The Top List of Romantic Restaurants - Prague, Czech
Visit the 10 Most Romantic Restaurants in one of Eastern Europe's most Exotic Cities by Eleonora Boreyko
Prague, still impervious to modern civilization, stands tall and regal in the eastern part of Europe. Historically, eastern European cuisine is known for its rich, but undoubdetely flavorful delights. Prague’s gastronomy is no exception. Plenty of restaurants set a romantic ambiance while offering well-balanced dishes. In the summer, numerous guests and locals glide on the river Vltava gondolas enjoying the unforgettable panorama of Prague. Some of the eateries have summer terraces, which unwrap the stunning view of the world’s renowned Prague’s Castle. The list below offers restaurants from both, left and right bank of the city.
U MODRE RÛZE Rytírska 16, 11000 Prague 1 Tel. 420-2-24-22-58-73 Almost at the end of Wenseslas Square, make a right onto Rytirska Street. In the 15th century, the gate on your right was used as the original one to the Old Town of Prague. Make your way down to the basement, noticing pictures on the walls reflecting past and present. This newly reopened restaurant was a brewery and a pub in the year of 1364. This building has survived over 600 years of history and nowadays welcomes gourmands from all over the world. Guests may request any dish be prepared in the old tradition that King Vaclav IV must have indulged in. His palates commended a taste of deer, accompanied by Moravian aromatic wine. A modern way of cooking, involving flambéing is also available. Louis Armstrong music is softly played in the background. On the weekends, a pianist produces lovely tones on Petroff piano. A truly divine experience awaits you! Be ready to pay a small additional amount for bread and butter.
KAMPAPARK (restaurant & bar) Na Kampe 8b, Mala Strana, CZ-11800, Prague 1 Tel: 420-2-57-53-26-85-6 Luxuriate in its royal beauty for your grand pleasure in this world-renowned restaurant. Upon the entering, the walls smile at you with recognizable faces of movie stars and politicians. Uniquely situated on the river Vltava, a patio opens to a dazzling view of the Charles Bridge and Old Town. The other side is an enchanting isolation for lovers, more an escape to “little Venice” with gondolas, floating on the narrow canal below the terrace. The large baroque style mirrors reflect the trees over-looking the canal. Evening’s candlelight accentuates the intimacy. Inside a roomy pink-walled dining room, you will find a fireplace opposite the gigantic aquarium. Offer your palate a rack of lamb, garnished with pumpkin puree, Swiss chard, carrot fondant, and spiced veal jus. In the mood for fish? A baked monkfish with pasta ragout is another salivating choice. Despite a pricey menu, this is undeniably a place to savor. Reservations recommended.
U ZÁTIŠl Betlémské námesti, Lilová 1, Praha 1 Tel: 800 I ZATISI Make one evening exceptional and sweep your beloved into the elegant ambiance of Zatisi. A friendly hostess will help to choose one of the two rooms. Both are tastefully decorated. A bright, emerald-green with white flowers, room to your left might be more appropriate for lunch. It is like being in garden, sitting on the white iron chairs surrounding the oval tables. The other dinning room pleases the eye with ceiling-to floor warm coral colors, accentuated by the medieval style tapestry on the wall. Either choice is a right one. You may try a sample menu including a succulent poached fillet of John Dory fish with salmon caviar and champagne sauce. During lunch or dinner enjoy soft classical tunes in the background. Spoil your palate with light confection of chocolate mousse, which is famous in all of the Czech Republic. This delicacy is a wonderful postlude after the sensational meal.
LVÍ DVUR U Prašného mostu 6/51, Prague Castle Tel: 2-24-37-23-61 Discover this historic place ideally situated on the northern side of Prague’s Castle. It is easy to spot the renaissance building dating to 1581. The court displays the spectator’s gallery, the three cheetahs, a lion, and an orangutan. These animals were presented to the Emperor Ferdinand I as gifts. Behind the court is a beautiful fruit garden, where during the King’s time parrots were kept. In the 18th century, this restaurant functioned as a tavern. The terrace upstairs is the perfect choice for romancing. Above the trees, the spires of St. Vitus sparkle in the daylight. The house specialty, a roasted suckling pig, will awake anyone’s demanding palate. To preserve its authenticity, this savory hearty dish is prepared according to Prague’s original recipe. It is served sliced, accompanied by homemade potato kettle chips, fresh vegetables, and Spanish onion rings drizzled in olive oil. ‘Krusovice’, a dark draught beer, is the best addition to most dishes on their diverse menu. Leave room for the heavenly rich chocolate tear with mint sauce. As a finale, you might indulge in a cigar from their shop. To prolong the pleasurable evening, promenade with your dearest in the garden.
DOBROMILA A LA FRANCAISE Jungmannova 10, Old Town Tel: 2-96-24-64-64 Amongst endless choices to eat in Old Town, Dobromila a la Francaise remains the favorite for its excessive standards. Do not be deceived by the simple exterior of this restaurant. The authentic cooking technique has been preserved and passed on to a new generation. Interestingly, the known 19th century Czech chef, M. D. Rettigova, selected the original recipes. Nowadays, some dishes are served with lighter sauces - an influence of modern French cuisine. The owner will light up a candle the moment you are seated and nonchalantly inquire of your taste in music. Start with tasty village-style soup, with chunks of rabbit and herb dumplings swimming in it. The minute it is served, the aroma of Pheasant a la Czech Courgette Jewish style with gnocchi and wild spices inflames the room with savory scent. Another popular dish is lamb cutlets with ginger sauces and green beans. Pause to choose their desserts, a lovely coda. Strawberry mousse is the one to finish the beautiful symphony. As the “conductor” of the evening, the proud owner leaves the “stage” first, leaving you to reflect.
BAZAAR (Restaurant-Café-Music Bar) Nerudova 40, 11800 Prague 1 Reservations: 420-2-57-53-50-50 Tempt your beloved on a leisurely walk towards Bazaar where a table for two is reserved. Nestled near the Prague’s Castle, this 17th century building caught the owner’s eye. Some years ago, the surrounding garden was turned into a paradise terrace. Its splendor envelops couples while they relish exceptionally tasty dishes. A marriage of several cuisines, including Spanish, Moroccan, Greek, French, and Italian produces a savory union. An inexpensive light menu is offered in the summer garden. In addition to their regular menu, the variety of signature dishes is to your pleasure. Two choices are Lobster a la Bazaar baked in garlic or Tournedos of deer sirloin with port sauce from pomegranates, served with vegetables, and potatoes. The finest Moravian wine is an aromatic complement for each plate. Mediterranean tunes are as soothing as the ambiance. After this flavorful interlude, resume your walk up to the Castle. As you make a final approach, pause to view the restaurant’s enchanting garden from above.
“STAROMÁCEK” Dlouha 4, Prague 1 Tel: 420-2-22-31-13-66 Lip-smacking home-cooking delights are presented in this newly opened Bohemian restaurant, situated just fifty meters from Old Town Square. At first glance, the spaciousness of this eatery does not look especially romantic. Yet, the intimacy is created with the provincial decor, arranged with miniature bouquets of sunflowers on the walls and heavy oak furniture. A mottled-costume waiter will seat you on comfortable tapestry covered chairs. Enjoy this cozy welcoming while listening to traditional folk music performed on the accordion. Order a bottle of Moravian wine and begin observing their extensive menu. Each dish is cooked and presented with care, preserving its authenticity: just like in old times. The chef recommends his succulent roasted homebred rabbit with garlic, cabbage, and bacon. If you have a penchant for fish, try their Trout Russian style, with black and red caviar, drenched in Dutch sauce. Non-meat dishes are available, and promised to satisfy any vegetarian’s request. Old traditions are kept with an impeccably modern touch!
ARIANA Ramova 6, Prague 1 Tel: 420-2-22-32-34-38 Surrounded by numerous romantic getaways in Prague, this Persian palace stands apart. The red-colored plush rugs echo the warmth and vitality of this exotic eatery. It is like being in the Middle Eastern, embraced with hospitality, while becoming acquainted with the most mysterious secrets of culinary art. Their forte is a tender kebab, cooked with different meats and served with basmati rice, garnish, and chutney. The emphasis is on presentation. Each dish is sprinkled with fragrant herbs, surrounded with finely circled red peppers amongst other freshly picked vegetables. One of the specialties include perfumed Mantu, steamed minced mutton, onion and cabbage, stuffed into the dough pockets, and served in a special split-pea sauce with yogurt dressing. An absolute delicacy! Also, the chef has created dishes for healthy diners such as Borani Bamia-Okra, okra with potatoes, Persian Bread, and yogurt dressing. Instead of coffee, ask for shir chai, a sweet tea with milk. The desserts are overly sugary even for those with a sweet tooth.
GITANES Tržištê 7, Malá Strana, 11800 Prague 1 Tel: 420-2-57-53-01-63 After viewing the pastel-colored sunset, fading over the river Vltava, aim towards Malostranske Namesti and make a right onto the up-scale residential street. In this quiet location near the American Embassy, this charming restaurant houses a unique Balkan cuisine. On the map, the Balkan territory spreads from the Adriatic Sea to the Black Sea. No need to travel that far, when you have a rare chance to acquire the original cuisine, locally. Each room is differently dressed. To have a drink, choose the bamboo bar with hanging lanterns or the spacious dinning room, with lily-colored walls contrasting the red carpet. It seems natural to be isolated with your love for the evening in the cozy petite annex right in front. To electrify your palate, try the chef specialties, such as tender Octopus “Dalmacija” for two persons, served with roasted potatoes. To intensify the flavor, their seafood risotto is soaking in white wine, herbs, and garlic. Following dinner, take a few steps to the Charles Bridge to mingle with the local artists.
ZLATÁ PRAHA (Intercontinental Hotel) Námêstí Curieových 43/5, 110 00 Prague 1 Tel: 420-2-96-63-11-11 Even if you are not a guest of the Intercontinental Hotel, dress elegantly and pay a visit to Zlata Praha, which translates as Golden Prague. Just like a precious stone, this restaurant is an exquisite jewel. From the top floor, the sweeping panorama of Prague is at your feet. The chef proudly presents traditional Czech and international cuisine with a lengthy menu to choose from. At your request, he will “catch” a desirable fish from the aquarium or will bake a veal fillet, with basil fond, served on a bed of spring vegetables. Every variety of risotto and pasta - vegetarian or meat - has a particularly sumptuous scent. The elaborate array of desserts is overwhelming. You will make the best choice by ordering a celestial fresh litchi with homemade orange ice cream. Evenings fill the dinning room with live piano music. As day comes to an end, nighttime brings candlelight to each table, drawing attention to the ambiance.
The Top List of Romantic Restaurants - Prague, Czech