Best Prague Cafes, Restaurants and Fine Dining

As a thriving capital city, Prague has no shortage of restaurants and cafes that both hold true to tradition and herald in new tastes and trends. Our recommendations include grand cafés harkening back to the early 20th century, modern restaurants serving fusion cuisine, and classic Czech pubs. Read on for a taste of the best restaurants in Prague.

Best Traditional Restaurants in Prague

Café Savoy (Vitezna 5, Lesser Town)

Occupying a renovated Art Nouveau building, Café Savoy evokes the grand coffee houses from the last century while attracting a new Prague crowd. Café Savoy is bedecked with the charm of classic coffeehouse décor, including elegant glass chandeliers and subtly ornate interior design. The interior makes a lovely setting for lunch, brunch, or dinner. Czech standards like pumpkin soup and fruit dumplings are regular features on the menu. $$$

Café Imperial (Na Poříčí 1072/15, New Town)

The wonderfully kitschy art nouveau café with thousands of ceramic tiles in a pastiche of Asian art with its TV show celebrity chef, Zdeněk Pohlreich (who curses through shows because it “makes the food better”!), has terrific wine and delicious traditional Czech and Central European fare such as svíčková and roast duck. Not very expensive for all that it is brilliant traditional Czech cuisine. $$$

Café Louvre (Národní 22, New Town)

This art nouveau café on Národní is a famous Czech Institution. Situated on the second floor, Café Louvre is welcome to tourists and loads of locals, too, who come for inexpensive hearty respectable goulash and pumpkin soup and dapperly dressed servers complete a turn-of-century ambiance. $$

 Best Casual Restaurants in Prague

Lokál Dlouháááa (Dlouhá 33, Old Town)

This modern riff on the traditional Czech beer hall remains popular with locals and tourists alike. Its interiors are simple but expansive, stretching nearly 70 meters, and you’ll often hear enthusiastic conversation bouncing off the walls and servers scurrying around carrying bulging glasses of Pilsner beer. The menu changes daily but you can always find reliable Czech staples such as goulash, svíčková, and fried cheese to pair with your pints. $$

Kantýna (Politických vězňů 1511/5, New Town)

Coming on to the Prague culinary scene in 2017, Kantýna offers a twist on the communist-era cafeteria with meal tickets, complete with exposed bustling kitchens. The stars of the menu are the astonishingly delicious meat dishes with potatoes or side salads, burgers, excellent Czech draft beer and local liquors or Moravian wine. Kantýna doesn’t take reservations, so you’ll need to act speedy to secure your seat. $$$

Bistro Špejle (Jindřišská 937/16, New Town)

Situated around the corner from Wenceslas Square, Bistro Špejle serves a Czech twist on tapas, with orders differentiated by the “špejle” (skewers) in which the tapas are served. With no set menu, every visit brings a new tasty adventure, whether it’s chlebíčky, dumplings, or pastries. The drink menu features a selection of gins, including the famous local Oh My God gin. This unique bistro is bound to be bustling at suppertime, so reservations are highly recommended. $$

Monk Bistro (Maltézské nám. 292/10)

This bright and airy modern bistro, with colorful dishes and floral décor, serves breakfast all day. Their coffee and matcha lattes help perk up any brunch selection. Locals’ favorite dishes include their buttermilk pancakes and eggs Benedict. $$

U Pinkasů (Jungmannovo nám. 15/16)

The first Czech pub to serve Pilsner beer coming on horse-drawn carriages in wooden beer barrels in the 19th Century is full of tourists and native Czechs too. Its beautiful cool beer garden is a great spot for outdoor lunches or dinners right under the great New Town Church, Our Lady of Snows.  You cannot make a reservation for the garden but it’s worth a 10-minute wait for a cool and casual summer meal with beer in a historic Prague environment.  The traditional Czech kitchen, along with the Pilsner lagers, is the perfect pairing. $$

Eska (Pernerova 49, Karlín)

This very trendy restaurant in the up and coming Karlín district often has lines out the door for brunch and lunch. Its exposed kitchens and contemporary design sense reflect bistros internationally, and its bakery offers include excellent bread and pastries. The establishment has revitalized medieval Czech recipes in a unique and brilliant way. Eska doesn’t take reservations, so go there early to secure a table. $$$

Best International Restaurants in Prague

Piknik Prague (Nosticova 470/8, Malá Strana) 

This wonderful wine bar and Italian kitchen is run by top chefs on an outdoor terrace facing a beautiful and quiet part of the Vltava River’s Čertovka canal. Piknik is one of the best restaurants in Prague near the Charles Bridge at just a two-minute walk from the landmark. The refreshing atmosphere makes it a great place to spend a summer afternoon or evening. $$$

Au Gourmand (Dlouhá 614/10, Staré Město)

This casual and cute French patisserie has amazing tiles from is former life as a turn-of-century butcher shop. You can easily grab a quiche or pasta or salad or pastry, if you are near Old Town Square or the Jewish Quarter.  The leafy back garden makes for a cool oasis in the summer months. Au Gourmand doesn’t reservations but you’ll get a table in not too long! $$

SaSaZu (Celetná 988/38, Staré Město)

SaSaZu is a vibrant Asian fusion restaurant that delights diners with its eclectic menu inspired by various East and Southeast Asian cuisines. Known for its creative dishes, varied wine selection, and lively atmosphere, SaSaZu is a popular spot for both locals and tourists seeking an exciting culinary adventure. Favorite dishes include butter chicken, cauliflower steak, and sushi rolls.

Oblaca (Mahlerovy sady 1, Žižkov)

Perched atop the Žižkov Television Tower, Oblaca offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline while guests savor a carefully curated menu of contemporary Czech and international dishes. You can choose to dine a la carte or sample the degustation menu. With late 20th-century retro interiors, this restaurant is truly unique, with a view of Prague to match.

Brasileiro (Na Příkopě 859/22, Nové Město)

Known for its Brazilian-inspired cuisine, particularly its expertly grilled meats, Brasileiro is a steakhouse unlike any other in Prague’s Old Town. This lively venue creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere where diners can experience the rich flavors of traditional Brazilian barbecue. Those not so keen on meat can sample from their salad bar, sushi menu, or poke bowls.

Best Fine Dining Restaurants in Prague

La Finestra (Platnéřská 13, Old Town)

Just steps from Charles Bridge, this low-key restaurant serves Italian and Mediterranean-inspired dishes made with fresh, high-quality ingredients from the region. Its central location near Old Town Square and relaxed atmosphere makes it a great place for a first-night dinner in the city.

Terrace at The Golden Well (U Zlaté Studně 166/4, Malá Strana)

With an elegant interior and unbeatable view of Prague, Terrace at the Golden Well has all the aesthetic ambiance you could want near Prague Castle. The menu features classic fine-dining cuisine like Beluga Caviar, foie gras, tuna and lobster as well as some unique Japanese beef Wagyu A5 from Kobe.

La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise (Haštalská 18, Old Town)

This Frenchly-named restaurant is rightly mentioned in The Wall Street Journal to be the apex of a recent revival of Czech cuisine as haute cuisine. One of two Michelin-starred restaurants in Prague, La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise serves up elevated traditional fare such as nutmeg-spiced pumpkin soup laced with port, Prague ham, and steamed catfish dressed in thinly sliced radish and kohlrabi. 

The Field Restaurant (U Milosrdných 12, Old Town)

The other Michelin-starred restaurant in Prague, The Field Restaurant offers a more modern and less lavish experience of Czech cuisine as haute cuisine than La Bohême. While the décor appears more spartan, the food is elegantly presented and includes creative flavor combinations, with classic Czech flavors such as mushrooms, plum, and cherries changing with the seasons.

Sansho (Petrská 1170/25, New Town)

This restaurant, serving gourmet Asian Fusion cuisine, was opened in 2011 by 5-star Chef Paul Day, whose philosophy has motivated him to buy only from local farmers and butchers with a whole-animal practice. The degustation menu, consisting of 7 courses, includes an insane range of tastes, to be paired with inventive fruity cocktails.  The atmosphere isn’t as cushy as you might expect, with simple wooden tables and chairs. It’s all about the food at Sansho.

Čestr (Legerova 57/75)

With a menu made for meat lovers, Čestr serves a wide range of beef dishes in a modern atmosphere. The interiors boast quirky cowhead-shaped chandeliers as well as locally-sourced beef. Čestr takes pride in sourcing and preparing quality meat, and its variety of options can satisfy any carnivore’s taste buds.

U Modré Kachničky (2 locations, Malá Strana and Staré Město)

This fine dining restaurant is run by a chef who has cooked for the Swedish and Norwegian royal families, and you’re bound to eat like royalty here. The decadent menu focuses on wild game dishes such as venison, duck, and wild boar, with an extensive wine list to pair the perfect vintage with your meal. 

Štangl (Pernerova 49, Karlín)

Located in Prague’s hip Karlín district, Štangl boasts trendy design features such as an open kitchen and a cavernous dining space. This restaurant makes a special focus on curating a seasonal tasting menu primarily sourced from quality local products. Open for dinner only on Tuesday–Friday and brunch (as well as dinner) on Saturdays.

Best Vegetarian Restaurants in Prague

Lehká Hlava (Boršov 280/2, 110 00 Staré Město)

Located just steps from the river and Národní Divadlo, Lehká Hlava (clear head in Czech) is one of Prague’s pioneering vegetarian restaurants still going strong. Inside its whimsically designed interior featuring starry motifs, dine on vegetarian mainstays like burgers and burritos or vegetarian takes on svíčková and foie gras. $$

Maitrea (Týnská ulička 1064/6, Staré Město)

Maitrea, Lehká Hlava’s sister restaurant, lies in a discreet alley just off of Old Town Square. While this location has more of a focus on Asian-inspired fare in their regular menu, their daily lunch menu offers creative and diverse veggie twists on all kinds of dishes, including traditional Czech fare. $$

Best Sweet shops in Prague

Cukrárna Myšák  (710/31, Vodičkova, Nové Město)

Just a short walk from Wenceslas Square,  Cukrárna Myšák is a classic Czech cukrárna, with a history dating back over 100 years. Its interior designs evoke the First Republic and it offers a rotating selection of cakes, pastries, and other sweets throughout the year. Try some traditional Czech sweets year-round or enjoy the classic Myšák sundae in the summer. $$

Cukrář Skála (2 locations: V Celnici 1034/6 and Dlouhá 727/39)

This cukrárna offers both classic Czech confections and modern sweets, all based on the recipes of master pastry chef Lukáš Skála and his father. Among its varied sweet selection is Skála’s original cream rolls, coming in flavors ranging from chocolate to pistachio to strawberry – a highly recommended unique sweet treat! $$

Černá Madona (Celetná 34, Staré Město)

Housed inside a remarkable Cubist building in Old Town, Černá Madona offers a delectable selection of classic Czech desserts, and during the pandemic got creative, inventing a cake decorated like the notorious virus that threatened lives and livelihoods worldwide in the early 2020s. They also offer a decent breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu, if you’re hankering for more than dessert. $$

Bakeshop (Kozí 918/1, Staré Město)

Located in the Jewish Quarter, Bakeshop is a newer, trendy addition to the Prague bakery-café scene. Specialties include sourdough bread, American-style bagels, challah bread, and a variety of quiches. Stop in the café for breakfast or lunch to sample some of their wide range of sweet and savory offerings.

Best kid-friendly restaurants in Prague

Food Lab (Haštalská 749/4)

Offering modern fusion of international and Czech cuisine in a sleek, stylish setting in Prague’s Old Town, Food Lab serves up an experience, not just a meal. Food Lab blends fine dining with a relaxed, family-friendly vibe, featuring a special kids’ menu and a play area that includes a climbing wall, play house and ball pit. Parents can enjoy expertly crafted dishes and signature cocktails while children are entertained in a safe, dedicated space.

Vytopna Railway Restaurant (Václavské náměstí 56)

This unique restaurant on Wenceslas Square has model trains deliver drinks right to your table. The cuisine is a mix of Czech mainstays like guláš and svíčková, and modern crowd-pleasers such as burgers and steak. The train-themed interiors and model railway system spanning the restaurant mesmerize kids and train enthusiasts alike. It’s loud, lively, and bustling with a family-friendly atmosphere.

Vinohradský Parlament (Říční 539/2)

Just off Náměstí Míru, Vinohradský Parlament serves authentic Czech cuisine in a spacious, modern beer hall. The atmosphere balances traditional pub charm with a contemporary, family-welcoming feel. It offers a varied kids’ menu, high chairs, and a supervised play area with toys and activities. Known for its hearty meals and tank beer, it’s a great spot for families wanting a taste of Czech culture. 

Bruxx (Náměstí Míru 9)

This Belgian-inspired brasserie is known for its fresh mussels served in various sauces, crispy fries, and a wide selection of Belgian beers. The lively, stylish atmosphere blends modern design with a classic European feel. As it shares a play area with Vinohradský Parlament, kids can enjoyably pass the time as the adults linger over their beverages.

Take a Tour with Insight Cities

Want to explore the best that the Prague culinary scene has to offer? Insight Cities’ Best of Culinary Prague Tour serves as the perfect introduction to Czech cuisine, from the various toppings for chlebíčky to pub fare such as Hermelín and utopenec to hearty main dishes, delectable desserts, and local wine. Your expert guide will lead you on this culinary journey through culture-defining Czech cuisine through the ages, including the Communist era and the revival of Czech traditional meals as elevated cuisine today. Book your culinary tour today to get a real taste of Prague!

FAQS – Best Prague Restaurants

What are Prague’s famous dishes?
Prague is famous for hearty cuisine, often heavy in meat and potatoes. Signature dishes include svíčková (beef sirloin with creamy sauce and dumplings), guláš (a variation on the traditional Hungarian stew, spiced with paprika), roasted pork with sauerkraut, and smažený sýr (fried cheese). Traditional Czech food goes great with beer, which the Czechs are famous for.

Where do celebrities eat in Prague?
Celebrities often dine at upscale spots like Café Savoy, Kampa Park (overlooking Charles Bridge), or at fine dining establishments such as La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise. Some also visit Eska, Čestr, and Štangl, all with distinctive menus, interiors and ambience.

Is it rude not to tip in Prague?
Tipping is customary in Prague, though not excessive. Locals usually round up the bill in cafes and pubs, or add about 10% at restaurants with table service. Not leaving a tip at all might be considered impolite in sit-down restaurants, as tips are accepted for good service. In casual cafés or pubs, tipping by rounding up the total is generally acceptable.