What Food To Try in Prague and Food Prices
How much does lunch and dinner cost
Examples of food prices, cafes, street food and other dining options in Prague for 2024.
National currency: Czech Koruna, symbol — Kč (international currency code CZK).
General Cafe Price Guide
Average prices in Prague cafes and restaurants
$11.3
Quick Lunch for One
Starting from $6.89
$55.2
Dinner for Two
to celebrate your trip
Starting from $36.77
$8.9
Combo Meal
Starting from $7.81
What to Try in Prague
Must-try Dishes
Svíčková - Marinated Beef with Cream Sauce - Tender beef marinated with root vegetables and served in a rich, creamy sauce alongside fluffy Czech dumplings. This dish graces many family gatherings, often savored during Sunday dinners.Palačinky - Thin Pancakes - These delicate, crepe-like pancakes are filled with various ingredients, like cheese or ham, making them a versatile choice for breakfast. Locals often enjoy them with jam or fruit, sometimes pairing them with coffee in cozy cafés.
Trdelník - Sweet Rolled Pastry - While it’s often seen as a tourist treat, this sweet pastry, coated in sugar and cinnamon, can also be filled with ice cream or whipped cream. Perfect for a quick afternoon snack while strolling the streets of the old town.
Zapékané Brambory - Baked Potatoes - Layered potatoes with cheese and onions baked until golden, offering a comforting and hearty main dish. This is typically found in local pubs, enjoyed especially during colder months as a warm, filling meal.
Koleno - Pork Knuckle - A succulent cut of pork slow-roasted until the skin is crispy, served with sauerkraut and mustard. This is a popular dish for large gatherings, often shared with a group of friends over a round of beer.
Chřest - Asparagus (Seasonal) - This delightful seasonal dish features tender asparagus, typically sautéed with herbs and served with a drizzle of olive oil. Best enjoyed in late spring when the asparagus is fresh and abundant at local markets.
Bramboráky - Potato Pancakes - Crispy fried potato pancakes seasoned with garlic and marjoram, often served with a side of sauerkraut. These are a local favorite during the autumn harvest season when potatoes are at their best.
By the way, don’t forget to ask for extra sour cream with your potato pancakes – it’s a common local custom!
Desserts & Drinks
Svařené víno - Mulled Wine (spiced wine) - A warm blend of red wine, sugar, cinnamon, and often citrus fruits, simmered to perfection. Perfect for the chilly winter months, locals sip this delightful drink at Christmas markets while enjoying the festive atmosphere.Kofola - Kofola (herbal soda) - A fizzy drink made with a mixture of herbal extracts, sugar, and caramel, similar but distinct from cola. Best enjoyed chilled during summer picnics in the parks or alongside a hearty meal; locals often prefer it over regular cola for its unique taste.
Trdelník - Trdelník (sweet pastry roll) - A cylindrical pastry rolled in sugar, nuts, and cinnamon, cooked over open flames until golden. This street food favorite is commonly enjoyed as a sweet treat while wandering around Old Town, and if you’re not careful, you might get a sugar-coating handprint on your clothes!
Zmrzlina - Zmrzlina (gelato-style ice cream) - Creamy, rich ice cream made with local ingredients, available in various flavors, including traditional poppy seed. Best savored during hot summer days while strolling along the Vltava River, it’s a popular choice for families and tourists alike.
Trdelníkové sladkosti - Trdelník (Festival Treat) - During special occasions, this sweet dish is often filled with ice cream or fruit for a decadent dessert twist. Found at festivals and markets, locals enjoy this customized version as a showy yet irresistible way to celebrate seasonal events (just watch out for that drippy chocolate sauce!).
Food and Groceries in Prague
Vegetables, Fruits and Bread
| Bread | $1.87 |
| Bananas | $1.91 |
| Oranges | $2.27 |
| Potatoes | $1.22 |
| Apples | $1.94 |
Beverages
| Water 1.5L | $0.85 |
| 0.5L Local Beer | $1.1 |
| Imported Beer | $1.88 |
| Wine Rating >4.0 | $6.89 |
| Milk 1L | $1.25 |
Various Groceries
| Meat (Beef or Pork) | $15.19 |
| Chicken | $9.59 |
| Cigarettes | $6.76 |
| Rice | $2.84 |
| Local Cheese | $13.3 |
Overview of Cuisine and Specialties
Lunchtime in Prague typically kicks off around noon and stretches until about 3 PM, a bit later than in many other cities. During this window, you’ll find busy restaurants filled with locals enjoying hearty meals. A common sight is groups of colleagues gathering for traditional Czech dishes like svíčková or goulash—think rich, flavorful gravies over tender meats, often served with dumplings.
The price range varies quite a bit depending on the area. For instance, a filling lunch at a casual restaurant in the city center might run around 250 CZK. Venture to less touristy districts like Žižkov, and you can enjoy a similar meal for about 150 CZK. The evening dining scene shifts to later hours, usually starting from about 6 PM and peaking around 8 PM, often followed by a vibrant nightlife atmosphere that integrates food and drinks.
When it comes to paying for meals, cash remains king—though many places accept cards, it's wise to check beforehand. I've encountered the occasional spot that only accepts cash, particularly those tucked away in quieter districts. As for tipping, it’s appreciated but not obligatory; leaving around 10% is a nice gesture, especially if service is attentive.
One local custom worth noting is the breakfast habits here—many locals don’t have a full breakfast. A quick coffee and pastry are the norm, with more substantial meals pushed to lunch.
Be cautious about the common tourist mistake of dining too close to major attractions. While you might find charming spots near must-see sights, they often come with inflated prices and lack genuine local flavor. A restaurant in the heart of the Old Town could charge nearly 400 CZK for a basic meal that you could find elsewhere for 200 CZK or less.
Word to the wise: avoid dining during typical rush hours if you can. Lunchtime crowds tend to swell between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM, leading to longer wait times and possibly less attentive service. Instead, aim for a slightly earlier or later meal for a more relaxed experience.
Lately, I've noticed an increasing number of eateries embracing plant-based options, catering to the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan dishes, which reflects a beautiful evolution of Prague's food culture. The scene is definitely shifting, and it's exciting to see how local habits are adapting with time.
The price range varies quite a bit depending on the area. For instance, a filling lunch at a casual restaurant in the city center might run around 250 CZK. Venture to less touristy districts like Žižkov, and you can enjoy a similar meal for about 150 CZK. The evening dining scene shifts to later hours, usually starting from about 6 PM and peaking around 8 PM, often followed by a vibrant nightlife atmosphere that integrates food and drinks.
When it comes to paying for meals, cash remains king—though many places accept cards, it's wise to check beforehand. I've encountered the occasional spot that only accepts cash, particularly those tucked away in quieter districts. As for tipping, it’s appreciated but not obligatory; leaving around 10% is a nice gesture, especially if service is attentive.
One local custom worth noting is the breakfast habits here—many locals don’t have a full breakfast. A quick coffee and pastry are the norm, with more substantial meals pushed to lunch.
Be cautious about the common tourist mistake of dining too close to major attractions. While you might find charming spots near must-see sights, they often come with inflated prices and lack genuine local flavor. A restaurant in the heart of the Old Town could charge nearly 400 CZK for a basic meal that you could find elsewhere for 200 CZK or less.
Word to the wise: avoid dining during typical rush hours if you can. Lunchtime crowds tend to swell between 12:30 PM and 1:30 PM, leading to longer wait times and possibly less attentive service. Instead, aim for a slightly earlier or later meal for a more relaxed experience.
Lately, I've noticed an increasing number of eateries embracing plant-based options, catering to the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan dishes, which reflects a beautiful evolution of Prague's food culture. The scene is definitely shifting, and it's exciting to see how local habits are adapting with time.
Tourist Reviews
All photos and texts belong to their authors
.
I don't know what you're more into, but I’m just in heaven when you walk into a place filled with that soothing aroma of sweetness and freshly baked bread. 😊 People come and go, the sellers are always smiling while packing bags, and there’s a captivating scent of sweet, doughy, and definitely warm pastries wafting in the air. 🍰 Office workers sip their coffee with sandwiches, two ladies stand right at the counter, enjoying fresh croissants, crumbs flying everywhere, while smartly dressed women sip their first glass of wine. 🥂 It was a Tuesday, around 14:30.
.
You can create the perfect place with a delightful design, but what I value more than anything else is simplicity, warmth, and life. For instance, I don’t even look at the surroundings as I’m drawn into this atmosphere. And if you add a delightful brownie, oh lord, I urge you to just pack it up! Pack it up! And don’t you dare stop! My stomach may be telling me to stop, but this brownie... it’s moist and densely rich, with a crunchy crust and an intense chocolate flavor without any hints of bitterness. 🍫 You all understand, right? 😉
.
📍 Prague 1, Kozi 1
🕖 Mon - Sun 7:00 - 21:00
💰 Brownie - $1.50
Large chocolate cookie - $2.00
Croissant - $2.00 - $3.00
Cheesecake - $4.50
Sandwiches - from $3.50 to $7.00
Cappuccino - $2.50 »
🎉 This place has a unique vibe. I generally love all those small, colorful stalls with different delicacies and local souvenirs.
I'm really pleased that there's a trend for this cozy atmosphere.
Oh, how delightful are the aromas here!
Oh, so many delicious things to try:
👉Trdlo (about 2.60 USD without filling). A traditional Czech pastry made from dough rolled around a metallic cylinder and roasted over an open flame. You can sweeten it with sugar or nuts, and you can also fill it with ice cream or fruit as per your preference. Best to eat it while it’s hot.
👉Local sausages (for me, they were a bit too spicy). They are served with bread, mustard, and ketchup.
👉Drink flows like a river. Here, it costs less than bottled water (on average 1.50 USD).
👉Svarak – mulled wine. Delicious and warming (about 2.60 USD for a small glass).
👉Homemade punch – another warming drink. To me, it resembles a fruit compote with a slight wine note (about 2.60 USD for a small glass).
👉Bambardino – Jack Daniels + warm apricot liqueur + dried plums. I recommend it for those who enjoy strong drinks (about 4 USD for 1.7 oz).
👉Becherovka – a unique herbal liqueur made only in this region. It has a strong blend of various herbs. You'll find it in every shop and souvenir store. »
The third dish – a must-try, pork belly. It was perfect! The fat literally melted in my mouth, like sugar! For that dish alone, the chef deserves applause! It's a shame that it can't be ordered separately. P.S. Don't you find the green leaf on the dish quite sad? 😕 It felt like they didn't put much thought into it, lack of creativity.
Dessert – that's a completely different topic, it was just profoundly disappointing. We were served sweet rice with a sweet sauce and pieces of pineapple and coconuts in mango sauce, and it was a total disgrace! The rice for dessert was a complete embarrassment! It was tasty, but it was just plain rice, rice from a box! 🤦♀️ Something we could easily make at home that definitely wouldn't cost as much at a fine restaurant.
In summary! It's time to rate this restaurant. Taro receives a 2 out of 5. The bill for two was around $50 with one cocktail and lemonade. Honestly, it's not worth it. Disappointed. »
The price at the café "Na Hromadkove" is around 134 CZK (less than $6). Absolutely amazing!!! »
Beer. It’s important to note that this café doesn’t claim to be a traditional Czech brewery. It’s just a brewery. Nettle and banana beers are peculiar, but worth trying at least once. The light and dark beers didn’t impress me much. However, I really enjoyed the coffee stout. Compared to the coffee beer at O'Hooligans, this one has a more pronounced flavor and aroma. I’d definitely order a glass of it if I came back.
Food. We tried the goulash soup, sausages in beer, and potato knedliky. The soup was excellent, really tasty! The sausage was also great, but I wasn’t a fan of the sauce that came with it. The potato knedliky just aren’t my thing. It’s also worth noting that the food was clearly reheated rather than freshly made. Despite that, everything was fresh and flavorful. So if you find yourself in the area, it’s worth a visit! Just be aware that the prices for the main meat dishes are a bit steep. In my opinion, it’s unreasonable to pay around $13 for 200g of meat and a side when you can get a pig’s knee (750g of meat!) for less than $8 in a non-touristy spot. »