My Top 5 Favorite Prague Restaurants

November 6, 2014
My 5 Favorite Prague Restaurants

pink pangea foreign correspondent As a self-proclaimed foodie, I’ve made it my mission to find the best places to eat in Prague that all visitors should do their best to try out. Here are my favorite Prague restaurants, and if you need more, be sure to check out Tasting with Tansu!

My 5 Favorite Prague Restaurants

1. Pho Vietnam Tuan & Lan

Nearest metro: Jiriho Z Podrebad

Known to locals simply as “Pho Vietnam” or “The Best Damn Pho You’ll Have In Your Life,” my roommates and I frequent this place. And by frequent, I mean frequent. We go once a week at the very least to get a steaming bowl of steak pho for just $5. Add a couple of complimentary lemon slices, sriracha, and the $10 bottle of Hoisin sauce you picked up at Marks & Spencer and you’re good to go. Also be prepared to order takeaway and maybe eat at the park right outside—there’s no seating in the restaurant, just a few tables to awkwardly stand at. Cash only!

Tansu’s Tip: You see that sketchy open bottle of liquid sitting on the metal counter by the plastic cutlery? The orangey-red stuff that looks like it hasn’t been touched in years and could have a finger or something equally questionable floating around in it? Put it in your pho. You won’t die (probably) and it really amps up the flavor. Just don’t ask me what it is because I still don’t know and would like to remain blissfully ignorant.

2. Bohemia Bagel

Nearest tram: Malostranske Namesti

If we’re being honest, I’m not really a fan at all. The only reason this place is on here is because of the free WiFi, location (five steps away from Anglo-American University) and cheap bagels. Basically, if you’re looking to fill your stomach on a dime in between classes, you’ll end up here. Otherwise, the horrible service in terms of speed and attitude paired with mediocre food would suggest you stay away.

Tansu’s Tip: You do not have to sit down to eat here. Feel free to walk up to the bagel display case for a quick(er) order.

 My 5 Favorite Prague Restaurants

3. The Tavern

Nearest metro: Jiriho Z Podrebad

I can’t say enough good things about this place. The atmosphere is warm, intimate, and relaxed, as customers are seated on wooden benches and stools all around the small restaurant. Despite its size, this is one of the only restaurants in Prague where I’ve been given a wait time instead of a stiff “we’re full” upon walking in. The waiters/waitresses are busy, but friendly and willing to walk you through the menu.

Speaking of, The Tavern—although in the middle of the Czech Republic—has provided me with one of the best burgers I’ve ever had the pleasure of eating. The Classic Bacon-Cheddar offers sharp, English cheddar and perfectly crispy American bacon, melting together beautifully in between two perfectly fluffy buns. Ugh, eating this burger is like poetry.

Not to be outdone, the pommes-frites on the menu step up their game with the Chili-Cheese Ranch Fries. Meant to be shared (even though I definitely didn’t) this gigantic order of fries has a hearty, meaty chili and smooth ranch. It also takes some inspiration from American fast-food restaurants with a random curly fry here and there.

Tansu’s Tip: Cash only! Although you can expect a burger on par with those back in America, don’t have the same expectations for dessert.

4. Cantina

Nearest tram: Ujezd

If you’re from Southern California or Texas, you know what good Mexican food is (bonus points if you’re actually from Mexico). Your best bet when it comes to satisfying your craving in Prague is Cantina, which serves up delicious burritos, soups, salads, fajitas, and desserts! Just a little bit pricier than your run of the mill restaurant in Prague, but still cheaper than the U.S. and worth every cent.

Tansu’s Tip: It’s a great place to go for large groups, but if that’s your plan, be sure to call ahead to reserve! They don’t have too much space for walk-ins.

5. Monolok Cafe

Nearest metro: Namesti Miru

Easily the best breakfast you’ll have in a Prague restaurant. If you’re looking for a solid early morning meal with eggs, bacon, toast, and all the fixings, this is your place! It’s extremely affordable – a full breakfast can cost you just $7 – and boasts fresh brewed coffee as well.

Tansu’s Tip: Don’t be afraid to show up early. Monolok is open at 8AM on weekdays.

coffee cup.

Photos for My 5 Favorite Prague Restaurants by Pixabay. 

About Tansu Philip

Tansu is a Junior Political Science and Television and Broadcast Journalism double major at Chapman University in Orange, CA. She’s studying abroad this fall in Prague and plans on sharing heaps of travel tips and tricks with Pink Pangea readers as she eats her way through Corfu, Munich, Ibiza, Paris, Amsterdam, Interlaken, London, and Kuwait.

6 thoughts on “My Top 5 Favorite Prague Restaurants

  1. Sandra
    November 9, 2014
    Reply

    Im really disappointed to see the quality and style of restaurants here. Fake Mexican, Pho that Vietnamese people avoid. There are some fabulous restaurants in Prague all cultures and all prices.

  2. kamencho
    November 8, 2014
    Reply

    Hi 🙂
    funny stuff, I like La Cantina on Ujezd the most, and don’t like pho too much since coriander is not my thing.
    I do prefer the Cantina vs Adelitas (not authentic? ok, try to explain it to my taste buds).
    I do like the Bagel and I’ve learned not to expect too much from the service in Prague center.
    Have you tried Singidunum or Jelica restauranrs? both are serbian, or perhaps Luka Lu – Croatian i think.. Or maybe Boem – Macedonian (fyrom sorry)….. Why not Restaurace Kreta, while we are close to Greece…
    So many nice places in Prague.

    Thanks for 3 and 5, I’ll give them a try once I’m back to Prague…

  3. Sylvain
    November 8, 2014
    Reply

    Hi Tansu,
    All the restaurants on your list are fast food and unhealthy, how can you say they are the best restaurants have you tried all the other ones?
    Maybe they are good from an american student perspective, but gourmets and people on a healthy lifestyle are expecting more.

    • sezer
      November 8, 2014

      i am totally agree, moreover all of the restaurants are in 500/700mt circle … all known and not as the best ones

  4. Quang
    November 8, 2014
    Reply

    Hi,
    I don’t agree with you about 1st Pho Tuan Lan. I am from the city where to make the best of Pho – Hanoi. I was grow up with pho, worked for famous pho in Hanoi old town & know very well about how to make pho. I tried few times of pho tuan lan & have to say : I never have a bad pho of my life as they make. If you want to have a real pho you should go to Sapa market – Praha 4 to have one then you can see …:-))

  5. Marco
    November 8, 2014
    Reply

    The fact that you put Cantina instead of Adelitas shows how much you know of actual mexican food, Cantina is gross wouldn’t eat there if it was free. By the way I am Mexican.

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