By the time I alighted the train into the fog-filled Prague streets, I was prepared to savour the soul of the city without having to empty my wallet. Being a travel expert in Low Cost Vibes who believes in the motto of budgeting and bliss, I plunged into the best restaurants in Prague.
I discovered that Prague food can be both charming and cheap, from the crowded old town to the lesser-known cafés of Lesser Town. This guide will take you through my food findings, some of my insider cost-cutting tips, and how a person can enjoy traditional Czech food and spend little money.
Prague Is the Dream City of Food Lovers
The glittering city of Prague has to give more than the medieval architecture and paved streets. Its food culture is based on comfort food that leaves the locals contented at the end of the long days of wandering around the Old Town, over the Charles Bridge, or ascending the spires of the Prague Castle. The classic Czech restaurants offer classic and comforting foods of the slow-cooked meats, creamy dumplings and thick sauces, which go well with the beer culture that the city boasts. The only difference is the extremely low cost: a lunch place in Prague is capable of serving a family of four what a tourist meal costs in most other capitals of Europe.
The food market of the city is a mix of tastes- beginning with a humble bowl of garlic soup and moving on to an opulent plate of Roast duck with sauerkraut. Prague’s dining culture is officially recognised as an important part of the visitor experience by the Czech tourism authority, which promotes traditional food and local restaurants across the country.
Local cafes serve fresh cakes, and the street vendors sell the most famous one, the Trdelnik, and other desserts. Being a tourist and believing that in Prague, it is better not to spend a lot of money on luxurious options, I have discovered that the places offering the best food in the city are not necessarily located in the most crowded places by tourists, but they can offer the same authenticity and hearty meals that the Czech culture can offer.
Best places to eat in prague which I personally liked
Traditional Czech Restaurants
Výčep (Vinohrady)
I went through the green Vinohrady area and discovered a small, unobtrusive pub called Vycepe that resembles a home-cooked kitchen. Our menu is a feast of the traditional Czech cuisine: warm goulash, pork knuckles and the ever-popular český guláš, which dissolves in your mouth. I am a strong supporter of the view that good food does not necessarily have to be priced high, and Vycep shows that. The portions are also very generous, such that you will go away satisfied and full without having to empty your wallet.
The key factor that makes this location a favourite among budget travellers is its casual environment and amiable prices, where the average price per meal is less than 700 CZK, which is significantly lower than the average cost of a meal in the city. The bartenders are the local crafts that make the simplest yet tastiest cocktails that go well with the meals. Early evening on weekdays is the most convenient moment to visit Vycep; the restaurant is not so full, and the employees have an opportunity to offer you a tip of the day, a small salad or a side of pickled vegetables that will complement the meal but at no extra charge.
This is the place where you would begin should you be in need of a genuine taste of the Czech Republic cuisine. I suggest the attempt at the svíčková, a tender roast beef item with the creamy gravy and cranberry sauce – that is a traditional favourite of mine. Serve it together with a local Pilsner. To get really local, walk to the local Vinohrady Square after dinner, the streetlights are shimmering on the old building facades and give your evening a film-like impression.
Lokál Dlouhááá (Old Town)
Right in the centre of the Old Town, the noise of glasses and the smell of roasted pork took me directly to Lokál Dlouhááá, which is a contemporary Czech pub that prides itself on fresh and seasonal products. The idea is not complicated: a rotating menu, which consists of what is in season and prepared at incredibly low prices.
The colourful decor, bare brick walls and high scores appealed to me immediately. The food list is quite diverse with a range of local Czech cuisine: bramboráky (pancakes of potatoes), smažený sýr (fried cheese), and the main staple of the menu, Lokal burger, a fat hamburger with pickles, onions and mustard. Every menu item comes with a serving of homemade potato salad or creamy coleslaw and is a filling, cost-effective meal that is sure to satisfy travellers.
The fact that members of staff are available to discuss every single dish is what I like best about Lokál Dlouhááá, as they can provide information about the ingredients and cooking methods. They are also so effective; despite the fact that it was the peak lunchtime, I consumed the food within a dozen minutes, and there was no undercover charge. To make a satisfying lunch, I will suggest the přírodní hovězí guláš – a simple and spicy beef stew which is both nourishing and cheap.
The jazz lounge of Lokal offers a jazz-like music experience after dinner, and local musicians perform Czech folk music. It is an ideal place to relax, have a cold Pilsner, and experience the Prague atmosphere.
While planning where to eat, I also realised how closely Prague’s food culture connects with its neighbourhoods, so taking time to explore the nearby places to visit in Prague made each meal feel like part of a bigger local experience rather than just a stop for food.
Bredovský Dvůr (New Town)
Located in the vibrant neighbourhood of New Town, Bredovský Dvůr is a place where one can experience a rare combination of traditional Czech cuisine and the trends of the modern world. The 19th-century historic manor building is a luxurious backdrop to the relaxed rustic interior.
The menu is carefully selected, and it includes such cuisine as kysané vepřové koleno (marinated pork knuckle) and housková polévka (beet soup). My best was the veselé pecené kuvere – a golden roasted chicken which was cooked to the last perfection. The restaurant also enjoys a reputation for serving large portions, and going to the restaurant means not only enjoying a delicious meal but also a great deal.
Bredovsky Dvur is a local favourite, and the staff is friendly and will always suggest the best meal to order. In case you are not familiar with Prague cuisine, the item on the list that you absolutely should not skip is the so-called česká svíčková: tender beef, creamy sauce, and a bite of the sweetness provided by the cranberry jam. It is served with buttery bread on the side, and each bite is like an explosion of flavours.
The restaurant can take in a high volume of their loyalty points; therefore, if you are a frequent traveller, you can easily earn the points that will cut the bills in the future. The most opportune time to visit is early afternoon because you will not have a large number of tourists and will receive the best service.
U Tří Jelínků (Lesser Town)
The real gourmet experience, which is very home-like and unmatched by price, can be enjoyed in the beautiful, small town of the so-called U Trie Jelinku in the lovely Lesser Town. The restaurant is called that because the name is translated as the Rustic and Country feel of the restaurant, which is called At the Three Willow Trees.
The menu is a pleasant collection of the traditional Czech cuisine: svíčková na smetaně (beef sirloin in cream), bramboráky (potato pancakes) and kyska (fried pork). Of most interest to me was the česká goulash, a hearty stew that is best suited to warm oneself up in hot summer seasons. The servings are enormous, so you can eat comfortably and have a second serving, which is ideal for the starving traveller.
The interior design of the restaurant consists of old wooden beams and a cosy and welcoming atmosphere. The employees are also hospitable and understand English as they frequently attend to foreigners. They may provide the best suggestions on the combination of drinks in the local Czech brewery.
About 450 CZK per person is the best budget you can get at U Trio Jelinkuo. The employees also have an additional special on Fridays in the evening, the so-called happy hour, where you can get a draught beer at a low price of 19 CZK. It is a golden chance to enjoy the taste of local beer of a different colour, and at the same time, not spending much on travelling.
Fine-Dining Restaurants
Teresa U Zlaté Studny (Lesser Town)
To offer a full panorama of the skyline of Prague, the best place to have a combination of fantastic food and a fantastic view is the area of the Lesser Town, which is known as the Teresa U Zlaté Studnice. The terrace overlooks the historic Zlatá Studna fountain, the view of which is difficult to rival.
The menu also features Czech brunch and light lunch dishes, including: tvarohové knedlíky (cheese dumplings), spinach soup, spenatova polevka and various fresh salads. One of the best moments of my visit was a set of small dishes called a ‘český talíř’, as it allows tasting lots of different flavours without spending a fortune.
The prices are surprisingly low in spite of the very good location of the terrace. A proper meal or a drink will be 600-800 CZK; most of the price will be the food, and the drinks are an added luxury. The employees are fond of selling local craft beers, which go very well with farm-fresh products.
It is best to come during the late morning or the early afternoon when the terrace is busy with locals, and you can get the fantastic view of the city during favourable weather conditions. Unless you have a lot of money, you can miss out on the drinks and have a light lunch that will be an experience to remember.
CODA (Lesser Town)
CODA is a secret place, which will be a perfect combination of the contemporary Czech cuisine with the cosy atmosphere in the Lesser Town. The concept behind the restaurant is the utilisation of local ingredients in innovative preparations, and hence, you are going to have a new twist to the traditional foods.
I was impressed by the český guláš, which was a variation of the famous stew with a modern spice touch, a very robust stew that was very caramelised and smoky. It was a dish that I will never forget; light, tasty, and cheap was the klobanska (sausage) that I ate, accompanied by a dill-infused yoghurt sauce.
The architecture of CODA is simple, and the combination of natural wood and metal furnishings is aimed at giving the effect of relaxation. In a city such as Prague, the prices are on the lower end of the scale, one full meal would amount to 500-700 CZK. The personnel is hospitable and will be happy to give one the background story of every dish.
In case you want to know how one can turn an ordinary dish of a farmer into a fancy one, CODA will provide an excellent example. You can taste how careful you are in swallowing food by trying the smažený sýr, a freshly fried cheese with a portion of potato salad and a special sauce.
Alma (New Town)
Alma is a contemporary restaurant that is situated in New Town and provides a new approach towards the traditional Czech cuisine. Alma’s menu reflects a differentiation of dishes based on local ingredients that is presented in a new way.
The first time here I ordered the tradiční svíčková, a traditional Czech beef sirloin with creamy sauce; however, the chef had also put an additional pinch of smoked paprika in it, which was a nice touch of smokiness to it. The serving was large, and I needed to get a second meal.
The design of Alma is minimalistic and classy,y with an open kitchen and a small seating area, which overlooks the busy street. It is not the most expensive, but the middle-range one, a full meal with a beverage will cost you 700-900 CZK. Alma is an ideal destination where any tourist can enjoy a large selection of Czech cuisine without breaking the bank.
Tight on a budget, they have lunch specials; a 10-dollar lunch menu which includes a starter, a main meal and a dessert. They also have a special dessert known as the czechský krém or light airy custard.
The Eatery (Prague 7)
The Eatery, located in Prague 7, is a place that offers a diverse selection of global and local cuisines at a reasonable price for travellers. The interior of the restaurant is very spacious and has a trendy ambience, which makes it an ideal venue to have a relaxed dinner.
The menu features typical Czech favourites like český guláš and krkovička; however, there are also international ones like a taco bowl and a vegan ramen. One of my favourite foods was the kysané hovezzi, which was marinated beef smashed in a hot skillet, leaving it tender and full of flavour.
The employees of the Eatery are welcoming and well-educated and are always willing to tell you how each dish was prepared. The lunch specials on a budget are very good, being approximately 300 CZK.
The dessert menu is also a must-visit spot in case you are a foodie. The Český páno vikou is an exquisite pastry that also melts in your mouth.
Cafés: Brunch, Coffee, and Treats
Eska (Prague 8)
Eska in Prague 8 is a contemporary European restaurant that offers a new look at Czech food. The menu consists of both rustic and modern cuisine made out of local and seasonal ingredients.
The chef’s dish is the hovezi gulash, which is prepared in a bed of homemade noodles and covered with fresh herbs. The size was enormous, and the price was justified, and it was about 650 CZK.
The inside is a chic industrial interior with a big kitchen window, which has a view of the busy street. The employees are hospitable and will always be keen to suggest the best combination that each meal goes with.
In case you have a limited budget, you will find the lunch menu very attractive at 500 CZK, including a starter, main meal, and dessert.
Cukrarna Myšák (New Town)
One of the cute bakeries is Cukrarna Myšak in the heart of the city in New Town that sells all kinds of sweet and savoury light snacks. The menu also features local pastry, such as, but not limited to, krokety, čevapčići, and pohanskely suzenky.
Their newcomer, žampiénoe rizota, which is a creamy mushroom risotto, was my particular favourite, light and satisfying. The servings are large, and they do not charge extravagantly for their vegan and vegetarian menu.
The bakery is designed in a friendly atmosphere, so it is a nice place to have a short break. The prices are extremely low; a standard pastry is around 6080 CZK.
In case you are dealing with a tight budget, the bakery will have a special discount offer of 10% off all pastries when you order more than 200 CZK.
Spell Coffee (New Town)
Spell Coffee is a good place to have a caffeine hit, and it is situated in the centre of the New Town. The coffee is roasted locally, and the menu is wide-ranging – from espresso to cold brew.
The baristas are also approachable and never hesitate to suggest a new brew, particularly the caffe latte with a touch of cocoa. Always a performance maker is the latte art.
The inside is very bright and has a minimalistic design, thus making you feel immediately relaxed. The prices are not high, as a typical latte will cost 120 CZK.
You can buy a decent coffee for as cheap as 100 CZK, assuming that you are on a tight budget.
Café Imperial (New Town)
One of the most iconic restaurants of the New Town, Café Imperial has a highly refined, high-end menu of local dishes at a reasonable price.
The menu contains traditional Czech food, such as česká svíčková and videensky gulash, but also has a variety of international food. The employees are welcoming and will suggest a traditional meal that would fit your palate.
The design of the café combines vintage style with modern. Actually, the old wooden tables and huge windows make the atmosphere in the café very comfortable and welcoming.
In case you are seeking a cost-effective choice, the lunch menu is a fantastic deal, which is 300 CZK, including a starter, main meal, and dessert.
Coffee Room Celetná (Old Town)
The coffee room Celentna has a casual ambience and a menu based on local production and organic food. The menu has various cakes, pastries, and light dishes, e.g. česká svíčková on a bed of mashed potatoes.
The interior design of the cafe is adorable; it is situated in an old building with a breathtaking perspective of the Old Town. The pricing will be friendly – a typical coffee will be 100 CZK. Even when on a tight budget, you will manage to acquire a good coffee for only 90 CZK.
Top Czech food to be eaten in Prague
When you are ready to taste Czech cuisine in its pure form, you must begin with the following iconic dishes:
- Czech goulash – a beef stew that is abundant in paprika as well as dumplings.
- Knedlíky (bread dumplings) – these are dumplings of bread that are used to absorb the sauces as a traditional part of every Czech meal.
- Roast duck with sauerkraut – it is a traditional dish that is a combination of sweet and savoury tastes.
- Marinated cheese is a snack that is very popular in pubs, and it goes well with local beer.
- Garlic soup – simple, cheap, and filling, and, therefore, ideal as a starter.
- Trdelník – this is a sweet street dish that is touristy but is worth a taste at least once.
These are the burial dishes, the dishes symbolising Czech cuisine, cosy, hearty, and with a heavy traditional influence.
Budget Tips: How I Ate Cheap in Prague
The following are some of the habits that enabled me to maintain a low food cost and, at the same time, enjoy the city’s culinary delights:
- Order lunch menus instead of dinner – At the majority of restaurants, there is a set-price lunch menu that consists of a starter, main course, and occasionally dessert at a lower price than the evening menu.
- Eat outside Prague 1 – This area is mostly expensive, but the historic centre is beautiful. Better go to the New Town, Lesser Town, or Vinohrady.
- Choose traditional pubs instead of tourist restaurants – Pubs usually offer classic Czech cuisine at a quarter of the cost of the high-end restaurants.
- Go to local canteens to get cheap meals – Community kitchens and canteens are local dining areas frequented by locals in various communities, and visitors are welcome.
- Consume local beer over imported beverages – Czech beer not only offer the best in the world, but it is also quite cheap, especially when bought at a local pub.
With these few tips, you can enjoy the most famous Prague restaurants without going bankrupt.
Conclusion – Prague Is a Low-Budget Food Destination
Prague has surprised me as a destination in terms of food. It provides conventional food, great beer, and low prices, all encircled in a robust community culture. When it comes to finding out the answer to the question of where to eat in Prague, it is worth noting that the most interesting things are usually waiting outside the central squares. Eat out like the locals, believe in basic menus, and you will have found the gem that offers both taste and price and more tips with Low Cost Vibes.
Travelling around the Prague food scene made me realise that you do not have to spend a lot of money to have a taste of the real Czech food. It takes some planning and a desire to visit, but with these, you can be among the travellers who have visited the greatest restaurants in Prague and still have a budget at the end of the day.
FAQs about the best restaurants in Prague
The self-service chain, the Havelská Koruna, and the Vycepe, in Vinohrady, and the Bredovsky Dvour, in New Town, serve good food at reasonable prices.
Find local pubs and old-fashioned restaurants like Lokál Dlouhááá and U Trio Jelinku; they serve traditional goulash, dumplings and roasted meats.
Although the Old Town has good food, restaurants beyond Prague 1, like in Lesser Town or Vinohrady, are generally cheaper and offer a less tourist-like experience.
The majority of the restaurants in Prague are English-speaking, and the employees are generally accommodating. The experience can be improved with a few simple Czech expressions.
Lunch menus, local beer, eating in less popular areas, and self-service chains are all examples of what fit in the category of exploiting the local food market.
