What is the best Prague lunch or dinner spot? Five Michelin-starred restaurants and dozens of other Michelin restaurants. Countless other restaurants serving excellent international and especially Czech cuisine. Farmers’ markets and their street food. Beautiful cafes and patisseries that invite you to visit. And the panorama of the hundred-spired Prague. Who could resist? ❤️
While traveling, I almost exclusively taste local cuisine, but at home in Czechia, I don’t resist foreign dishes either. However, I am a loyal fan of traditional Czech food.
Food in Prague
The restaurant tips below come from my ongoing tasting and search for a great gastronomic experience. It doesn’t have to come only from the food; a place can easily enchant me with its atmosphere or the energy radiated by its owners.
Enjoy Prague and the best food in Prague!
What to Eat in Prague
Prague ham. Prague ham is known for its juiciness and excellent flavor, achieved through a careful combination of smoking and cooking. If you want to taste Prague ham of top quality, avoid the tourist stalls at the Old Town Square. Instead, visit the butcher shop Naše maso, where you will find great Prague ham made with an emphasis on traditional methods. You won’t regret it 😊
Prague ham: traditional regional Prague specialty.
What Not to Eat in Prague
Trdelník (chimney cake). Trdelník (trdlo) is not a traditional Czech dish, even though it is often sold in Prague’s tourist center. It originally comes from the region of Transylvania (today’s Romania), where it was prepared by local inhabitants. It appeared in Czechia around year 2000 when entrepreneurs began offering it to tourists as a “traditional Czech specialty” – a label it has never truly earned in Czech cuisine. The paradox of a “traditional Czech food” that is not Czech has even been covered by BBC. For tourists who wish to experience real Czech sweet treats, traditional Czech kolache (“koláče”) are a much better choice. Czech kolache have a long history, are made from leavened dough, and filled with quark, plum jam, or poppy seeds – ingredients typical of Czech cuisine. Where would I go for the best kolache in Prague’s historic center? To Kolacherie on Celetná Street. However, kolache can be found in most Prague bakeries offering sweet pastries. See “Where to Eat the Best Czech Kolache in Prague.”
Traditional Czech kolache (“koláče”) are definitely a better choice than tourist chimney cake (“trdelník”).
Where to Eat in the Historical Center of Prague
For each restaurant, I include a historical landmark that is closest to the venue.
Prague, a city interwoven with history and architectural elegance, is also home to several cafés that embody the pinnacle of Art Nouveau – an era of artistic flourishing at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. Art Nouveau not only brings an aesthetic experience to cafés but also a magical atmosphere. A splendid example is Café Savoy with its majestic neo-Renaissance ceiling, Café Imperial with original ceramic tiles, Café Slavia, the center of Prague’s café culture, Café Louvre with Belle Époque-style decorations, or the two cafés located directly in Prague’s Main Train Station.
Café Savoy. The history of Café Savoy dates back to 1893. A notable feature of the interior is a protected ceiling in the neo-Renaissance style, emphasizing the wealth and elegance of the era. Café Savoy is renowned for its offering of fresh pastries and desserts, which it prepares in its own bakery. It is a popular destination for luxurious breakfasts. The café is part of the well-known Ambiente restaurant network.
Café Louvre. Café Louvre opened in 1902 and soon became the center of Prague’s intellectual and cultural life. Many prominent figures were its regular visitors, including the Čapek brothers, Franz Kafka, and even Albert Einstein. Architecturally, the café reflects the elegance of the Belle Époque period, evident in its rich interior and intricate details. After a renovation in 1992, the café was reopened and quickly became a favorite spot for both locals and tourists again.
Café Imperial. Café Imperial is an example of luxurious Art Deco style, combined with elements that give the place an Oriental touch. The walls and ceilings of the café are adorned with thousands of ceramic tiles, featuring reliefs of birds, flowers, and other motifs. This combination of Art Deco with ceramic elements is unique in Prague. The establishment’s history goes back to 1914, and over the years, Café Imperial has undergone many changes. At the turn of the millennium, the café was renovated, and today it is associated with the name of the renowned chef Zdeněk Pohlreich.
Café Slavia. Café Slavia, opened in 1884, is a model example of Prague’s café culture. The space is furnished mainly in the Art Deco style. The large windows of the café offer a stunning view of the Vltava River, Charles Bridge, and Prague Castle. Historically, Slavia has always been a place where intellectuals, artists, and political figures gathered. It was often visited by poet Vítězslav Nezval, the Čapek brothers, Voskovec and Werich, or journalist Ferdinand Peroutka. Regular visitor Václav Havel was also a patron. Over the years, Café Slavia has undergone several renovations, the most recent one aimed at attracting mainly Czech clientele. Today, the café offers a menu inspired by Austro-Hungarian cuisine.
Foyer Café. Foyer Café is located in the renovated Fanta Building, right by the first platform of the Prague’s Main Train Station. The renovation was completed in 2024. The café combines the elegance of the Art Nouveau style with modern elements. The café’s interior carries the spirit of the time when Art Nouveau architecture was a symbol of innovation and aesthetics, and the renovation is, in my opinion, very well done. Foyer Café is more hidden from visitors than the adjacent Fanta Café, which makes it more interesting to me. If you have a bit more time at the station, or if your train is delayed (wink, wink), I think Foyer Café is the best place to wait for a train.
Fanta Café. Fanta Café is one of the most significant Art Nouveau landmarks in the Czech Republic. It was designed by architect Josef Fanta and built between 1901 and 1909. Originally serving as the departure hall of the Main Train Station, it now recalls the charm and elegance of the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. The Art Nouveau atmosphere of the café is enhanced by large decorative wallpapers in the style of Alfons Mucha. The recent renovation, aimed at restoring its original appearance as authentically as possible, focused on historical details, including a portrait of Josef Fanta himself and special artifacts that add uniqueness to the place. If you walk towards the trains through the main tunnel, Fanta Café is just a few meters above you and can be seen through an open ceiling. I never resist looking up.
Café Imperial: the interior in Art Deco style will fascinate any admirer of this artistic movement. Café Imperial is one of the most beautiful restaurants in Prague.
Where to Experience the Best Fine Dining in Prague
Kus koláče. Kus koláče is a popular bakery in Prague’s Vinohrady, founded by Nika Vávrová, who gained experience in a bakery in the United States and Prague’s Eska. Kus koláče is my number one choice for the perfect Czech kolach. The bakery offers a wide range of both savory and sweet treats, from French quiches and galettes to Italian focaccia and ciabattas, as well as Slovak pagáče. Right next door is their second branch, “Další kus.” (And just a few meters away is the excellent Výčep restaurant.)
Kolacherie. Kolacherie is a bakery in Prague specializing in traditional Czech kolache. Here you will find the best kolache with poppy seeds, quark, fruit, or plum jam, as well as other pastries like buchty or turnovers. The shop on Celetná Street in the historic center of Prague is also noteworthy for its effort to show tourists genuine Czech traditional pastries, which certainly does not include chimney cake (“trdelník”).
Kro Coffee & Bakery. Kro Coffee & Bakery is another popular spot in Prague’s Vinohrady, offering specialty coffee, breakfasts, and all-day dining. The café is renowned for its excellent coffee from popular roasteries, which you can enjoy all day along with homemade pastries such as croissants, kolache, and sourdough bread.
Praktika Bakery. An artisanal bakery focused on quality. Here you will find a wide selection of sourdough bread, crispy rolls, sweet pastries, and specialties like sandwiches and quiches. Kolache, of course, are not missing. Besides in-store sales, Praktika also supplies its excellent pastries to other cafés and restaurants in Prague.
Antonínovo pekařství. Antonínovo pekařství is a Prague bakery chain. Bakers prepare the dough and bake the best bread, and other pastries right in front of customers. The bakery has six branches in Prague, located in Vinohrady, Vršovice, Karlín, Smíchov, Dejvice, and Holešovice. In addition to fresh bread, it also offers soups and salads.
Libeřské lahůdky. Libeřské lahůdky are extremely popular among Prague residents as a chain of stores offering Czech open sandwiches (“chlebíčky”), desserts, pastries, and, of course, Czech kolache. Unlike the other bakeries mentioned here, prices are relatively low. My down-to-earth favorite and underdog of this list 😊
Libeřské lahůdky: offering not only Czech kolache, desserts, and other delicacies; most Prague residents come here for typical Czech open sandwiches (“chlebíčky”).
Větrník (a Czech cream puff). My Favorite Czech Dessert ❤️
Where to Eat the Best French Desserts in Prague
Votre Plaisir. Votre Plaisir is a well-known Prague patisserie specializing in perfect desserts inspired by French pastry-making. The business is run by Gabriela and Michal Hrubec, who share a passion for high-quality food and meticulous craftsmanship. Before opening their brick-and-mortar shop, the couple participated in farmers’ markets (where I discovered them myself 😇) and supplied their products to other Prague cafés and restaurants. The range is extensive, from macarons, tartlets, and other pastries to whole custom cakes. Votre Plaisir is currently probably the best French patisserie in Prague.
American BBQ (barbecue) is a method of meat preparation characterized by slow and long roasting over charcoal or smoke. The meat remains juicy and acquires a distinctive flavor and tenderness. BBQ is deeply rooted in American culture, especially in the southern states. In Prague, I recommend trying authentic American BBQ at one of two renowned restaurants: Hell Smoke BBQ or Big Smokers.
Big Smokers. Big Smokers is a BBQ restaurant located in Prague’s Holešovice district. The menu features classic specialties such as pulled pork, pork belly, beef brisket, turkey breast, and pork ribs. I recommend trying various meats in a combo offer. They also have beer specials on tap. You definitely won’t leave here hungry or thirsty!
Hell Smoke BBQ. Hell Smoke BBQ is another Prague restaurant specializing in American BBQ. It is located in Prague’s Újezd neighborhood. Hell Smoke BBQ is known for its traditional “low and slow” approach to meat preparation, using only smoke and heat from hardwood. Here too, you will find perfect pulled pork, beef brisket, pastrami, homemade sausages, or ribs.
Prague’s Big Smokers restaurant and their American BBQ.
Pot-au-feu is a Prague restaurant focused on traditional French gastronomy. The establishment on Rybná Street is successfully run by chef Jan Kracík, who bets on honest culinary craftsmanship. The foundation of the local cuisine is strong broths and precisely reduced sauces. The renowned specialties include veal sweetbreads with morels or the classic beef bourguignon.
The Michelin Guide is a prestigious gastronomic ranking that awards extraordinary restaurants around the world. In the Czech Republic, only one restaurant has two stars in 2025 - Papilio. Eight restaurants then have one star - La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise, Field, Casa de Carli, Entrée, Essens, La Villa, Levitate, and Štangl, eighteen other establishments hold the Bib Gourmand award, and another 52 establishments are listed on the Czech Michelin list.
The Sunday brunch at Buddha-Bar Prague is a rich Asian buffet with unlimited consumption of food and selected beverages. For 1,599 CZK (64 EUR) per person, guests can taste fresh sushi, oysters, hot Pan-Asian specialties, and diverse desserts. Families with children will certainly appreciate the well-equipped kids' corner with babysitting. The quality and freshness of all dishes are ensured by the experienced Executive Chef Jan Voráček, who has been at the restaurant continuously since its opening.
420 Restaurant in Prague's Old Town Square focuses on perfectly executed traditional cuisine. The concept has recently undergone a transformation. The menu has been simplified and food prices have dropped. The establishment has thus taken a very welcoming step toward guests. Today, 420 Restaurant represents an exceptionally attractive choice with an excellent ratio of price to overall experience.
The Artisan is a modern restaurant in the Prague Marriott Hotel that hosts brunches every Sunday. The theme changes every week, so the visitor can experience a brunch focused on, for example, a Czech pig feast, burgers, caramel, or wild garlic.
Papilio Restaurant in Vysoký Újezd represents the peak of contemporary Czech gastronomy under the leadership of Jan Knedla. The ambitious establishment builds on the rich experience of the chef, who connects French technical precision with Asian sophistication and respect for local ingredients. Knedla's signature style is characterized by visual perfection, a play with textures, and the use of luxury ingredients. After triumphing in the Gault&Millau guide, the restaurant is on track to win prestigious Michelin stars.
In the Praha Vallmo Restaurant, Chef Dan Kukačka connects Czech culinary roots with pure Nordic simplicity. Dan Kukačka, who went through the school of the legendary Alcron. The poppy motif permeates the menu. Flexible wine pairing gives space to Moravian winemakers as well as interesting foreign wines.
El Camino tapas restaurant in Prague's Vinohrady is an establishment focused on modern Spanish gastronomy. Owner David Böhm shows here that tapas are not just cold canapés with wine. Guests choose from several courses in the form of a tasting menu. The atmosphere is complemented by a great selection of Spanish wines.
Prague restaurant Field by Chef Radek Kašpárek represents an established icon of Czech fine dining. After years of successfully defending one Michelin star, it is now ambitiously targeting a second star. The establishment bets on an immediate experience, where the final preparation of dishes moves from the kitchen directly before the guests' eyes. Staff precisely finish plating or flambé meat at the table, blurring the lines between chef and waiter.
Marie B is a restaurant that offers tastings in the form of carte blanche. The guest never knows in advance what will be on the menu - not even when the dish is already in front of them. Everything is revealed only after you finish eating and have a dialogue with the staff. Carte blanche isn’t for everyone, but if you embrace this concept, you’re in for a unique and powerful experience.
