When we got off our flight, the first thing we needed was food. While we installed our bags in the apartment, we were discussing where to eat in Prague. We could go for one of the few restaurants close to our place, or we could dive into the city center right away. Not wanting to waste one night without really seeing Prague, we went for the latter.
While arriving at the city center, we realized we had no idea where to go and what would be typical Czech. Hunger took over and we decided to go with a Cuban guy, trying to pitch a touristic restaurant. The menu offered foods from all over the world and had just a small section of Czech food. Since we were really hungry, we went for what sounded best to our stomach. I had a pizza funghi, mushrooms gratinated with blue cheese and a salad. Luis went for a little more adventurous and ordered a 700 gram pork knee. What, say what? Yes, a pretty heavy dish. Luckily most of the weight comes from the bone, but there is still a lot of meat attached to it. According to Luis it was delicious, very tender and juicy. This was one of the local dishes by the way. Click here if you want to see our recommendations on what to eat in Prague.
The restaurant was perfect for our first night. Not too many people, a great diversity in foods and just a comfortable place to sit for a couple of hours when you’re exhausted from traveling.
Nonetheless, we wanted to do better after this. We were in Prague, so we wanted real Prague food in local restaurants, instead of touristic hotspots. To help you have a better start, I wrote a post with my favorites of where to eat in Prague.
Lokal
For our first Czech lunch, we went to Lokal. A popular place, for both locals and tourists. They have many locations, but we went to Dlouha. Nothing too fancy, it has a bit of a vintage vibe going on. You’ll find tons of brown tables and chairs, and it might be possible many will be already reserved. I think it doesn’t matter that much where you’ll sit, it’s all fine. The menu offers lots of local dishes, and can vary every day. I ordered one of their recommendations, the fried cheese. Luis ordered goulash. It was the first time we tasted dumplings and I have to say, I like them a lot.
Of course we also ordered a few beers to accompany our meal. In the restaurant you’ll see huge beer tanks, connected to the taps. So, when you order a beer it directly comes from the cold tank! Can it be any fresher than that?
Apart from beers, meals and snacks, Lokal also offers experiences. You’re able to book a beer tour, different courses or beer pairing. Make sure you stop by one of the Lokal locations in Prague when you’re there!
Perníčkův sen
Address: Haštalská 757/21
Something entirely different, but I think it’s one of the cutest stores in Prague! It’s around the corner from Lokal Dlouha, so make sure you go and take a look. The outside alone is worth it! Their specialty is gingerbread in all sorts and kinds, but you’ll also find lots of different cookies and candies. So sweet!
T Anker
Who doesn’t love a roof top terrace? What if I told you a restaurant in the middle of Prague has a 650m2 roof top terrace, with amazing views over the city? Not only that, they also have a huge choice in beers, local and international.
Now the only question is: how can I get there? Well, it’s a bit hidden. You’ll find T Anker on Namesti Republiky. If you stand in front of the main entrance to the mall KOTVA, turn left around the mall. After about 20 meters you will see the entrance to the elevator (on the left). Take the elevator to the 5th floor and you’re there, try to find one of the best places next to the stunning view!
We enjoyed the whole experience, even trying to find the strange elevator shaft and walking into this strange place as if you just entered a hidden paradise. Even though it was October, the sun was shining and the temperature was really nice. We were a bit too eager to continue our walk through Prague, otherwise we would have spend all afternoon here!
U Glaubiců
Address: Malostranské náměstí 266/5
On the walk down the hill from Prague castle, we got pretty hungry. Not strange at all, since we made a good walk up to get there in the first place. Luckily, walking down you’ll find a beautiful gallery with lots of different restaurant and bars. When the weather is good, it’ll be very crowded on the terraces. Can’t blame them, who doesn’t like to enjoy the beautiful scenery there.
After checking out different places from the outside, we stumbled upon the winner. We entered a restaurant, which seemed to be small. Little did we know that behind the first rows of tables, a true maze was hidden! There are different floors. Each with their own atmosphere. There even is a big 700 years old cellar. Can you believe this place already was a beer hall in 1520? There is so much history in this restaurant/bar!
We found a private table right next to the beer tanks, which is why the lighting on our picture is a bit strange.
We ordered a few new dishes, which became our absolute favorites. Svickova and pickled cheese. The latter is also really good, would love to try to make it myself! You can read more about them in this blog post. The beers were also delicious – and cheap. Unfortunately the battery of both our phones and camera were low at this point, so we weren’t able to take pictures of the svickova. But just trust me on this one, you can’t miss out on it!
IN LOCO
Address: Sokolovská 32
Even though the name suggests otherwise, IN LOCO is a Czech restaurant. A more modern place, with lots of pictures of local artists. For some reason we arrived here, because we really wanted another portion of Svickova on our last night in Prague. The menu is typically Czech, with a little modern twist to it. A real recommendation for those who like the combination of authentic made a bit better!
Naše maso
Address: Dlouha 39
A butcher shop, but not any butcher shop. In this small local, you can buy your steaks, but also order food to eat on the spot. You would like a glass of wine or beer with your delicacy? Also possible. You gave to get a ticket with a number, just like in any butcher shop. After you order, your food will be prepared and they will call your number. If you want to eat it inside, make sure you find a comfortable place. It’s all standing up and the shop can get pretty crowded! One of the recommendations is the meat loaf, which was delicious indeed.
At some point we even saw how the staff magically conjured up a table for six from the floor or the ceiling, no idea where it came from. So apparently it doesn’t matter how little space there is, if you really want to make reservations for a luxury dinner in the butcher shop, it’s all possible.
Be aware though, this place is obviously not fit for vegetarians. I was eating vegetarian at the time. So it was no paradise for me, as there was nothing to order without meat.
Prague Beer Museum
Cool, a museum! Who doesn’t want to learn about (local) culture while you’re on a trip?! Okay, this is not really a restaurant. And not a museum neither. But if you like beer, it is worth a visit. The prices are more elevated than in most places. But their ‘thing’ is that you can have tasting sessions for lots of different craft beers. Order a tasting plate and you’ll get a taste of local or internationally brewed goodies.
The Prague Beer Museum is across the street from the butcher shop. If you might still be hungry, the menu offers local food, American food or just pub food. Even though I think you’ll be better off filling your stomach somewhere else.
I hope this article served you on your trip to Prague! If you have other recommendations, please let me know where to eat in Prague next time we go.
