Czech, Please: The Best Places to Eat in Prague

The cafés and restaurants of Prague have much more to offer than dumplings and goulash.

Wander around the old city a little and you’ll quickly discover that there are as many restaurants and cafés as there are gargoyles and cobblestones. Many fall into the category of “tourist trap,” but sprinkled among them are gems favoured by locals and worldly travellers alike.

Prague is famous for its art nouveau architecture, and there’s no shortage of spots to admire this ornate, flowing style. While the Municipal House might offer the most exquisite exterior, skip the smoky, stuffy café within and opt instead for the bright, glazed interior of the Café Imperial. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, but the real treat is the afternoon tea. Order a cup of coffee or tea and pair it with one of their homemade cakes or pastries. Linger as long as you like; no one will bother you while you browse your email on the free WiFi.

If you’re seeking more substantial fare, you can satisfy a craving for history and fine dining in the Restaurant Zvonice, situated at the top of a 16th-century Gothic tower. The menu features Bohemian classics such as roasted boar and venison, inflected with French techniques and international flavours. The mix of old and new pairs perfectly with the exposed wood beams and original stone walls of the restored interior. The tables on the eighth floor offer the best views of the city.

After dinner, seek out one of the dark watering holes favoured by writers and revolutionaries. Tynska Bar & Books offers a modern take on such establishments. Ring the bell outside and an elegant attendant will give you the once-over before ushering you to a table. The tasting flights of whiskies and the cigar menu belie the library-themed decor. Light food provides the perfect parings to the expertly curated list of cocktails.

No time to sit? Grab a trdlo, the spiral-shaped pastry sold at stands throughout the city. The doughy layers of sugar-crusted spirals will warm you on a long walk across the Charles Bridge as you make your way to the imposing Prague Castle.