Prague is a culinary playground, but it is also full of “tourist traps” where the beer is overpriced and the service is aggressive. This guide is designed to help you skip the nonsense, find the hidden local taverns, and eat like a local who knows the system. get the best Prague food.
- 🪙 Tipping: 10% is standard. Avoid restaurants that add a “Tourist Tax” or “Service Fee” (usually 15%) to the bill—it’s a scam.
- 🥛 Water: Tap water is safe and delicious. Ask for “Kohoutková voda.”
- 🍞 Bread: Many old-school pubs put bread on the table. It is usually not free. If you eat it, they will charge you per piece.
- 🍺 The Beer Rule: In local pubs, a beer (0.5L) should cost between 55–75 CZK. If you see it for 150 CZK, you are in a trap.
The 3 Czech Classics You Must Try
Don’t leave the city without tasting these staples:
Svíčková (Beef in Cream Sauce)
The king of Czech cuisine. Beef sirloin served with bread dumplings, cranberry sauce, and a dollop of cream.
Smart Pick: Lokál (Multiple locations). It’s fresh, consistent, and packed with locals.
Guláš (Goulash)
Thicker and meatier than its Hungarian cousin. Usually served with raw onions and bread dumplings.
Smart Pick: U Rudolfina. A hidden gem near the Rudolfinum with massive portions for low prices.
Smažený Sýr (Fried Cheese)
The ultimate “Smart” budget meal. It’s a thick slab of breaded cheese served with tartar sauce and fries.
Smart Pick: Any local “Pivnice” (Beer hall) will do this better than a fancy restaurant.
🛡️ How to Avoid the “Tourist Trap”
- The “Picture Menu” Warning: If a restaurant has giant photos of food on a board outside, keep walking.
- The “Old Town Square” Rule: Never eat on the main squares (Old Town or Wenceslas). Walk two blocks into the side streets, and the price will drop by 40%.
- Check the “Beer Price”: The price of a 0.5L Pilsner Urquell is the “Price Index” of Prague. If it’s over 100 CZK ($4.50), the food is likely overpriced too.
🎡 The Best Food Experiences in Prague
If you want to move beyond the menu and have a real “experience,” these are our top-rated recommendations:
| Experience | Why it’s “Smart” | Booking Link |
| Medieval Dinner & Show | Unlimited drinks and a 5-course meal in a 14th-century cellar. | Book Medieval Dinner & Show |
| Old Town Secret Food Tour | You see 6 hidden spots you’d never find on your own. | Join Old Town Secret Food Tour |
| Craft Beer Tasting | Craft Beer Tasting | Join Craft Beer Tasting Tour |
☕ Coffee & Breakfast: The Modern Side of Prague
Prague’s coffee scene is world-class. If you need a break from heavy meat and dumplings, head to these “Smart” favorites:
- ☕ Cafe Savoy: For a royal breakfast in a stunning neo-Renaissance interior.
- 🍰 Můj šálek kávy: Located in the Karlín district—the heart of Prague’s hipster coffee culture.
- 🍵 EMA Espresso Bar: The best quick caffeine fix near the Main Railway Station.
- 🍦Ovocny Svetozor: The Best ice cream around Wenceslas Square.
Prague Food FAQ’s
Yes! While traditional food is meat-heavy, modern Prague has hundreds of vegan and vegetarian spots (look for Dhaba Beas for incredible value).
For popular spots like Kantýna or Cafe Imperial, yes. For local pubs, you can usually find a spot, but “Smart” travelers book 24 hours ahead for weekend dinners.
90% of places accept cards. However, smaller “local” pubs in New Town might still be “Cash Only.” Always carry 500 CZK just in case.
