12 Best Restaurants in Prague

After long walks visiting Prague's must-see sights, it's time to recharge your batteries. Whether in the old town, the Jewish quarter or the castle area, the Czech capital offers a wide range of restaurants serving dishes such as pork knuckle and goulash, always accompanied by a local beer.

Keep in mind, however, that as a tourist city, Prague is not free of tourist traps. Therefore, it is important to know the names and locations of a few restaurants in advance so that mealtime does not turn into a disappointment. In this list, I have prioritised places that offer good value for money, but without skimping on a little luxury to celebrate your trip.

Its privileged location, between Charles Bridge and Old Town Square, specifically on the central Maiselova Street, makes U Pivrnce one of the best options for lunch or dinner after a day of sightseeing in the area.

In addition, this restaurant is considered one of the best in terms of value for money in the centre of Prague. Its menu features traditional dishes that you can eat in Prague, such as goulash or spiced beef stew, and of course the famous Pilsen beer. Its dark beer is also worth trying.

Details of interest

• Where: Maiselova, 60/3.
• Average price per person: between £14 and £20.
• Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 12 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Recommended dish: svícková, beef tenderloin with vegetable sauce and cream seasoned with various spices.
• Recommended if... you want to enjoy a good dinner in a very pleasant setting.

Booking a medieval dinner with a show in Prague is another must-do on your trip to the Czech capital. For example: Krčma, with its medieval tavern look, is one of the most recommended places to relax for a while and eat traditional dishes.

To recharge your batteries, Krčma offers an extensive menu at very attractive prices. However, as in other restaurants in Prague, you should be careful with the quantities, as many of the dishes can easily serve two people. One example is the pork knuckle weighing over a kilo served in this tavern.

Interesting details

• Where: Kostecna, 925/4.
• Average price per person: between £8 and £15.
• Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. every day of the week.
• Recommended dish: the combination of pork knuckle with dark beer leaves no one indifferent.
• Recommended if... you want to feel like a resident of Prague during the Middle Ages.

Very close to the original Dancing House, the location of U Matejicku combines the advantages of not being right in the tourist centre, but only a few minutes away. It is therefore the perfect place if you don't mind straying a little from the old town to eat very well at a great price.

In general, the menu consists of several dishes of homemade Czech food, such as schnitzel or their fabulous sausages, all accompanied by craft beer. Keep in mind that this is one of the most popular drinks in the Czech Republic and, in fact, there is a wide range of craft beer tours in Prague.

U Matejicku also stands out for the great service provided by its staff, who are always attentive and willing to help with any questions.

Interesting details

• Where: Naplavni, 2011/5.
• Average price per person: between £8 and £12.
• Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.
• Recommended dish: the beer sausages are unbeatable.
• Recommended if... you like traditional dishes in a local atmosphere.

Nase Maso is a very unique place to include in your gastronomic tour of Prague. Highly recommended for lovers of good meat. It is actually a butcher's shop that serves its customers dishes made with its own products in a quick and straightforward manner.

Due to its location in the heart of the Jewish quarter, very close to the Spanish Synagogue, this place is ideal for those who have chosen to book a tour of the Jewish quarter. The best thing about this place is undoubtedly the quality of the meat they serve, whether in the form of burgers, sausages or even a spectacular steak tartare. In this regard, few restaurants in the city can compete with such quality.

The main problem with this place is the lack of space if you want to eat inside. It only has 4 or 5 small tables to sit at, and at peak times it is usually difficult to find a free one.

Details of interest

• Where: Dlouha, 39.
• Average price per person: can easily reach £20.
• Opening hours: Monday to Saturday, 8:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closed on Sundays.
• Recommended dish: in my opinion, their steak tartare, but any of their burgers will win you over.
• Recommended if... you're a meat lover and want to try the best.

U Tri jelinku stands out not only for its good food, but also for its location. Anyone who has researched what to see in Prague's castle district will have discovered several really striking streets. Among them is Nerudova Street, where this restaurant is located.

Including U Tri jelinku in your gastronomic tour of Prague will make your culinary experience even more unforgettable. To begin with, the atmosphere is very pleasant and, most importantly, the food is of very high quality.

The soups on the menu are particularly noteworthy, although the goulash, pork knuckle and duck are not far behind. The service is equally excellent, especially thanks to the friendliness of the waiters.

Details of interest

• Where: Nerudova, 206/4.
• Average price per person: between £10 and £15 per person.
• Opening hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Recommended dish: the pumpkin or onion soup is perfect for a cold day.
• Recommended if... you've taken a guided tour of Prague Castle and the neighbourhood and are looking for a restaurant to round off your visit.

Havelská Koruna, traditional Czech food by weight

If you've taken a guided tour of Prague, you're sure to have passed through Wenceslas Square. Very close by, just a few metres from the market on Havelská Street, you'll find this self-service restaurant serving traditional Czech food.

When you enter, you'll be given a piece of paper with which you must go to the counter to pick up your tray and choose your food by pointing it out to the person serving. Meanwhile, they will mark your order on the piece of paper. When you have your order, just sit down and enjoy it, and pay on your way out.

My advice is to take a look at the English menu in the window before you go in. In general, you can choose from several types of soup, chicken, fish and breaded meat.

Useful information

• Where: Havelska, 502/21.
• Average price per person: between £10 and £15.
• Opening hours: every day from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
• Recommended dish: the goulash is very tasty, but don't miss the fruit-filled dumplings with yoghurt served for dessert.
• Recommended if... you want to experience a typical restaurant from the communist era in Eastern Europe.

If you' re staying in Prague for a long time, perhaps five days, you might want to take a break from Czech food (which is tasty but quite heavy on the stomach) and try something different. Luckily, in the country's capital, you'll find a small place that serves some of the best pizzas you can find.

Johnny Pizza is located outside the historic centre, but it's not difficult to get there on foot. It's very easy to spot, as you just have to look for a queue of people waiting to order.

At the restaurant, you can choose between two sizes (30 or 50 cm) of pizza, which stands out for its thin crust and the fact that it is cooked to order. The only problem is that it only has three small tables, so it's very difficult to eat there. If your hotel is nearby, you can order it to take away and enjoy it while you relax.

Details of interest

• Where: Koubkova, 685/16.
• Average price per person: between £5 and £7.
• Opening hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
• Recommended dish: the Four Seasons is perfect, although if you want to customise your pizza, you can opt for the Exclusive, which allows you to choose up to five ingredients.
• Recommended if... you want to take a break from local food and try some great pizzas.

Either of Ferdinanda's two restaurants in the city are perfect for including in your gastronomic tour of Prague. However, I recommend that you take care when ordering, as the portions are very generous and it's easy to not be able to finish everything. Another point in their favour is that both restaurants have menus in Spanish.

• The first restaurant is located in the lively Mala Strana neighbourhood. This location makes it a great option for lunch before visiting Prague Castle, although the area surrounding the restaurant is also worth spending some time exploring.
• The second restaurant is in a strategic location: near the central train station. If you've read my article on the best day trips around Prague, you'll know that the train is usually the best way to get around on your own, so this restaurant is very convenient.

Details of interest

• Where it is: one is located at Karmelitská, 18; and the second at Politických vězňů, 19.
• Average price per person: around £10.
• Opening hours: it opens at 11 a.m. and closes at 11 p.m.
• Recommended dish: the most traditional dish is pork knuckle, which is truly delicious.
• Recommended if... you're looking for quality Czech food for lunch or dinner in a great area for sightseeing.

Traditional Czech cuisine does not offer many options for vegetarians. However, in Prague you can find some restaurants specialising in this type of food. Among them is Loving Hut Koubkova.

This restaurant is located in one of the most touristy areas of the city, specifically on Londynska Street. It is not limited to lunch and dinner, but also opens in the morning to serve a good breakfast buffet.

One thing to bear in mind is that this is a self-service restaurant. You choose your food at the counter and pay by weight. Remember that they do not accept card payments.

Details of interest

• Where: Londynska, 216/35.
• Average price per person: around £7 or £8.
• Opening hours: every day from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• Recommended dish: any of the vegan burgers.
• Recommended if... you're vegetarian or just want to give up meat for a day.

Prague, as you can read in this article about the best views of the city, offers several breathtaking panoramas. If you want to enjoy one of them while you dine, the Mlynec restaurant is the best choice.

If you manage to book a table in the right area, you will be able to enjoy excellent views of Charles Bridge and, if it is at night, appreciate its lighting under the stars.

On the other hand, the restaurant is priced well above the Prague average, but it is worth including it in your gastronomic tour of Prague and treating yourself during your trip. The service, as befits its category, is excellent and the menu combines traditional dishes with more creative additions.

Details of interest

• Where: Novotného lávka, 9.
• Average price per person: between £30 and £70.
• Opening hours: from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Recommended dish: according to the restaurant itself, its schnitzel is the best in town.
• Recommended if... you want to treat yourself to a little luxury during your visit to the city.

After enjoying all the essential attractions of Prague, another option if you're not keen on trying new things and would rather stick to a menu of burgers, sandwiches or macaroni is to make a reservation at the Hard Rock Cafe in Prague.

With this menu of two or three delicious dishes of typical American food, you'll be sure to have lunch or dinner without any surprises. And surrounded by rock legends!

Useful information

• Where: Malé Náměstí 3, Prague 1 (a few steps from Old Town Square).
• Average price per person: from S$46
• Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Friday and Saturday until midnight.
• Recommended dish: the classic hamburger with grilled beef or barbecued chicken, favourites on the menu.
• Recommended if... you want a meal with no surprises, a legendary musical atmosphere and a location in the historic city centre.

Another unforgettable experience to enjoy Prague's cuisine and the city in general is to book a dinner cruise in the Czech capital. For approximately three hours, you will have the opportunity to relax on a modern and luxurious boat while listening to live music.

The dinner is ideal because it is buffet style, so you will have plenty to choose from while admiring the city's architectural gems such as Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and the Powder Tower from a completely different perspective.

Of course, if you prefer a daytime plan, you can also book a cruise with lunch in Prague, which is also buffet style and takes place around 12 noon.

Details of interest

• Where: boarding at pier 17 of the Dvořákovo nábřeží pier, Prague 1.

• Average price per person: from S$77

• Departure times:

  • Dinner: at 7pm (please arrive at least 15 minutes before departure).
  • Lunch: around 12 noon.

• Duration: approximately 2 hours

• Includes: welcome drink, buffet dinner or lunch, live music, free WiFi and online audio guide in 24 languages.

• Recommended if... you want to enjoy a different kind of evening or lunch, with unforgettable views of Prague from the Vltava River, without sacrificing good food.