PRAGUE

36 RESTAURANTS
Gusto J-5, Praha 2, Vinohradská 83, MJiřího z Poděbrad,
tel. (+420) 222 21 13 16, www.gusto.cz. A long empty
primo location on Vinohradska has been brightly filled by
this massive pizza place, where the relatively high prices are
testament to the rent. Lunch specials don’t inspire, but the
pizzas are well topped. Pasta purports to be fresh… A cool
kids spot at the back will keep them entertained for hours,
and if you’re looking for a place to have a private party, the
cellar is the place. Nothing to write home about, but popular
nonetheless. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00. (90 - 380Kč). ST
Kmotra H-5, Praha 1, V Jirchářích 12, MNárodní třída,
tel. (+420) 224 93 41 00, www.kmotra.cz. The Godmother
gathers extensive broods around her ankles as she
hands down the old family recipe for making great pizzas from
a wood-burning oven. Expect to jostle for a place with the
other waifs and strays in need of the loving care that is meted
out here. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00. Also at Praha 5, Jindřicha
Plachty 27. Open 11:00-24:00. (100 - 200Kč). PAS
Pizza Nuova Praha 1, Revoluční 1, MNám. Republiky,
tel. (+420) 221 80 33 08, www.ambi.cz. The Ambiente
group turn their talented hands to this eat all you can antipasti
and/or pizza & pasta restaurant. Well planned location adjacent
to the massive shopping centre, the Palladium, set to
open late 2007. A huge restaurant with trestle type seating,
Ambiente's trademark flair and an extensive Italian and Czech
wine list. QOpen 11:30 - 23:30. APT
Seafood
La Cambusa Praha 5, Klicperova 2, MAnděl, tel.
(+420) 257 31 79 49, www.lacambusa.cz. This provincial
Italian kitchen serves up a small range of saltwater fish (as
opposed to shellfish). In a landlocked country such as this, it's
a good sign, albeit an expensive one. QOpen 19:00 - 24:00.
Closed Sun. (300 - 1,300Kč). AGP
Nordsee Praha 3, Vinohradská 151, MFlóra, tel. (+420)
225 74 17 00. Deliciously fresh seafood sandwiches,
platters (including octopus and lobster)and salads from this
German chain are of the usual high standard. The price tag
is pretty high for a fast food outlet though. In the Palác Flóra
shopping centre. QOpen 09:00 - 23:00. (125 - 390Kč). S
Reykjavík D-3, Praha 1, Karlova 20, MStaroměstská,
tel. (+420) 222 22 12 18, www.reykjavik.cz. A plush, dark
wooden interior sets the scene for you to experience some
of the best seafood available in Prague. We can recommend
the 'fruit of the sea' soup or the tenderloin of tuna. QOpen
11:00 - 24:00. (250 - 600Kč). ABEPT
Rybí trh E-2, Praha 1, Týnský dvůr 5, MStaroměstská,
tel. (+420) 224 89 54 47, www.rybitrh.cz. Without a
doubt, this restaurant is a fish-lover's paradise. With a choice
from live or freshly imported fish, one can swim through this
menu with delight knowing whatever is chosen will truly
satisfy. Chef Pavel Mares works his magic on the Caribbean
Lobster, fresh from the aquarium in any style. St. Jacob's
scallops is a speciality only to be savoured, and the imperial
mussels truly deserve their name. QOpen 11:00 - 24:00.
(190 - 890Kč). AG
Tea houses
Dobrá čajovna E-4, Praha 1, Václavské nám. 14,
MMůstek, tel. (+420) 224 23 14 80, www.cajovna.
com. A purple-robed Buddha watches over the garden to
ensure outer peace amongst the youthful customers whilst
inside the place is naturally full of candles, crockery and joss
sticks, for sale too. The largest tea selection we've seen
and some of the highest prices too. Colonial echoes with
the ring-the-bell-for-service ethos. QOpen 10:00 - 21:30,
Sat, Sun 14:00 - 21:30. GB
U Dvou šálků J-5, Praha 2, Blanická 8, MNám. Míru,
tel. (+420) 222 51 52 22, www.cajiky.cz. One of the best
tea rooms around although the fact that it is so busy means
it can take a while to get served. Small eastern inspired food
menu and vast tea selection. Play games, chat and lounge.
QOpen 11:00 - 23:00, Fri 11:00 - 24:00, Sat 14:00 - 24:00,
Sun 14:00 - 22:00. Also at U Kostela, J-1, Praha 7, Strossmayerovo
náměstí 9, tel. 266 71 14 30.
Thai
Angel Praha 1, V kolkovně 7, MStaroměstská,
tel. (+420) 773 22 24 22, info@angelrestaurant.
cz, www.angelrestaurant.cz. A fab new Pan-Asian
joint in Old Town. Flavors are mainly Thai, Malaysia and
Indonesian, with a touch of Japanese thrown in for fun.
Both food and service are excellent; Chef Sophia Smith
has been around a while and always cooks up a good
meal. Save room for dessert - the sticky toffee pudding
is tasty. QOpen 11.30 - 14.30, 18.30-22.00, Sun 11.30
- 15.00. 250-600kč.
Modrý zub F-4, Praha 1, Jindřišská 5, MMůstek, tel.
(+420) 222 21 26 22, www.modryzub.com. The Blue
Tooth looks like an Ikea café until you notice the bowls of
spicy noodles and curry being served by cheerful waitresses
and devoured by happy punters. This noodle bar
takes Thai fast food to a higher level with delicious curries,
made to order glass, rice and yellow noodle dishes, sushi,
maki, soups and salads. Excellent service, lovely spot, NYC
carton take out boxes. Oh, and hot means hot. Blue is a
theme: sister venues are similarly cool Ultramarin and Blue
Light. Q Open 09:00 - 23:00. Thu, Fri & Sat 09:00 - 24:00.
(60 - 180Kč). TS
Monsoon Praha 6, V.P. Čkalova 14, MDejvická, tel.
(+420) 222 95 99 99, www.monsoon-restaurant.cz.
The villas and embassies of Dejvická attract great food
and while Monsoon looks great with its muted beige
and wood interior and Asian cuisine, the substance isn't
quite there. Prices have dropped since opening, and
while the chef exerts himself with research trips, results
remain mixed. Crispy pork belly and tom yum soup get
the thumbs up, but the fusion menu is ever-changing. Try
it and see… QOpen 11:00 - 23:00, Sun 17:00 - 23:00.
(165 - 545Kč). PAS
Orange Moon F-2, Praha 1, Rámová 5, MNám.
Republiky, tel. (+420) 222 32 51 19, www.orangemoon.cz.
Reservations are recommended if you want to
enjoy authentic Thai, Burmese and Indian dishes in this
two-toned orange restaurant. In addition to rare finds like
lychee nuts and exotic juices, Orange Moon also provides
plenty of eye candy in the form of fantastic Southeast
Asian photographs. QOpen 11:00 - 23:00. Also at Praha
3, Palác Flóra, Vinohradská 151, tel. 222 74 20 38. (150
- 300Kč). A
Rickshaw Praha 4, Kongresová 1, MVyšehrad, tel.
(+420) 261 19 11 03, www.corinthia.cz. Corinthia Towers
Hotel's award-winning and Michelin-starred restaurant offers
a wide and authentic range of Eastern and Oriental cuisine to
add to your expense account. Not as cheap as a rickshaw
ride, but perhaps more memorable. QOpen 18:00 - 23:00.
Closed Sun. (250 - 500Kč). PAU
Prague In Your Pocket prague.inyourpocket.com
SaSaZu K-1, Praha 7, Bubenské nábřeží 306, MVltavská,
tel. 284 09 74 44, info@sasazu.com, www.
sasazu.com. Hip and stylish new Thai/Asian restaurant in
the always emerging Holešovice district. The wow factor of
the décor hasn't yet transferred to the menu or service; which
right now we'll generously put down to growing pains. Current
notables include the Thai papaya salad; Ga curry, SaSa crispy
roll and the red beef curry. Maybe skip dinner and just hit the
other half of the reconstructed warehouse building; which is
a dance club. QOpen 11:00 - 03:00. 110-295 Kč. AEK
NEW
Shiso Praha 1, U Milosrdných 6, MStaroměstská, tel.
222 31 26 77, shiso@lsclub.cz, www.shiso.cz. For an elegant
Asian meal, Shiso is the place to go. Part of a private club
it is open to the public. The kitchen is manned by British chef
Paul Day; who has done stints in a number of high-end Asian
restaurants. The black pepper baby back ribs, beef massaman
curry and the duck watermelon salad are excellent glimpses
at the pairing of the unusual on offer at Shiso. Do watch your
bill for add-ons, and they also include a service charge. Said
service can be haughty, but again for dining and style Shiso is
tops. QOpen 19:00 - 23:00. Closed Mon, Sun. 210-650 Kč.
Siam Orchid I-3, Praha 1, Na Poříčí 21, MNám. Republiky,
tel. (+420) 222 31 94 10, www.siamorchid.cz.
Evocative aromas entice to this hidden first floor restaurant.
While the authenticity of the place is not added to by the
décor, the Thai massage next door (600Kč/hr), Singha beer
and mention of farangs on the menu point to a real Thai dining
experience. And the food doesn’t disappoint. A true and
delicious slice of Siam in a very Czech courtyard. QOpen
10:00 - 22:00. (120 - 200Kč). B
Vegetarian
Beas F-2, Praha 1, Týnská 19, MStaroměstská, tel.
(+420) 608 03 57 27, www.beas-dhaba.cz. Original Indian
metal trays hold your chosen veggie menu - small or large curry
meal, noodles, parantha menu, the massive thali and more.
Desserts and lassi are also available and tables have jugs
of free water to quench the small fires the somewhat spicy
dishes produce. Excellent and deservedly popular. QOpen
11:00 - 20:00, Sun 11:00 - 18:00. (70 - 130Kč). PGBS
Clear Head (Lehká hlava) D-4, Praha 1, Boršov 2,
MNárodní třída, tel. (+420) 222 22 06 65, www.lehkahlava.cz.
Healthy and delicious, this veggie place doesn't
take itself too seriously and despite the name, does serve
alcohol. The open kitchen produces ratatouille, pasta, salads,
burritos and more, with tofu (try it smoked) and eggplant high
on the menu. Fresh juices can be combined to detox while
you sit and chill, eat and chat in the cool décor of their three
distinct rooms. Tricky to find, down a small alley, but worth
it. QOpen 11:30 - 23:30, Sat, Sun 12:00 - 23:30. Open
11:30 - 24:00. (80 - 150Kč). NG
Country Life E-3, Praha 1, Melantrichova 15, MMůstek,
tel. (+420) 224 21 33 66, www.countrylife.cz. From
humble beginnings as a take-away bar, this place is packed
at lunchtimes with long queues at the caféteria-style counter.
That's because even non-vegetarians are impressed by
the salads, pizza and soups. QOpen 09:00 - 20:30, Fri
09:00 - 16:00, Sun 11:00 - 20:30. Closed Sat. Also at H-4,
Jungmannova 1. (75 - 150Kč). GPTU
Maitrea E-2, Praha 1, Týnská 6, MStaroměstská,
tel. (+420) 221 71 16 31, info@maitrea-restaurant.cz,
www.maitrea-restaurant.cz. Maitrea is the sister vegetarian
restaurant to the widely popular Lehka Hlava. Located in
prague.inyourpocket.com
RESTAURANTS
Old Town, they currently have a rather small menu, but an
excellent lunch special consisting of a rotating soup, main
and water for 105 Kč. Their décor is a bit tamer than their
wilder sister, but the same fresh quality and inventiveness is
here. The couscous with broccoli and fennel is fabulous, as
is the baked vegetables with pesto. QOpen 11:30 - 23:30,
Sat, Sun 12:00 - 23:30. 100-140 Kč.
Veg Food Praha 2, Londýnská 35, MIP Pavlova, tel.
(+420) 222 51 50 06/(+420) 721 25 52 53, info@
vegfood.cz, www.vegfood.cz. A new and welcome nonmeat
addition to the pork-heavy dining scene. Veg Food is
fairly Asian, with many soy and tofu meat alternatives. The
flavors are mild, but you will taste them; vegetables are fresh
and the staff is welcoming. Seek it out, even carnivores will
be pleased. QOpen 10:30 - 21:00, Sat, Sun 11:30 - 21:30.
Wine bars
Bandol F-2, Praha 1, Týnská 1, MStaroměstská, tel.
(+420) 222 32 15 21, www.hotelcernyslon.cz. Located
in the quaint brick cellar of a medieval building across the
narrow street from Týn Church, Bandol offers a good selection
of local and European wines as well as a full menu of
international dishes from the restaurant on the ground floor.
QOpen 18:00 - 02:00. AE
Bokovka H-5, Praha 1, Pštrossova 8, tel. (+420) 605 22
86 68. Czech and international wines in the heart of Prague
opened by film directors Jan Hřebejk (Pupendo, Horem pádem)
& David Ondřiček (Samotári). Large wine list and there is no
smoking to mess with the taste buds. QOpen 16.00 - 01.00,
Fri, Sat 16.00 - 03.00. G
U Sudu Praha 1, Vodičkova 10, MMůstek, tel. (+420)
222 23 22 07, www.usudu.cz. What looks like a small
wine bar from street level descends into a labyrinth of deeper,
darker and often dirtier rooms and corridors packed full of
students (old and young) and smoke. You might need to
employ Ariadne's trick to get out of here again… Wine is the
forte but beer and other drinks are available too. QOpen
08:00 - 04:00. K
December 2009 - January 2010
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