On Dining
Travelers can be assured that dining in Prague is not limited to meat and dumplings; yet when those specialties are good, they are wonderful. Czech and Moravian cuisine is available in top-quality restaurants as well as in taverns and beer halls. The national dish is roast pork or duck with cabbage and dumplings. And dumplings, called knedlik, are the very essence of Czech food: the Slavic answer to pasta, served also with roast goose, venison and hare. Of course Czechs still like their desserts - and so will you. Delicate crepes called palacinky, served with fruit or cheese fillings and whipped cream cottage cheese, and summery fruit dumplings with cottage cheese are favorites.
Czechs are also carp crazy, the favorite way to serve up this “national fish” is with potato salad, traditional on Christmas Eve. While the traditionally hearty Czech fare still predominates outside Prague, salad bars have been added in many restaurants, and the big fast food is very good pizza.
On Drinking
In the Czech Republic, sample the famous beers - this is the home of a style of beer known as pilsner, which comes from the town of Pilzen; the town is also home to the major brewery, Pilsner Urqueel. There are more than 60 breweries in the Czech Republic, producing a golden brew that goes exceedingly well with the hearty national cuisine.
But don’t neglect the wines, which since Roman times have been produced mostly in the beautiful wine-growing region of South Moravia, whose vineyards and cellars offer a warm welcome to travelers. The Czech wines are closer in character to Austrian wines rather German, and the white varietals especially can be excellent. Vintners nowadays are focused on quality, and wine lovers are responding, flocking to dozens of new wine bars and vinoteques found in every larger city. You’ll also want to try the country’s native drinks: Becherovka (a bittersweet herbal liqueur) and slivovice (plum brandy).
Restaurant Suggestions
Prague: Palffy Palace is an absolute charmer: a candle-lit plush restaurant with excellent Continental food, ensconced in an everso slightly dilapidated Baroque palace set amidst the the shady gardens of the Lesser Town. One of the most romantic dining venues in Prague, with a long list of celebrity clients.
Cesky Krumov U dwau Maryi Tavern:This historic tavern has made a name for itself by recreating authentic historical recipes with traditional ingredients; another specialty is tastings of locally made mead, a honey-based alcoholic drink.
Prague: Pivovarsky dum: this microbrewery offers seven kinds of beer, some of them very special such as coffe beer, wheat beer or a beer champagne! Try the beer with some traditional Czech dishes.
Lobkowicz: Nelahozeves Castle Restaurant The castle, barely an hour north of Prague, is a must-see for art lovers, but call ahead and reserve a tasting menu at its restaurant if you want to complement the tour with an equally rarefied dining experience.
Pustevny, in Wallachia region near the border with Slovakia: Mamenka Mountain Chalet: Located in the Beskydy Mountains east of Olomouc, the restaurant is both and architectural and culinary landmark, offering regional specialties including the potent local plum brandy.