Prague is a city with a rich history and culture, and its food reflects this. Traditional Czech dishes often incorporate hearty ingredients like pork, potatoes, and cabbage – and while I’ll talk about some of the more famous dishes and restaurants where you can devour all the pork you can handle, let me be clear about one thing – Prague has an incredibly rich international food scene.
My favorite of the bunch is Asian cuisine, which has gained popularity in recent years! So let’s dive into this ambrosial food you can try when you stay in Prague – try not to drool your way through the pictures! 🙂
For all my first-time people to Prague, check out my Long Weekend in Prague Itinerary and Hidden Gems in Prague: Off the Beaten Path Things to Do, and sprinkle some of these restaurants into the mix.
Traditional Cuisine in Prague
Let’s talk traditional first. One of the most famous Czech dishes is svíčková na smetaně, a beef sirloin roasted in cream and served with dumplings, topped with cranberry sauce. Sounds weird but it’s absolutely delicious!
Another popular dish is goulash, a stew made with beef, vegetables, and paprika. Basically, Czech cuisine is filled with pork shoulders, pork knuckles, and pork roasts. And when you’re not eating the piglet, you’ll likely be dining on potato dumplings and sour kraut – two solid side dishes!
My Favorite Traditional Czech Restaurants in Prague
- Tiskarna: The best traditional food in town, a bit fancier, but worth the splurge – great for a date night!
- Pod Vezi: A classy joint on the ground floor of a hotel, don’t let it fool you! The confit of wild boar is beautiful!
- Karlinska Pivnice: The best pork knee in town! (Temporarily closed)
- Nase Maso: For the best steak of your life, these places are a meat lover’s heaven!
- And if you’re like my partner, bold at heart, check out Lokal Blok – cooks up a good steak and has a climbing gym in the basement.
For breakfast, Cafe Louvre, Imperial, and Savoy are all good options for a nice sit-down brunch situation. For a traditional casual on-the-go spot, try chlebicky at Liberske Lahudky.
Or head over to Bistro Na Nove Radnice for a fantastic quiche – they hire people with special needs, which makes this extra appealing for me.
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Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in Prague
When it comes to dessert, Prague is known for its trdelník, a cinnamon-sugar pastry that is rolled around a heated metal cylinder and then (for the brave), stuffed with gelato ice cream.
You’ll see the little stands on every corner, the smell of sugar and sweet dough calling you to them. And while these little sweets are delicious, don’t forget about the strudels and tarts and real jelly-filled donuts, to mention a few delicacies. If you have more of a sweet tooth, Bakeshop is the place. Galettes, macaroons, mini cupcakes, they have everything!
Beer Culture in Prague
In Prague, beer is more than just a beverage—it’s a way of life. The city has a long history of brewing, dating back to the 12th century, and today there are dozens of breweries dotting the city. In fact, the Czech Republic is the manufacturer of about 80% of all of Europe’s beer!
Visitors can find Czech beer on tap in just about every pub and restaurant, and it’s not uncommon for people to start their day with a pint (no judgment from this traveler!).
Of course, Czech beer isn’t just any old beer—it’s one of the best drinks in the world. The crisp, clean flavor is perfect for quenching thirst on a hot summer day, and the diverse range of styles means there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a fan of light lagers or dark ales, you’ll find a Czech beer to suit your taste. So next time you’re in Prague, be sure to raise a glass to the city’s rich beer culture. Na zdraví!
My Favorite Breweries and Beer Halls In Prague
- U Sumavy – Extremely Czech atmosphere so don’t expect a warm welcome. The food is traditional and they have tons of rotating microbrews on tap.
- Brevnov Monastery Brewery – Monastary brewery is a bit out of the center but worth the trip for the food and drink.
- Sousedsky Pivovar Basta – Some creative beers, their wasabi beer is maybe my favorite and they have the best roast duck in town!
- On a sunny day, head over to a beer garden in Letna Park or stroll down the riverwalk and enjoy the boat bars – it’s a summer tradition!
My Favorite Bars in Prague
- Mala Ryba – An authentic, local, affordable place and wonderful place to start the night.
- Wine lovers should try Vinoteka Noelka, a great local hangout to try very underrated Czech wine.
- And for the bold, once in a blue moon, absinthe drinkers, head over to Absintherie for some flaming booze and sugar cubes!
International Cuisine in Prague
The food scene in Prague has come a long way in recent years, and there are now plenty of options for those looking for something beyond traditional Czech fare.
One cuisine that has gained popularity in the city is Asian food. From Vietnamese pho to Japanese ramen, there are now a number of places to get a taste of the Far East. And while some might think that Asian food doesn’t belong in Prague, it’s actually a perfect fit.
The city’s eclectic mix of cultures and cuisines means that there’s always something new to try, and the abundance of fresh produce means that you can be sure your meal will be full of flavor.
My Favorite Asian Restaurants in Prague
- Remember Vietnamese – Have the Bun Cha! equally fantastic are the pork dishes, but if I’m honest with myself and you all… the entire menu is a win.
- Pho Vietnam Tuan and Lan – My favorite is the Bun Bo Nam Bo, a wonderful beef dish.
- Another great option is Cafefin. This is actually a coffee shop, but it also serves some bomb-diggidy Thai food. The menu features all of your favorite Thai dishes, including pad thai and curries!
In Conclusion: Food Scene in Prague
Prague is known for its hearty, traditional cuisine made with beef, pork, and lamb – basically all of the meats. From pork sausage to pork knuckles, you’ll find plenty of options to pair with your equally delicious Czech beer – some of the best in the world!
From hearty Czech staples to international cuisine, there’s something for everyone. So whether you’re looking to indulge in some beer-fueled debauchery or simply want to enjoy some great food, Prague is the perfect destination.
My last little note on food is around safety. While Prague is delicious, clean, and safe in its food prep, we can all fall prey to the random stomach bug in any country. Make sure to be current on your medical insurance in case an emergency arises – here’s what you need to know about the Best Options for Medical Insurance in Europe. Bon Appetit!
PRO TIP: When you’re done eating your way through Prague, check out Northern Spain’s Food Scene!
Author Bio: Mariana Barbuceanu of Road Trip Euro Guide
After 10 years in corporate America and in a time of Covid, I decided to hit the road and adventure. And now, I’m a full-time travel blogger, a citizen of both the US and the EU, and an all-out digital nomad focusing on road trips in Europe. Beyond that, I’ve traveled to over 30 countries, half of which have been in Europe the past couple of years. I love a good itinerary, local markets, folklore from different cultures, a strong espresso, and an even stronger Negroni! Find me at Road Trip Euro Guide or on Instagram.
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love to visit prague on a foodies trip
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