Fine dining feels like a natural evolution for a city defined by soaring spires, historic bridges, and the fairytale beauty of its Old Town. Yet beyond its postcard-perfect façade, Prague has quietly emerged as one of Europe’s most compelling culinary destinations — a transformation underscored by a growing presence in the Michelin Guide.
Today’s Czech chefs are masters at blending Bohemian heritage with modern finesse, weaving together foraged forest ingredients, native delicacies, and global techniques. If you’ve long assumed Prague’s cuisine to be heavy or rustic, prepare to have those expectations thoroughly overturned. From old-world elegance with panoramic views to avant-garde dining rooms, Nordic-influenced concepts, and theatrical tasting menus, Prague’s fine dining scene offers remarkable variety and sophistication.
Note: Header image features the interior of CODA Restaurant.
CODA Restaurant
Set within an elegant and intimate space, CODA Restaurant delivers a refined dining experience that balances contemporary flavours with warmth and understated luxury. The menu is thoughtfully composed, showcasing meticulous presentation and a clear respect for ingredient quality, while the service is polished yet welcoming.
A standout feature is CODA’s rooftop terrace, which offers sweeping city views and a relaxed open-air ambience. Perfect for sunset aperitifs, celebratory dinners, or quiet evenings beneath the stars, the terrace elevates the restaurant into a destination that feels both exclusive and effortlessly inviting.
Papilio
The 2025 Michelin Guide marked a historic moment for Czech gastronomy, awarding the country its first-ever two Michelin stars — and Papilio was the recipient. Housed within former castle stables, the restaurant pairs an original vaulted ceiling with an open kitchen, where guests can watch head chef Jan Knedla at work. With chefs frequently interacting with diners, the atmosphere feels immersive rather than formal.
Papilio offers six-, eight-, or ten-course tasting menus inspired by Knedla’s childhood, with a strong emphasis on native produce that extends seamlessly to the wine selection. During winter, the serene white interiors accented by royal blue butterfly motifs create a calming retreat, while summer brings coveted terrace seating bathed in sunlight.
La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise
While Papilio may be the most coveted reservation of the moment, La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise remains one of Prague’s most enduring fine dining institutions. Located just off Old Town Square, this Michelin-starred restaurant has earned its reputation through consistency, craftsmanship, and impeccable service.
The interior is historic and elegant without feeling austere, featuring chandeliers and glass wine cabinets that frame the dining experience. Both lunch and dinner are served daily, with menus built around ingredients sourced from trusted farmers, foragers, and hunters. Guests can opt for expertly curated wine pairings or inventive non-alcoholic beverages crafted from fruits, vegetables, herbs, and nuts.
Levitate
Levitate represents Prague’s more experimental culinary edge. Drawing design inspiration from Nordic landscapes, the dining room evokes the calm of Scandinavian nature, while the menu takes diners on a journey influenced heavily by Asian flavours and the heritage of head chef Christian Chu.
The philosophy here centres on moderation, responsibility, and playful surprise. Ingredients remain recognisable, allowing creativity to shine through unexpected combinations and striking presentations rather than unfamiliar components — a thoughtful balance between innovation and accessibility.
Terasa U Zlaté Studně
Renowned not only for its cuisine but also for its extraordinary views, Terasa U Zlaté Studně offers one of Prague’s most romantic dining experiences. Its panoramic terrace, along with private gazebo seating in the palace gardens, makes it ideal for special occasions.
The restaurant has gained renewed energy under Executive Chef Lukáš Hlaváček, whose background includes several Michelin-starred kitchens in London. À la carte and tasting menus celebrate classic luxury, featuring black caviar, foie gras pâté, beef tartare, truffles, and lobster. As part of a five-star hotel, Terasa U Zlaté Studně also serves breakfast — including the Czech morning speciality of veal sausage.
Alma
Opened just a few years ago, Alma has quickly become one of Prague’s most effortlessly cool dining destinations. Set within a former interwar arthouse cinema, the space perfectly suits its contemporary, creative spirit.
Chef Petr Židek leads the kitchen, offering inventive small plates and mains such as roasted celeriac with burnt cream emulsion, spätzle with mushroom sauce and wild capers, and smoked almond ice cream with sour cherries and white chocolate. A backyard wine bar, homemade fruit co-ferments, café, wine shop, and nightly dinner service make Alma as versatile as it is stylish. Lunch is served Monday through Saturday.
