94 Best Restaurants in Prague, Czech Republic

Background Illustration for Restaurants

Prague generally gets high marks for architectural beauty and decidedly low marks for the quality of the food. But this is an unfair assessment based on impressions from the 1990s, when finding a decent meal really was something of a challenge. Since then, the global slow-food, fresh-food revolution has washed up onto the shores of Bohemia. Everywhere you look, serious restaurants are touting the freshness of their ingredients, and often claiming to source everything locally where possible. Some places are reviving classic Czech recipes that may be more than a century old, while others are liberally borrowing ideas and inspiration from cuisines around the world.

Part of the credit for this dining renaissance goes to the Ambiente chain of restaurants, which through its stable (including La Degustation, Lokál Dlouhááá, and Pizza Nuova) has greatly raised standards. And it’s done wonders for the Czech national pride that excellent food is now easy to find. Other leading chefs have made their mark: Paul Day at Sansho, Roman Paulus at Alcron, and Ji?í Nosek at Zdenek’s Oyster Bar, among others. And Czechs have responded. A few years ago, it was a given the best restaurants were for visitors and businessmen. Now, many Czechs are discovering for themselves the pleasures of truly good food outside their kitchens.

International trends and fads, of course, have had an impact here, too. Every year seems to bring a new dining mania (and with it some great restaurants). The latest crazes for handcrafted burgers made from locally raised beef and for good Vietnamese cooking have brought a fresh crop of contenders. Past years have seen waves of sushi places, steak houses, and Thai noodle bars. We say, keep it coming.

Alas, what still needs an upgrade is service. English is widely spoken, but service can still be brusque or, worse, incompetent. Restaurateurs spend millions on the food, but don't put the same thought into training their staff. This will be surmounted in time, though, and in general the dining scene continues on the upswing.

Classic Czech fare is best sampled in a hospoda, or pub. These local joints have menus that usually include dishes for which Bohemian cuisine is justly (in)famous: pork and sauerkraut with bread dumplings; roast duck; beef in cream sauce; and, for the vegetarian, fried cheese. In recent years Czech brewers like Staropramen and Pilsner Urquell have opened chains of branded pubs (Potrefená Husa and Pilsner Urquell Original Restaurant, respectively). These chains are to the traditional pub what a new Swiss timepiece is to an old watch—light years ahead in terms of the quality. If you're looking to dip a toe into the waters of Czech cuisine, these pubs are an excellent place to begin.

Aromi

$$$ Fodor's choice

Gracious, gregarious, and extremely confident, Aromi is easily among the top tier of Italian restaurants in the city and proud of it. Classic pastas made in-house and fresh seafood shown off tableside are two of the crowd favorites, as are the superb salads and well-chosen Italian wines. With airy modernist interiors and alfresco dining in summer, the restaurant imparts a continental feel without being kitschy. Leave room for a post-dessert treat: Aromi stocks an exclusive list of rare grappas. The price of dishes reflects the high quality; come during the week for a better value lunch menu.

Nám. Míru 6, 120 00, Czech Republic
222–713–222
Known For
  • Sumptuous seafood dishes
  • Extensive choice of wines and grappas
  • Faultless service
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

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Benjamin

$$$$ Fodor's choice

Since opening in 2017, Benjamin has consistently been one of Prague's most sought-after fine-dining experiences. Well, with just 10 seats set around a horseshoe-shaped table, it's a very exclusive ticket—so make sure you book far in advance. Each boldly flavored dish on the eight-course tasting menu exhibits oodles of imagination, innovation, and inspirationand when combined with the unique communal setup, makes for a one-of-a-kind meal. Look out for seasonal dishes inspired by hidden corners of Czech culinary history, from once-common but long-forgotten ingredients like sturgeon to classic curd desserts that hark back to communist-era kindergartens. There are also cooking classes available for couples (9,000 ) and larger groups. 

Norská 14, 101 00, Czech Republic
774–141–432
Known For
  • Beautifully presented and flavorful dishes
  • Interactive and communal dining experience
  • Booking up months in advance
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun.–Tues. No lunch.

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Bílá Kráva

$$$ Fodor's choice

Meat lovers will be in their element at this French countryside-inspired steak restaurant, situated just behind the National Museum. Take a seat beneath the wood-beamed ceiling and choose from a menu dominated by dishes of expertly aged Charolais beef, from steak tartare and tenderloin carpaccio to juicy rump steaks and hearty beef bourguignon. There are other dishes on offer, too, from frogs' legs and roast pigeon to a smattering of vegetarian and vegan options, but make no mistake: cow is king here. Go all in with a selection of steaks for two, including rare Czech wagyu beef, served with your choice of sides and sauces. Save room for a theatrical dessert in the form of curd ice cream that's frozen at the table with liquid nitrogen, as well as a taster of traditional Czech fruit spirits from Palírna Radlík distillery.

Rubešova 10, 120 00, Czech Republic
603–397–367
Known For
  • Delicious aged beef dishes
  • Charming countryside-style setting
  • Good value for such high quality
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. No lunch Sat.

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Café Savoy

$$ | Malá Strana Fodor's choice

One of the best of Prague's traditional turn-of-the-century-style grand cafés, the Savoy is popular day and night for its brunches, coffees, Czech classics, and pastries. In particular, try the větrník, a Czech classic made of choux pastry with cream and caramel. It's far more authentic than the touristy trdelník (a type of rolled, spit cake) available everywhere, although if you need that sugar hit to get up the hill to the castle, no judgment. It's also an opulent but still traditional spot for a beer in the evening—or heck, go all out and get some sekt (Czech sparkling wine). 

Vítězná 5, Prague, 150 00, Czech Republic
731--136--144
Known For
  • Lavish interior
  • Warm and efficient staff
  • Long lines
Restaurant Details
Reservations recommended.

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Café Slavia

$$ | Nové Mesto Fodor's choice

Overlooking the river and next to the National Theater, this old-school continental European-style café is one of a clutch in Prague where you can imagine playwright-turned-independence hero Václav Havel holding court or composer Bedřich Smetana winding down after a performance. Actually, you're not just imagining it: all sorts of Czech artistic luminaries have supped here, including the above, and Havel liked it so much he even lobbied for it to reopen when it closed for reconstruction in the 1990s. It's old-school, so beer is perfectly acceptable at almost any time of day.

Smetanovo nábř. 2, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic
777--709--145
Known For
  • Historical setting
  • Affordable daily menu
  • Czech-style café culture

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The Eatery

$$ | Holešovice Fodor's choice

This fantastic destination restaurant, with thoughtful, delicate twists on modern Czech food in a shiny-steel-and-concrete industrial setting, is certainly the district's best and even holds its own against the rest of the city. Run by the former Michelin-starred chef at Alcron, in the center of town, the Eatery is a more informal but no less delicious venture, with all the extras you'd expect from an establishment of this quality, from a chef's table to delicious wines and an open kitchen.

U Uranie 18, Prague, 170 00, Czech Republic
603--945--236
Known For
  • Czech and European food, with fresh, local ingredients
  • Theatrical cooking in the open kitchen
  • Regularly buzzing
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun. and Mon. No lunch Sat.
Reservations recommended

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Žižkovská štrúdlárna

$ | Žižkov Fodor's choice

This unexpected pastry paradise—essentially, a service hatch set within a regular apartment block—offers whole strudels (repeat: not a single slice, but a WHOLE strudel) for just 60 Kč. You can choose from three fillings: apple, tvaroh (curd cheese), or poppy seed. There are also seasonal flavors available on occasion, including plum in the summer months and raisin and almond at Christmas. Only open weekdays.

Jeseniova 29, Prague, Czech Republic
222–590–912
Known For
  • Special seasonal flavors
  • Delicious strudel at an incredibly low price
  • Easy-to-miss location
Restaurant Details
Closed weekends

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Kantýna

$ | Nové Mesto Fodor's choice

With a grand setting in a gorgeous former bank, you can bank on this cool butcher-shop-meets-meat-market-and-bar being packed when you arrive. There's a butcher's counter at the front where you can select the exact meat you want. The attendant will cut it, weigh it, cook it perfectly to your specifications, and then serve it hot off the skillet. Load up a tray with meat and sides, and grab a seat at a communal table or a spot at the bar and wash it all down with great beer. Keep track of what you eat and drink on a menu card (bread is free). The modern canteen feel and reasonable prices all contribute to the incredible popularity of this place.

Politických vězňů 5, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic
605--593--328
Known For
  • The best burgers in town
  • Excellent Czech meats, to either eat on-site or take away
  • Cool vibes in a historic building

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Kavárna co hledá jméno

$$ | Smíchov Fodor's choice

Literally translated as "A Coffee Shop Looking for a Name," this achingly hip café-cum-gallery serves great coffee, tempting cocktails, and excellent food—including top-notch breakfasts and brunches until midday on weekdays and 3 pm on weekends. The gallery space showcases work by local artists and hosts pop-up events.

Kuchyň

$$ Fodor's choice

It may no longer be the novel, menu-less restaurant of old—the COVID pandemic put an end to the concept of people choosing their meals from communal potsbut this castle-side restaurant still serves up great, traditional Czech cuisine. Take a seat and order from a small menu of dishes ranging from fresh cow's cheese with pickled vegetables to duck leg with rustic bread dumplings and red cabbage. Although most of the mains are meaty, there's always at least one vegetarian option. While the interior is perfectly lovely—all copper pots, aquamarine tiles, and pine-wood tables—the terrace, with its stunning city views, is the best place to dine.

Hradčanské nám. 1, 118 00, Czech Republic
736--152–891
Known For
  • Soft sourdough bread to dip in soups
  • Wonderful location by the castle
  • Drinks including unfiltered dark beer

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La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise

$$$$ | Staré Mesto Fodor's choice

One of Prague's two Michelin star holders is this elegant tasting room, where diners are taken on a superlative culinary adventure via a Czech-inspired tasting menu over an extended evening. The menu roves around Czech and European cuisine playfully and stylishly, including classic local specialties with a twist, like pork belly, cabbage, and mustard or a dessert of cream, blueberry, and basil. You'll need a full appetite to last the multiple, delicious courses, so you'll want to come hungry. One word of caution: the tasting menu is 2,450 Kč before drinks are even considered, and dinner for two, with wine and tip, can climb into the 10,000 Kč territory. But for many, the experience is worth every koruna. Book in advance.

Haštalská 18, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic
222–311–234
Known For
  • Probably Prague's best food and service
  • Playful and inventive takes on classic dishes
  • Wine-paired tasting menu
Restaurant Details
Reservations essential

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La Veranda

$$$ | Josefov Fodor's choice

Despite the quality of the cooking, La Veranda remains somewhat overlooked by visitors (though popular with locals), making a visit to this stylish, softly lighted room feel like you've been let in on a wonderful secret. The food is top-notch, with seasonal specials and a not outrageously priced six-course tasting menu showcasing the restaurant's greatest hits, like an incredibly rich beef tartare with egg yolk and black truffle. The à la carte options are equally inventive and deliver on flavor, too, from beef steak, beluga lentils, and zucchini to rabbit leg confit. Wine pairings are available.

Elišky Krásnohorské 2, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic
224–814–733
Known For
  • Delicious, seasonal food
  • Non-touristy vibe
  • Not crazily priced six-course tasting menu
Restaurant Details
Closed Sun.
Reservations essential

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Na Kopci

$$$ | Smíchov Fodor's choice

Although a little out of the way, this lovely restaurant overlooking Smíchov (the name means "On the Hill") serves exceptional, high-end Czech and international cuisine within a comfortable and casual setting. The menu is completely overhauled every three months, making the best use of seasonal, locally sourced ingredients—from rabbit and wild boar to porcini mushrooms—to create surprising and satisfying dishes. Yet for all the fine-dining credentials, there's not an ounce of pretentiousness, thanks to the unstuffy decor (including walls plastered in family photos), the friendly and informal service, and the reasonable prices.

The restaurant is about the same walking distance (15 minutes) from Radlická and Smíchovské nádraží Metro stops (both Line B), but you can save a walk uphill by arriving at Radlická and leaving from Smíchovské nádraží.

K Závěrce 20, Prague, 150 00, Czech Republic
251–553–102
Known For
  • Sublime seasonal dishes
  • Warm and welcoming decor
  • Good value for high quality

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Terasa U Zlaté studně

$$$$ | Malá Strana Fodor's choice

On top of the boutique Golden Well Hotel, lunch or dinner, either inside or on the terrace of this Michelin-rated restaurant overlooking the city's rooftops, is a delicious experience that more than lives up to the views and prices. The menu runs the gamut from the full degustation (3,400 Kč) to more reasonably priced à la carte lunch options.

U Zlaté studně 4, Prague, 118 00, Czech Republic
257--533--322
Known For
  • Exceptional cooking of an inventive international menu
  • Among the best views in Prague
  • Feeling of exclusivity
Restaurant Details
Reservations recommended

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U Kroka

$$ | Vyšehrad Fodor's choice

This traditional pub, which sits below the walls of Vyšehrad Citadel, serves up traditional, meaty Czech fare—think beef goulash, pork knuckle, and duck leg confit—with freshly poured beer. The interior is warm and welcoming, the staff are unfailingly friendly, and the prices are very competitive. The value gets even better at lunchtime; come between 11 and 3 to enjoy a delicious, filling three-course meal for less than 300 Kč.

Vratislavova 12, Prague, 128 00, Czech Republic
775–905–022
Known For
  • Good-quality Czech food
  • Pleasant industrial-chic interior
  • More locals than tourists

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U Slovanské Lípy

$$ | Žižkov Fodor's choice

One of the oldest pubs in Žižkov, this classic Czech pub offers a warm and inviting setting, great beers, and authentic Czech food. The name means “At the Linden Trees,” a Czech and Slovak emblem, and while there are tourists here, it’s also a meeting place for locals.

Tachovské náměstí 6, Prague, 130 00, Czech Republic
734–743–094
Known For
  • Typical Czech meals
  • Sharing plates
  • Wooden benches and other period decor

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Angelato

$ | Malá Strana

Across from the Újezd tram stop, this gelato gem offers delicious, homemade ice cream and gelato almost all year.

Újezd 24, Prague, Czech Republic
Known For
  • Options from the adventurous (olive) to the classic (salted caramel)
  • Vegan options
  • Monthly changing flavors

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Artic Bakehouse

$ | Smíchov

The home-baked sourdough bread, the huge selection of delicious pastries, and the lovingly brewed coffee make this café-bakery a local favorite. It's so popular that there are now two other branches in Prague, including a second one in Smíchov (at Štefánikova 31).

Atelier Red&Wine

$$$ | Malá Strana

Don't let the slightly weird name and offbeat location fool you: this is a gem. Great seafood, service, and wine at this hidden-away restaurant on the edge of the Mala Strana district, serving choice meals from all over the world.

Rošických 4, Prague, 118 00, Czech Republic
775--932--345
Known For
  • Great daily lunch menu
  • Interesting art on the walls
  • Excellent fish dishes

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Au Gourmand

$$ | Staré Mesto

This sweet little café with tiled mosaic floors, globe lights, and mint-green decor provides an inviting spot for a light lunch. It's similar to the nearby Bakeshop Praha, but with a certain Gallic flair. Like its neighbor, it too has a few seats, although it also boasts a garden in the back, where you can enjoy a salade niçoise or a tomato-and-mozzarella sandwich.

Dlouhá 10, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic
602--305--181
Known For
  • Fresh breads
  • Homemade ice cream
  • Refined café feel

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Background

$ | Staré Mesto

Great coffee and cool vibes in this cavernous, slightly rough-around-the-edges café in an interesting, historic building, which also doubles as an art and community space.

Bartolomějská 13, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic
778--427--047
Known For
  • Student-y feel
  • Responsible business, welcoming and training refugees
  • Delicious cakes alongside your caffeine hit

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Bakeshop Praha

$ | Staré Mesto

A pleasantly airy American-style bakery and café counter, Bakeshop Praha sells familiar U.S. favorites, from avocado BLTs to entire pumpkin pies. Though it gets crowded during peak lunch hours, there is indoor seating, and the space, with penny-tiled floors and ceiling moldings, has a retro charm. But the takeaway sandwiches, bagels, giant cookies, and good coffee make it easy to grab and go.

Kozi 1, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic
222–316–823
Known For
  • Proper New York--style cheesecake
  • Homemade breads, including great sourdough
  • Daily cream cheese spread mixes

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Banh–mi–ba

$$ | Staré Mesto

Enjoy fresh, zingy Vietnamese food at this small, trendy spot on Rybná, from the eponymous baguettes to rolls, salads, and pho. There are good Vietnamese joints all over Prague thanks to ties between formerly communist Czechoslovakia and Hanoi, but until recently Staré Mĕsto was lacking its own standout. Founder Hung Le and his team have delivered with this branch, part of a minichain that brings authentic Vietnam by way of Berlin and California.

Rybná 26, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic
734--487--324
Known For
  • Tasty Vietnamese baguettes
  • No glutamate additions
  • Cool Czech couples grabbing a bite

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Big Smokers

$$ | Holešovice

This recently opened joint brings modern barbecue to the Czech capital, in a big way. The meats are glorious, the vibe is industrial-cool, and the welcome is friendly.

Dělnická 40, Prague, 170 00, Czech Republic
737--070--373
Known For
  • Trays of perfectly flamed meat
  • Piquant accompaniments
  • Cheap sandwich-based lunch menu
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon.

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Bistro 8

$$ | Letná

Located on what is among Prague's coolest streets, this hip little spot combines a retro aesthetic—black walls, a mix of chairs, and lots of plants—with tasty international food and unique touches. 

Veverkova 8, Prague, 170 00, Czech Republic
730--511--973
Known For
  • Fun design, such as bright monster sculptures and cracked pots in the window
  • Great brunch
  • Huge sandwiches

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Bockem

$$$$ | Smíchov

It may not look too salubrious from outside, but this tucked-away fine-dining restaurant has a wonderfully warm and welcoming interior, all roughly plastered walls, sturdy wooden furniture, soft golden lighting, and autumnal wall hangings. What's more, the food is great: the seasonal, five-course degustation menu (1,590 ) has a mix of influences but really comes to life with main courses built around classic Czech ingredients like rabbit, pork, dumplings, and cabbage. Note that the portions are small, courses are quite spread out, and there are few extras (including no bread), so you may leave feeling not entirely full. Opt for a wine pairing (955 Kč) with dinner or add something a little different to your dining experience with a non-alcoholic pairing (480 Kč) of kombucha-like fermented lemonades. They vary in level of acidity; some are pleasantly subtle, others are more of an acquired taste. As well as dinner, the restaurant serves three-course prix fixe breakfasts (480 Kč).

Elišky Peškové 5, Prague, 150 00, Czech Republic
770--101–223
Known For
  • Seasonal menu of delicious and inventive dishes
  • Distinctive non-alcoholic pairing option
  • Beautiful interior with limited seating
Restaurant Details
Closed Mon. and Tues. No dinner Wed. and Sun.

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Bread Gap

$ | Malá Strana

For a quick lunch on the go, walk smugly past the greasy international chains and come here for tasty fresh sandwiches, salads, and barista-brewed coffees.

Tržiště 3, Prague, Czech Republic
773--097--003
Known For
  • Friendly owner and welcoming staff
  • Tramezzini (Italian finger sandwiches)
  • Fantastic chocolate hazelnut and strawberry apricot pastries

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Bruxx

$$

For an alternative to pilsner in the Czech capital, this superb Belgian brasserie offers a choice of half a dozen Belgian beers on draft, and more than 60 others in bottles. The beers, which are often tinged with fruit or nut flavors, are served alongside kettles of mussels (cooked in wine or beer), golden frites with mayo sauce, and ridiculously tasty waffles. It's a large and grand-looking place, with high ceilings and dark paneling, but the service is friendly and it's a big hit with families, who come for the large kids corner with ball pool.

For traditional Czech fare from the same team, head next door to Vinohradský Parlament.

Nám. Míru 9, 120 00, Czech Republic
224–250–404
Known For
  • Belgian beers on draft
  • Fine fish and seafood dishes
  • Outdoor seating in summer

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Cacao

$$ | Nové Mesto

Tasty, fresh superfoods, smoothies, and bowls sit alongside rather more indulgent desserts at this pleasant café just off Náměstí Republiky. They offer vegan options, and there are plenty of tables as it is housed in a pretty and spacious historic building.

V Celnici 1031/4, Prague, Czech Republic
Known For
  • Friendly, calm feel
  • Breakfasts ranging from a healthy mango bowl to pancakes
  • Homemade ice cream

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Café de Paris

$$$ | Malá Strana

The twin stars of the show at this Gallic import are beef entrecote and French fries. Café de Paris even makes its own "special sauce" (béarnaise with a hint of mustard). The look is classic French bistro, down to the old photographs and red banquettes lining the walls, which makes sense considering its location near the French Embassy. There are a few other things on the menu, classics like Caesar salad and a rotating option of soups, but there's little reason to stray from house specialties.

Velkopřevorské nám. 4, Prague, 118 00, Czech Republic
603–160–718
Known For
  • Warm and welcoming atmosphere
  • House specials
  • Waiters serving the steak frites at the table from laden trays
Restaurant Details
Reservations essential

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