First things first: it's quite difficult to eat badly in Prague. We've only really managed to do this when we've actually ended up in a tourist trap that somehow still seemed acceptable in terms of price, but where we already knew: It's hit or miss in this location.
So here's a tip: Avoid the biggest tourist spots, such as the Astronomical Clock or Charles Bridge - you won't find really good or authentic food right there. But good restaurants can be hidden just one street away.
In Prague, it's almost a shame to limit yourself to Czech restaurants (if you've been there more than once). After all, with a population of 1.3 million, the Czech capital also offers a great selection of international cuisine: Indian, Italian, Mexican, or really good breakfast restaurants and cafés.
In a year in Prague, I've collected lots of favourites on my list and my mouth is watering just listing them.
Here they are for you!
Note: This article is from 2018 and has been revised and supplemented.
Insider restaurant tips for Prague
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Strong, hearty, meaty: Czech cuisine
Czech - or also Bohemian - cuisine is hearty. It is reminiscent of Austrian, Bavarian or even Hungarian cuisine: lots of meat, dumplings and potatoes are served. Soup is also often a classic starter. Goulash soup is particularly well-known - here in Prague it is often served in a whole loaf of bread and is a great winter dish! Super tasty too: Pickled ermine cheese with chilli peppers, which is often eaten here as a beer snack - be sure to try it!
Mlejnice
The restaurant is hidden just a few metres away from the hustle and bustle around the astronomical clock Mlejnice. Traditional Czech cuisine is on offer here: half ducks, goulash in a loaf of bread or various potato dishes. Unfortunately, the latest reviews on Google are still good for the food, but complain about the service. When I visited, everyone was always nice - I guess it's a bit a matter of luck.
Address: Kožná 488/14, Staré Město
Ferdinanda
A less crowded Czech restaurant, but still in the city centre. The interior and atmosphere are very typical of Prague. The food is hearty and good, especially the ermine cheese marinated in beer is highly recommended.
Address: Politických vězňů 1597/19, Nové Město
Plzensky Restaurant Andel
This restaurant is located off the beaten track in the Andel neighbourhood and has a small beer garden. Super tasty here: The knuckle of pork or the ribs.
Address: Nádražní 60/114, Prague 5
Local
In my opinion, this restaurant serves the best Czech food in Prague, and the beer list that every table gets is notorious. There are several restaurants in the city, but this one is the least crowded and also frequented by locals. Make a reservation anyway!
Address: several in the city
Hostinec U Tunelu
Traditional Czech restaurant in the Karlín district with a small lunch menu - what's out is out. Real home cooking, this is definitely where the locals go for lunch.
Address: Thámova 396, 186 00 Praha 8-Karlín
Tlustá myš
A real insider tip in the centre of the old town and yet only frequented by locals. The restaurant is somewhat hidden away in a basement, so perhaps not for a super sunny, warm day. There is a Czech lunch menu here, what's off is off.
Address: Všehrdova 547/19, 118 00 Malá Strana
Restaurant Sokolovna Vinohrady
Typical Czech beer restaurant in the hip Vinohrady district with wood-panelled interior. Sports are broadcast here. We took refuge from the rain and were pleasantly surprised by the delicious pickled ermine cheese and friendly waiters.
Address: Slezská 821/22, Vinohrady 120 00, 2 Praha 2
Indian & Vietnamese restaurants in Prague: an explosion of flavours
Prague has a large Vietnamese and Indian community and I've actually had some of my best Asian dinners in Europe here! I can only recommend some of the Asian and Indian restaurants here in the city - they are also guaranteed to be tourist-free and therefore real insider tips.
Paprika
This small bistro with Levante cuisine is already an institution - since I moved to Prague in 2017, the quality has remained consistently great! Be sure to try the shakshuka.
Address: Rumunská 8/16, 120 00 Vinohrady
Namasté
Such a beautifully decorated and cosy restaurant, with absolutely outstanding service - something you don't get too often in Prague.
Address: Ronkova 369/12, Prague-8
Ngô restaurant
Trendy Vietnamese restaurant with a small winter garden, which is great cosy and cosy. The service is great, the dishes are always fresh and seasonal and a great option for vegetarians!
Address: Jugoslávská 661/23, 120 00 Vinohrady
Bombay Express
Wait - a fast food restaurant on this list? Absolutely, because the roti wraps are simply delicious and the mango lassi tastes so fresh and fruity.
Address: various locations in malls in Prague
Burger restaurants in Prague
I love burgers and fries. No joke, I could just eat fries every day, and if I could have a burger every now and then, I wouldn't say no. The burger restaurants that made it onto the list were therefore tested by me primarily for the quality of their fries - my husband scrutinised the quality of the burgers. And together we came up with these three - plus two little add-ons.
Super tasty burgers in a totally relaxed pub atmosphere. It's better to book, it's often very full and the restaurant isn't that big.
Address: Pernerova 10/32, Karlín
A 50s-style pub with live music and delicious burgers. No bookings are accepted, but there is a waiting room where we've already had a few man-or-woman battles over drinks while waiting for our table.
Address: Konviktská 7/7, Staré Město
I'll just say one word, no actually three: chilli cheese fries. They are simply unbelievably, unbelievably delicious here. Well, okay, and the burgers are also impressive.
Address: Palackého nám. 357/3, 128 00 Praha-Nové Město,
Garage Poutine
A small shop in Karlín that only has a few seats. It serves poutine, a Canadian fast food and absolute soul comfort food for every French fries lover. My mouth is watering again as I type!
Attention: Cash only!
Address: Křižíkova 134/58, 186 00 Karlín
Restaurants & cafés for breakfast in Prague
Who would have thought that you could have such an incredible breakfast in Prague? In a Viennese coffee house, or hipster-style, with avocado toast and Eggs Benedict - the choice is yours. So what, only in Berlin or Cape Town there are great breakfast spots! Prague doesn't need to hide behind the world's greats.
Breakfast like in Vienna - at Café Louvre, my absolute favourite, because you can get half a litre of latte for just 3.00 euros! It gets full from 10.30 and you can't book, so come early!
Address:Národní 22, Nové Město
You might even find the best coffee in the whole city here, as well as a great selection of exclusive teas and delicious homemade lemonade. An absolute hipster hangout.
Going out for drinks - Bars in Prague
Away from the tourist centre around Charles Bridge and Starometske Namesti, there are numerous good bars in Prague. Beer, wine or cocktails - what will it be?
Cocktail drinking is an event here. Including fire and artistic interludes. Photos? Forbidden!
Address: Michalská 432, Staré Měěsto
Skautsky Institute
The only pub at Staromětske Námesti, which is highly recommended! The Scout Institute organises courses and has a small bar with a great view. And beer at reasonable prices!
Address: Staromětske Námesti 1/4, Staré Město
Na břehu Rhôny magasin Komunardů
A reason for wine lovers to come to Prague 7: From Czech to French and Italian, dry, sweet or sparkling, the choice is huge.
Address: Komunardů 35, 7-Holešovice
Groove Bar
Our favourite bar. Usually full, it's difficult to get a seat without a reservation. Cool vibe, good drinks.
Address: Vorsiliká 6, Nove Měěsto
