If you thought the Czech Republic was all beer, guess again! Beyond the brew pubs is a world class culinary scene, and the restaurants in Prague are some of the best in Europe.
You’ll find a lot more than just traditional dishes, though the Czech goulash is so good that it might change your life. Prague is the proud home to a variety of fusion and international restaurants. I was thrilled to find several Korean places that were perfect executions of typical food in Seoul!
It goes to show that anyone can find great places to eat in Prague; you just need to know where to look. While traveling through the Czech Republic, I had a chance to sample some fantastic restaurants in Prague. These were my top 22 favorites.
22 Prague Restaurants for Every Type of Foodie
If you listen closely, you’ll hear ten different languages spoken on the street. Prague is a melting pot, serving way more than cuisine from the Czech Republic.
In a hurry? Here’s a quick TL;DR for the top 10 restaurants in Prague:
- Best svíčková: U Houmra
- Best traditional restaurant in Prague: U Matěje Kotrby
- Best snack and quick bite stop: SausageGo
- Best Michelin starred restaurant: Alcron
- Best bar food and beer: Vinohradský pivovar
- Best vegan restaurant in Prague: Vegan’s Prague
- Best Ramen restaurant in Prague: BON Fresh Ramen & Soba
- Best bar in Prague: Vinohradský pivovar (again!)
- Best Prague Old Town restaurant: Beef Bar
- Best goulash: U Matěje Kotrby (check out my complete list here)
Explore beyond the hot spots in Prague
If you like avoiding crowds, traveling for culture, and exploring deeply, we curated a list of over 100 must-visit spots in Prague.
Czech Restaurants in Prague
U Matěje Kotrby
I was staying at an Airbnb right down the street from U Matěje Kotrby and walked in here without a Google Map save to guide my way. Admittedly, I was starving after a delayed flight and was ready to eat anything. As it turns out, I happened to find one of the most popular traditional restaurants in the city!
This was my first taste of pork goulash, a divine experience alongside their homemade bread dumplings. My travel partner had duck breast with potato dumplings drenched in an herby sauce.
We also split a blueberry cobbler-esque dessert served with a thick topping that seemed similar to the dumplings earlier. The dough itself was not sweet, but paired nicely with the carmelized fruit.
Lokál U Jiráta
Lokáls are traditional Czech pubs that serve a combination of hearty food and beer. There are nine locations throughout the Czech Republic, though rest assured, this Czech pub hasn’t lost its soul in the process of expansion.
Unlike U Matěje Kotrby, Lokál U Jiráta makes their goulash the old fashioned way with beef instead of pork. It was hard to say which goulash dish was better, but this is honestly one of the best traditional restaurants in Prague.
We went to their location near the Vodičkova metro stop. For an extra unique activity, you can take a guided class on how to properly pour Czech beer.
Kantýna
Czech cuisine is quite heavy, so Prague is an ideal city for trying various meat dishes and sausages at relatively affordable prices. Kantýna is one such location, where prices are reasonable and the meat abundant.
Kantýna is one of the best restaurants in Prague for locally sourced meats, which you choose by walking up to the deli-style counter and taking your pick. It’s located in the New Town neighborhood, and you can try everything from bone marrow to beef tartare.
Best Prague Restaurants in Old Town
Beef Bar
The city center has the densest food traffic during the day, and sometimes even greater at night. As one of Prague’s best restaurants in Old Town, it can be hard to come by an open table at Beef Bar.
We were lucky enough to fill a last minute cancellation for dinner on a Thursday evening, but otherwise, I don’t think we would have gotten in. But I can understand why.
I had one of the best steaks in my life at Beef Barn. If that sounds like your kind of experience, then you should plan a reservation at least two weeks in advance.
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Best Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants in Prague
Despite the emphasis on meat dishes in traditional Czech cuisine, Prague is a budding vegetarian and vegan haven. Those with diet restrictions will be happy to find a wide range of restaurants, even beyond Alcron’s vegetarian dishes.
Maitrea Restaurace
One popular vegetarian restaurant is Maitrea, located in the heart of Prague’s Old Town. The menu features a variety of vegetarian and vegan dishes with an Eastern influence. You can get a vegetarian goulash here made with black beer, but I chose to try something a little different from Czech cuisine this time and ordered kimchi udon noodles.
The interior is absolutely beautiful, as if you had walked into a serene temple in the jungle. Besides vegetarian offerings, Maitrea also offers gluten-free options for those with dietary restrictions.
Lehká hlava
Even if you aren’t a vegetarian, plan to make a quick stop at Lehká hlava so you can see the interior. It’s decorated with murals of the night sky, which gives it an atmospheric and almost extraterrestrial vibe.
Lehká hlava has two different menus: a regular and a daily menu. The daily menu changes based on the ingredients they have on hand, while the regular menu offers more standardized options like burgers. The parmesan pleasure burger was outstanding!
Alongside Maitrea, it’s one of the best places to eat in Prague for vegetarians wanting to try some animal-friendly traditional Czech cuisine.
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Vegan’s Prague
A few years ago, in the Providence, Rhode Island, restaurant scene, Plant City was credited as the first spot to make vegan food chic in the city. I believe that the Czech Republic’s equivalent is Vegan’s Prague.
This restaurant is the city’s best-kept secret because it’s away from the city center and at the top of a hill, but if you’re planning to visit Prague Castle (which you totally should), this restaurant isn’t too far from there.
I’m not strictly vegan, though I appreciate the emphasis on utilizing ingredients and spices for flavor. The ‘carpaccio’ was beautifully presented, with thin beet root slices holding a bouquet of arugula.
International Restaurants in Prague
As you know, the culinary scene is not limited solely to traditional Czech fare.
Old Hanoi
I was stunned by the beautiful interior at Old Hanoi, a Vietnamese mainstay in New Town. It was actually a few blocks away from where I was staying during a five day trip through Prague.
I am a certifiable pho fiend, so that’s what I ended up ordering.
Prahaggogi
I acquired a bit of a taste for Korean barbecue after living outside of Seoul for over a year. Named perfectly, Prahaggogi (“Ggogi” is the Korean word for meat) has some of the best barbeque I’ve tasted in Europe.
You’ll find thick slices of samgyeopsal (pork belly) cooked beautifully in a round charcoal pit. Enjoy it with your various sides (banchan) or, even better, a bowl of kimchi stew (jjigae).
Pho Vietnam Tuan & Lan
If you’re in the mood for a quick and tasty bite that isn’t Czech food, Pho Vietnam Tuan & Lan is the place to go. Another great Vietnamese place (and in general, one of Prague’s top restaurants), I came here and ordered another bowl of pho.
Set in the trendy Vinohrady district, this family-run restaurant offers authentic Vietnamese cuisine, with dishes such as pho, spring rolls, and banh mi. The portions are generous, and the prices are wallet-friendly.
Funwari Japanese Pancakes
If you’re looking for a little Japanese kawaii in Bohemia, make sure you go to Funwari. They specialize in the fluffy soufflé pancakes that were first made hugely popular in Japan. What is notable about Funwari is the imagined toppings: everything from seasonal, juicy persimmons to hazelnuts and Nutella.
While you’re at Funwari, make sure to check out the surrounding neighborhood of Vinohrady. This is the trendiest neighborhood in Prague, where you can find a great mix of cute cafes, local breweries, and eclectic shops.
Vinohrady is just minutes away from the train station and is considered one of the best places to stay during your Prague trip!
BON Fresh Ramen & Soba
For those looking to get a Japanese food fix, BON is the way to go! Their ramen is packed with that incredible umami flavor, but you can get other Japanese classics like karaage (deep-fried chicken) and soba noodles.
Michelin-Starred Prague Restaurants
For those seeking an extraordinary dining experience that employs all of your senses, Prague lays claim to several Michelin-starred restaurants that are sure to impress even the most discerning palates.
Alcron
This restaurant has been operating since the 1930s and was awarded a Michelin star for its exceptional Czech and international cuisine.
While the menu isn’t strictly vegetarian, they follow a “vegetable-first” philosophy. This means that no matter who is sitting at the table, be it a meat-lover or a vegetarian, there is a colorful plate of natural, delicious ingredients.
La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise
It’s fitting that only a few blocks from Pařížská, the poshest shopping street in Prague, you’ve got one of the city’s richest dining experiences.
La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise earned its two Michelin stars and rankings as one of the best places to eat in Prague by amplifying Czech cuisine with imaginative drink pairings.
The sommeliers examine the seasonal menus and curate wine pairings while the bartenders invent cocktails perfumed with herbs, nuts, vegetables, and fruits.
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Unique Restaurants in Prague
Prague is not just about the food; it’s also about the unique dining experiences that you can find in the city. From dining in a medieval cellar to enjoying a meal in a floating restaurant, Prague offers a range of unforgettable dining experiences.
U Modré kachničky
For a truly atmospheric dining experience, settle into U Modré kachničky’s Medieval interiors. From the antique furniture to the portraits housed within gilded frames, the setting makes it experiential dining all on their own, but dinner is also often a show.
Some dishes are cooked on an open flame table side, while others arrive in a completely ignited cooking pan. You’ll find your usual suspects like goulash, but be open to trying some of the more rustic dishes like rabbit.
Terasa U Zlaté studně
Terasa, the Czech word for terrace, is the first hint about what to expect at this restaurant. Once you step foot into this 16th-century property nestled between modern buildings, you’ll wonder if you’ve actually stepped a few hundred years back in time.
Go to the top and you’ll find breathtaking panoramic views of the city skyline, with tables set out for the perfect romantic dinner spot. If you’re considering where to eat dinner in Prague, maybe keep this one for a special date night.
In full disclosure, I didn’t have a chance to eat here, but have heard rave reviews from both my sister and a friend who checked it out!
Admirál Restaurace
You’ve got to give it to Admirál Restaurace, they truly nailed the whole Prague’s most unique restaurant thing.
First of all, it’s inside of a botel, a boat hotel. You enter the boat from the docks and as you set off on the Vltava River, the view of Charles Bridge and the city skyline expands in the distance.
The ambiance is warm, inviting, and charmingly chic. You feel a bit like you’re dining inside an early 20th-century steam liner!
Výtopna Prague Railway Restaurant
When you walk into Výtopna, you’ll see why it’s frequently at the top of the list for most unusual restaurants in Prague. It’s one part place to eat, one part toy store. Toy trains chug around a track that’s wrapped around the perimeter of the ceiling, and your lunch order will reach your table on top of a model train!
Výtopna Prague Railway Restaurant is cute, kitschy, and super fun for people of all ages, especially if you enjoy the nostalgia of model trains. I’d say it’s worth the experience to visit at least once. You can find recognizable staples like burgers and fries served with a flight of beer.
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Affordable Restaurants in Prague
Prague is not just a melting-pot city in terms of the global residents; there is also a huge mix of different dining experiences. Michelin-starred restaurants live on the same block as street food stalls serving orders in a paper bag.
From my experience, the best cheap places to eat in Prague are located in the Old Town. Although some may consider these touristy, they’re great for a quick bite to eat as you move from attraction to attraction.
Restaurace KAMIN
For a while, Restaurace KAMIN had been Prague’s best-kept secret, though I doubt it will stay that way for long. Born from the minds of two brothers, KAMIN represents Czech cuisine in its finest form.
The dishes are sumptuous and beautifully presented, but without a hint of pretension. After all, this is a family restaurant serving mainly reimagined street food.
SausageGo
This hole-in-the-wall kiosk is right in the heart of Prague’s party center, so I’m guessing at least half of their revenue comes from people stumbling out of the clubs, but that doesn’t make SausageGo any less fantastic.
As the name suggests, you can order a variety of sausages cut into cubes of bread and served in a small bowl. It’s literally a place where you order sausage and go, as in, leave the store.
I was laughing nonstop when I saw the sign in front, and was then shocked to find how good the sausage was here. I’m talking about crisp skin and juicy meat paired with warm bread. What’s not to love about that?
U Houmra
This adorable bistro is everything you want in a classic Czech joint: friendly staff, authentic food options, lots of beer on tap, and a happy wallet… Also, a bit of The Simpsons if you’re into that!
I, in fact, am into that, and was cracking up when I read their street sign, and then saw their menus and walls were decorated with The Simpsons. I thought that “Houmra” might have been the Czech version of “Homer,” as in Homer Simpson, but it turns out that the name has more to do with the Homer Simpson style of dining. Big portions; lots of beer.
Vinohradský pivovar
In my guide on where to try Czech Pilsner in Prague, the name Vinohradský pivovar came up a few times. That’s because this local brewery has some of the best beer and bar food in the city.
You’ll find a few locations through Prague, but their location on Korunní street (right next to the Orionka tram stop) is in a bunker-style building, partially underground and which expands the further you go town.
Must Eats in Prague
Okay, so there are plenty of options, but what do you eat in Prague? For traditional, popular, and downright delicious, here’s what you should prioritize eating.
Svíčková
Svíčková is the word for tenderloin, but in the popular Czech dish, typically refers more to the beef topside cut of meat. This hearty stew-like dish comes with slices of tender meat, houskové knedlíky (bread dumplings) and a generous pour over of savory, creamy sauce.
Trdelnik
Looking for trdelnik? Don’t worry, your nose will guide you to the nearest stall. It’s one of the most popular things to eat in Prague, and food vendors bake these doughy ribbons of sweet bread all day. Try them with a dusting of sugar and cinnamon, or get it a la mode with ice cream.
Goulash
By far the best Prague food is going to be goulash, which can actually be quite life-changing if you eat it on a cold, drizzly day.
Utopenec
Of course, you can’t go wrong with traditional Czech while in the capital city. If you’re feeling adventurous, don’t miss out on utopenec, a pickled sausage that pairs perfectly with Czech beer.
Burning Questions From the Eaters in Prague
Tipping culture in Prague
When dining in Prague, it’s customary to leave a tip for the service staff. While tipping is not mandatory, it is appreciated, especially if you’ve received exceptional service. Some establishments may also ask you to tip, so I was pretty surprised by this the first time dining out in Prague. Most Americans are comfortable leaving a tip, but being asked to do so is sometimes a shock.
A tip of around 10% of the total bill is totally appropriate. Whether you choose to add more or less is based on the quality of service. Be sure to check the bill to see if a service charge has already been included.
What is traditional Czech food?
Traditional Czech cuisine is strongly tied to Eastern European ingredients: potatoes, red meat, and hearty stews. You have Czech-style Goulash, a fragrant beef stew served with glutinous dumplings. You’ll also find lots of homemade fresh cheese and sausage. One of my personal favorites is Czech garlic soup (aka Hangover Soup)!
