How to Eat Cheaply in the Old Town.

Eating Well in Prague on a Budget: Avoid the Tourist Traps

Prague is renowned for its abundance of fantastic restaurants, where you can usually find great food at reasonable prices. However, I've been hearing more and more complaints lately about high prices in Prague restaurants. It always surprises me when I hear what tourists pay for the exact same meal I get for half the price.

So, this post is for everyone who wants to save a bit during their trip and still eat well. Here’s how to enjoy Prague's culinary scene without breaking the bank.

Step Away from the Pricey Tourist Path

Ditch the most popular tourist streets for less common areas where prices are generally better. If possible, skip Prague 1 entirely and dine in more local districts like Vinohrady, Žižkov, Karlín, Holešovice, or Smíchov. All these neighborhoods are just a short distance, often even a quick walk, from the historic center.

Check Menu Prices and Reviews Before You Sit Down

Before you commit to a restaurant, it's crucial to check the menu. Budget-friendly restaurants typically have a price range of 200-300 CZK for Czech dishes and slightly higher for international cuisine. Be sure to also check Google Reviews or Trip Advisor ratings to ensure the restaurant is genuinely good.

The Big Secret: Choose Local Dishes at a Czech Restaurant

Generally, classic Czech dishes are both affordable and delicious. If you want to save money or get excellent value, stick to traditional Czech meals like beef sirloin in cream sauce (Svíčková), beef goulash, or even fried cheese – which might clog your arteries but is undeniably tasty! And of course, don't forget to wash it down with a local beer. Most importantly, try to eat between 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM on weekdays (Monday to Friday).

During these hours, most Prague restaurants offer what's called a "lunch menu" ("polední menu" or "obědové menu" in Czech). You can often choose from 4-5 dishes and pay only 150 CZK - 200 CZK for a meal. Just remember, the later you go, the fewer dishes will be available.

My Personal Recommendations

And now for the big secret and my personal recommendation for two restaurants that consistently offer great food and beer at excellent prices, without having to venture too far:

• Restaurace Mincovna

• Lokál