Prague, Czech Republic

The growing number of visitors to Prague and the widespread availability of accommodation since 1989 has led to an increase in the number of restaurants, together with a great improvement in hygiene standards. The influx of people of other nationalities coming to live in Prague has had an impact on the nature of the cuisine, which has become much more cosmopolitan.

While restaurants up to the early 1990's were predominantly Czech - both in terms of food and decor - new restaurants have been refurbished and the standard of service has improved. There are restaurants in the city centre that only a limited number of Czechs can afford to visit, so the cuisine tends to be mainly either French or international, catering predominantly to European or American tourists and business people. There are however, innumerable restaurants catering to those on a more modest budget, and these tend to attract the Czech business and professional classes. These offer both Czech and international food of the highest quality.

North & Western Suburbs

These farther out suburb areas of the city still offer everything you would expect to find in more crowded areas, but with a neighborhood feel. For Italian food that will please the whole family, try the incredibly popular Pizzeria Grosseto , considered by many to be the best in the whole city. For a more local flavor, traditional Czech eateries abound in this area, as in the rest of the city. U Kavalira is a friendly Czech restaurant, specializing in chicken and pork dishes, with a great atmosphere. Kavarna Kabinet is an artsy, friendly neighborhood cafe and bar, with a good value. For something a little more upscale that digs a little deeper into your wallet, Le Bistrot de Marlene is a quaint little traditional French restaurant near the river that may be a nice break from traditional Czech fare.

Hradcany

This neighborhood, slightly removed from Old Town and touristy centers boasts a number of high quality, and high cost restaurants. Restaurant ADA is popular with Parliament members and stars, and features French and international cuisine. Likewise, Restaurant Hradcany has been voted one of the best restaurants in Prague, basing its changing local and international menu on fresh, seasonal ingredients. Also nearby Hradcany are a number of cheaper, more casual options such as Cantina , for those craving something a little spicier and more exotic than the Czech food you may have had enough of. Also nearby is JJ Murphy's , another departure from traditional fare, but with some of the best burgers in Prague.

Mala Strana

This elegant part of town definitely boasts its fair share equally elegant eateries such as David Restaurant , specializing in game dishes. U Patrona has been named one of the most romantic in the city, with a five course menu you won't soon forget. Also quite common here, as in other parts of the city as well, are hotel restaurants being quite noteworthy, like U Tri Pstrosu , a historical restaurant in a hotel boasting traditional Czech dishes such as Goulash with Dumplings. Another popular restaurant located inside a hotel is Essensia inside the Mandarin Oriental, which provides its guests with fresh, refined Asian and international food. Restaurace Pálffy Palác serves up French cuisine inside a baroque palace, complete with rooftop terrace for warmer months. Hergetova Cihelna provides stunning views to go along with their elegant international menu.

Vysehrad & the Eastern Suburbs

These suburban areas of town have no shortage of variety when it comes to the food offerings. For traditional Czech meals, U Sadlu II , specializing in all kinds of game as well as other traditional Czech specialties. For something a little more on the lighter side, venture over to Knihomola for a good selection of sandwiches and salads, along with the live entertainment Wednesdays through Sundays. For great Italian food, Crazy Daisy serves up homemade pastas along with their full bar. The cuisine doesn't stop with Europe, however, as there are more exotic options available as well. Yang Zi Jiang in the Zizkov area dishes out typical Chinese fare, along with some more adventurous selections. Also in Zizkov is Mailsi , an excellent Pakistani eatery specializing in lamb dishes.

The Czech Republic has been producing some of the best beers in the world for centuries - in fact it has the highest rate of beer consumption (per capita) in the world. It was in Plzen that the first bottom-fermented beer was introduced in 1842, (hence pils) and production still continues there with Pilsner Urquell - the most famous brand - (For brewery tours, check out Pilsner Urquell and Gambrinus lager). The other main production centre is Ceske Budejovice in South Bohemia where Budvar is produced. Until recently, most pubs brewed their own beers but now the larger breweries have taken over - Western companies such as Bass have moved into the Czech Republic in a big way.

Wines from South Moravia and Melnik are the best of many produced in the Republic, but are still generally considered inferior to the best of the French and German wines. Spirits are readily available, but should you have stomach problems, try Becherovka, a herbal spirit from the Karlovy Vary area.