Prague foodie guide: where locals eat and drink

La Degustation – for modern Czech cooking

The team of young chefs at La Degustation is re-imagining Czech cooking for modern times. Dishes sound simple (potatoes, Prague ham, curd cheese) but are exquisitely put together and, although it’s a fine dining venue (two set menus change daily), the atmosphere is fun and casual. For the full experience, pair your food with local wines.

Beergeek – for craft beer

Craft beers are finding real traction in the Czech Republic and nowhere is this more apparent than in Prague’s Beergeek bar, where its bearded bartenders serve a range of 30 speciality brews on tap. Come during the week for a serious tasting, or over the weekend for the party atmosphere.

Naplavka – for market produce

The Naplavka riverside market is where many locals start their weekend, spending Saturday mornings stocking up on fresh produce for the week ahead. Sip a coffee, graze on freshly baked buns, and admire the stalls while Prague Castle stands sentinel in the distance.

L'Fleur – for cocktails

In an area better known for its meat markets and raucous partying, L’Fleur is a refuge for the dedicated cocktail aficionado. Alongside a range of Champagnes, its updated versions of classic cocktails are made with homemade bitters. Try a Green Prague, a Czech twist on the Green Park from London’s Savoy, made with peppermint bitters.

Sansho – for Asian food

You might not come to Prague for Asian food but don’t miss Sansho. A sister restaurant to Maso a Kobliha (both are owned by British chef Paul Day), its set-menu dinners and à-la-carte lunches burst with flavour, combining organic Czech meat with Asian ingredients.

Lokal – for Czech pub food

There are now several branches of Lokal in Prague, but the original one, on Dlouha, remains the most popular. Loud but cheerful (despite its vast size), you’ll need reservations in the evening if you want to taste its fresh-from-the-tanks Pilsner, and classic Czech pub food (think schnitzel with potato salad, goulash, brawn and sausages).

Veltlin – for Czech wines

The Veltlin wine bar in the up-and-coming Karlin district has helped put natural wines on the map in Prague. Run by Bogdan Trojak, the leader of the ‘Authentists’ group of Czech winemakers, this little winebar is home to the best selection of central European natural wines in town.

Where to stay in Prague

Double rooms at Hotel Josef cost from €112, including breakfast (hoteljosef.com).

Trust olive: Food bloggers Zuzi and Jan Valenta run culinary tours of Prague and rent out a stylish holiday apartment in the city (tasteofprague.com).