Prices for St. Martin's Feast to rise in Czech restaurants – how much more will you pay?

Restaurant-goers in the Czech Republic can expect to pay more for their traditional St. Martin’s meal this November, according to the Czech Gastronomic Institute (CGI). Price increases are expected to range from about 5 to 7 percent – but will not be as sharp as last year.

The traditional menu, which typically features roast goose, stew, cabbage, and a variety of dumplings – as well as the renowned St. Martin’s wine (Svatomartinské víno) – will be available at a starting price of around CZK 500 per person in larger cities and CZK 400 in smaller towns.

Last year, restaurants faced a more significant price hike, as the scarcity of geese and an energy crisis led to price increases of 15 to 20 percent year on year. Czechia, however, continues to struggle with a lack of the animals: there are around 125,000 fewer geese in Czechia compared to last year, causing prices to lurch upwards.

Head chef Luboš Kastner of CGI told the media: “This year, there is no room or mood for a price shock. The St. Martin’s meal will come at a normal and acceptable price."

Restaurants buying directly from geese breeders – who began collecting and fattening the animals from October – can also expect to pay tens of crowns extra at several farms, Novinky.cz notes. One breeder in Vysočina, for example, has raised prices from CZK 295 CZK per kilogram of goose to CZK 320.

In response to market competition and cost-conscious diners, some restaurants may offer duck as a substitute for goose on their St. Martin's menu, primarily in rural areas, Kastner notes.

In addition to duck, some eateries will provide the option of ordering goose pot roast or leg separately, allowing customers to customize their meals and manage costs. St. Martin's Day is a significant period for restaurateurs, with attendance typically increasing by around 20 percent each year.

This year is also expected to see a record number of St. Martin's wines on the market, with approximately 2.78 million bottles available – the highest since 2005. As per tradition, the first bottles of St. Martin's wine are opened at exactly 11 a.m. – they should always be from the bottle rather than barrel.

With Czech restaurants preparing for a milder price increase for their St. Martin's Day menu compared to 2022, many will anticipate being fully booked during next weekend. For an extensive guide on the restaurants and outdoor marketplaces offering St. Martin's Day meals, check out this handy website.