On a trip to Prague you have to try the local Czech cuisine. Never tried Czech food before? Expect hearty, comforting dishes like warm beef stews, roast pork, pork knuckle, soups, goulash, schnitzel, fried mushrooms and more. The great thing about Prague is that it’s generally very cheap for us backpackers who want to eat well on a tight budget - so finding affordable restaurants isn’t too difficult. However, finding the most authentic is another story. These are the best cheap restaurants in Prague that serve up authentic Czech food that will have you raving about the local Prague cuisine when you get back home…
MLEJNICE
This traditional Czech restaurant just inside of Prague’s Old Town is a hidden gem if you want to try local, homemade cuisine. Perfect for foodie’s on a budget, prices at Mlejnice are reasonable and the portions are hearty. We recommend ordering the sensational goulash which is served inside a bread loaf (pictured below). To get a taste for authentic Czech food away from the tourist crowds, Mlejnice won’t let you down. Just be sure to get there fairly early in the evening to avoid a long wait time. Tucked away on a small alley, the inside of the restaurant is charming and quaint, very typical of traditional Czech eating houses. What more could you want? Cheap, delicious and authentic.
KLÁŠTERNÍ PIVOVAR STRAHOV (STRAHOV MONASTERY BREWERY)
This 17th century brewery and restaurant specialises in local beer and traditional Czech food. Located in the Strahov monastery perched on a hill, this place is a sight in itself boasting a beautiful outdoor seating area with amazing views of Prague. This is the perfect spot for a summer lunch and a spot of beer tasting. Alfresco dining can’t get any better when you’re surrounded by views, history and culture. We recommend the massive pork knuckle marinated in beer, which is an authentic Czech staple dish. Order a malty lager to wash down all that food: the microbrewery specialises in St. Norbert beer and the brews are all delicious and fresh with crisp hints of unique flavours. Delicious and cheap, you won’t go back to the hostel hungry. Just steps away from Prague castle, make sure to have a look around and explore the castle grounds.
FERDINANDA
For good, wholesome Czech food go to the Ferdinanda pub in the centre of Prague for a cheap and cheerful meal. On the corner of Opletalova Street this restaurant serves up one of the best pork knuckles in Prague; we also recommend the authentic goulash or the crispy schnitzel and fries. Bright and airy, this is a great place to come for Czech food and local beer that won’t break the bank. With a modern pub feel and plenty of locals, this place serves food that is flavoursome, hearty and more-ish. It’s open every day of the week except Sundays.
U MAGISTRA KELLY
You can’t get more charmingly Czech than U Magistra Kelly, the cutest little spot in Prague for dinner. Here, food is cooked from the heart. The fried cheese (pictured) is absolutely heavenly; any cheese lover will be in heaven with this traditional dish served with potatoes and a homemade tartare sauce. The authentic stuffed potato dumplings are also delicious and must-try while you’re in the city. The photos will make you drool! U Magistra Kelly is also suitable for vegetarians with several veggie options on the menu to choose from. We also love the freshly baked Czech puddings on this menu. From cheesecakes, crumbles, cakes and pies, if you have a sweet tooth you won’t be disappointed.
U PARLAMENTU
This has to be one of our favourite Czech restaurants in the city serving up heartwarming, comforting food cooked to satisfy the soul. U Parlamentu is located in Josefov, the city’s former Jewish ghetto. Each meal here is a joy to eat, the service is friendly and the prices are reasonable too. Here, we recommend either the roast duck or roasted pork served with potato dumplings and spinach (pictured). In the evenings the restaurant hosts live music to enjoy while you eat your meal. This is a real local favourite where every meal choice tastes as good as the next.