Best Prague Restaurants, co*cktail Bars & Beer Gardens (2024)

Many people visit Prague to visit its historic squares, climb the Gothic towers, stroll across the Charles Bridge, and tour its castle, but Prague is also home to many great restaurants and bars. In fact, one of the best things to do in Prague is to visit a beer hall.

Whether you want to dine with a view or sip on a creative co*cktail, we have a lot of great options to share with you. In this guide, we cover the best Prague restaurants, bars, and beer halls to add to your itinerary.

Table of Contents

Foods to Try in Prague

Before we jump into where to eat in Prague, here is a quick list of what to eat and drink in Prague.

Langoš. This is flatbread topped with garlic, cheese, and ketchup. You’ll see these for sale at the stalls in the Old Town Square.

Langoš food stall in the Old Town Square

Bramboráky. Bramboráky are deep fried patties of potato, similar to a hash brown.

Klobása. Klobása are barbecued sausages.

Trdelník. Trdelník (also called Chimney Cake) is made from rolled dough that is wrapped around a stick, baked on an open fire, then topped with a sugar and walnut mix. It is delicious on its own, but it can have chocolate sauce spread inside it, and/or be filled with ice cream. Definitely a must-try when in Prague!

Trdelník

Perníčky. Perníčky is spicy gingerbread.

Czech Beer. Pilsner Urquell, Budvar, and Staropramen are popular Czech beers. These can be found in many restaurants throughout Prague.

If you are visiting in the winter, popular hot drinks include mulled wine (svařák), punch (punč), grog (rum, water, lemon, and sugar), honey wine (medovina), and hot chocolate (horkáčokoláda).

Prague Restaurants

There are a lot of great Prague restaurants to try. This is a short list of the places we visited, so it is by no means a list of the “best restaurants in Prague.” However, there are some great places on this list. Dine in Gothic Tower, have a gourmet meal with a view of the Charles Bridge, or step back in time and dine in a medieval tavern.

Restaurant Mlýnec

Price: $$$$
Location: Novotného lávka 9, Old Town
Website: mlynec.cz/en/
Reservation: Highly recommended

If I had to describe this fine dining restaurant with one word it would be “fabulous.” But this place deserves more than just one word.

The interior is modern with a big splash of creativity, from the wall of ferns to the columns turned into trees to a ceiling covered with cloth roses. However, the best part is the view through the wall of windows, where you can gaze out at the Charles Bridge.

A tasting menu and al a carte options are available. The food is just as great, if not better than the view, and overall this was one of our best dining experiences in Prague.

Reservations are highly encouraged. For the best experience, request a table near the windows.

Restaurant Zvonice

Price: $$$$
Location: Jindřišská Tower, Old Town
Website: restaurantzvonice.cz
Reservation: Highly recommended

Dine at the top of a Gothic tower with a view over Prague…need I say more?

There are many towers in Prague, each offering a unique view over the “City of a Hundred Spires.” But if you want an even more unique experience, then book a table at Restaurant Zvonice.

Located near the top of Jindřišská Tower, a 15th century tower, you will dine under the wooden rafters and next to the original bell.

Cicala Trattoria

Price: $$ – $$$
Location: Zitna 1657/43, near Wenceslas Square and the National Museum
Website: trattoria.cz
Reservation: Recommended

We had a night in Prague without a dinner reservation. A quick search on Google Maps pointed us to this underrated gem of a restaurant.

Despite its great reviews, we weren’t expecting much as we walked down the street towards this restaurant and entered. But once we walked downstairs to the main restaurant, it was like we were transported into a rustic Italian cellar.

On the menu is authentic Italian cuisine. We were a group of five and we sampled quite a bit, and everything was delicious.

This place has more of a local vibe than a touristy restaurant. Not much English was spoken so it is helpful to speak Italian or Czech. If you are looking for a great meal in a cozy restaurant, and don’t want the price of a fine dining restaurant, this is a great choice.

U Modré Kachničky

Price: $$$$
Location: Nebovidska 460/6, Mala Strana
Website: umodrekachnicky.cz
Reservation: Highly recommended

Beetroot carpaccio

The flaming pancake

For traditional Czech food, an extensive wine list, and a setting in a beautifully decorated historic mansion, look no farther.

U Modré Kachničky, which translates to “The Blue Duck,” is one of the top fine dining restaurants in Prague. The setting is a restored historical home, now transformed into a restaurant. Live piano music fills the air, complementing the elegance of the surroundings. The wait staff is very attentive, making dinner here an all-around memorable experience.

On the menu, a tasting menu and al a carte options are available. The menu is heavy on meat, with duck, pheasant, deer, and rabbit being the main dishes. Julie loved the beetroot carpaccio appetizer, one of the only vegetarian options on the menu. The flaming pancake (crepes) dessert is prepared table side with an emphasis on ‘flaming.’

Medieval Tavern “U Krále Brabantského”

Price: $$ – $$$
Location: Thunovska 198/15, Mala Strana
Website: krcmabrabant.cz
Reservation: Recommended

True to its name, this tavern transports you back to medieval times. You are after all stepping into “The Oldest Pub in Prague” which is rumored to have had patrons from smugglers to kings (it dates back to 1375).

This restaurant sits at the bottom of the New Castle Stairs, a massive staircase that runs up to Prague Castle. Because of this restaurant’s location, it makes a great lunch spot before or after visiting Prague Castle.

This medieval restaurant is decorated with massive wooden tables and chairs, and ancient wooden beams and stone floor. For an even more medieval atmosphere, head downstairs and explore the cellar. One room in the cellar even has skulls attached to the ceiling.

The restaurant serves lunch and dinner. And at specific times of the week, dinner includes a medieval show with belly dancers, live historical music, a fire show, and swordsmen. Check their website for dates/times and to make a reservation.

We opted for lunch instead of dinner. Overall, the food was just okay, nothing special, but this place is more about the ambience than the food. And with its close proximity to the Prague Castle is makes a great place to enjoy a meal or snack after visiting the castle.

A Few More Prague Restaurants to Recommend

We could only eat at so many places. Here are a few more restaurants that came up in our research or were recommended by fellow travelers.

V Zatisi is a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves Czech and European cuisine. I’m sorry we missed it as many reviewers state it is the best meal they had in Prague.

Terasa U Zlaté studné. Dine with an exquisite view of Prague at this fine dining restaurant.

Prague Bars

Prague has a wonderful list of creative co*cktail bars to try. These are great spots to visit for a pre-dinner drink or to end your day. Here are our favorites.

The Alchemist Bar

This is our favorite co*cktail bar in Prague. We liked it so much we were here on multiple nights.

The interior is both elegant and, in the evening, with the lights turned down low, it feels a little bit like you are sitting in the dining room of a haunted mansion. But don’t worry, no ghost here, just talented bartenders that deserve the title Alchemist. The menu is so creative that it is very tempting to stay for a second drink or revisit. We did both! Reservations strongly encouraged.

Alchemist Bar

co*cktails at the Alchemist Bar

AnonymouS Bar

At the Anonymous Bar, the bartenders wear V for Vendetta masks, preparing co*cktails with a wide range of presentations, from fire shows to drinks served in mini blood donation bags.

Every drink on the menu has a creative element to it. The bartenders are not allowed to tell you the presentation of the drink before you order, so it is best not to ask. Just order the drink that sounds the most interesting and you will be in good hands.

Make sure you stay for a second round of drinks as they give you a whole new set of creative co*cktails to pick from. Reservations very strongly encouraged.

Anonymous Shrink’s Office

Operated by the same crew as AnonymouS Bar, this bar combines the psychoanalytical Rorschach Test with the creative co*cktail menu.

Enter the Ideas are Bulletproof Bar and let them know you have an appointment at the Shrink’s Office. They will confirm your reservation and lead you to a secret door.

Once inside the Shrink’s Office you are presented with a set of ink blots, from which you pick the one that interests you most. The talented bartenders then craft a co*cktail related to that ink blot. And if you stay for a second drink then another innovative way of selecting a co*cktail is presented to you.

Definitely make a reservation, I mean, an appointment!

The Monkey Bar

Located on the ground level of Falkensteiner Hotel, The Monkey Baris a cool but sophisticated place to have a drink, snack, or a meal. Everything about this place radiates a hip vibe, from the monkey themed-decor, the creative drink list, and the curated music.

You don’t need to be a guest at the hotel to enjoy this experience, so swing on in.

The Monkey Bar

Glass Bar

The Dancing House, also called Ginger and Fred, is a building famous for its unique architecture.

The Dancing House

The view from the Glass Bar

Situated on top of the Dancing House, the Glass Bar has an observation deck with beautiful views along the Vltava River. The bar itself is small and the indoor seating is cramped, so the main reason to come here is for the view, which doesn’t disappoint.

Before arriving, know that there is a minimum to spend at the bar in order to step out onto the rooftop observation platform. Buying a single bottle of water will not cut it, but a co*cktail or beer should. There are benches on the platform where you can sit and enjoy your drink outside.

If you prefer an indoor dining experience with this view, then one floor below the Glass Bar is Ginger & Fred, which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

A Few More Prague Bars to Recommend

Alcron Bar. This is another bar where the presentation of the co*cktail is just as important as the mixology of the co*cktail. Think genie lamps, chemistry sets, toothbrushes, and more. They also serve food. Reservations strongly encouraged.

Hemingway Bar. This bar is inspired by Ernest Hemingway. In addition to co*cktails they have a bistro with some light food choices.

Vinograf Senovážné. If you prefer wine over co*cktails, put this highly rated wine bar on your list.

Prague Beer Gardens

The Czech Republic is known for brewing some of the world’s best beer. There are numerous pubs and beer halls to visit in Prague.

Our favorite is the Strahov Monastery Brewery. It’s a little bit out of the way, and best combined with the Strahov Library or Prague Castle, but it gets consistently good reviews (which is not always the case with most beer gardens in Prague). The indoor seating has two levels, each with their own bar. We were able to get a table without a reservation.

Two others that we have tried and had good experiences are U Fleku and U Medvidku.

If you simply want to learn more about Czech Beer, the Pilsner Urquell Experience is a guided tour where you can also learn how to perfectly pour a pint of beer (at the Tapster Academy).

Confectionaries & Prague Chocolate Shops

Cukrář Skála

If you want a sweet treat, this place is amazing. Located near Republic Square, Cukrář Skála is a patisserie that creates decadent desserts and pastries. We tasted the cream roll, coconut and chocolate pastry, chocolate and egg nog pastry, and a salted caramel with walnuts pastry.

Pastries at Cukrář Skála

JANEK Chocolate

Located steps away from Havel’s Market, they offer a wide variety of luscious truffles and chocolate bars.

Prague Chocolate Factory Store (Steiner & Kovarik)

Located near the Prague Castle and just a few doors up from the Medieval Tavern, this shop sells a variety of chocolate covered almonds. They offer some unique flavors that you must try, such as dark chocolate and cinnamon. This is a great place to pick up some gifts to take home.

If you have any other questions about the best Prague restaurants and bars, or if you want to share your favorites, let us know in the comment section below.

More Information for Your Trip to the Czech Republic

PRAGUE: Get started with our article Best Things to Do in Prague. Plan your time with this 2 Days in Prague Itinerary. Take a look at our Guide to Prague Castle for lots of helpful tips for your visit. And here are the 10 best views of Prague.

CESKY KRUMLOV: In our Guide to Cesky Krumlov, learn how to plan your day trip from Prague.

CENTRAL EUROPE ITINERARY: Learn how to put together Budapest, Vienna, and Prague together in our 10 day Central Europe Itinerary.

CHRISTMAS IN PRAGUE: If you will be visiting Prague in December, don’t miss our guide to the best Christmas markets in Prague, which also includes other festive things to do in the city.

Read all of our articles about Czech Republic in our Czech Republic Travel Guide.

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