Breakfast, Lunch, & Dinner in Prague: A Complete Foodie Itinerary
Last updated March 18, 2024
Trdelník or known as chimney cake is delicious but it is a tourist trap (keep reading to find out more!)
Prague is most famous for its magical scenery and the beautiful Charles Bridge. But don't let its beauty fool you; the city also offers an amazing gastronomic experience. And in this blog, I want to take you on a food journey with me, from day until night.
Before my trip to Prague, I watched YouTube for videos and scoured articles to discover must-eat spots. And I found some great recommendations this way. On my journey to the hotel, I also chatted with a local who mentioned that traditional Czech fare like Vepřo knedlo zelo (tender roast pork with fluffy dumplings and tangy sauerkraut) or Svíčková na smetaně (marinated sirloin in a creamy root vegetable sauce) might be a bit too heavy for daily meals. He even admitted only eating them once or twice a week himself. That information sparked my inner foodie researcher, and I set out to find a delicious mix of flavors in Prague.
So in this blog, you will learn about the places that serve great Czech flavors as well as other flavors from around the world. The world of culinary in Prague really exceeded my expectation. And I hope everyone incorporates their food journey together with their travel plans. I spent a week there and you can trust that I only included a place where I think I would personally go back again. So, hope you are hungry now. Let’s go!
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1.Café Savoy
2. Jewel by VENUE
3. Four Seasons Hotel Prague
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4. Červený Jelen
5. Manifesto Market Anděl
6. Ali Baba Kebap
7. A market at Old Town Square
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8. Next Door by Imperial
9. Restaurace U Mecenáše
10. Food Lab
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11. Garden’s Restaurant
12. Trdelník (Chimney cake)
13. Gingerbread Museum
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14. The Alchemist Bar
Breakfast
1. Café Savoy
Café Savoy is an absolute must-visit spot for breakfast and brunch. And I highly recommend it. Under the masterful guidance of Head Chef Martin Čáslavka, the restaurant takes traditional Czech dishes to new heights. They even serve their renowned breakfast selections all day until the afternoon, making it a perfect option for any craving.
Stepping into the restaurant itself is an experience, with its charming decor creating a warm and inviting atmosphere.The service was outstanding, with the hostess particularly kind and friendly, ensuring a welcoming experience. If you're a pair like me and my friend, I recommend sharing one French breakfast set and one Savoy breakfast set. Trust me, it's the perfect portion for two! My personal favorite was the croissant stuffed with creamy scrambled eggs and decadent truffles.
Don't skip the marble bundt cake - it's a delightful dessert to round off your meal. Oh, and if you are a fan of fresh bread, don’t worry they don’t bread in-house. You can even sneak peek to see the process!
Website | Instagram | Menu | How to get here
Tip: Make the most of your trip by visiting the iconic Dancing House after your meal. It is 15 minutes walking distance from the cafe. Walking and sight seeing is a great way to digest the food!
2. Jewel by VENUE
Jewel by VENUE serves breakfast and lunch all day, using fresh ingredients from local farmers. This is definitely top brunch spot in Prague. I like this place because the ingredients are very fresh and the food was well-seasoned. Their juice were also great and it was just the Vitamin C that my friend and I needed that morning.
My favorite was Chicken and waffles. The waffle was light and crispy and the chicken is so juicy and flavorful. Be prepared for a potential wait, as this place is a popular hangout. However, I believe the experience is worth it. This is definitely a place I’d love to go back again.
3. Four Seasons Hotel Prague
Looking for an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet with great food and excellent service? Look no further! I initially considered having afternoon tea at the Four Seasons Hotel Prague. Unfortunately, with our packed itinerary, we simply didn't have time to return for it. That's why we opted for breakfast here before our big day of city exploration.
The breakfast is served at CottoCrudo which offers a generous buffet spread with a variety of delicious pastries and other tempting dishes. You can also order à la carte items made fresh to order. In the evening, CottoCrudo transforms into a refined Italian restaurant.
Tip: The restaurant also has a fantastic location overlooking the Vltava River. So, after finishing breakfast, head out of the hotel and turn left. There's a lovely spot by the river with minimal crowds, perfect for capturing beautiful pictures with the picturesque Vltava River as your backdrop.
Travel hack: I love five stars hotel but I don’t always want to pay big bucks to stay in a nice hotel knowing that I will out and about walking all day. But it does not mean I don’t get to enjoy the five stars service when I have a chance. Incorporating a meal or two at nice five stars establishment is a great way to enhance your trip experience!
Lunch
4. Červený Jelen
Červený Jelen was recommended to me by a local. The space here used to be a bank and it was transformed into a special restaurant by famous architect, Stanislav Fiala. The restaurant is known for its unique design, including the world's tallest beer tank tower, so make sure to try their in-house brew.
Fun fact, the bank beer tank tower sits right in the middle of the restaurant! It looks like a beautiful decoration and it holds 10,000 liters (2,642 gallons) of beer and it features 10 taps, offering a variety of Špork beers. The tower is made of stainless steel and has a sleek, modern design. So it
Besides the great beer, they also serve delicious grilled meat, à la carte dishes, and Špork spirits. I opted for a full lunch course and a beer (the beer mug was huge!). It was an interesting, if unexpected, meal for me. Being Thai, I'm not used to strong flavors like onion soup. But the combination of cheesy, oozy cheese and sweet onion was surprisingly good. Overall, it was a positive experience. Don't forget to check it out if you're a beer lover who wants to try local flavors.
You see the sleek-looking tanks? That is a 9-meter tall tank tower rises through three floors of beer.
5. Manifesto Market Anděl
For a fun, laid-back atmosphere, I recommend Manifesto Market Anděl. This is a popular food hall and cultural hub where the vibe is just cool. This vibrant space has over 15 restaurants, bars, and shops offering a diverse range of cuisines from local Czech favorites to international dishes. My friend and I really hanging out here.
We shared some nachos and a burger. For drinks, we took advantage of their buy-one-get-one-free cocktail promotion. The music was fun, and the people were friendly. This food hall is open every day from noon to 10 pm. Note that it's self-service, so you'll need to order and pay at each individual stall. It’s definitely a spot that you should visit!
6. Ali Baba Kebap
This local food joint might look ordinary to many people, but it was special to me! Finding delicious Turkish food in Bangkok is practically impossible. I usually enjoy eating Turkish food in Germany. When I saw this place, I noticed many locals going in to grab quick bites. After passing by a few times, I thought, "Why not?"
Our trip to Prague lasted a week, so finding budget-friendly meal in between fancy dinner was a good idea to save money. In that sense, Ali Baba Kebap was perfect for us. Ali Baba Kebap is a casual eatery specializing in döner kebabs, a popular Turkish dish featuring grilled meat wrapped in flatbread with vegetables and sauces. The meat was perfectly seasoned, the vegetables were fresh, and the sauce was delicious. It was definitely a great value and a yummy meal.
7. A Market at Old Town Square
I don’t have the name of this place unfortunately. But if you have a chance, the best way to experience Prague's sausage culture is from street vendors, especially around popular squares like Wenceslas Square or Old Town Square. I stumbled upon this place, and oh man, it's the best! Here's a quick guide to Prague's unique sausage flavors:
Klobása: Made with various meats like pork, beef, or veal, this sausage is seasoned with savory spices like paprika, garlic, and caraway seeds. You'll find them grilled, smoked, or boiled, and they're typically served with mustard, horseradish, or bread. I highly recommend this variety because it's bursting with flavor.
Jitrnice: This sausage is made with pork liver, offal, and cereals, offering a unique and flavorful experience.
Utopenec: These pre-cooked sausages are marinated in vinegar, onions, and spices, giving them a tangy and slightly sour flavor.
Dinner
8. Next Door by Imperial
Next Door by Imperial is a popular modern Czech bistro located inside Cosmopolitan Hotel Prague. The menu has a blend of traditional Czech cuisine with contemporary twists, served in a stylish and inviting atmosphere.
The interior has a stylish design with high ceilings, exposed brick walls, and modern furniture. My favorite thing about this restaurant is its open kitchen. You can watch the chefs prepare your food in the open kitchen, adding to the lively atmosphere.
As this is a popular spot, reservations are recommended, especially on weekends and during peak season. Prices are considered mid-range to high for Prague, but the quality of food and service really justifies the cost. My friend and I had a full dinner course and every single dish was delicious. We had dinner here on our last night in Prague and the experience was definitely worth it.
9. Restaurace U Mecenáše
Recommended by a friend, Restaurace U Mecenáše is a traditional Czech restaurant located in the Malá Strana district. It's housed in a 16th-century building that was once the residence of the astronomer Tycho Brahe. As soon as you walk in, you'll feel a cozy and intimate vibe, with wood-beamed ceilings and brick walls.
The restaurant boasts a substantial menu featuring classic Czech dishes. We tried the grilled duck breast with black currant, pumpkin puree, potato dumplings, and duck jus, and the beer goulash with dumplings and onion. Both were fantastic! Considering the quality of the food, I think it offers good value.
Overall, Restaurace U Mecenáše is a great place to experience traditional Czech cuisine. The food is delicious, the atmosphere is cozy and inviting, and the service is friendly and attentive. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a great dining experience in Prague.
10. Food Lab
Food Lab is a chic restaurant offering international dishes, cocktails & wine, plus weekend brunch. We decided to head to this place for drinks after dinner. Although we were already full, we still wanted to try it out because we'd read some good reviews.
We had delicious cocktails, snacks, and cake! "Why not try a bit of everything?" we thought. The cake was lovely and not too sweet. The cocktails were refreshing as well. This is a great spot for a casual dining experience. However, if you're looking for a more formal setting, you can sit on the second floor. I would love to come back here and try their brunch next time. But overall, this was a lovely ending to our night.
Coffee and Dessert Break
11. Garden’s Restaurant
Garden's restaurant is truly a hidden gem inside the shopping area. Located not far from the iconic Lucerna Passage, Garden's Restaurant is tucked away, hidden from the city's hustle and bustle. I stumbled upon this place by accident. A charming-looking entrance caught my eye, so I decided to explore.
To my surprise, I discovered a cute, lush garden and incredibly tempting desserts. The interior has exposed brick walls, wooden beams, and comfortable seating. The restaurant offers a menu of European and Central European cuisine, focusing on seasonal ingredients and dishes inspired by French and Italian flavors.
For a midday pick-me-up, I opted for a delicious cup of hot latte. I was also recommended to try the Garden's cream puff, which features three types of cream, hazelnut praline, chocolate glaze, and caramelized nuts. The cream puff was light, not too sweet, and perfectly paired with my hot drink.
If you're looking for other dessert options, the restaurant has a lovely cake display with a variety of choices, including cheesecake and chocolate-caramel cake. Choose whatever your heart desires!
12. Trdelník (Chimney cake)
Trdelník is a famous snack that been showing around on social media. Its photogenic appearance and availability near tourist hotspots fuel its fame. So, you will see it everywhere! However, while some Czechs may enjoy Trdelník, it's not necessarily a staple dessert in households or regularly consumed by locals. But for me, it was a delightful treat, so why not try?
Trdelník is basically chimney cake, roasted over coals and dusted with cinnamon sugar or other toppings. I personally like it with ice cream and some chocolate sauce because it goes so well with the cinnamon sugar. As for history of its origin, the historical evidence for Trdelník's origin is murky. While both Czech and Slovak sources claim it, concrete proof is lacking. In short, this cute dessert is an instagram worthy but perhaps it is a tourist trap in local’s eyes.
13. Gingerbread Museum
Don’t forget to stop by at Gingerbread Museum and grab yourself a few cookies to indulge. The Gingerbread Museum is a sweet-smelling stop in the center of Old Prague. It's housed in a 16th-century building that was once a residence.
The gingerbread cookies come in all shapes and sizes, from animals and houses to more traditional Czech motifs. You can also find gingerbread that is decorated with sugar icing, chocolate, and other toppings. This is also a great spot to buy souvenir for loved ones too!
Bar
14. The Alchemist Bar
Located not far from Old Town Square, The Alchemist Bar offers an immersive experience, transporting you on a journey through the world of alchemy and mystery. Inspired by Emperor Rudolf II, known for his fascination with alchemy and the Philosopher's Stone, the bar takes you back in time. Upon entering, you'll feel like you've stepped into the emperor's era, with dim lighting, antique furniture, and shelves overflowing with curious bottles and potions.
The highlight of The Alchemist Bar is, of course, its unique cocktails. Skilled bartenders meticulously craft each drink, presented in elaborate glassware that often incorporates elements of smoke, fire, or surprising ingredients. The menu has both classic cocktails with an alchemical twist and signature creations inspired by historical figures and legends.
Don't miss "Rudolph's Secret," a signature smoky cocktail named after the emperor himself! Beyond the drinks, the bar offers live music and theatrical elements, adding to the immersive experience.
So, there you go! Here's a glimpse into the breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks my friend and I enjoyed in Prague. While there were a few things that weren't quite to my taste, that's part of the adventure! Exploring new foods and flavors is what makes travel so exciting. Thankfully, everything on this list is something I would recommend and happily try again, or introduce to friends.
That's why I wanted to share these recommendations with you. Hopefully, you'll have the chance to try some of these places and add your own discoveries to create a truly memorable trip. Speaking of memorable experiences, if you're interested in learning more about attractions in Prague, you can check out my blog here.
Once again, thank you for joining me on this journey. Happy travels!
