5. Lokal. I would describe Lokal as a beer hall. This place is absolutely huge and was completely packed when we went for dinner. Beer is served in mass quantities. I am not a beer drinker, but there was still plenty for me to enjoy. There are glasses of wine in addition to a number of liquors. I tried a cherry/rum liquor and another raspberry liquor. Our food was all traditional Czech cuisine including steamed cabbage, pork sausage, chicken schnitzel, fried cheese, and beef goulash. Every dish was good. This is a fantastic popular spot to enjoy a laid back evening or lunch in Prague.
6. La Degustation. We did put time aside at the end of our week for a more “elegant” evening. La Degustation is one of the two restaurants in Prague with a Michelin star. Everything about the experience here was fantastic from start to finish. It was easily my favorite evening in Prague. We chose the tasting menu with the wine pairings. They start you out with an amuse bouche prior to the meal. Both this and the beef tartare before the first course were incredible. It was a great sign of what was yet to come. The wine pairings were inspiring and unlike any I have tried before. Being from the US, I truly enjoyed trying the wines that came from the Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, and France. The pours were very adequate. The inside of the restaurant was modern and unpretentious. Wait staff was friendly and very attentive. I have nothing bad to say. I would absolutely return here on a future visit to Prague.
7. U Pinkasu. This was another recommendation by our bartender George. It is a huge restaurant serving traditional Czech cuisine. There is a bar area, downstairs, restaurant, patio and the list goes on. We sat in the bar area and had snacks along with drinks. This seemed to be more of a “locals” spot and initially the bartender was not friendly. I asked him for a menu before ordering, and the look that I received was not pleasant. After ordering a couple of appetizers and a glass of wine, I received the same unpleasant look in return. I ordered the steamed cabbage side (something served often in Czech Republic) and when our waiter sat it on the table he looked at me like I was a complete idiot again. At that time, I said “well I love cabbage” and he started laughing. From that point on, we became friends. We had another round of drinks, and he even served me a free glass of wine. Wine pours here are fantastic and to the absolute top of the glass. Overall, even without making a friend in the bartender, this was a fantastic place. It is a great lunch stop, place for a cozy afternoon drink, or place for a traditional yet casual Czech dinner. If you want a private seat, take the staircase down to the bathrooms. Halfway down, there is a private table for two tucked into a nook!
8. Restaurant Mylnec. We saved this for our last evening in Prague. It is situated near the Charles Bridge. On the patio, there are direct views of the bridge. Inside, it is difficult to take in the views at many of the tables. This restaurant offers the option of 3 coursed menus to choose from or the option to dine a la carte. The coursed menus provide optional wine pairings. We tried the Czech tasting menu with wine pairings. Prior to the start of the courses, we enjoyed a cocktail and amuse bouche. The cocktail was adequate, but it was nothing spectacular. The amuse bouche and bread that came to the table were good. Overall, I felt our four course menu was “good.” However, after eating at La Degustation the evening before, it just didn’t seem up to par. Had I tried this restaurant first, I have to think my sentiments may have been different. The inside of the restaurant is beautiful and the location is great. I think the food was definitely above average, but I would not see a need to return here on a future visit to Prague.
