Prague is getting a reputation as a great food destination. From casual to high-end and from traditional to contemporary, there is something for everyone. Based on articles and recommendations I was able to experience the following great spots:
Mlynec Restaurant: This is a gorgeous restaurant that serves beautifully presented food in a creative way. With wonderful views of the Charles Bridge, it has an outdoor terrace in the Summer months. This is a Michelin recommended restaurant. The amuse bouche was a small jar of celery foam with apple, bacon and chive. The breads, with a cottage cheese and sun dried tomato spread, were really good. I loved my duck confit with red cabbage and a red cabbage mousse and potato dumpling. For dessert, the deconstructed apple strudel with apple, dried apple, walnuts, strips of pastry and an apple ice cream was the perfect end to a great meal. I also enjoyed the dry, full-bodied Czech red wine, a Galafarm 2013 Frankovka, a local varietal.
Loka Dlouha, located at Dlouha 33: Part of the Ambiente restaurant group, it has recently received several great reviews. It serves, traditional Czech meals, in a pub-like, casual setting. There are two other locations as well. Nearby in the Palac Dlouha Gourmet Passage, their Nase Maso at Dlouha 39, features the best in meats and sausages.
La Degustation Boheme Bourgeoise: At Hastalksa 18, this Michelin starred restaurant is considered one of the best in town. They offer two degustation tasting menus featuring regional ingredients. I opted for other choices, but wanted to share the information.
Nota Bene: This is casual restaurant focusing on seasonal cuisine and use of local products. The menu of main dishes rotates daily depending on what is in season. Its exposed brick walls and hardwood floors add to the warm ambiance. They feature beers that are made for them. I enjoyed the lighter 10% lager, my first Czech beer. The service was excellent as was the food. I really liked the smoked trout with red lentils as a starter and the rabbit with mashed potatoes, carrots and spinach in a lovely sauce, was a hearty dish on a chilly, rainy night in Prague. At Mikovcova 4, it is not far from the Prague State Opera and the National Museum.
Sisters Bistro: This is a small restaurant that serves wonderful Czech open face sandwiches. You have many to choose from. I chose well and really enjoyed the ham and plum sauce, smoked salmon, another with shrimp and another with a type of slaw. It gets rave reviews and has gotten great press. Make sure to walk through the Palac Dlouha Gourmet Passage behind the shop, where you find wonderful sellers of meats, chocolates, breads and more. Dlouha 39.
La Bottega: Located at Dlouha 39, not far from my hotel, I enjoyed a quick lunch before heading to the train station. They have a wonderful selection of prepared salads. I tried a selection of five including, roasted pumpkin with tahini, shrimp and avocado, an octopus salad, spinach and cauliflower and beets with oranges. I also liked the design of the space which was eclectic and contemporary. They also own La Finestra which has gotten great reviews for its design as well.