Restaurants Prague Guide

The Czech Republic stands at the crossroads of Europe. Having exported a great deal of culture and welcomed many immigrants, the Czech Republic's culture is both traditional and open, and the cuisine of this central European nation reflects its colorful history.

The Czech Republic has a mighty kitchen, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the restaurants of Prague, the capital city. Food may be far down on most people's list of reasons to come and visit Prague, but one trip to one of Prague's fine restaurants and crowded eateries the rich and savory food of the Czech people will soon hook the uninitiated, while those who have some experience in the Czech Republic likely can't wait to sink their teeth into their first bite in a Prague restaurant.

Meat is the star of the show in Czech cuisine, with pork, beef and to a lesser extent, poultry, appearing in a variety of dishes. Other, rarer game meats are prepared with loving reverence, while fish only occasionally finds its way to plates in Prague.

Czech chefs like to use plenty of rich sauces and gravies with their dishes; many dishes are also accompanied by sweet or sour-tinged marinades. Cabbage and pickled vegetables are the most commonly eaten here in Prague. Dumplings of all types form the mainstay of Czech food. Wheat and potato pancakes and dumplings are the staple grain dishes, though of course bread is also popular. Fried cheese and a nice local wine (often produced in a style far apart from common types such as merlots) round out the meal. For dessert, dumplings are likely to make an encore, this time stuffed with fruits and other sweet things.

Of course, many will choose their Prague restaurant on the basis of the beer selection, and with good reason. The Czech Republic produces some of the world's finest beers. Simple, deep brews with gentle, thoughtful aftertastes distinguish Czech brews from others.

Pilsners are perhaps the Czech Republic's most famous strain of beer, though there are many others that are noteworthy and served on tap. Beer in the Czech Republic is quite affordable, even in Prague, and beer drinking is an important part of the Czech culture. Restaurants in Prague also offer a good selection of international cuisine, excellently prepared from sushi to hamburgers, although travelers are advised to try the local specialties before branching out.