21 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.

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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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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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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Recommended Fodor's Video

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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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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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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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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Eska

$$ | Karlín

An upmarket restaurant with a casual carefree vibe, Eska has been a big hit since opening its doors in 2016. The restaurant is located within a converted fabric factory, and it maintains the original industrial aesthetic through bare brick walls and exposed pipework, while also adding modern touches like Scandi-style furniture and a gleaming open kitchen. The food is also a blend of the old and new, utilizing age-old Czech techniques of fermenting, pickling, and marinating to create modern, minimalist dishes. Many of the dishes are sumptuous—in particular, seek out the to-die-for beef tartare—and even those that don't quite hit the same heights are still fun and innovative. What's more, every dining experience begins with crusty sourdough bread, baked in the downstairs bakery and served with salty, lovage-infused butter. Breakfast and lunch are available à la carte, while dinner is a choice between the five-course "chef's choice" tasting menu (985 ) and your own choice of two courses (685 ): either way, it's far better value than an equivalent restaurant in the Old Town

 Don't have time for a full meal? Pop into the downstairs bakery for a loaf of the delicious sourdough to go.

Pernerova 49, Prague, 186 00, Czech Republic
731–140–884
Known For
  • Industrial-chic decor
  • Delicious and innovative dishes
  • Excellent bakery with good coffee

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Havelská Koruna

$ | Staré Mesto

This old-school canteen dishes up classic Czech grub very cheaply, and aims to do so within five minutes of getting the order, so unsurprisingly it can get very busy at lunchtime. The soups in particular are a bargain and very traditional.

Havelská Koruna 21, Prague, Czech Republic
Known For
  • Fruit dumplings---a classic dessert
  • Svíčková <i>na smetaně</i>, an opinion-dividing beef-with-a-cream-sauce dish
  • All-Czech ingredients

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Hospůdka Na hradbách

$

This large beer garden is one of Prague's most popular after-work hangouts during the summer months, and it's no wonder with those stunning city views.

V Pevnosti 2, Czech Republic
Known For
  • Friendly crowd of all ages
  • Stunning views over Prague
  • Good beer and street food options

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Krčma

$$ | Staré Mesto

There are lots of pub-restaurants in Staré Mĕsto like Krčma—all beer, hearty Czech classics. and brick-lined cellar—but this is the best of the bunch. Staff are friendly, prices are reasonable, it's not usually mobbed, and it retains a whiff of authenticity.

Kostečná 4, Prague, 110 00, Czech Republic
725--157--262
Known For
  • Traditional Czech food
  • Authentic feel
  • Fresh brews

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Lahůdky Zlatý kříž

$ | Nové Mesto

Choose from more than 50 varieties of chlebíček (Czech traditional open sandwich) at this old-school lunch stop.

Jungmannova 34, Prague, Czech Republic
Known For
  • Delicious fruit pies
  • Occasionally long lines
  • Doing traditional favorites right

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Lavička

$$ | Žižkov

A mini-oasis in the heart of Žižkov, this family-owned restaurant sits on a busy street but has a hidden garden terrace and conservatory around the back. The menu features a mix of Czech staples (like beef goulash) and lesser-spotted dishes (like salmon fillet with pumpkin purée), as well as lots of vegetarian options. There's a lovely ambience throughout, and the service is fast, attentive, and unfailingly friendly.

Seifertova 77, Prague, 130 00, Czech Republic
222–221–350
Known For
  • Away-from-it-all atmosphere
  • Premium Bernard beer on tap
  • Slightly small portions

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Lokál Nad Stromovkou

$$ | Letná

The same talented team behind Lokál Dlouhááá and Café Savoy refurbished this long-standing Czech pub near Stromovka Park in 2013. Not only did they add a fresh coat of paint to the walls, but, true to form, they refreshed and reintroduced some traditional tavern classics alongside great beer. A solid choice if you are in the area.

Nad Královskou oborou 31, Prague, 170 00, Czech Republic
220–912–319
Known For
  • Modern takes on classics, like steak tartare served with toast
  • Convivial vibe
  • Popularity with locals

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Naše Maso

$$ | Staré Mesto

Butcher shops are serious business in the Czech Republic and many have barely changed for generations, at least in terms of offerings. This newly updated version, with friendlier service and a handy lunch counter, stocks dozens of sausage varieties, classic smoked meats, and delicate fillets of pork and beef. All are available to take away or to be cooked for you on the spot. Situated on a colorful street full of bars and boutiques, the shop makes for a handy refueling stop that offers an authentic taste of Bohemian tradition. It now offers a quirky dinner with the butchers Monday–Wednesday, too. On a table that's lowered down from the ceiling—it's stored there in the day to save space in this tiny shop—are served a host of meaty Czech specialties with a side of storytelling thrown in. The only negative? It gets absolutely packed.

Dlouhá 39, Prague, Czech Republic
222–311–378
Known For
  • Meat galore
  • Standing room only
  • A glorious <i>tatarák</i> (beef tartare)
Restaurant Details
No dinner Thurs.--Sun.

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Potrefená Husa Hybernská

$$ | Nové Mesto

The "Wounded Goose" is a casual restaurant and sports bar, serving up bar staples such as chicken wings as well as Czech classics, soups, pastas, and salads. If you like meat-heavy dishes and big portions, this is a solid bet for dinner.

Dlážděná 7, Prague, 120 00, Czech Republic
224--243--631
Known For
  • Affordable classics, especially the daily menu
  • Lively atmosphere for big sports games
  • Full selection of beers

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Restaurace Na Mělníku

$$ | Holešovice

Rub shoulders with locals at this pub that serves up fantastic, authentic local cuisine. Expect rib-sticking Czech favorites—there's a large selection of dumplings—that are perfect on cold days, and perfect cold draft beers. And because it isn't in the city center, the tourist kitsch element is absent---along with the inflated prices.

Františka Křížka 745/28, Prague, 170 00, Czech Republic
233--378--731
Known For
  • Great schnitzel
  • Visiting is like stepping back in time
  • Down-to-earth, historic atmosphere

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Tlustá myš

$$ | Malá Strana

With no-frills, well-priced, hearty Czech cooking in an atmospheric cellar, this is the kind of restaurant where tourists and locals happily intermingle. The menu boasts the big hitters of Czech cuisine at non-rip-off prices and hosts many happy patrons chowing down—with large mugs of pilsner, of course.

Všehrdova 19, Prague, 118 00, Czech Republic
257--320--409
Known For
  • Satisfying goulash, schnitzel, and fried cheese
  • Friendly staff
  • Delicious garlic soup that's perfect on cold days

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Budvarka

$$ | Dejvice

Owned by Czech brewer Budvar, Budvarka is a pumped-up pub. From the selection of beers to the rough-hewn wood tables, everything here is larger than life. The samples of rare Budvar brews (including a dark and a yeast beer) are worth the trip to this neighborhood alone. The food is upscale Czech grub, including an entire section of the menu meant to pair with beer, which covers potatoes cooked in lard and pickled hermelín cheese. The Flinstonian ribs are so huge that they require special presentation on a raised metal tray. Bring an appetite or a hungry friend.

Kulat'ák

$$ | Dejvice

On Vítězné náměstí, the big roundabout above the Dejvická metro station, this cavernous restaurant and pub is owned by the Pilsner Urquell brewery, ensuring fresh, well-tapped beer. The menu is strong on traditional Czech dishes, like Moravský vrabec, roast pork seasoned with onion and garlic, and pečené vepřové koleno, roast pig knuckle, served here with sides of grated horseradish and mustard. The rich food and good beer attract a loud, youngish crowd, so be ready for a little boisterousness.

Vítězné náměstí 12, Prague, 160 00, Czech Republic
773–973–037

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