Page 194 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Prague

192  TR A VELLERS ’ NEEDS
WHERE TO EAT AND DRINK

Restaurants in Prague, just like the tourist though many only serve a limited range
economy, have improved in recent years. of standard Western dishes in addition
For decades, state-licensed eating and to the staple Czech meals. Recommended
drinking establishments had little incentive Restaurants summarizes the key features
to experiment or progress. But attitudes of the restaurants and cafés listed in this
have changed. New restaurants are guide, which are organized by area.
opening constantly, many of them foreign- Information on pubs, beer halls and bars
owned, offering the discerning diner an appears on pages 206–207. Compared to
ever-increasing choice. The restaurants Western European prices, eating out in
described in this section reflect the change, Prague is still cheap.
Tips on Eating Out
which is inspired rather than just
Because of the huge influx of prepared, is slowly beginning to
tourists, eating out has changed trickle down to Prague’s better
in character. The lunch hour can and more innovative restaurants.
be any time from 11am to 3pm, The places which follow this
and for most Czechs, the normal maxim are generally the best.
time for the evening meal is One of the simplest places
around 7pm. However, many to eat is the sausage stand, a
of the restaurants stay open late utilitarian establishment that is
and it is possible to get a meal at very common in Central Europe.
anytime from 10am until 11pm. The sausages can either be
Kitchens close 30 minutes to eaten standing at the counter
one hour earlier than stated or taken away cold. For a late-
closing times. night meal, your best bet is Outside dining in a charming
During spring and summer, the often a gyros (kebab) or pizza garden courtyard
large numbers of visitors tend to served from a street stand.
put a strain on many of Prague’s For greater comfort, head for available at a number of the
more popular restaurants. To be a café (kavárna). Cafés range city’s fine-dining establishments.
certain of a table, especially in from loud, busy main street Brunch costs no more than
the very well-known restaurants, locations to quieter bookstore Kč600, so it is a great option for
it is advisable to book in advance. establish ments. All have fully those who want to experience
The city centre is full of restau- stocked bars and many serve high quality food without break-
rants, and there are several off a variety of food from simple ing the bank.
the normal tourist track. Prices pastries and sandwiches to A restaurant is called a
also tend to be lower the further full-blown meals. Opening restaurace; a vinárna specializes
you go from the centre. hours differ widely, but many in wine and may have small
open early in the morning snacks to match the drinks.
and are good for a quick, if not Plain Czech food is normally
Places to Eat
quite a Western-style, breakfast. available at the local beer hall
The importance of a stylish yet Brunch buffets, complete (pivnice) or pub (hospoda),
comfortable setting, and food with champagne and jazz, are though the emphasis at this
type of place is normally on
drinking rather than eating.
Reading the Menu
Never judge a restaurant by the
standard of its menu translations
– mistakes are common in every
class of restaurant. Many menus
still list the weight of meat served.
Typically, you’ll need to order
main meal accom pani ments
like potatoes, rice or dumplings
separately, unless the menu
specifically includes it. The
same applies to salads and
other side dishes (see pp194–5
A boat restaurant in the Old Town, at the bank of the Vltava for The Flavours of Prague).

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