Best restaurants in Prague: where a local eats and drinks in the Czech capital

Three dishes at Alcron restaurant in Prague

Looking for the best places to eat and drink in Prague? Want to discover the city’s neighbourhood food scene beyond the old town?

Insider Alexane Said says: “I lived in Prague for eight years and even now I go back every chance I get. Food has always been my way into the city and today, as a food and travel content creator, discovering the best places is my job. From bakeries I still crave to neighbourhood restaurants I return to every trip, playing city guide in Prague is something I’ll never tire of, so I’m thrilled to share my go-to spots here, far from the tourist crowds.”

A local's best restaurants in Prague

Grab breakfast at Eska

Eska is a place I keep coming back to every time I’m in the city. Part bakery, part restaurant, it has two locations, both far from the tourist crowds, but my heart belongs to the Karlín one, set in a seriously cool industrial loft space. I always order the house-baked sourdough or the classic Czech breakfast (with butter, jam, soft-boiled egg, farmer’s cheese, Prague ham, curd cheese and a fermented soft drink) but the semolina porridge, or krupicová kaše (a proper Czech classic), is also a must. eska.ambi.cz

Get a local lunch at U Tunelu

U Tunelu is a hidden gem in Karlín, a classic Czech pub that feels like stepping into a local’s living room. The food is hearty, comforting and exactly what you want on a grey Prague afternoon. My tip: arrive early to snag a table, order the lunch special of the day, and linger over a draught beer like a true Karlín local. It’s my favourite spot for a relaxed and authentic Prague lunch. utunelu.cz

Have the best date night at Alcron

Alcron is one of Prague’s most refined dinner destinations, a true city legend since 1932, now reimagined with a modern flair. The tasting menu is full of clever, vegetable-forward dishes that reinvent Central European classics in the most surprising ways. I truly can’t get enough of the bryndza parfait (soft, tangy sheep’s cheese from Slovakia) combined with white chocolate, hazelnuts and apricot purée. Sounds weird, right? But trust me, it’s incredible. Don’t forget to book ahead, it fills up fast. alcronprague.cz/restaurace

The most inventive cocktails are at Café Bar Pilotů

Tucked away in Vršovice, Café Bar Pilotů serves some of the most inventive cocktails I’ve ever had. And its signature drinks are totally worth the detour. I love grabbing a seat at the bar, chatting with the bartenders and letting them surprise me with something off-menu. It’s the kind of neighbourhood spot you’ll keep coming back to. instagram.com/cafe_bar_pilotu

Head to Kolacherie for amazing pastries

Kolacherie is my fave spot for a real Czech sweet you actually should try: the koláč. A koláč is a round, yeasted pastry with a soft dough and a sweet filling (traditionally fruit, cheese or poppy seed) that’s been a Czech staple for generations. And, yes, a quick note: trdelník isn’t actually Czech, so skip it here and stick to the real deal. kolacherie.cz

Old town’s best-kept secret

If you want a true taste of Prague like a local, go to Masna Kozí. This butcher turned canteen serves hearty, ever-changing daily specials and I’m obsessed with the soups, especially the kulajda, a creamy dill and mushroom classic. Grab a beer, find a spot at the counter and let the flavours transport you – it’s rustic, comforting and exactly the kind of gem I love returning to. masnakozi.cz

The coolest coffee shop in Prague

Cafefin is my happy place for coffee, pastries and people watching. The espresso is spot-on, the brunch menu has fun international touches (Vietnamese-inspired dishes alongside classic pastries) and I cannot resist the ube latte. And, if you’re a true coffee nerd, it has some of the best in Prague. @cafefin.coffee

The most unusual fine-dining experience

Ready for Prague’s wildest dining experience? Housed in a dramatic stalactite-covered cave beneath Wenceslas Square and full of carved figures and mythic vibes, Triton reinvents Czech classics with a lot of surprising twists. The Czech modern art tasting menu, paired with excellent wines, makes every part of the meal feel like an unforgettable culinary adventure. prague-restaurant.eu

A hidden slice of Vietnam in Prague

If you think Prague is all svíčková and řízek, Rice Field will make you think again. Tucked away on a quiet Vinohrady street, it serves Vietnamese mâm cơm: family-style spreads of dishes meant for sharing. Vietnamese cuisine has become part of Prague’s foodie scene thanks to the long-established Vietnamese community. I love going with friends to try a bit of everything. ricefieldprague.cz

Go for traditional Czech Cuisine at U Šumavy

U Šumavy is where I go when I want proper Czech food. The wood-lined, old-school pub feels like stepping back in time and the portions are ridiculously generous. I always go for the plněné bramborové knedlíky uzeným masem (filled potato dumplings with smoked pork and white cabbage) all washed down with, of course, a cold Czech beer. It’s what Prague locals live for. usumavy.cz