Prague foodie guide: the best restaurants and foods

Last Updated on June 8, 2026 by Ioana

Prague is one of the best food cities in Central Europe, but many visitors make the mistake of eating only around the main tourist attractions.

During my trip, I made it a mission to try as many Czech dishes, bakeries, cafés, and local restaurants as possible. Some experiences were incredible, others were a little overrated, but I came home with a much better understanding of Czech food than I had before arriving.

From hearty comfort food and world-famous beer to sweet pastries and historic cafés once frequented by Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein, Prague offers far more than most visitors expect.

In this Prague foodie guide, I’ll share the best foods to try, the restaurants worth visiting, and a few personal favorites from my trip. This blog post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Traditional Czech foods you need to try

One of the things that surprised me most about Prague was how good the food was.

Before visiting, I mostly associated Czech food with beer, goulash, and heavy comfort dishes. While those certainly exist, I found the food scene much more varied than I expected.

During my trip I made it a point to try as many traditional dishes as possible, from classic Czech meals in local restaurants to pastries and desserts in bakeries and cafés.

If you’re visiting Prague for the first time, these are the Czech foods I think you should prioritize.

Svíčková (my favorite classic Czech dish)

If I could recommend only one dish from the traditional Czech cuisine to try in Prague, it would be svíčková.

This traditional meal consists of beef served with a creamy vegetable sauce, bread dumplings, cranberry sauce, and a dollop of whipped cream.

I know that combination sounds a little unusual at first, but somehow it works perfectly.

The sauce is rich and comforting without being too heavy, while the cranberries add a subtle sweetness that balances everything out.

I ordered svíčková at Lokál Dlouhááá and immediately understood why it’s considered one of the country’s national dishes.

It’s the meal I would order again first on a return trip to Prague.

Schnitzel

Although many people associate schnitzel with Austria and Germany, you’ll find it all over Prague as well.

Czech schnitzel is usually made with pork or chicken, coated in breadcrumbs, and fried until golden and crispy. It’s simple food done really well.

I tried the chicken schnitzel at Lokál Dlouhááá in the city center and loved how crispy it was on the outside while remaining juicy inside.

If you’re looking for a safe choice that almost everyone will enjoy, schnitzel is hard to beat.

Goulash

Goulash is one of the most common dishes you’ll see on restaurant menus throughout Prague.

Unlike the Hungarian version, Czech goulash is typically thicker and richer, with tender beef cooked in a savory sauce flavored with onions and spices.

It’s usually served with bread dumplings, which are perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

This is classic comfort food and an excellent choice on a cold day.

Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut (vepřo knedlo zelo)

Often considered the national dish of the Czech Republic, this meal combines roast pork, bread dumplings, and sauerkraut.

The pork is tender and flavorful, while the sauerkraut adds acidity that balances the richness of the meat.

You’ll find this dish at many traditional Czech restaurants throughout Prague and it’s one of the best ways to experience authentic local cuisine.

Traditional Czech soup worth ordering

Many traditional Czech meals begin with soup, and they are often much heartier than what many visitors expect.

Popular options include garlic soup, potato soup, and various seasonal soups that change throughout the year. If you’ve been to other countries in Eastern Europe, their soups are similar. And sour cream is usually added to the soups too.

If you’re dining at a traditional Czech restaurant, it’s worth checking the daily specials board because some of the best soups aren’t always listed on the regular menu.

I noticed many locals ordering soup before their main course, which is usually a good sign that you’re doing something right.

Czech beer

You can’t talk about Czech food without mentioning beer.

The Czech Republic consistently ranks among the world’s top beer-consuming countries, and after visiting Prague it’s easy to understand why.

Beer is often cheaper than soft drinks, and even casual restaurants take their beer seriously. Whether you prefer light lagers or darker varieties, Prague is one of the best places in the world to explore beer culture.

Even if you’re not a huge beer drinker, I recommend trying at least one local Czech beer during your trip.

Kolaches

Technically not a meal, but I think kolaches deserve a place on any Prague food list.

These pastries originated in Central Europe and come with both sweet and savory fillings. During my trip I became slightly obsessed with trying different versions around the city.

My favorite bakery was Kolacherie, where I absolutely loved the blueberry cream cheese kolache and the pistachio raspberry version.

I also visited Kus Koláče after seeing several people call it the best kolache bakery in Prague. While the pastries were good, I personally preferred Kolacherie. Kus Koláče uses less sugar and often tops their pastries with streusel, which wasn’t really my preference.

I also tried their cinnamon roll, which was good but not particularly memorable, and a poppy seeds and rhubarb cheesecake. The cheesecake was fine, but it wasn’t very sweet, so it didn’t really deliver the rich cheesecake flavor I was expecting.

Of course, taste is subjective, and many people love Kus Koláče. But if I only had time for one bakery in Prague, I’d choose Kolacherie.

The best traditional Czech restaurants in Prague

If you’re visiting Prague for the first time, I highly recommend eating at least a few meals at traditional Czech restaurants.

Yes, Prague has plenty of international restaurants, but trying local food is the best way to experience the culture. During my trip I made it a point to seek out restaurants serving classic Czech dishes, and these were my favorites.

If you’re planning your trip, you can also check out my exact 2 days in Prague itinerary to see how I combined sightseeing with all of these food stops.

Lokál Dlouhááá

Lokál Dlouhááá was my favorite traditional Czech restaurant in Prague’s Old Town Square area.

This restaurant is extremely popular with both locals and tourists, so don’t be surprised if there’s a wait. What I didn’t realize when I visited is that they actually have separate entrances for reservations and walk-ins.

I accidentally entered through the reservations entrance first. Since I didn’t have a reservation, I assumed I wouldn’t be able to eat there and almost left. Thankfully, I noticed the walk-in entrance before leaving and decided to try again.

I put my name on the waiting list, ordered a drink, and waited about 30 minutes for a table.

The food was worth every minute of that wait.

I ordered the chicken schnitzel, the slow-cooked beef svíčková, and asparagus from the seasonal menu. Everything was excellent. The svíčková was especially memorable and became my favorite Czech dish of the trip.

If you only have time to visit one traditional Czech restaurant in Prague, this would be my recommendation.

U Glaubiců

Located in Malá Strana near Prague Castle, U Glaubiců is one of the oldest restaurants in Prague.

The restaurant occupies a historic building and serves a wide range of traditional Czech dishes in a cozy setting.

When I visited, there was a line outside even though I didn’t have a reservation. Fortunately, it moved fairly quickly and I didn’t have to wait too long for a table.

The restaurant was packed, which is usually a good sign.

I ordered lunch here while exploring the Lesser Town and thought the food was very good. I had the goulash in bread and their sausages with bread, mustard and horseradish.

The only minor issue was that the lemonade I ordered seemed to be missing sugar and was extremely sour. Considering how busy the restaurant was, I wasn’t too bothered by it.

If you’re spending a day visiting Prague Castle, the John Lennon Wall, and Malá Strana, this is a convenient place to stop for lunch.

U Tří Jelínků

U Tří Jelínků translates to “The Three Deer,” and this was one of the most enjoyable dinners I had in Prague.

The restaurant has a warm atmosphere and felt noticeably calmer than some of the busier tourist spots around the city. When I visited, it wasn’t crowded, which made for a very relaxed dining experience.

Naturally, I ordered the deer steak.

It was served with pumpkin and walnut gnocchi and was absolutely delicious. The combination of flavors worked perfectly and felt a little more refined than many traditional Czech dishes.

I also ordered their mango lemonade, which ended up being one of my favorite drinks in Prague. It came packed with real mango pieces and even included a spoon so you could eat the fruit after finishing the drink.

If you’re looking for a traditional Czech restaurant with a slightly more elevated menu, U Tří Jelínků is the perfect place.

Choosing where to eat is also easier once you know the best area to stay in Prague, since most of these restaurants and cafés are located in the Old Town, Malá Strana, or New Town.

Most unique dining experience in Prague: Výtopna Railway Restaurant

Výtopna Railway Restaurant is one of the most unique dining experiences in Prague.

The concept is simple but incredibly fun: instead of waiters bringing your food, miniature trains deliver everything directly to your table on real tracks that run throughout the restaurant.

Your drinks and meals arrive on tiny carriages that stop right in front of you before being unloaded.

It sounds a bit gimmicky, but honestly, it adds a lot of entertainment to the experience, especially if you’re visiting Prague for the first time or traveling with friends.

I went without a reservation and was seated immediately. The restaurant is very large, so it can handle a lot of guests at once.

For my meal, I ordered the cheeseburger with fries and a lemonade. The food was good, but you shouldn’t come here expecting fine dining. This is not the place for a gourmet experience.

Instead, you come for the concept, the trains, and the fun atmosphere.

And in that sense, it absolutely delivers.

Is it touristy? Yes.

Is it worth it? Also yes, especially if you want something a bit different from the usual Prague restaurants.

It’s one of those places where the experience matters more than the food, and I think it’s a great stop for first-time visitors who want to see a more playful side of the city.

Don’t leave Prague without trying kolaches

Before visiting Prague, I had heard about kolaches but didn’t realize how quickly they would become one of my favorite foods in the city.

By the end of the trip, I found myself planning entire mornings around trying different bakeries.

If you have a sweet tooth, make sure you add kolaches to your Prague food bucket list.

What is a kolache?

A kolache is a traditional pastry that originated in Central Europe and is especially popular in the Czech Republic.

Most versions are made with a soft, slightly sweet dough and filled with ingredients such as fruit, cream cheese, poppy seeds, or jam.

Some bakeries also offer savory versions.

Kolaches are typically eaten for breakfast, as a snack, or as a sweet treat alongside coffee. They are easy to find throughout Prague, but not all bakeries are created equal.

Kolacherie (my favorite bakery in Prague)

Kolacherie was easily my favorite bakery in Prague.

I visited multiple times during my trip and every pastry I tried was excellent.

The standout flavors for me were the blueberry cream cheese kolache and the pistachio raspberry kolache. Both had generous fillings, balanced sweetness, and incredibly soft dough.

If I could only recommend one bakery in Prague, it would be Kolacherie.

The bakery also has multiple locations, making it easy to fit into your itinerary. In fact, one of their locations was only a few minutes from my hotel in the New Town, which was both convenient and dangerous for my wallet.

And they also have a location in the Old Town

Kus Koláče (the most controversial kolache I tried)

Before arriving in Prague, I saw numerous reviews claiming that Kus Koláče served the best kolaches in the city.

Naturally, I had to try it for myself.

The bakery is very popular and clearly has a loyal following. However, my experience was a little different.

The biggest difference compared to Kolacherie was the sweetness level. The pastries at Kus Koláče were noticeably less sweet and often featured streusel toppings, which I personally didn’t enjoy as much.

I also tried their cinnamon roll. It was good, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to return for it.

Another item I sampled was their poppy seed and rhubarb cheesecake. While it was perfectly fine, it wasn’t very sweet, so it didn’t really deliver the rich cheesecake experience I was expecting.

To be fair, many people specifically love Kus Koláče because it’s less sweet. If that’s your preference, you may end up liking it more than I did.

But based on my own experience, Kolacherie was the clear winner.

Prague’s historic cafés

Prague has a fantastic café culture, and some of its historic cafés have been welcoming writers, artists, scientists, and intellectuals for more than a century.

Even if you’re not a huge coffee drinker, visiting at least one historic café should be part of your Prague itinerary.

Café Louvre

Café Louvre was my favorite café in Prague.

Opened in 1902, this elegant café has welcomed famous guests including Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein. Walking inside feels like stepping back in time.

The interior reminded me a lot of the grand cafés of Vienna, with high ceilings, classic furnishings, and an atmosphere that encourages you to slow down and stay awhile.

I stopped here for coffee during an afternoon of sightseeing and immediately understood why it’s remained popular for more than a century.

Whether you’re looking for coffee, tea, cake, or even a full meal, Café Louvre is an excellent place to take a break from exploring the city.

If you’re planning what to explore, I’ve covered all the best things to do in Prague, including castles, viewpoints, and hidden gems beyond the food scene.

Other historic cafés worth visiting

If you enjoy historic cafés, Prague has several other excellent options.

Café Imperial is famous for its stunning Art Nouveau interior covered in colorful ceramic tiles.

The Municipal House Café is another beautiful option, especially if you’re already visiting the nearby Municipal House building.

Grand Café Orient is also worth considering if you’d like to experience one of the few Cubist cafés in the world.

Prague’s beer culture

Beer is woven into everyday life in Prague.

You’ll see locals enjoying a pint after work, restaurants serving beer alongside every meal, and beer gardens packed with people on sunny afternoons.

Even if you’re not normally a big beer drinker, Prague is one of the best places in the world to learn why Czech beer is so respected.

Why Czech beer is so famous

The Czech Republic consistently ranks among the world’s biggest beer-consuming countries.

Beer has been brewed here for centuries, and many of the styles now enjoyed around the world have roots in Czech brewing traditions.

One of the things I noticed immediately was the quality. Even casual restaurants take their beer seriously.

Beer is often cheaper than bottled water or soft drinks, which probably explains why locals order it so frequently.

Whether you prefer light lagers, dark beers, or unfiltered varieties, Prague offers plenty of opportunities to explore Czech beer culture.

The best beer gardens in Prague

One of my favorite places to enjoy a drink in Prague was Letná Beer Garden.

Located on a hill overlooking the city, it offers incredible panoramic views of Prague’s bridges, rooftops, and church spires.

It’s especially beautiful around sunset.

The atmosphere feels very local, with groups of friends, families, and visitors all gathering to enjoy a beer and the view.

Another popular option is Riegrovy Sady Beer Garden, which is particularly popular with younger crowds and expats.

Beer Spa experiences

If you want one of Prague’s most unique food and drink experiences, book a beer spa.

I visited Beerland Prague and had a fantastic time.

The experience begins with soaking in a warm wooden tub infused with hops, brewer’s yeast, and other beer ingredients. While there’s no actual beer in the bath, you do get unlimited beer on tap throughout your session.

After the bath, you relax on a heated hay bed before showering and heading back into the city.

It’s touristy, but it’s also genuinely fun.

For a more intimate experience, Bernard Beer Spa is another highly rated option.

If you want a more detailed breakdown of the experience, I’ve also written a full guide to beer spas in Prague based on my visit to Beerland and Bernard Beer Spa.

Sweet treats to try in Prague

If you’re anything like me, half the fun of traveling is trying local desserts.

Prague has no shortage of bakeries, pastry shops, and cafés serving traditional Czech sweets.

Medovník (honey cake)

Medovník is probably the Czech dessert I saw most often on restaurant menus.

This layered honey cake is made with thin cake layers separated by a creamy filling and topped with cake crumbs.

The flavor is rich but not overly sweet, making it a perfect dessert after a hearty Czech meal.

If you see it on a menu, it’s worth ordering.

Czech cakes and desserts

Beyond medovník, you’ll find plenty of cakes and pastries throughout Prague.

Poppy seed desserts are particularly common, as are fruit-filled pastries and cheesecakes.

Many traditional bakeries also serve seasonal specialties depending on the time of year.

My advice is simple: whenever you walk past a bakery that looks good, go inside.

Trdelník: worth it or tourist trap?

You can’t walk through Prague’s Old Town without seeing trdelník stands everywhere.

This sweet pastry is cooked over an open flame, coated in sugar, and often filled with ice cream, chocolate, or whipped cream.

Here’s my honest opinion: it’s tasty, but it’s not really traditional Czech food.

Many locals will tell you it’s more of a tourist attraction than an authentic Czech specialty. That’s because chimney cake is a Transylvanian dessert.

But if it looks good to you, try one. Just don’t mistake it for a classic Czech dessert.

Food tours in Prague: are they worth it?

If you’re a serious foodie, a food tour can be a great way to learn about Czech cuisine and discover restaurants you might otherwise miss.

A guided food tour introduces you to local specialties while providing context about Czech culture, history, and culinary traditions.

For first-time visitors, this can be an excellent way to quickly familiarize yourself with Prague’s food scene.

Another popular option is the Medieval Dinner Experience.

It’s definitely designed for tourists, but it’s also one of the most-booked food experiences in Prague. The evening combines traditional food, unlimited drinks, live music, sword fighting demonstrations, dancers, and medieval-themed entertainment.

If you’re looking for something fun and memorable rather than strictly authentic, it’s worth considering.

My perfect Prague food day

If I had only one day in Prague and wanted to maximize food experiences, this is exactly how I’d spend it.

Breakfast: Kolacherie

Start the day with a blueberry cream cheese kolache and a pistachio raspberry kolache from Kolacherie. Trust me on this.

Lunch: Lokál Dlouhááá

For lunch, head to Lokál Dlouhááá and order the svíčková. It’s my favorite Czech dish and one of the best meals I had in Prague.

Afternoon Coffee: Café Louvre

After sightseeing, take a break with coffee and cake at Café Louvre. The historic atmosphere alone makes it worth visiting.

Dinner: U Tří Jelínků

Order the deer steak with pumpkin and walnut gnocchi. And don’t skip their mango lemonade.

Evening drinks: Letná Beer Garden

Finish the day watching the sunset over Prague with a local Czech beer in hand. It’s hard to imagine a better ending.

Final thoughts on Prague’s food scene

Before visiting Prague, I expected beer and heavy comfort food.

What I found was a city with excellent bakeries, historic cafés, great restaurants, unique food experiences, and a surprisingly diverse culinary scene.

My personal highlights were Kolacherie, Lokál Dlouhááá, Café Louvre, U Tří Jelínků, and the beer spa experience.

If you’re planning your first visit, make sure you leave room in your itinerary for more than just sightseeing. Some of my favorite memories from Prague happened around a restaurant table, in a bakery, or over a cold Czech beer while watching the sunset.

And whatever you do, don’t leave without trying a kolache.

If you’re staying longer, you might also enjoy my guide to the best day trips from Prague, including Český Krumlov, Kutná Hora, and Bohemian Switzerland.