the czech republic became it's own constituent state in January 1993 after the fall of the communist regime and the Velvet Revolution. for many many years after, under the heavy influence of communism, the food scene in Prague struggled to flourish past fried cheeses and stodgey dumplings favoured by its Russian and German predecessors.
nowadays, there is an emerging food 'scene' in Prague, coaxed along by the influrry of international chefs bringing their skills and experience to a nation known for its beautiful architecture and wonderful culture scene but never its food. this is now changing and for the better.
as a new ex-pat to the city, I am slowly discovering these new eateries and sharing the ones that have left an impression. i hope you enjoy them too.
au gourmand [bakery/cafe]
various locations across Praha
http://www.augourmand.cz
french patisserie/cafe with various location in Praha 1. lovely cakes that have just the right amount of sweetness. freshly baked breads & pastries.
bakeshop [bakery/cafe]
kozi 1, praha 1
tel: +420 222 316 823
www.bakeshop.cz
american style bakery in the heart of the old town. usually attracts an expat crowd. prices are not cheap but the cakes and cookies are worth a pitstop. friendly service.
cafe lounge [cafe]
plaská 8, praha 5
tel: +420 257 404 020
http://www.cafe-lounge.cz/en/
as the name suggests, it's a cafe in the lesser town serving up cafe-styled food and cakes but most importantly has delicious coffees you would trade your first born for.
hanabi [japanese]
petrská 11, praha 1
tel: +420 222 324 634
www.ihanabi.cz
our regular japanese haunt in prague. consistently good quality sashimi and sushi with friendly, english speaking waitresses. lovely ambience and value for money.
kulatak (original pilsner urquell) [czech]
vitezne namesti 820/12, praha 6
tel. +420 773 973 037
www.kulatak.cz
our landlord was recently in prague visiting her mum and took us to this czech pub down the road from our place. good, hearty and flavoursome traditional czech grub for those nights off from the kitchen. english spoken.
la degustation [international]
haštalská 18, praha 1 CZECH REPUBLIC
tel. +420 222 311 234 email. boheme@ambi.cz
www.ladegustation.cz
expensive, but worth the treat on special occasions. tastefully produced food and excellent service without being overbearing. the smoked beef tongue will leave an impression.
remember [vietnamese]
Biskupská 5, praha 1
tel. +420 602 889 089
www.rememberasianfood.cz
centrally located near palladium shopping centre in the old town, this no frills vietnamese/chinese restaurant really hits the spot in terms of a good bowl of phở when we are feeling too lazy to trek to 'Sapa'. Everything is made fresh to order and best of all, you're not left hanging for litres of water from too much MSG which is usually the case with a lot of other Asian eateries.
sansho [asian fusion]
petrská 25, praha 1 CZECH REPUBLIC
tel. +420 222 317 425, e-mail: info@sansho.cz
www.sansho.cz
english born chef Paul Day recently opened up this asian inspired eatery in Staré Město, Praha. having previously worked in Nobu and Nahm in London, many of his dishes have been inspired by his time working in these professional kitchens as well as his earlier days as a butcher in Chinatown. great tasting food, especially the beef rendang and pork belly salad.
shalamar [indian]
puškinovo náměstí 16, praha 6 CZECH REPUBLIC
tel. +420 252 545 018
http://www.shalamarrestaurant.cz/index.html
recently opened in 2011, this is authentic himalayan/indian food at its best. all meat is halal and the highlights are definitely the dishes cooked by way of 'dum'.
