BEST TRADITIONAL CZECH RESTAURANTS IN DOWNTOWN PRAGUE (2025 Guide)
- Tomáš Hásl
- Jul 10
- 5 min read
Updated: Jul 11
Overwhelmed with countless tourist traps and average restaurants lining the streets?
As a local, I know where to find the real deal – authentic Czech restaurants that serve delicious, high-quality food at fair, local-friendly prices.
These hidden gems offer a true taste of traditional Czech cuisine – hearty classics like svíčková, roast duck, or goulash – all paired with excellent locally brewed beer and warm, no-fuss hospitality. Forget the flashy menus and let me guide you to places where locals actually eat.
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KANTÝNA I @restaurace_kantyna I Google
Located just a few steps from Wenceslas Square, Kantýna is a unique mix of a butcher shop and a modern Czech beer hall. Housed in a grand former bank, the space blends minimalist design with old-school Czech canteen vibes – but don’t be fooled: this is no ordinary lunch spot.
At Kantýna, you order directly at the butcher counter, pay by weight, and enjoy everything freshly grilled or roasted right in front of you. The concept is casual but high quality – perfect for foodies looking for something local, hearty, and authentic.
🔥 What to Try
Holandský řízek - Czech-style pork patty with cheese with mashed potatoes
Beef tartare, brisket, or grilled sausages
Don’t skip the potato pancakes or creamy salads on the side
👉 Pro tip: Pair your meal with a Pilsner Urquell straight from the tank, or a local craft brew.
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CAFÉ LOUVRE I @cafelouvre I Google
No guide to the best restaurants in downtown Prague would be complete without this legendary spot. Open since 1902, Café Louvre blends the charm of a historic grand café with friendly, professional service.
Step inside to soak up the old-world atmosphere — the same one that once welcomed Franz Kafka and Albert Einstein. Whether you’re here for a leisurely lunch, a creamy svíčková, or just a coffee with dessert, Louvre delivers classic Czech comfort in elegant surroundings.
🔥 What to Try
Check out their daily lunch menu for a broad selection of traditional Czech dishes — generous portions at fair prices
Chicken breast with creamy pepper sauce – simple, tasty, and satisfying
Czech staples like svíčková (marinated beef with creamy root vegetable sauce) or a classic schnitzel – always a safe bet
👉 Pro tip: Treat yourself to dessert — go for the Viennese-style apple strudel or the signature Louvre cake, and pair it with a cup of Turkish-style coffee, just like our parents used to serve it in the old days. A proper old-school Prague café moment.
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MASARYČKA I @restauracemasarycka I Google
Located inside Prague’s oldest steam train station, Masaryčka brings the charm of the First Republic era (1918) into the present day. This stylish restaurant blends historic elegance with modern design, offering a fresh take on classic Czech dishes.
Expect elevated Czech comfort food, beautifully plated, and paired with perfectly tapped Pilsner Urquell in a truly unique setting.
🔥 What to Try
Slow-cooked beef goulash served with traditional bread dumplings
Deep fried Gouda cheese is a must-try, served with tartar sauce and fries
Smoked beef tongue served with vejmrda - a traditional Old Czech horseradish and apple salad
👉 Pro tip: Start your meal with a traditional Czech soup, choosing between a rich goulash soup or a comforting potato soup.
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LOKÁL DLOUHÁÁÁ I @lokal_dlouhaaa I Google
Lokál brings the nostalgic spirit of classic Czech home cooking from the 1970s and 80s to life. Known for its authentic, no-compromise dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, it offers a true taste of traditional Czech cuisine.
Located on Dlouhá Street in the heart of Prague’s Old Town, Lokál is popular with tourists — but don’t be fooled, it’s also a favorite among locals who appreciate its genuine flavors and lively atmosphere.
🔥 What to Try
Sekaná – classic Czech meatloaf, warm and juicy, just like grandma used to make
Smažák (fried Edam cheese) – golden, melty, and served with tartar sauce. A beloved guilty pleasure
Beef tartare – hand-cut, perfectly seasoned, and served with crispy toast and garlic. A true fan favorite
👉 Pro tip: Order a Mlíko – a Czech beer poured with mostly foam. It’s creamy, smooth, and oddly satisfying. Locals love it, and it’s a perfect match for all the above.
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RESTAURACE HYBERNSKÁ I @hybernska_ I Google
Located in central Prague, Hybernská offers authentic Czech dishes made with fresh ingredients. With a quick and varied lunch menu, it’s a popular spot where locals love to come for lunch. Complement your meal with freshly tapped Pilsner Urquell and a great selection of local beers.
🔥 What to Try
Roasted duck served with cabbage and fluffy dumplings — a must-try national dish done right
Potato dumplings filled with goose — unique and unforgettable
Pork knuckle — slow-cooked until meltingly tender, perfect for meat lovers
👉 Pro tip: Kick things off with kulajda — a creamy wild mushroom and dill soup with a soft-boiled egg. It’s one of the most beloved Czech starters.
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CAFE IMPERIAL I @cafeimperial_praha I Google
Opened in 1914, Café Imperial is one of Prague’s most iconic and elegant dining spots. Led by celebrated chef Zdeněk Pohlreich (often called the Czech Gordon Ramsay), it combines warm hospitality with exquisite cuisine and stunning Art Nouveau interiors.
Café Imperial is renowned for its creative takes on traditional Czech dishes, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking authentic flavors in a historic setting.
🔥 What to Try
Svíčková na smetaně – Their take on this Czech classic (marinated beef in a creamy root-vegetable sauce with dumplings) is honestly one of the best I’ve had in Prague
Braised rabbit (dušený králík) – A comforting, old-school dish that brings back memories of childhood meals at my grandparents’, who used to raise rabbits
👉 Pro tip: End on a sweet (and boozy) note with roasted plums flambéed in slivovice – a modern twist on traditional flavors and a perfect Czech-style dessert adventure.
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Wildcard suggestion: HAVELSKÁ KORUNA I @havelskakoruna I Google
For a true taste of everyday Czech dining, Havelská Koruna offers a no-frills, super-local cafeteria-style lunch loved by locals. Serving generous portions of classic Czech dishes at very affordable prices, it’s perfect for a quick, hearty meal in the heart of Prague.
If you want to experience authentic Czech comfort food without the tourist markup, this spot is a must-visit.
🔥 What to Try
Koprovka – A creamy dill sauce served with boiled beef and boiled potatoes. Pure Czech comfort food
Segedínský guláš – Pork stew slow-cooked with sauerkraut and spices. Hearty, tangy, and filling
Čočka na kyselo – Sour lentils traditionally served with a poached egg or a slice of smoked ham. A simple classic full of flavor
👉 PRO tip: Got a sweet tooth? Go for a sweet main dish like šišky s mákem – soft potato dough rolls dusted with poppy seeds and sugar, or ovocné knedlíky – fruit-filled dumplings (try strawberry!) topped with butter, sugar, and curd.
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Looking for someone to help you find your way eating through Prague?
Drop me a message or join our Foodie Tour of Prague tour to explore local neighborhoods and taste authentic Czech flavors.
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