Six historic Prague restaurants that feel like stepping back in time

In Prague, history isn’t just on display—it’s on the menu. Many of the city’s most memorable restaurants are steeped in atmosphere as much as in flavor, where vaulted ceilings, vintage furnishings, and hand-painted murals set the stage for an unforgettable meal. 

We asked Radek Tureček, the general manager of Červený Jelen, to tell us which restaurants have the most authentic old world atmospheres in Prague.

Červený Jelen turns a piece of Prague history into one of the city’s most distinctive dining experiences.  The multi-level restaurant occupies the former Baroque-era Špork Palace; in 1923–1925, a modern addition was designed by Josef Gočár, founder of the Czech Rondocubism movement, to house the Anglo-Czechoslovak bank.

As an homage to Gočár, the décor incorporates Cubist elements, as well as some features from the original bank, including a giant vault opposite the ladies’ room that houses seating and a bar.

A glass-enclosed beer tanker nods to Czech brewing tradition. At the same time, the menu features local classics such as slow-cooked goulash, crisp roast duck, and seasonal vegetables, showcasing the region’s culinary heritage with a contemporary twist.  

Tucked inside one of Prague’s most iconic Art Nouveau buildings, Obecní dům carries the elegance of a bygone era. The interior is authentic, with sweeping ceilings, intricate mosaics, and classic architectural detailing that set the stage for French-inspired cuisine. Each menu offering, from delicate fish preparations to rich meat dishes, reflects both French technique and Czech respect for seasonal ingredients. The service is attentive without being formal. The atmosphere hums with the refined energy of a grand European restaurant, where design, tradition, and gastronomy seamlessly converge, offering a dining experience that is both historic and effortlessly modern.

Café Imperial has been part of the Prague dining scene for over a century, and stepping inside feels like entering a lively social salon where writers, artists, and intellectuals would gather during the interwar years. The Art Nouveau interior is elegant and vibrant, featuring original ceramic tile mosaics, ornate pillars, and intricate floral and animal motifs. You’ll find classic Czech dishes here, from rich goulash to perfectly roasted meats, often paired with seasonal sides that highlight local ingredients. It’s the combination of historic surroundings, confident Czech cooking, and buzzing energy that has made this spot an enduring landmark for generations.  

Beer has been brewed on this site since 1499, long before Prague became a city of cafés and cocktail bars. Dark wood interiors, vaulted ceilings, long communal tables, and the steady rhythm of clinking mugs give the space a feeling that time mostly forgot. U Fleků still pours its own dark lager, best enjoyed alongside classic Czech fare like roast pork, sausages, and dumplings. Musicians move through the rooms, the courtyard stays lively, and the atmosphere feels instinctively familiar. It’s not a reenactment of the past, but a place where Prague’s beer-soaked history continues as it always has.

Low ceilings, stone walls, and flickering candlelight give this quiet Malá Strana restaurant a distinct old-world feel. The dining rooms are tucked inside a 16th-century baroque house, still marked by the painted blue duck above the front entrance, a traditional symbol that predates the restaurant itself. The space is filled with antique furnishings and hand-painted murals that echo the charm of Prague from the 1920s and 1930s. Czech culinary traditions take center stage, with roasted duck, wild game, and seasonal vegetables prepared with precision. Small tables, cozy nooks, and a calm ambiance provide the perfect setting for a romantic evening out.

Dining above medieval cellars and Gothic vaults in the bustling heart of Malá Strana might sound kitsch, but at U Glaubiců, history simply settles around you. The atmosphere is honest and unassuming, where centuries-old beer traditions and robust Czech cooking continue uninterrupted. Low timbered ceilings and stone arches set a relaxed tone for sharing hearty meals with friends. Favorites include goulash in a bread bowl, roast pork with dumplings and cabbage, and crisp duck. A Pilsner straight from the tap completes the experience, making the dining rooms feel as alive as the recipes on the plate.