Best Restaurants in Prague: Where to Eat in the Czech Capital
Prague is no longer just a destination for cheap pilsner and heavy gravy. The city's food scene has evolved into a sophisticated mix of Michelin-starred innovation, traditional Bohemian revivals, and a massive Vietnamese influence. You will find centuries-old basement taverns competing with sleek espresso bars and high-end bistros. While pork and dumplings remain staples, modern Prague chefs prioritize seasonal ingredients and farm-to-table sourcing. Whether you are looking for a quick open-faced sandwich or a ten-course tasting menu, the best restaurants in Prague offer high value for your money compared to other European capitals.
Must-try dishes in Prague
Before deciding where to eat in Prague, familiarize yourself with the local staples. Czech food is designed to pair perfectly with lager.
- Svíčková na smetaně: Beef sirloin in a creamy root vegetable sauce, served with bread dumplings, cranberry sauce, and a slice of lemon.
- Guláš (Goulash): A thick beef stew seasoned with paprika, usually served with raw onions and bread dumplings.
- Smažený sýr: Breaded and fried Edam or Hermelín cheese, typically served with tartar sauce and fries.
- Chlebíčky: Traditional open-faced sandwiches topped with potato salad, ham, egg, and pickles.
- Kulajda: A creamy dill soup featuring potatoes, mushrooms, and a poached egg.
- Vepřové koleno: Roasted pork knuckle, marinated in dark beer and served with horseradish and mustard.
Best restaurants for a splurge
When you want a high-end experience, Prague delivers world-class service without the pretension of Paris or London. These are the best restaurants in Prague for a celebration.
Field (Old Town)
Located in Staré Město, Field holds a Michelin star for its uncompromising focus on raw, seasonal ingredients. The presentation is artistic, often using stones, wood, and hay. It is the best spot for those who want a farm-to-table philosophy pushed to its creative limits. The tasting menus are Scandinavian in style: clean, minimalist, and intense.
La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise (Old Town)
This restaurant reimagines 19th-century Czech recipes through a modern lens. The open kitchen creates an immersive atmosphere where you watch chefs prepare intricate, bite-sized courses. It is one of the most prestigious places where to eat in Prague if you want to understand the history of Bohemian cuisine refined into fine dining.
Terasa U Zlaté studně (Malá Strana)
Situated just below Prague Castle, this restaurant offers some of the most famous views in Europe. The menu focuses on high-end international and French cuisine, featuring foie gras and wagyu beef. While the food is excellent, the terrace view over the city's red-tiled roofs is the primary draw for a romantic dinner.
Best casual restaurants and local favorites
These spots are local institutions. They provide the quintessential Prague dining experience with excellent beer and reliable food.
Lokál Dlouhááá (Old Town)
Lokál is a long, hall-like space that serves the freshest Pilsner Urquell in the city directly from tanks. The menu is a rotating list of Czech classics made with high-quality ingredients. Expect loud crowds, communal tables, and some of the best fried cheese in the city. It is a mandatory stop for anyone visiting Prague.
Kantýna (New Town)
Housed in a former bank, Kantýna is a butcher-shop-meets-restaurant. There are no reservations. You grab a bone-shaped ticket, head to the counter, and point to the cuts of meat you want grilled. The beef carpaccio and the smoked meat are legendary. It is casual, chaotic, and incredibly high quality.
Eska (Karlín)
Eska combines a bakery with a modern bistro in a converted industrial space. They are known for their "potatoes in ash," a dish that turned a humble vegetable into a culinary icon. It is a fantastic spot for a casual lunch or a dinner of fermented vegetables and wood-fired meats.
Kuchyň (Prague Castle)
Located at the National Gallery’s Salm Palace, Kuchyň offers a unique concept. You walk up to the stove, lift the lids on the pots, and smell what the chefs have cooked that day. You then choose your dish based on what looks best. The outdoor seating offers panoramic views of the city.
Best cheap eats and street food
Eating well in Prague does not require a large budget. Avoid the "Trdelník" (chimney cake) stalls in the main square and look for these authentic options instead.
Sisters Bistro (Old Town)
This is the place to try chlebíčky, the traditional Czech open-faced sandwich. Sisters took this classic snack and modernized it with fresh toppings like roast beef, remoulade, or pickled herring. It is healthy, cheap, and perfect for a quick standing lunch.
Vietnamese Banh Mi Stalls (Various)
Prague has a massive Vietnamese population. You will find incredible Banh Mi and Pho across the city. Look for Banh Mi Ba or Mr. Banh Mi. These spots offer spicy, fresh sandwiches for a fraction of the price of a sit-down meal.
Naplavka Farmers Market (Riverside)
If you are in town on a Saturday morning, head to the riverbank. You can find grilled bratwurst, fresh pastries, and local cheeses. It is a favorite weekend ritual for locals. Grab a coffee and a sausage and walk along the Vltava.
Burrito Loco (Various)
While not traditional Czech food, Burrito Loco is a Prague staple for late-night hunger. With multiple locations open 24/7, it provides consistent, cheap food when everything else is closed. The "Big Fat Greek" burrito is a cult favorite among expats and students.
Best breakfast and brunch
Prague's cafe culture is thriving. These spots are the best restaurants in Prague to start your day.
Café Savoy (Malá Strana)
Café Savoy features a stunning neo-Renaissance ceiling and an old-world atmosphere. Their breakfasts are lavish, featuring French toasts, eggs, and house-made pastries from their basement bakery. It feels expensive, but the prices are approachable. Booking a table in advance is highly recommended.
Etapa (Karlín)
Etapa is a modern, bright cafe that focuses on vegetarian and sourdough-based dishes. Their menu changes frequently based on what is in season. The sourdough bread is some of the best in the Czech Republic. It is a favorite for the city’s creative crowd and young professionals.
Venue (Old Town)
Venue is located in a quiet side street in the heart of the tourist district. They serve modern brunch classics like chicken and waffles or eggs Benedict with a twist. It is a reliable, high-quality spot that avoids the tourist-trap feel of many nearby establishments.
Best rooftop or view dining
Prague is the "City of a Hundred Spires," and seeing them from above while eating is a highlight of any trip.
Coda Restaurant (Malá Strana)
Located in the Aria Hotel, Coda features a rooftop terrace with a 360-degree view of Prague. The menu is upscale and the atmosphere is quiet. It is less crowded than other rooftop spots, making it a better choice for a focused dining experience.
Marina Ristorante (Vltava River)
This restaurant is located on a large boat moored on the Vltava. While not a "rooftop," it offers a unique water-level view of the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. They serve high-quality Italian food, specializing in seafood and wood-fired pizzas.
Best food neighborhoods to wander
If you want to escape the crowds of the Old Town Square, head to these districts to see where locals actually eat.
- Karlín (Prague 8): Once a flood-prone industrial zone, it is now the city's food capital. It is packed with specialty coffee shops, wine bars, and modern bistros. Walk along Křižíkova street for endless options.
- Vinohrady (Prague 2): This upscale residential neighborhood has a high concentration of international restaurants. You will find excellent Italian, Mexican, and Vietnamese food here, along with trendy beer gardens like Riegrovy sady.
- Holešovice (Prague 7): This is the gritty, artistic heart of the city. Home to the Vnitroblock creative space and various bistros, it is the best place to find experimental food and cool, industrial aesthetics.
Note: Restaurant hours and reservation requirements may change seasonally.