Good eating in Prague's tourist center: Food, drink, and great gardens

Finding a decent spot to eat in Prague’s tourist-heavy center can be challenging, especially if you’re craving good customer service and quality food. We asked the chefs, bartenders, butchers, and bakers behind the Ambiente restaurant group to name some of the places that stand out, offering a break from the crowds and a welcoming atmosphere, attentive service, and a genuinely satisfying menu.

If you're craving authentic Czech cuisine paired with one of the best views in Prague, Kuchyň at Prague Castle is the place to be. During the summer months, the garden seating is highly sought after, so it's wise to make a reservation. As for what to order, if you have a sweet tooth, the sourdough dumplings with seasonal fruit are an absolute must-try.

Seeking a tranquil escape from Prague Castle’s tourist bustle? Kafe & Mugs (Kafe & Hrnky) offers a serene haven for coffee enthusiasts and creatives alike. This gem boasts a spacious garden and an inventive workshop where guests can paint pottery, to be fired and collected within days. It’s also an ideal venue for celebrating birthdays, blending culinary delight with artistic flair.

The garden of Lokal U Bílé kuželky probably doesn’t deserve to be called the most peaceful, but its location under the Charles Bridge makes it a picturesque setting. One of the largest of the Lokál restaurants, the space was originally a winery; from 1862, it was a popular pub. The skillful tapping tradition continues today and you can sit down to a meal of Czech classics at a decent price. Fried cheese with tartar sauce and buttered potatoes is a must!

The newly opened Bistro Monk on Maltézské náměstí builds on the success of its sister restaurant on Michalská Street. After two years of reconstruction, it serves a menu of imaginative breakfasts and homemade bread. And though it’s high on brunch appeal, you can also do lunch or coffee. Their famous Benedict eggs or avocado toast are always a good choice alongside the MONK McMuffin.

U Hrocha (At the Hippo) pub in Malá Strana (located on a winding, narrow lane beneath the castle) promises a perfect pour. Though it only opened in 1993, the pub has quickly become a popular destination. In addition to beer, you can also enjoy traditional Czech dishes, smoked pork knee, schnitzel, potato salad, pickled cheese, and pickled sausage.

For a special occasion sit-down meal steakhouse Čestr boasts a thoughtfully designed summer garden, providing a welcome respite from the city’s summer heat just behind Prague’s National Museum. Here, you can savor expertly prepared beef steaks from the Čestr breed or tender pork from Přestecký pigs, all in a serene and stylish setting.

Exit the chaos of Wenceslas Square and head to Café Truhlárna, a haven nestled in the leafy Františkánská zahrada, that serves up coffee and baked goods that evoke the comfort of your grandmother’s kitchen. For something savory, their quiche is a must-try. Once you settle in, you might find it hard to leave!

Výčep U Rarášků near Národní Avenue in the newly renovated Drn building, where the garden perfectly merges modern design with historical charm. The pub was once frequented by actors, filmmakers, painters, and other prominent figures of Prague’s underground in the 1970s. During the summer, live music and fairy lights give it an added ambiance after dark. The courtyard is shared with the neighboring pizzeria L’Osteria.