Mlýnec Restaurant, Prague (4): Lunch With a View of Charles Bridge

It hurts. It always hurts me when I see tips in foreign Facebook groups dedicated to Prague recommending blatantly touristy restaurants where you can get “authentic carbonara with cream for 600 CZK/24 EUR” (such places really exist!).

I understand that after a whole day walking around beautiful Prague, there’s often no energy left for another journey to find food, and that dining with a view of one of Prague’s landmarks is tempting. However, it is possible to choose a place that offers excellent cuisine, an incredible view of one of Prague’s monuments, a beautiful interior, and English-speaking staff.

One such place is my favorite, Mlýnec Restaurant.

Interior of Restaurant Mlýnec (on the left is a partially open kitchen, photographed shortly after the opening hours began).
Interior of Restaurant Mlýnec (on the left is a partially open kitchen, photographed shortly after the opening hours began).

Mlýnec Restaurant is located right by the Vltava River with a view of Charles Bridge. Chef Láďa Vaníček creates dishes here inspired by modern Czech and international cuisine. The menu focuses on seasonal and local ingredients, ensuring freshness and high quality.

View from Mlýnec Restaurant of Charles Bridge. The photo was taken directly from my table (through the glass). The outdoor terrace is open outside of the winter months.
View from Mlýnec Restaurant of Charles Bridge. The photo was taken directly from my table (through the glass). The outdoor terrace is open outside of the winter months.

Mlýnec offers both à la carte dishes and a reasonably priced lunch menu. They serve vegetarian dishes as well as steak specialties, and I especially love their weekend brunch. This time, I went specifically for their lunch menu.

The lunch menu changes every week, and it always includes an appetizer or soup, a main course, and a dessert. I was happy to be tempted by the poultry pâté on French toast, poached pike-perch with kohlrabi, and a chocolate cake.

Mlýnec Restaurant: poultry pâté, almonds, cranberry, and onion marmalade as an appetizer.
Mlýnec Restaurant: poultry pâté, almonds, cranberry, and onion marmalade as an appetizer.
Mlýnec Restaurant: poached zander, kohlrabi, horseradish, dill, and caviar as the main course.
Mlýnec Restaurant: poached zander, kohlrabi, horseradish, dill, and caviar as the main course.
Mlýnec Restaurant: chocolate cake with Baileys, Grand Marnier, and raspberry sorbet as a dessert.
Mlýnec Restaurant: chocolate cake with Baileys, Grand Marnier, and raspberry sorbet as a dessert.

The price for a three-course menu is 695 CZK/28 EUR (two courses cost 595 CZK/24 EUR), which is not cheap. However, for excellent food right in the center of Prague, near Charles Bridge, I find this offer very reasonable. The price also includes absolutely perfect local focaccia (which would not be out of place in Italy!), savory Czech buns, herb butter, a small intermezzo dish (during my visit, it was leek cream with fantastically seasoned pumpkin), and a pre-dessert (hot cider with pieces of apple).

With every meal at Mlýnec, you get excellent focaccia, savory Czech buns, and herb butter.
With every meal at Mlýnec, you get excellent focaccia, savory Czech buns, and herb butter.

Mlýnec has long been one of the restaurants I recommend without hesitation when people ask me where to eat in the historic center of Prague. The view of Charles Bridge is a stunning bonus.

Bon appétit!

For more information about Mlýnec Restaurant, click on the map link below:

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