The Five Best Restaurants in Prague for Czech Food

                                                                                                                                        Goulash from Café Svatého Václav

Or at least for stereotypical Czech food. But amazing food nonetheless.

Czech cuisine is not so world-renowned as Italian or French cuisine. There aren't any franchises like Olive Garden or El Chico's for Czech food. I think this is unfortunate, as Central European cuisine can include multiple countries. Us dwellers across the pond are missing out on a pretty large region of European cuisine. Czech food is similar to German and Hungarian food, especially because people of both cultures were in the same political boundary as the Czechs at one point in history or another.

1. Café Svatého Václav - 39, Václavské nám. 821, 110 00 Praha 1, Czechia (Wenceslas Square)
Though the atmosphere and hosts are incredibly stereotypical of Europe in the Middle Ages with knights and chain mail, the goulash soup was mouth-watering. As much as I would like to go vegan, I would have an even more difficult time doing so in Prague as long as this restaurant still serves goulash. Goulash is actually Hungarian, but as I mentioned before, the land that is now Hungary used to be in the same political territory as the present-day Czech Republic (or Czechia as it is now named) under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Please get some goulash while in this part of Europe. I'm getting emotional just thinking about it.

2. U Semika - Vratislavova 129/36, 128 00 Praha 2, Czechia (Vyšehrad area)
This restaurant is in the U Semika family-owned hotel at the bottom of one of the most historic locations in Prague. The restaurant has a hole-in-the-wall feel with bookshelves and archways. It is perfect for lunch as it has an ever-changing menu, but always includes sandwiches and breads. What I like most about this restaurant is the fact that it reminds me of where I am in the world: A place with immense history, but not so luxurious and bombastic like Paris or even London and Rome. While feeling luxurious and A-crowd is nice sometimes, humble and cozy places are just as important.

3. U Kroka - Vratislavova 28/12, 128 00 Praha 2, Czechia (Vyšehrad area)

Founded in 1895, U Kroka is simple, as is Czech cuisine at times. It is also a pub. This gives it an authentic Czech atmosphere as alcoholic drinks are basically essential in Czechia. This restaurant is also located near Vysehrad. U Kroka feels local, as it is owned by locals too. It seems fancy given the modern interior, but is affordable. Speaking of prices, this brings up a wonderful perk about Czechia: it's affordable. 

4. Terasa U Prince - Staroměstské nám. 29, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia (Old Town Square)
Yes, this restaurant is in one of the biggest tourist hot spots in Prague, but hear me out. The view is perfect. From Terasa U Prince's rooftop, you can see the Astronomical Clock Tower and the gorgeous Church of Our Lady Before Tyn. This part of Prague is filled with pastel buildings and mint green spires for miles. But since it is in a major tourist spot, it will be a bit more expensive than the other restaurants on this list.

5. Bageterie Boulevard - Multiple Locations in Prague

This is a fast food chain that began, and remains, largely in Prague. It is similar to Panera Bread or Subway, but better because food - even fast food - in Europe often comes without toxic chemicals that are common in the US. Certain food chemicals are illegal in Europe. Hence the idea that Europeans are overall healthier than Americans. But I digress. Bageterie Boulevard brings in chefs from other parts of Europe and offers special menus from the chef's home country. Most recently, the special menu was based upon Israeli cuisine. Another chef brough in Slovak cuisine from Czechia's neighboring country Slovakia. However, Bageterie Boulevard consistently has baguette sandwiches, salads, and soups. Anything with some sort of dressing is my favorite. Bageterie Boulevard is portable and perfect for a quick meal while on your way to the airport, train station, or wherever.