The 28 Must-Try Restaurants in Prague

American barbecue isn't commonly found in Central Europe, but co-owners Silva Jackson and Tomáš Oujezdský have a natural affinity for it. Chef Jackson honed his barbecue skills in Florida and Texas, while Oujezdský excels at sausage-making, contributing to the popularity of this Texas-style barbecue venue. The laid-back Dinogoy is always lively at lunch, often with a queue stretching outside, and evenings are similarly packed. Grab a tray loaded with meaty delights like smoked sausage, beef ribs, and succulent brisket, paired with creamy potato salad and zesty dill pickles that deliver a satisfying crunch and an ideal spicy-sour balance. The restaurant sources many cuts from Amaso, the butchery run by the Ambiente hospitality group, and the use of pint glasses instead of traditional Czech beer mugs adds to the Americana atmosphere.

Images of beautifully baked rolls that resemble honeycombs have taken Instagram by storm, attracting diners to Šodó, where they are greeted by a cozy wooden counter and an airy atmosphere. The inviting space and appealing pastry display come as no surprise, as the venue was established by the creators of the popular food tour company and Instagram account, Taste of Prague. Since its opening in the depths of winter, this daytime destination has quickly become a favorite, thanks to its commitment to local ingredients and top-notch espresso.

If you visit this microbrewery on a sunny day, you’ll find a courtyard filled with locals savoring refreshing beers alongside casual bites from the nearby Bufet. The indoor seating is bustling throughout the year, making it especially difficult to find a table around 5 p.m. Dva Kohouti, which means 'Two Roosters,' features three staple brews that honor traditional Czech beer culture, but also experiments with IPAs, pale ales, sours, and more. Don’t forget to set aside some cash for a trendy new T-shirt in addition to your drinks.

Poutine, Canada’s beloved dish, has made its way to the Karlin district of Prague in a delightful twist. Co-owned by Canadian expat Michal Kubenk, Garage has been dishing out poutine since 2015 and has quickly become a go-to spot for lunch and dinner. Collaborating with a farmer near Prague, they craft a fresh cheese that mimics the signature squeak of authentic Canadian cheese curds. While the Montreal Poutine — featuring braised beef chunks, crispy onions, and fresh cheese — might stray from tradition, it certainly satisfies cravings.

Eska is a delightful spot to visit at any hour, blending the roles of coffee roaster, bakery, and restaurant seamlessly. Start your day with the inviting aroma of fresh sourdough, meringue-filled pastries, and other delectable sweets. At lunchtime, grab a sandwich and coffee to-go, or settle in the second-level dining room for a glass of natural wine. As night falls, the kitchen showcases its culinary prowess with a tasting menu, which you can enhance with curated wine pairings.

At Gruzie, immerse yourself in a delightful array of Georgian cuisine, featuring dishes like khinkali (dumplings stuffed with spiced ground beef or cheesy potatoes), dolmas wrapped in grape leaves, and the famous canoe-shaped khachapuri, a traditional bread filled with cheese, egg, and herbs. Don’t miss the opportunity to savor a glass or two of exquisite Georgian wine with your meal.

Naše Maso exemplifies the perfect fusion of a restaurant and butcher shop. Operated by the Ambiente Group (known for Lokál and Eska), this upscale butcher offers a selection of meats, homemade condiments, and other gourmet grocery items. It has gained popularity for its Czech-style tartare, juicy medium-rare burgers, sandwiches, and sausages. The tartare is typically seasoned with paprika and diced white onion, forgoing the cornichon, and is often served in separate parts for diners to mix at the table unless specified otherwise.

The local hospitality group Ambiente (known for Café Savoy and Eska) was a pioneer in transforming the traditional Czech beer hall experience with Lokál. Numerous Lokáls now exist across the city, each with its own unique atmosphere but all featuring the same lively vibe and striking abstract wood carvings. While locals typically visit for after-work drinks rather than meals, it's an excellent starting point for tourists to sample classic Czech dishes (don’t miss the pickled Camembert and goulash) alongside a refreshing pilsner. This chain prioritizes customer volume, so be prepared to stand along the wall or squeeze into a windowsill if you didn’t secure a reservation during busy times.

Červený Jelen (Red Stag) features an expansive multilevel dining area that might just boast the tallest ceiling in Prague, yet it’s the impressive open kitchen with its blazing grills that truly captures attention. At this contemporary steakhouse, diners can indulge in everything from brisket to tenderloin, accompanied by an extensive selection of sides (including whipped potatoes), ensuring you leave feeling completely satisfied.

Situated near the iconic Charles Bridge, this stunning bakeshop and café manages to avoid the typical tourist trap vibe. Under the guidance of Iveta Fabešová, one of Czechia's renowned pastry chefs, the café presents a dazzling array of edible art, including tangerine- and lemon-shaped individual cakes, Paris-Brest, and a multilevel cake inspired by a Rubik’s Cube. After marveling at the exquisite bakery display and indulging in some treats, take a moment to enjoy a cup of espresso or tea.

Prague, like many European cities, is filled with shawarma and kebab spots on nearly every corner. However, finding the truly exceptional ones can be a challenge. Tucked away in a quiet corner of Žižkov, Domácí (“homemade”) is a hidden gem not often discovered by tourists. It’s a favorite among locals, particularly those stopping by after a night out, and it’s definitely worth the visit during the day as well. The addition of spiced sautéed peppers and onions makes their wraps stand out. Don't forget to load up on extra pickles, garlic sauce, chile sauce, and tahini for the full experience.

Located just a few blocks from the city’s main train station, Golden Egg is an ideal spot for a quick breakfast sandwich before heading out. However, this charming Mytoury is worth a visit even if you're not traveling. The menu may be simple, but it features the delightful buttery brioche sandwich filled with soft-scrambled eggs and crispy bacon, complemented by caramelized onions, cheddar cheese, and Sriracha aioli. Indulging in one of these sandwiches is one of the best ways to start your day in Prague before 11 a.m.

While the menus at most restaurants in Prague still tend to separate plant-based options from meat dishes, the city boasts an impressive array of vegetarian and vegan Mytouries. Leading the pack is Clear Head, a long-established (mostly) vegan restaurant that offers a whimsical, starlit ambiance alongside a diverse menu. Guests can enjoy a variety of meat-free choices, including burgers, quesadillas, a vegan “tartare,” and even a plant-based rendition of svíčková, the national dish typically made with roast beef, vegetables, gravy, bread dumplings, whipped cream, and cranberries.

Situated in Old Town, Hemingway Bar is renowned among cocktail enthusiasts for its beautifully designed, two-story space that excels in both classic cocktails and innovative signature drinks. With an extensive selection of spirits lining the back bar and skilled, vest-clad bartenders at the helm, it’s no wonder that Hemingway Bar often has a waitlist. While many bars in this bustling area focus on high turnover, this establishment prides itself on the art of crafting thoughtful cocktails at a relaxed pace.

If you're a fan of bubbly beverages, Champagneria is a must-visit, featuring over 100 bottles of wine, including local Czech natural wines, pet-nats, cava, and, of course, Champagne. The space is long and narrow, resembling a cozy neighborhood spot, with limited food offerings that complement its laid-back atmosphere, especially given its location near the bustling streets of Old Town. With friendly service and an infectious vibe, you might find yourself ordering another bottle before you know it.

Prague welcomed its first Detroit-style pizza shop in 2022, thanks to American expats Richard Hawes, Ross VanSlambrouck, and Mike Rogers. Named after the Great Lakes region where the owners originate, the restaurant serves deep-dish pizzas that are extra cheesy with a crispy crust and sauce on top. Signature offerings like the Honolulu Blue (a Hawaiian twist with blue cheese) and the meat-packed Blood Starved Beast might be pricier than typical local pizzas, but the generous toppings and cheese make them hard to resist once they arrive at your table.

Porke is a lively bar located in Žižkov, specializing in tapas and small plates. In addition to classic Spanish offerings like tortilla, garlic prawns, marcona almonds, and Cerignola olives, they serve surprisingly delightful flatbreads. One standout features roasted beets, ricotta, mozzarella, and fresh thyme, all drizzled with honey. Pair your meal with a glass of wine or kick off a long night with a shot of Becherovka.

As one of Prague’s most iconic daytime venues, Café Savoy has maintained its charm since 1893. The attentive service and elegant Viennese-inspired ambiance elevate brunch or lunch into a refined experience without any airs. With offerings like baked Viennese eggs and croissants filled with soft-scrambled eggs and truffles, it's easy to overlook that dinner here is equally impressive. Return in the evening for the confit duck accompanied by homemade bread dumplings and braised cabbage.

As the oldest pub in Prague, established in 1499, U Fleků is often bustling with tourists, yet much like the city's fairytale castle, it's a must-visit for a pint or two. The venue features multiple dining areas along with an outdoor courtyard, ensuring that there’s always a spot for patrons. Among the generous servings of traditional Czech fare, don’t miss the national dish, svíčková, which features a braised beef cut served in a rich gravy made from dairy and vegetables, typically accompanied by carrots, potatoes, cranberries, and unsweetened whipped cream.

Prague boasts numerous brewpubs, yet many tend to be overly touristy and pricey. Venture south along Vodičkova Street from Old Town to Nové Město (New Town) to discover this laid-back Mytoury owned by Pivovar Cvikov brewery. Although the main brewery is situated in a quaint rural town in northern Czechia, the Prague location showcases the full beer selection, including a unique semi-dark lager crafted from three types of malt. The food menu is a celebration of classic Czech cuisine, featuring hearty dishes like braised pork shoulder with bread dumplings, boiled potatoes with tartar sauce, and liver dumpling soup.

Renowned for both its set-menu brunch and evening tasting menus, Bockem is a true standout in Prague's culinary landscape. Its appeal lies in its low-key setting in Smíchov and the intimate, brick-walled dining area that accommodates about 20 guests. Chef and co-owner Ondřej Kynčl masterfully utilizes locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, reshaping how Czech cuisine is perceived, even among locals. The five-course dinner menu is ever-changing, while brunch consistently features standout dishes, particularly the impressive soufflé eggs Benedict that never fails to delight.

Kro is adored for its perfectly roasted rotisserie chickens, with the culinary team finding countless ways to make the most of the juicy, flavorful meat. From filling sandwiches to Waldorf salads topped with shredded chicken, and even a unique twist on chicken paprikash featuring grilled pepper sauce and roasted potatoes (a must-try!), this is a place you'll want to visit repeatedly to savor everything it has to offer. Kro has also expanded to Karlin, and both locations provide a delightful selection of beer, wine, and cocktails to accompany the dishes.

This brewpub perfectly merges tradition with modernity, making it an ideal spot for Czech beer enthusiasts. While the food offerings are classic—like garlic soup, pickled Camembert, and chilled pork jowl with horseradish cream—they are undeniably satisfying. The beer selection is extensive, featuring various lagers, pale ales, and IPAs. If you visit on a weekend evening, the lower-level seating area buzzes with energy, providing a lively atmosphere.

Thanks to historical ties with communism, Czechia is home to a significant Vietnamese community, making it the largest minority after Ukrainians and Slovaks. Banh mi, pho, and bun cha are common in the city, but Old Hanoi stands out among the rest. Don’t be misled by its location next to a bustling shopping mall; step inside to discover a spacious dining area decorated with vintage Vietnamese street signs and a charming three-wheeled rickshaw at the entrance. The star of the show is the exquisitely clear pho broth, topped with fragrant herbs and served alongside sliced garlic and chili for an extra kick.

Roughly translating to 'the cafe with no name,' this hidden gem in the city is a must-visit. In addition to their morning pastries, the menu is simple, featuring daily soups and dishes scrawled on a chalkboard; everything is prepared from scratch. The walls host rotating art displays, and the bathroom sink swaps out a mirror for a sign that reads, 'You look fine,' perfectly embodying the cafe's relaxed atmosphere.

Opened in 2018, Manifesto became the city’s first modern food hall, ahead of competitors like Time Out Market. Nestled near the bustling Andel business district, this partially covered, open-air venue attracts office workers and locals alike every day. Don’t miss vendors like Bab Rýže, offering Korean dishes, Favela with Brazilian street fare, and El Bodegón, renowned for its delicious empanadas and churros.

For those eager to explore Czech terroir, Vallmo is a must-visit. This carefully curated, seasonally inspired Mytoury is quickly establishing itself as one of the city's finest dining experiences. Chef Martin Makovička skillfully blends French and Italian techniques with traditional Czech cuisine. The small bites that precede your meal are always a highlight, but it's the signature poppy seed pudding dessert, featuring mead-soaked apples and delicate microflowers, that will remain in your memory long after your visit.

Nestled in the vibrant heart of Prague 5, Na Kopci is a culinary gem that's a bit off the beaten path. The a la carte menu is extensive and frequently updated, yet you can always count on finding a traditionally made Czech tartare accompanied by fries. However, the real highlight—and what earns the restaurant its Michelin Bib Gourmand—is the incredible value of the four-course tasting menu, which consistently feels like a bargain at under 1,000 crowns (less than $50 USD).