Prague is now a fine dining hotspot, with 165 restaurants recognized in Gault&Millau’s Czech edition, including 11 earning three toques for top-tier culinary mastery. The guide evaluates food, service, pricing, and originality, offering a comprehensive take on the city’s dining excellence.
Key highlights:
- Top Restaurants: Papilio (4 toques), Levitate, Terasa U Zlaté studně, Mlýnec, and more.
- Award Breakdown:
- 3 Toques: 11 restaurants
- 2 Toques: 50 restaurants
- Listed: 128 venues
- Notable Spots: Papilio’s interactive dining, Levitate’s modern Czech cuisine, and Terasa U Zlaté studně’s scenic views.
Whether it’s Papilio’s refined tasting menu or Café Imperial’s historic charm, Prague offers a variety of world-class dining experiences. Reservations are essential for most venues, especially during peak seasons.
1. Papilio
Papilio, honored with four toques in the Czech edition of Gault&Millau, is a standout in Prague’s fine dining scene. Led by Chef Jan Knedla, who holds the “Chef of the Year” title, the restaurant offers a dining experience that is both refined and memorable.
The tasting menu, which spans three and a half hours, showcases dishes like the ‘miništrúdl’ with cardamom cream and pecans, and a yuzu ball encased in white chocolate with lime. Guests are invited to connect with the kitchen team, adding a personal touch to the experience.
The service is precise yet subtle, complementing the overall experience. While the menu doesn’t focus on traditional Czech dishes, Papilio demonstrates how Prague’s culinary scene has embraced global influences and nurtured local talent, further enhancing the city’s reputation.
Reservations are a must, as tables are often booked weeks in advance. Papilio is perfect for special occasions or those seeking the pinnacle of Prague’s dining offerings but less suited for casual meals.
Papilio has set a high standard for creative dining in Prague, inspiring other top-tier restaurants like Levitate to follow suit.
2. Levitate
Nestled in the heart of Prague, Levitate takes local ingredients and transforms them into a seasonal menu that reimagines Czech culinary traditions with a modern twist. This fresh take on Czech cuisine has made it a standout in Prague’s competitive fine dining scene.
At Levitate, every detail is carefully thought out – from expertly paired wines to courses that arrive with precision timing. These high standards have made it a go-to destination for both locals and international food enthusiasts.
If you’re planning to visit, booking a table well in advance is a must. The restaurant’s popularity means reservations often fill up weeks ahead. For the best experience, consider visiting on a weekday evening.
Levitate showcases how Prague’s fine dining scene blends heritage with modern techniques, helping to solidify the city’s growing reputation as a global culinary hotspot. Its success has paved the way for other notable restaurants like Terasa U Zlaté studně, which offers a different but equally memorable dining experience.
3. Terasa U Zlaté studně
Located in the historic Malá Strana district at U Zlaté studně 166/4, Terasa U Zlaté studně is a must-visit for food lovers. With three Gault&Millau toques, it combines top-notch cooking with a stunning dining atmosphere.
The restaurant boasts a refined interior and a terrace offering sweeping views of Prague’s skyline. Dining here at sunset is an unforgettable experience, thanks to the breathtaking scenery.
The menu focuses on seasonal, local ingredients, reimagined with modern techniques. Standout dishes include caviar with cucumber beurre blanc and poached lobster, blending Czech culinary roots with contemporary flair.
Special seasonal menus, such as the St. Valentine’s Tasting Menu (4,400 CZK), feature dishes like duck confit choux. For wine lovers, expertly selected pairings are available for an additional 2,700 CZK per person, enhancing each course.
Booking in advance is essential, especially for terrace seating. Sommeliers are on hand to recommend the perfect wine for your meal. For the best experience, request a terrace table at sunset to enjoy the stunning views of Prague.
Terasa U Zlaté studně showcases the best of Prague’s dining scene by merging Czech heritage with modern gastronomy. For another exceptional option in the city, consider visiting La Finestra in Cucina, which offers its own distinct culinary approach.
4. La Finestra in Cucina
La Finestra in Cucina is one of the select few restaurants in Czechia to earn three Gault&Millau toques. Known for its Italian cuisine, it adds a rich layer to Prague’s vibrant dining scene and highlights how global flavors can enhance the city’s culinary identity.
The restaurant’s interior combines wooden furniture, exposed brick walls, and large mirrors, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. One of its standout features is the unique meat selection process – diners can handpick their preferred cut from a presentation platter, which is then expertly prepared.
The menu is packed with Italian classics, with a special focus on high-quality imported red meats. Beyond that, you’ll find soups, seafood, handmade pasta, and indulgent desserts that maintain the same top-tier quality.
La Finestra is open Monday to Saturday from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can make a reservation by calling +420 222 325 325 or emailing info@lafinestra.cz. The restaurant is located at Platnéřská 90/13.
Balancing its Italian roots with Prague’s culinary culture, La Finestra offers a refined yet approachable Mediterranean dining experience. For those interested in another historic and culinary gem, consider visiting Café Imperial.
5. Café Imperial
Walking into Café Imperial is like stepping back into Prague’s golden café era. This historic spot, recognized with one Gault&Millau toque, combines outstanding food with breathtaking Art Nouveau decor.
The interior is a feast for the eyes, featuring intricate ceramic tiles depicting hunters, stags, and cherubs. High ceilings and large windows fill the space with natural light, creating an ambiance that feels both grand and welcoming.
Led by renowned Czech chef and TV personality Zdenek Pohlreich, the menu brings a modern touch to traditional Czech dishes. Classics like duck confit and braised beef with cranberries are reimagined with contemporary techniques. Highlights include the duck confit paired with sweet-sour red cabbage and the braised beef served with creamy sauce, bread dumplings, and cranberries.
Open daily from 7:00 AM to 11:00 PM, Café Imperial is perfect for any meal of the day. Located at Na Poříčí 15, it’s easy to reach via public transport. Expect to spend around $30 per meal – a fair price for the quality and atmosphere.
Adding to its charm, the café hosts Dixieland evenings on Fridays and Saturdays, where guests can even don period attire if they wish. Dessert lovers will appreciate the praline gateau and créme brûlée, which are often praised for their taste and presentation.
Reservations are a must during busy times. Book your table directly or through their online system. Café Imperial seamlessly blends Prague’s historical charm with its modern culinary scene.
For a more contemporary twist on Prague’s dining experience, consider visiting Dejvická 34 by Tomáš Černý.https://app.seobotai.com/banner/inline/?id=sbb-itb-a8afb75
6. Dejvická 34 by Tomáš Černý
Dejvická 34 by Tomáš Černý is one of Prague’s top-rated Gault&Millau restaurants, showcasing the city’s growing prominence in the world of fine dining. This recognition highlights its place as one of the city’s standout culinary destinations, where Chef Černý brings a fresh perspective to Czech cuisine.
At Dejvická 34, traditional Czech dishes are reimagined with a modern edge. The menus focus on seasonal ingredients sourced locally, blending time-honored flavors with contemporary cooking methods. Chef Černý’s approach bridges Czech culinary heritage with modern techniques, creating dishes that feel both familiar and new.
The restaurant offers an intimate and elegant setting, making it a great choice for special occasions or a refined dining experience. The attentive service and cozy atmosphere add to its charm. Due to its popularity among locals and visitors alike, reservations are a must, especially on weekends.
Dejvická 34 stands out as an example of how Prague’s chefs are reshaping Czech cuisine. For another take on the city’s dining scene, consider exploring Mlýnec, which brings its own flair to fine dining.
7. Mlýnec
Mlýnec, recognized with three Gault&Millau toques, combines stunning views of Charles Bridge with a fresh take on Czech cuisine. It’s a standout spot in Prague’s dining scene, known for its unique spin on local culinary traditions.
The restaurant brings historical recipes to life using modern techniques, showcasing Czech heritage through beautifully plated dishes made with carefully chosen local ingredients. Each plate strikes a balance between honoring traditional flavors and adding a modern twist.
Located near Charles Bridge, Mlýnec offers an elegant setting perfect for special occasions. The intimate dining room allows guests to savor both the exquisite food and the iconic views of Prague’s historic center, all while enjoying top-notch service.
Reservations are a must, especially during busy seasons, as the restaurant is popular with both locals and tourists. Its central location makes it a convenient stop for anyone exploring Prague’s historic district.
For a completely different vibe, consider Červený Jelen, which offers a bold and lively take on Czech dining, contrasting Mlýnec’s sophisticated charm.
8. Červený Jelen
Červený Jelen offers a unique dining experience in Prague, recognized by Gault&Millau. Its rustic design, combined with touches of Czech heritage, sets the stage for an unforgettable meal.
The menu puts a fresh spin on Czech classics. Take the roasted venison, for example – it showcases a mix of traditional ingredients and modern cooking methods, giving familiar dishes a fresh perspective.
Pair your meal with a carefully chosen Czech wine from their collection. This attention to detail highlights why Červený Jelen is a standout in Prague’s dining scene.
For the best experience, visit in the early evening. This is the perfect time to soak in the atmosphere and explore the full menu. Be sure to book ahead, especially during busy periods.
Červený Jelen’s mix of old and new makes it a must-visit for anyone diving into Prague’s food culture.
Dining Guide and Reservations
Planning ahead is essential to enjoy Prague’s celebrated dining scene. Here’s a breakdown of some standout options:
| Restaurant | Price Range (per person) | Reservation Lead Time | Special Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Papilio | 3,000-4,000 CZK | 2-3 weeks | Interactive chef’s table experience |
| La Finestra in Cucina | 1,000-2,000 CZK | 1-2 weeks | Custom-cut meat selection |
| Terasa U Zlaté studně | 590-2,200 CZK | 2 weeks | Stunning sunset views over Prague Castle |
| Mlýnec | 1,000-2,000 CZK | 1 week | Riverside views of Charles Bridge |
| Dejvická 34 | 1,000-1,800 CZK | 3-5 days | Seasonal Czech tasting menus |
Most restaurants allow reservations through their websites or platforms like OpenTable. During busy seasons (June-August, December), booking an extra week in advance is recommended.
Looking for value? Many spots offer lunch specials that provide a high-quality dining experience at a lower cost. Standard tipping in Prague is around 10%, peak dining hours are 7-9 PM, and wine pairings are often available with tasting menus. English menus are widely offered.
For celebrations or a more intimate experience, some restaurants feature private dining rooms or chef’s table options. Papilio stands out with its interactive setup, letting diners engage with the chefs throughout the meal.
With thoughtful planning, you can enjoy the finest of Prague’s culinary offerings, as recognized by Gault&Millau.
Summary
Gault&Millau has recognized 165 restaurants, with 128 located in Prague, highlighting the city’s growing reputation as a culinary destination. Their evaluations take into account food quality, service, and overall value, shedding light on emerging chefs and fresh dining concepts, from upscale restaurants to modern bistros.
The awarded restaurants in Prague offer a wide range of culinary styles, including modern takes on Czech cuisine and global flavors. Diners can choose from affordable lunch deals to high-end experiences, like the 4,400 CZK tasting menu at Terasa U Zlaté studně, ensuring options for various budgets without compromising on quality.
Prague’s dedication to top-tier dining is clear in the attention to detail, inventive dishes, and skilled techniques found in these establishments. Together, these Gault&Millau-recognized venues illustrate the city’s evolution into a world-class food destination that balances tradition with creativity.