With costs continuing to rise, finding an affordable and satisfying bite is quickly becoming a challenge. That’s why we have come together to assemble some of our favorite spots for authentic, local, and delicious food. In order to be considered for this roundup, some conditions have to be met. Our first condition is that meals should be sub 200czk, without limiting you to soups or “Rabbit Food”. Our second condition is that it should be good, meaning it punches above its weight in terms of price to quality. Lastly, it should not be a chain or rely on showing membership cards. (I’m Looking at you Lokal)

U Jary (Lunch / Dinner)

U Jary is unique regarding its menu, while it offers “traditional” Czech cuisine, it is not afraid to mix things up and add a modern twist. Its spicy goulash is a sublime addition to a crisp fall wind, and its variety of cheese-based beer snacks allows the uniqueness of things like olomoucké tvarůžky to shine without becoming hidden by an overly complex palette. Its menu is on the medium to large side but is rather tight when considering its options, allowing individual dishes to shine without being drowned out. While some dishes like the steak and eggs can be upwards of 200czk, most lie under the mark, and all of the highlights below are well below the benchmark price. 

Menu Highlights: Pikanti Gulash, Smažené tvarůžky, Nakládaný hermelín

English Friendly: Yes.

Under 50czk Beer: Yes.

Cafe Louvre (Breakfast) 

Cafe Louvre is one of the single most beautiful cafes in the city, complemented by an upscaled vaguely neo-renaissance ambiance, its elegance extends to its food, offering beautifully plated meals ideal for an impressive date. While its lunch and dinner menus are on the expensive side, its breakfast is a welcome underdog to our roundup. A cake and a coffee are going to be your best option in this central cafe, but savory cold breakfasts are offered. Both its small breakfast and Czech Breakfast are just under 200 and come with fresh juice. Neither of them is particularly small in my book, so sharing is definitely an option. If you are in the center and do not want to settle for a tourist trap, Cafe Louvre before 12:00 welcomes you with open arms.

Menu Highlights: Cakes, Malá snídaně, Česká snídaně

English Friendly: Very much so.

Under 50czk Coffee: No.

Havelska Koruna (Lunch)

Is a decent option to try authentic food without too much of a sunk cost. Wielding a large menu there is certainly something for everyone here. Havelska Koruna sports a busy atmosphere, which could be a tad stressful, although once you figure it out the first time it is a breeze to follow. The main achievement of this establishment is holding strong to the idea of having filling, authentic meals, in the center of Prague 1. An ideal that is quickly leaving the city for good.

Menu Highlights: Svickova, Sweet dumplings,

English Friendly: Yes.

Under 50czk Bev: No, almost, but no.

Bistro Alambre (Lunch / Dinner)

Easily some of the best Mexican food in Prague. Almost all menu items worth getting are priced under 200czk, which allows Alambre to compete well above its class. One notable drawback is Alambre’s lack of sitting space which could pose itself as a difficulty in making more formal dinner plans. Although, with some ingenuity, making a date out of this quant food stand is a possibility, get it to go and explore the nearby park: Grébovka. Or take a look at the nearby cafe Kafe Nůžky Papír, for a beverage and a look at their library.

Menu Highlights: Taco Pastor, Birrira de Pollo Burrito, Cochicarnitas Quesadilla,

English Friendly: Yes, + Spanish, and Russian

Jarritos: YES!

U Prezidentů (Dinner)
While positioned on the outskirts, it is well worth the hike. Hosting a delightful familial atmosphere exists as one of the last “truly Czech” restaurants in the city. Featuring a rotating menu, this place is more of a get-what-you-get type of deal, which to some may be off-putting, although if you are feeling adventurous you won’t be disappointed. It is also worth mentioning that U Prezdentu is one of the only places I trust to prepare dishes with raw meat, including their iconic Tartarak.
Menu Highlights: Smazany Syr, Diablaske Tousty, Tartarak,
English Friendly: Maybe? Bring a translator or Czech-speaking friend for the best outcomes.
Under 50czk Beer: Yes of course.