Madeline in Prague

Before my internship began, I figured the food scene in Prague would be quite heavy. In my research, Czech cuisine was advertised as hearty and meat-based. What I did not anticipate was going on a life-changing gastronomic journey. Yes, you heard me right: Prague is for foodies.

What makes Prague’s food scene so special is just how much variety it offers. Last summer in Florence, I only ate two meals that were not Italian: all-you-can-eat sushi (a personal mistake) and late-night McDonald’s chicken nuggets. Other than that, it was pasta, pasta, and more pasta. After living in Prague for five weeks, I am beyond impressed with the pastry and café scene, the influence of Vietnamese cuisine, and the contemporary restaurants that are perfect for a spritz and an unforgettable meal.

I live in Vinohrady, which is just outside Old Town Prague. It is a step away from the hustle and bustle of the main square while offering an authentic, local food scene. Because I love my neighborhood so much, I have decided to dedicate this post to my favorite local spots.

Vinohrady Café & Brunch Favorites

KRO Coffee: Almost every day before work, I stop here for their almond croissant. Even though my smile gives me away as an American, I confidently say, “Dobrý den, almond croissant, prosím.” Think buttery, flaky pastry with an addictively sweet, gooey amaretto filling. Seriously, a must-have. I also love getting a homemade ginger lemonade for a refreshing yet spicy kick.

Prague’s lemonades are always a hit with me. From passionfruit to lavender to mango, I pretty much can’t resist when lemonade is on the menu. However, if you are picky about your lemonade, you should know that Prague does it differently. Unlike the Southern-style, super sweet-and-sour lemonade that makes your lips pucker, Prague’s lemonade is made with soda water, a bit of fresh citrus, and a fruit purée that adds the sweetness. They are mild, hydrating, and blissfully carbonated – which I absolutely love.

Cafein: Matcha! I love stopping here for unique flavor combinations. I usually rotate between the lychee coconut matcha with matcha foam and the lemon yuzu matcha tonic. According to their website, Cafein is the first Vietnamese café in Prague. Their menu features fusion brunch options, and their matcha drinks are a must-try.

Speaking of matcha tonics… I am obsessed with them. They are not for everyone, and if you are already on the fence about matcha, you might not reach for one. However, if you love the earthy, grassy umami of matcha paired with the citrus notes and refreshing carbonation of tonic water, then a matcha tonic is for you. That brings me to my next favorite spot.

La Bohème Café: The grapefruit matcha tonic is a must for matcha and bitter citrus lovers. It is refreshing and crisp with the perfect balance of sweetness and tart acidity. I also recommend the apple sandwich, which (haha) has apples, Brie, and caramelized onions on toasted sourdough. Chef’s kiss.

Not only does this spot have great food and drinks, but the atmosphere is cozy as well. The interior features artistic displays inspired by nature and offers classic ’90s coffeehouse vibes with its throwback playlist and laid-back atmosphere.

Also, if you haven’t caught on by now… yes, I judge cafés by their matcha.

My weekend routine often includes a trip to the Vinohrady Farmers Market followed by a nourishing brunch. From fluffy scrambled eggs and savory crêpes to iconic open-faced toasts, Prague’s brunch game is excellent.

Whether I am grabbing brunch with friends on the weekend or searching for a cozy dinner after work, Vinohrady never fails to have exactly what I am craving.

Dinner in Vinohrady is always an exciting venture. I feel right at home having so many different cuisines at my disposal. Am I feeling Czech, Italian, Vietnamese, Mexican, or Chinese? Vinohrady offers it all.

Vinohrady Dinner Spots

Restaurace U Tellerů: This local gem serves elevated, contemporary Czech dishes. I had an incredible cordon bleu-style schnitzel filled with Gouda cheese and served alongside herb-roasted potatoes and a fresh, vinegary cucumber salad. Every bite was hearty without being overwhelmingly filling. I also ordered a cucumber lemonade that was pretty much the definition of refreshing. Whenever I walk past this restaurant, it is bustling with both locals and tourists.

La Cucina 66: Think tiny, intimate Italian bistro. If you walk past it, you just might miss it. Consider this your sign to GO IN! 

Full confession: this restaurant served some of the best Italian food I had all summer, and I had been in northern Italy just a week before arriving in Prague. I ordered the gnocchi Sorrentino, which is a go-to for a gnocchi lover like me. The simple tomato sauce had incredible depth of flavor while striking the perfect balance between acidity and sweetness. The meal tasted of high-quality, simple ingredients – the equation for an authentic Italian meal.

Lá Bù Lá: A cozy, authentic Chongqing- and Sichuan-style Chinese bistro. You walk in and are immediately greeted by the aroma of rich spices. I ordered the Sichuan pork dumplings in a light mushroom broth. The meal was nourishing and perfectly complemented the recent drop in temperature.

I also learned that, unlike spicy peppers, Sichuan peppercorns create their signature tingling, mouthwatering sensation through a naturally occurring compound rather than heat. It is a unique experience that somehow makes every bite even more flavorful. I paired my meal with a delicious homemade citrus and mint tea.

Truth be told, I could make a very long list of places I have tried and loved. An even longer list would be of places I have walked past and thought, Hmm… that looks good. I need to try that.

Last but not least on my list is dessert. Pastry or gelato? Both are fantastic options in Prague. I tend to be a baked-good kind of girl, but my first recommendation is gelato.

Crème de la Crème: If you are craving authentic-tasting gelato, this is the place for you. What sets Crème de la Crème apart is not only its creamier texture but also its incredible variety of flavors. My personal favorites are lavender, mango, and passionfruit. The lavender is calming with a delicate floral sweetness, the mango tastes exactly like fresh mango in creamy form, and the passionfruit tastes like fresh juice transformed into gelato. The point is: it tastes incredibly fresh. It also never disappoints. A small cup with two scoops costs just 66 CZK (about $3.12 USD).

Múza Café: Artful desserts that make you want to savor every bite before they are gone. I had a decadent brownie topped with a light coffee whipped cream that was absolutely divine. The espresso enhanced the rich chocolate flavor perfectly. I also tried a tangy passionfruit dessert that was a 10/10 both in presentation and taste. The texture was light, bouncy, and sponge-like until you reached the citrus fruit purée hidden in the center. Whenever I am craving a fancier dessert, this is my spot.

While this list focuses on Vinohrady, I have plenty of favorite spots in Old Town and across the river as well. I could probably write an entire post just about my favorite matcha drinks, although I still have quite a few more to try before I can confidently rank them.

Prague truly feels like home now, and it fills my heart (and stomach) with joy to have so many new places to discover. With every new café, bakery, or restaurant, I make another memory and begin to associate those memories with different flavors. I have also found myself inspired to recreate many of these drinks – especially the lemonades – and dishes when I return to the States.

I have to say this is one of my favorite parts of living and working abroad. Because my weekdays are filled with work, I have spent more weekends exploring Prague instead of constantly chasing the classic quick-turnaround “study abroad” trips. Rather than rushing off somewhere new every weekend, I challenge myself to discover something new right here in Prague – whether that is through food, history, fashion, or simply wandering a different neighborhood.

Ahoj Friends!