- Prague
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Czech Republic
Beautiful, stylish and the best hangover curing breakfast I've ever had... that could be because it included Buck's fizz in the buffet.
It's walking distance to the centre of the city but secluded enough within its diplomatic quarter to be quiet.
One of the most reasonable restaurants in Prague is, surprisingly, the level 2 cafeteria at Ruzyne airport terminal 1. Not to be confused with the extortionate establishments downstairs and heavily patronised by Czech aircrews, the cafeteria can be accessed both from the transit lounge and departure hall.
Hearty Czech soups are cooked daily, fresh tea can be had from big caddies or, if you want to spend more, they will cook a steak for you to order and the cook will bring it to the table.
Level 2, Terminal 1. Ruzyne airport Prague.
This is the best Argentinean steak house I've ever been to! The food was unbelievable and the atmosphere amazing. Salsa dancers appeared mid-meal and a band entertained us in the bar afterwards. Mojitos all round!
A chic and, in terms of British prices, good value restaurant on the banks of the Vltava where you can watch the passing tourist boats and the crowds on Charles Bridge. There are plenty of river-view tables. Specialises in fish but also has other dishes and limited vegetarian menu. Approx £50 for 3 course meal with drinks.
200m from the Manesuv Most bridge on the Kampa side.
A bit of a hidden gem, the grim street-level entrance belies the splendid interior, and an atmosphere which is reminiscent of the belle epoch.
The service is quite superb, which really stands out after a couple of days of Czech service, which can be surly. Have the Czech breakfast, which includes delicious apple cake. The English breakfast - toast and marmalade, baked beans and chopped up frankfurters, is only worth ordering for its comedy value.
As to Prague, being careful crossing the roads cannot be stressed enough. The drivers only stop on red lights (in theory) or if a pedestrian's corpse jams their wheels. Beware the trams, which are quiet and easily missed above the hubbub.
Try to get off the main streets at night, as the pimps, drug dealers, strip club and bar advertisers are utterly persistent and will follow you for long distances. Unless, of course, you are there for "sucky sucky" or the half price attentions of a lesbian midget.
One more thing: Large numbers of British stag groups are absolutely running riot there, and you can feel the resentment, even hatred, of many of the locals. If you are Prague-bound, start practising your Canadian accent now.
Narodni Trida 20, in the New Town.
Here's an interesting note about eating healthily in Prague, where to get five servings of fruit and vegetables per day, you might end up eating strawberry dumplings. If you need exercise and fruit, walking around for hours can replace visits to the gym.
I found a good site on Czech healthy lifestyle at www.traveliana.com/prague-old-town-pubs-tour.html.
Note you will need a Flash plugin to load the video - see links below.
www.traveliana.com/prague-old-town-pubs-tour.html
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I was in Prague with my wife for ten days in early April 2007. Went to Aromi on the recommendation of some colleagues. We loved it!
I must say that the food and service were fantastic! The location is great, away from all the tourists, but conveniently located just a few Metro stops from Old Town.
We liked it so much, we went back three days later after the opera.
The restaurant is usually packed, so make a reservation.
Mánesova 78/442
tel: +420 222 713 222
fax: +420 222 713 444
www.aromi.cz
Great place for a quick bite.
Kozi 1, Prague 11000
Tel: 423 2 2231 6823
www.bakeshop.cz
We loved everything about this restaurant from the moment we walked into it - French colonial-style bamboo chairs and warm Mediterranean colours, friendly, welcoming waiters and plenty of customers. The high quality and freshness of the food made the whole meal almost like a guilty pleasure given the low prices by western European standards. I've never had tiger prawns (marinated in brandy) served in a pineapple shell before, while the beef carpaccio starter was superb. As for pannacotta with raspberries - comfort food par excellence. All this was washed down with a good Gewurtztramminer for a mere £50 for two people (with tip which the waitress reminded us we were not obliged to pay!). Needless to say, we returned the following night for an equally memorable meal. Worth seeking out.
Siroka 6, Praha 1 - in the Josefov district, near the river;
tel. +420 224 818 322
Beautiful setting, under one of the arches of the Karluv Most. Most romantic restaurant in Prague.
Limited menu, but good wine and excellent hosts.
Cross the Charles Bridge from the Old Town, walk down the steps to your left down to Kampa Island, go under the bridge and it's round to your left.
A beautiful art nouveau bar with traditional, hearty, Czech food. Try the moravsky hrabec, a dish of diced pork and onions, which comes with both bread and potato dumplings and red and white sauerkraut. Of course all this wonderful Bohemian fair needs washing down, this bar is owned by the Pilsner Urquell brewery and sells beer by the litre .
It was busy on the Wednesday night we went, but we had no trouble finding a table in the cellar bar, which turns into a dance club later on. This bar attracts plenty of locals, which is always a good sign, the staff are also very friendly, not always a Prague strong point. Wonderful!
Junction of Kolkovne and Vezenska,opposite The Spanish Synogogue; nearest metro: Staromestska
It may sound like a nightclub, but this is actually a brilliant restaurant in the centre of Prague.
A variety of different food is served, there’s something which should please everyone's tastes. The restaurant is nicely furnished and along with its downstairs location and dark setting makes it feel warm and comfortable. The prices are very good, considering the central location of the restaurant and its warm and stylish atmosphere. Families are welcome and the service is friendly and quick, with English widely spoken.
Betlemske Namesti 169/5A
Prague
Phone: +420 224401214, +420 224248878
Great bustling atmosphere as good as you would expect in Paris or other more 'sophisticated' cities. OK, it may not be traditionally Czech but its a great place to go after a hard days sightseeing for a drink and something to eat. Clientele is approx 75% Czech, which is always a good sign. Try the soft boiled eggs served in a glass - you will think you have ordered a cocktail when it arrives, it is so beautifully presented.
Vitezna 5, Praha 5; tel: 420 257 311 562;
Right next to the Vlatava River
Traditional, lavish cream-and-coffee establishment in the heart of the Old Town (immediately opposite Old Town Hall off Old Town Square). Go upstairs to main cafe, inspect calorie-stuffed cream / chocolate / cake concoctions in chiller unit, order by number from the table (preferably with Viennese coffee). Don't eat the small bags of nuts on the table - they'll charge you!
Off Old Town Square, opposite Old Town Hall: can't miss it.
One of the world's finest Art Nouveau buildings: impressive outside, stunning within, right down to the light fittings and door handles. Includes bar, restaurant and cafe, as well as concert hall and other facilities (guided tours available). The ground floor cafe is an inexpensive place for morning coffee, lunch or afternoon tea in exquisite, stylish surroundings.
Metro : Namesti Republiky (straight across the square)
Frank Gehry and Vlado Milunic's 1996 concrete and glass confection, nicknamed "Fred and Ginger" because it resmbles a pair of male and female dancers, is a refreshingly modern touch amid all the baroque beauties. There's a restaurant at the top with views, La Perle de Prague - but it's pricey.
It is worth walking to Vinohrady to eat or go for a drink - there are a number of great bars and restaurants that aren't as crowded by tourists. They're also a lot cheaper than bars or restaurants in Staromestske or Wenceslas square.
From Wenceslas square go toward the museum, then bear right. or get the trams/tube to nam. miru or IP Pavlova.
Pálffy Palác is a bit like Prague itself: romantic and dark. You dine in a room lit only by candles but you can still make out the past grandeur of this 17th century palace. Oh and the food is excellent too - definitely nouvelle by Czech standards, but also great value and tasty. Do book.
Valdštejnská 14, Prague 1
Tel/fax: 25753 0522.
E-mail: palffy@seznam.cz
Website: www.palffy.cz
I hate to give away this secret, but here goes: on old town square, somewhat across from the astrological clock, there is a hotel called U Prince. Go in the back and take the elevator to the top, and from there take the stairs up. You'll be rewarded with a restaurant/cafe on the roof, sporting probably the best view of Prague.
Staromestske Namesti 29, Praha 1
The best place to spend an afternoon in Prague! Marketed as a Parisian style cafe there are plenty of places to sit and enjoy your meal, a terrace area and a Billiard Hall. The food is freshly cooked and includes local dishes as well as Vegetarian options, alcohol is also served and there are international newspapers available.
Louvre Cafe
Narodni trida 20
New Town, Parague 1
Nearest Station: Narodni trida (line B)
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