Where to eat and drink in Prague now: August's tastiest openings and events

August's openings are so coffee-heavy that reading this article counts as a caffeine hit – but if you need the real thing, you're about to be very well catered for. Here's everywhere to eat, and especially drink, this month.

Pikola has finally made it to Prague – its eighth branch in total, and the first in the capital, occupying a corner spot on Veletržní and Kamenická in Letná. Founded in 2014 by Jiří and Nikol Giesl as a tiny café in Šumperk with ten seats, it has grown into one of the most respected coffee brands in the country, running its own Jesen roastery from the Jeseníky mountains alongside a network of cafés across Brno, Zlín, Olomouc, Ostrava and Karlštejn. The Letná location is a deliberate test of whether that neighbourhood-first identity translates to a city where cafés open and close constantly. Early signs suggest it does. A Smíchov branch is planned before the end of the year.

The beloved Chleba & Máslo from Letná has a new sibling in the Old Town. Smaller than the original, and without the schnitzels and spreads, but the smell is just as intoxicating, the pastries are the same, and a beach-themed courtyard out back gives it a charm all of its own.

21coffee has opened its second café in Vinohrady, right next to the recently relocated Share Sweet Bar. The young team around Danilo Dudnikov built a genuine community following at their Holešovice original, and the aim here is similar – a place that feels like it belongs to the neighbourhood. Coffee, matcha, ube, wine, desserts from their own brand Sen, and a lot of sandwiches.

Coffee Bird has opened right next door to the legendary Globe bookshop in New Town, and the feeling inside is less café, more dropping in on neighbours. The entire space is essentially one room anchored by a large wooden table, with Doubleshot coffee prepared along one wall and a kitchen turning out semolina porridge, French toast with blueberries and soft-boiled eggs.

Hans Coffee recently moved, but don't worry – it's just a short walk from its previous Petrská address to Truhlářská, right next to the Jiří Guth-Jarkovský Gymnasium. Long, white, same great coffee, pastries still from sister operation Solo Bakery in Vinohrady.

Sō Brunch & Brew has taken over a former classic Žižkov pub and reimagined it as a Vietnamese-inflected brunch spot with a minimalist interior and a menu that goes its own way – scrambled eggs on toast with kimchi, Hong Kong-style French toast with condensed milk and lotus seeds, and a Banana Bread Latte.

Café mezi větvemi in Holešovice has a leafy interior and a covered terrace tucked behind the building that make it one of the calmer breakfast spots in the city. Shakshuka, salmon Benedict, a rotating display of cheesecakes, a pistachio cake with its own following, plus pinsa and salads at lunch. Seasonal matcha and ube lattes alongside the classics.

Vratislavka has settled in just by Vyšehrad, making it a natural stop before or after a park walk. Slow breakfasts until 3 p.m., well-sourced coffee, and house-made pastries.

Santini Coffee & Books has opened on Jánský vršek in Malá Strana – named after the Baroque-Gothic architect Jan Blažej Santini-Aichel, who spent his final years nearby. Good Czech books across history, fiction, architecture and culture sit alongside quality coffee and homemade snacks in a space designed for slowing down. A garden opens in summer; author readings and workshops are planned throughout the year.

K12 BBQ & Sushi has opened on the first floor of Dům módy on Wenceslas Square, bringing Prague its first self-selection Korean BBQ buffet – choose your own cuts from the counter, grill at the table, repeat as necessary. Sushi, wok and hot pot also feature.

Taco Santo started life as a popular festival stand and has now put down permanent roots, taking over a space between Korunní and Jiřího z Poděbrad. The format stays true to its street origins: several meat and vegetarian taco variations, a handful of other dishes, margaritas and beer – including one with chilli and salt.

Pizza Pasta Lab opened in Malešice on August 13th with a concept built around a very satisfying number: seven. Seven pastas, seven sauces, seven pizzas – enough choice to keep everyone happy. The format is fast-casual: open kitchen, quick ordering, food in minutes, quality ingredients, and a bill that lands somewhere between CZK 150–200. Mix and match your pasta and sauce, or go straight for a pizza.