let him recommend something. More expensive end of the market. It can be found adjacent to the Metamorphis bar in Tynsky Dvur (the courtyard behind Tyn Church).
www.kampafish.cz. Kampa Fish is the latest addition to the fish scene. Only opened in 2006 but, initial reviews have been good. It has a pleasant courtyard for outside eating with river view.
French
See the Scenic section for "La Perle de Prague".
www.laprovence.cz. La Provence is a very nice French restaurant at the corner of Stupartska and Mala Stupartska. Used only to be a basement location but, now taken over the groundfloor with a brasserie.
www.saint-jacques.cz. If you want the live piano and three different types of wine glass, go to Saint Jacques around the corner in Jakubska. If you just like great food and a nice atmosphere this is your place.
www.nostress.cz. No Stress is not your regular French restaurant. It's a "fusion" restaurant which combines French and Asian. Some interesting combinations. Five minute walk from the Old Town Square. Opposite Kolkovna and the Spanish Synagogue.
Vegetarian Restaurants
Note: Most restaurants will have non-meat options and you will normally find a section in the menu marked "Bezmasa Jidla" which means "food without meat". Of course this will usually be salads and pasta. The restaurants below will offer much more.
www.harekrsna.cz/hkcz/main/english.php. Govinda (it's not the Palmovka address) Vegetarian restaurant is located in the corner of Petrske Namesti, it opens around 1100am and closes around 5-30pm (Mon-Fri). Lunchtime gets very busy and you have to sit where you can. A smaller meal for 80kc or the larger one for 90kc. Extras are available and downstairs is a vegetarian sweet shop. The link is to a Czech language page but, it will give you some info. A smaller size meal with something extra (I like the "kroketa") will come to just under 100kc. They also do fresh juices and there is free water on the table. It has regular tables and chairs and also the "sit on the floor" type tables.
www.albiostyl.cz. Restaurant Albio Styl (sometimes called just Albio) is at Truhlarska 20. More upmarket and more expensive than Govinda. Open 7 days a week until 2200hrs. Opened late 2003. It has a full online menu in .pdf format which also includes meat dishes.
www.lehkahlava.cz. Lehka Hlava (Clear Head) opened in 2006. Very artistic place. Good selection of food and juices but, more of an evening stop than lunch. It's in a backstreet between Charles Bridge and the National Theatre.
www.countrylife.cz. Country Life is at Melantrichova 15. Part of the worldwide vegan chain run by Seventh Day Adventists. They sell a wide variety of tasty and fresh raw and cooked food to serve yourself from a buffet, or stock up in the shop for a picnic. As well as wholefood dishes and soups, they have vegan desserts. It's all very inexpensive and alcohol and smoke free. This branch has a nice rear restaurant which opens onto a small courtyard in the summer. Open mon-fri 1100 to 2000hrs. Also has a branch at Jungmannova 1 but it is much smaller. Cash only.
www.radostfx.cz. Radost FX is at Belehradska 120 Prague 2 (just along from the IP Pavlova Metro). Vegetarian heaven. The menu is filled with veg delights. The mixed salad platter for four is a great group starter and the cafe at the back is an experience (if there's a queue, just take a ticket and wait in the front cafe as you'll be called when there's a free table).
www.globebookstore.cz. The Globe is technically not a restaurant but, you will occasionally find me here for the "Middle East Platter" which is a combination of cucumber, tomatoes, olives, cous cous, hommous and pita bread. It's a worthy veg option. Owner is currently trying to sell the business (2006)
www.dahab.cz. Dahab restaurant is at Dlouha 33 and has a distinctly Morrocan feel. Excellent atmosphere and meals both veg and non-veg. If you like hommous but, don't want the whole "Lebanese" thing then this is the place. Belly dancing on Fri/Sat.
www.malybuddha.cz/vegetarianjidla.html. Maly Buddha is at Uvoz 46, Prague 1 (Hradcany). It's a Vietnamese restaurant featuring delicious stir-fry meals, spring rolls, vegetarian and non-vegetarian, desserts, a wide assortment of teas. Closed Monday. Meals have English translation.
www.beas-dhaba.cz. Beas-Dhaba operates in a similar fashion to Govindas in that the main choice is the daily menu (January 2007, small menu was 83kc and big menu was 98kc). It also has other options which Govinda does not. It has an attractive interior which seats about 35 people plus a courtyard for another 30 (depending on conditions). Open seven days a week. Food leans toward the spicy side as a general offer. Open until 8pm Mon-Sat and located right next to the Tyn Hostel. As of 2007 it now has a bigger restaurant in Belehradska just along from Tylovo Namesti as you walk away from the town (closest metro is IP Pavlova).
Outside Eating
All the restaurants listed in the Scenic section have outside options and almost every restaurant on the Old Town Square has an outdoor area. Below you'll find options for places with reasonably sized gardens our concourses.
www.kogo.cz. Both KOGO locations at Havelska and Slovansky Dum (Slovak House) have outside tables. Havelska tables are on the street and in the adjoining passageway. Slovansky Dum tables are in the garden. I personally recommend the Slovansky Dum location in Na Prikope although I regularly eat at both.
www.celnice.com. Celnice is close to Namesti Republiky. No garden but, a large concourse outside of the restaurant/club with lots of shaded seating. Mainly serves Czech food.
www.hybernia.cz. Restaurant Hybernia is just 50 metres from Celnice, accessible via front and rear entries. Very nice rear garden open in Summer. Currently (to the end of 2007) Hybernia is giving a 20% meal discount coupon on it's website.
www.reykjavik.cz. The Reykjavik Icelandic restaurant has built a reputation on fresh ingredients and an outstanding, if not extensive, choice of meals. In Summer they add a wooden concourse to the front of the restaurant. Great location for people watching.
www.jamapub.cz. Jama Pub has it's paved tree-sheltered garden adjoining a side street so it's very secluded. Food is largely pub food.
www.kampagroup.com. The company renamed the old Bazaar restuarant to Cowboys and rebranded it as more of a tex-mex kind of place. It has a really nice garden and the elevated part of it has stunning views. Entry at Nerudova 40 (on the right near the top of the first part of the hill). Look up and you'll see lots of admiring faces staring down at you.
Other
If you are like me then Sunday lunch is the one time in the week when you would like somebody to look after your kids while you eat. www.cihelna.com. Hergetova Cihelna now has a great brunch option with kids supervision including a cinema (choice of dvd on a wide screen etc). For Adults you can get a set plate for 365kc or the "one refill" for 495kc. The kids set plate is 195kc. Best to reserve.
www.h20.cz. H2O is behind the National Theatre. Small place, very modern, seating 40 in total over small tables. Here I prefer the grilled salmon.
www.palffy.cz. Restaurant Palffy Palac has a colourful history as an archive for important manuscripts, a storage area for communist propaganda information and now a first class restaurant located in a converted school dining room. You could put on weight just looking at the menu and if you recognise Prague celebrities, you will surely see them here. Reservation recommended. Check the price of the "Aperitif" before you agree to have it.
www.lafabrique.cz. La Fabrique serves an international cuisine and has attracted much acclaim as a place for dinner and dancing. Great in the evening but, not a lunchtime place.
Red Hot and Blues (No website yet) is the original Cajun restaurant in Prague. Located at Jakubska 12 as you walk from Tyn Church towards the Kotva department store (just around the corner from Hotels Central and Mejstrik). Does excellent burritos and has an outdoor atrium. Becomes the venue for live jazz 1900-2200 nightly.
www.kosher.cz. Kosher restaurant King Solomons is a very nice restaurant almost opposite the entry to the Old Jewish Cemetery. Lots of "Game" options. Pleasant conservatory extension. Best to reserve.
Sate (No website yet) is still the only restaurant in Prague to my knowledge that serves only Indonesian food. Located at Pohorelec 3 which is at the very top of the hill (Nerudova - keep going straight up the hill. Not to the castle) and it's on the left opposite the carpark. The Savoy Hotel is right around the corner. Opens at 11am and closes 10pm. No credit cards.
You can use the following excellent search engines for Restaurants and Bars to find exactly what you want listed by location, type of food, cost etc. An online booking service is also listed.
www.czrb.cz. Search engine with multiple search categories. Does not always show homepage links.
www.czechdineout.com. Search engine with multiple search categories. Similar to CZRB but, lists homepages if available.
www.squaremeal.cz - Search engine and reservation service.
www.kobedu.cz (CZECH ONLY). Great website to see online menus from lots of different restaurants. Go to the "Hledat poledni menu" section and select the Prague area you want to see. A list of menus and prices is then generated. Unfortunately only in Czech language but, not too much homework would be required to see what is on offer.
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Also take a look at my Czech Food Guide for some of the translations or use the www.slovnik.cz Online Czech Dictionary.
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