PRAGUE

26 RESTAURANTS
Céleste H-6, Praha 2, Rašínovo nábřeží 80, MKarlovo
náměstí, tel. (+420) 221 98 41 60, info@celesterestaurant.cz,
www.celesterestaurant.cz. Newly opened
on top of the Dancing House (Tančící dům); excellent French
cuisine and fabulous city views are yours for the money.
The contemporary restaurant is set in an expansive space;
complete with a summer terrace. The cuisine is creative and
solid; lots of seafood and both the wine and dessert lists are
substantial. There's an accompanying bar on the ground floor.
QOpen 12:00 - 14:30 lunch & 18:30 - 22:30 dinner. Closed
Sun. 375-685 Kč. JB
Francouzská restaurace F-3, Praha 1, Náměstí
Republiky 5, MNám. Republiky, tel. (+420) 222 00 27
70, www.francouzskarestaurace.cz. Superb French (and
some Czech) gourmet dishes from this restaurant’s award
winning chefs. Mussels, rabbit, foie gras and duck all make
delightful appearances in one of the world’s masterpieces
of art nouveau architecture (the Municipal House building
itself) and interior. Lunch specials and a concert package
lower prices somewhat, and try the Jazz Brunch on the first
Sunday of each month. Q Open 12:00 - 16:00 & 18:00 -
23:00. (600 - 2,000Kč). ABEPU
Pálffy Palác B-1, Praha 1, Valdštejnská 14, MMalostranská,
tel. (+420) 257 53 05 22, www.palffy.cz. The
ambience of this 100% antique, turn-of-the-century dining
room is shabbily aristocratic, and the clientele seem to feel
the need to keep up appearances. It is, on the other hand,
the perfect place to ask for the hand of your sweetheart. A
favourite weekend brunch treat, the excellent smoked salmon
and spinach pancakes are only surpassed by the stunning
views of the castle gardens. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00. (400 -
900Kč). ABGPT
Sarah Bernhardt I-3, Praha 1, U Obecního domu
1, MNám. Republiky, tel. (+420) 222 19 59 00,
www.sarah-bernhardt.cz. Hotel dining is reaching dizzy
heights in Prague and the art nouveau design of this
restaurant is divinely matched by Chef Karel Hynek's
inspired menues. Offering set meals for the undecided
or choose from poached trout or slow roated lamb. Live
music every Thursday & Friday evening. QOpen 6:30 -
10:00 & 18:00-23:00. Open 06:30 - 10:00 (10:30 Sat
& Sun), 12:00 - 16:00 & 18:00 - 23:00. (500 - 900Kč)
(550 - 1,200Kč). PAEG
Universal H-5, Praha 1, V jirchářích 6, MNárodní Třida,
tel. 224 93 44 16, universall@volny.cz, www.universalrestaurant.cz.
There seems to be a load of French restaurants
hanging about; but for a nice sampling and good prices;
head to Universal. Here you'll be treated to a near-perfect
salmon tartar, a creamy chicken dijonnaise (sauce on the
side, thank you!) not too mention filling salads, and of course
delectable desserts. If you are in the mood for brunch; you
most likely won't find a fresher more creative mid-day meal.
Served Sundays from 11:00-14:00. QOpen 11:30 - 23:30.
165-299 Kč, Brunch: 235 or 265 Kč.
Greek
Kavala Prague 6, Charlese de Gaulla 5, MDejvická, tel.
(+420) 224 32 51 81, www.kavala-praha.cz. Following
an extensive reconstruction, Kavala joins and adds to the
emergence of Prague 6 as the location of some of Prague's
finest eating establishments (well, diplomats are a notorious
group of eaters and drinkers, so why not?). Good word-ofmouth
buzz and Greek chefs make this another authentic
haven for souvlaki, calamari and tender lamb lovers. QOpen
11:30 - 23:30. (200 - 650Kč). PA
Kri-Kri J-5, Praha 2, Korunní 48, MNáměstí Míru, tel.
(+420) 222 540 400, taverna@kri-kri.cz, www.kri-kri.cz.
It's all Greek to them. From the food to the service, Kri-Kri is
about as authentic as you can get off the island. Be prepared
for a long evening and don't go in starving as the service isn't
the best. However, once your food arrives you'll be wallowing
in happiness over their stifado, shrimp saganaki and tzatziki.
Their Greek house wines are surprisingly cheap and good.
QOpen 12:00 - 24:00. Closed Sun. 145-210 Kč.
Olympos K-4, Praha 3, Kubelíkova 9, MJiřího z Poděbrad,
tel. (+420) 222 72 22 39, www.tavernaolympos.cz. Rightfully
the most famous Greek restaurant in Prague. Excellent
Grecian starters, a haul of fresh seafood, and friendly, hard
working staff. Superb. And the garden here is one of the best
kept secrets in Prague and has a great playground to keep the
kids happy. QOpen 11:30 - 24:00. (200 - 500Kč). TAB
Indian
Indian Jewel I-3, Praha 1, Týn 6, MStaroměstská,
tel. (+420) 222 31 01 56, ind.jewel@savic.eu, www.
indianjewel.cz. A true jewel in Prague Indian cusine. Flavour
is the name of the game here - whether it's their tasty curries,
kebabs or tandoori specialties; the full spectrum of the Indian
continent is duly explored. The sag paneer, lamb vindaloo
and tandoori murgh are especially notable. The head chef
has worked all over the world; including restaurants in India
and Thailand, so knows his stuff. Q 180-490 Kč. JAB
Masala J-5, Praha 2, Mánesova 13, MMuzeum, tel.
(+420) 722 90 76 66, www.masala.cz. Authentic (no
beef) and not (dried fruit in the samosas) at the same time,
but Masala has an owner who understands customer service
and therefore whatever quibbles you have with it today, tomorrow
they may be gone. The spice quotient is up to you and the
vindaloo was delicious without being nuclear. With homemade
ingredients and divine desserts; Masala is looking like one of
the best Indian options in town. Reservations recommended - it
is very small. QOpen 11:30 - 23:00. (100 - 250Kč). AS
Rasoi E-2, Praha 1, Dlouhá 13, MStaroměstská, tel.
(+420) 222 32 84 00, www.rasoi.cz. Yet another contender
jockeys for position in the 'authentic' and expensive
Indian restaurant scene. Expats like this food and expats
have money, so it seems the mantra goes. Above-average
food is served to you with a long glare down their noses. Q
Open 11:30 - 15:00, 17:00 - 23:30; Sat, Sun 11:30 - 23:00.
(250 - 400Kč). PAUGB
Taj Mahal I-5, Praha 2, Škrétova 10, MMuzeum, tel.
(+420) 224 22 55 66, www.tajmahal.cz. It's pricey, but
the Indian décor, the pleasant service and the separate halls
for smokers and the nicotine-free are all as worthy of the price
as the authentic dishes they serve. At Taj Mahal, if it says spicy,
then by Vishnu, it is spicy, and the same goes for the milder
curries. An excellent place, although they don't have draught
beers, but they do have three Indian beers. If your curry was
a tad hot, cool down with a lassi. QOpen 11:30 - 23:30, Sat,
Sun 13:00 - 23:30. (200 - 500Kč). PTAUEG
Tandoor Praha 6, Konecchlumského 7, tel. (+420) 233
35 92 74/(+420) 775 32 57 66, www.tandoor.cz. This
restaurant is known for being one of the more authentic Indian
restaurants in Prague with unbelievably-priced jalfrezi, korai,
vindaloo and the eponymous Tandoor variations. Dishes
are tasty and spicy but the place has just five tables and a
small garden so don't try and bring the team… Tram Nºs 15,
22, 25 to U Kaštanu. Delivery is available but slow. Q Open
11:00 - 23:00, Sat & Sun 12:00 - 23:00 (60 - 180Kč). GS
Prague In Your Pocket prague.inyourpocket.com
International
Allegro D-2, Praha 1, Veleslavínova 2a, MStaroměstská,
tel. (+420) 221 42 70 00, www.fourseasons.com.
Prague's first, and still only, Michelin Star rated restaurant.
The quality of the Four Seasons hotel chain is obvious in the
classic, oak-panelled line of Allegro's interior as well as by
the range of delicious Italian and Bohemian specialties on
offer. Their view of the Vlatava and castle can't be beaten,
although their prices can. Often named the best restaurant
in Prague. QOpen 07:00 - 23:00, Sun 11:30 - 15:00. (950 -
1,150Kč). PAUEG
Ambiente Pasta Fresca F-3, Praha 1, Celetná 11,
MNám. Republiky, tel. (+420) 224 23 02 44, www.
ambi.cz. This classic yet laid back Italian serves up delicous
and not over-priced culinary creations, and the service is
superb. Try the carpaccio con tartufi to begin and if you
make it past the long list of homemade pasta, the steak
and salmon are both expertly cooked. Chocolate fondue for
dessert is a great finish for a great meal in a great restaurant.
Check out their excellent lunch deals. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00.
Café 10:00-24:00 (120 - 350Kč). PAG
Bed Lounge E-2, Praha 1, Dlouhá 2, MStaroměstská,
tel. (+420) 222 31 43 58, www.bedlounge.cz. Sometimes,
it's just too much work to sit in a chair and eat. Thank
goodness for Bed Lounge. Its location right off of Old Town
Square means you can have a meal and take a nap with
out missing a sightseeing step. If you are looking to experience
this novelty, it might be better to just go for a couple
of cocktails. The food menu includes sheet friendly items
such as lamb chops with potato puree and spaghetti with
mozzarella and cherry tomatoes. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00.
255-485 Kč. JW
Bellevue C-3, Praha 1, Smetanovo nábřeží 18,
MNárodní třída, tel. (+420) 222 22 14 43, www.pfd.
cz. A fantastic setting, looking out to Charles Bridge, the
castle and the Vltava, and a classic atmosphere sets the
scene for you to feel dead posh if you want and if you can
afford it. Chef Petr Bures prepares dishes like fillet of fallow
deer with rose hip sauce, caramelised pears, homemade
spätzle and wild mushrooms. Try their jazz brunch on Sundays.
QOpen 12:00 - 15:00 & 17:30-23:00. (1,000 - 2,000Kč).
PTAUEGB
Brasserie Praha I-3, Praha 1, V Celnici 8 (Prague Marriott
Hotel), MNám. Republiky, tel. (+420) 222 88 12
12, www.marriottprague.com. This subtle space inside
the Prague Marriott is classy yet laid back. Dishes from the
open kitchen are simple, delicious and classically international,
heavy on the French. Top choices include the lamb
prague.inyourpocket.com
CHANCHALA
RESTAURANTS
www.inyourpocket.com
shank with creamed spinach and crushed potatoes and the
French onion soup. QOpen 06:30 - 11:00 & 12:00-23:00.
(195 - 625Kč). AE
Černý slon F-2, Praha 1, Týnská 1, MStaroměstská,
tel. (+420) 222 32 15 21, www.hotelcernyslon.cz. For
a taste of medieval living, dine below the vaulted ceilings of
this small restaurant in an ancient building across the narrow
street from Týn Church. Feast on wild boar, venison, and
classic European dishes or just opt for the Old Town plate
consisting of pork, roast duck, sausages, dumplings and
cabbage. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00. (100 - 400Kč). PAB
City Cafe Cosmopolit 4-H, Praha 1, Spálená 29,
MNárodní třída, tel. (+420) 222 54 00 64/(+420) 777 25
39 65, cafe@cafecosmopolit.cz, www.cafecosmopolit.cz.
A pleasant place to wile away some hours; City Cafe Cosmopolit
offers a kick-back lounge on the ground floor with a stylish restaurant
above. Cuisine is an eclectic mix of continental, modern
Czech and Asian. Of note is their big sushi selection and wine
list; which consists of more than 50 bottles; all available by the
glass. Serves breakfast too. QOpen 08:00 - 24:00, Sat, Sun
11:00 - 24:00. 115 - 350 Kč. TJA
Esprit Orangerie Praha 4, Na Pankráci 15/1684, MVysehrad,
tel. (+420) 296 89 50 30, www.holidayinn.cz.
Modern Czech and international cuisine served up in a lovely
designer space. Esprit Orangerie is a decidedly different hotel
restaurant, worthy of a visit even if you aren't staying at the
Holiday Inn. Czech specialties like beef and duck are beautifully
presented; and their dessert chef obviously enjoys his
job. QOpen 06:30 - 23:00. 340-590kč. PTHABS
NEW
Ethiopia Cafe K-5, Praha 2, Krkonošská 10, MJiřího z
Poděbrad, tel. 223 01 02 55, kavarn@ethiopia.cz, www.
ethiopia.cz. Claiming to be the first Ethiopian restaurant in
central and Eastern Europe, Czech owner Jiří Škvor spent
more than two years in Ethiopia and wanted to recreate a
small version of the African country in his homeland. True to its
concept, the base of all meals is the injera bread and all food
is eaten with your hands. Try the beyenutu addis to sample
five Ethiopian dishes or one of their creative non-alcoholic
drinks like cool ginger elixir or hot milk and honey. The café
is committed on other fronts; serving Fair Trade coffee plus
employing people with disabilities. Non-smoking. QOpen,
Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu 10:00 - 23:00, Fri 10:00 - 23:30, Sat
12:00 - 23:30, Sun 12:00 - 23:00. 75-140 Kč.
December 2009 - January 2010
27