6 Affordable Authentic Czech Restaurants in Prague by Local Guide Žaneta
Authentic Czech Food — On the Beaten Path
I have been a local guide in Prague for many years and these are 5 of my favorite places to take my guests when they are visiting Prague. These places are a great way to experience Prague’s history and culture. The two best classic Czech Restaurants/Cafes that have been in Prague for decades are Cafe Slavia and Cafe Louvre which are both on the same street leading to the National Theater (National Street). Both restaurants have been visited by many famous Czech artists and authors to meet and discuss their work since the early 1900s. Artists such as Franz Kafka, Karel Čapek, Toyen, Kupka and many others. Both cafes are full of Czech history and classic Czech food. The decor of both places are astounding and a good way to experience the feeling of Prague as a local.
Cafe Slavia
Café Slavia is a traditional cafe in the historical center of Prague that offers Czech and international cuisine. The menu includes salad, fish and meat specialties. You can try our breakfast menu, which you can order from 8 o clock in the morning. You can absorb the history and sit by the window with a incredible view National Theater, Charles Bridge and the Prague Castle while enjoying your lunch and a nice glass of beer or wine.
Cafe Louvre
Another classic historic restaurant in the center of Prague is Cafe Louvre. It was know as a main office or hangout for many Czech artist scientists and authors. Albert Einstein visited here as well as Frany Kafka and many others. The cafe serves authentic Czech food as well as seasonal dishes. the service is impeccable and the decor is breathtaking. They even have a large billiard room where you can drink play pool and smoke cigars. It is still a traditional smoking restauant/cafe with a non-smoking section. After your lunch or just a break for coffee to rest your feet. I would suggest having the apple strudel dessert. It is incredible. A true classic of Prague.
U Pinkasu
This is the original place where the first Pilzen Beer was introduced to Prague. The restaurant and pub U Pinkasu started in 1843 by the Pinkas family. They heard about a new beer brewed in Pilsen by Burger’s Brewery. They made a deal with a local carrier and the first two casks of Pilsen Beer were brought to U Pinkasu. Now U Pinkasu is a classic place to stop in Prague for a tasty Pilzen beer. It is also a restaurant offering nice Czech Food. The food is tailored to accompany the beer with nice beer starters and small dishes to munch on while you wait for your main course. The food is Old Bohemian style from 1843 with lots of pork, beef, chicken, and duck with the Czech traditional potato dumpling (Knedlinky). They will even cook you a goose, turkey, or piglet, if you order 24 hours in advance. The great thing is that it is locate a short walk from Wencelav Square. So you can stop in during your sightseeing for a beer break, lunch, or dinner. Locals and even famous Czechs meet here for beer so you might even run into someone famous here.
U Pinkasu Restaurant http://www.upinkasu.com
Baracnicka Rychta (Old Czech Restaurant)
Baracnicka Rychta is one of the oldest restaurants up near the Prague Castle founded in 1874. It has an interesting history because this is the place where the Nazi SS and soldiers would party and eat during the German occupation of Prague. It serves good Czech food and many dishes featuring chicken, pork, beef and some vegetarian items. The style is traditional Czech and they have a good selection of beer and wine by the glass. It also has big cultural hall where they have many events.
http://www.baracnickarychta.cz
Authentic Czech Food — Off the Beaten Path
U Veverky (The Squirrel)
U Veverka is a Czech restaurant away from the center tourist crowds near Hradcanska metro station. You won’t find any tourists here and the prices are very reasonable. Be sure to make a reservation for dinner because if fills up very fast because it is a very popular place. They have authentic traditional Czech food and a great goulash. Try their lunch specials from 10:00–3:00 pm at a smaller price and still just as good as the main menu. They have soups salads and daily specials. It serves fresh Pilzen and all the locals are drinking there. This is a nice place to experience the true Czech lifestyle. Fresh Pilzen on tap! You might see me here. For dinner always make a reservation!
U Houbaře (The Mushroom Hunter)
U Houbaře is a quiet Czech restaurant away from the tourist center across from the museum of modern art in Prague (Veletrzni Palace). Its has great Czech traditional kitchen with Czech classic meals such as Smazak (Fried cheese) and Goulash as well as Svičkova (roast beef) and all come with tradition knedlinky (dumplings). Its a great place to stop for lunch when visiting the modern art museum. They have fresh Pilzen on tap and large portions with reasonable Czech prices. You can eat like a local here and you won’t see any other tourists here.
About the author Zaneta Endlicherova — Zaneta is the founder of Prestige Prague Tours a personal guide service in Prague and writer for the Prestige Prague Insiders Guide.
Contact her at: prestigepraguetours@gmail.com
Originally published at www.prestigepraguetours.com.
