Czech cuisine is all about hearty portions and comforting meat classics. When dining out, be sure to order soup served in a hollowed-out bread loaf, traditional garlic česnečka, or rich goulash soup. The undisputed heavyweight dish is roast pork knuckle (vepřové koleno), usually large enough to share, alongside honey-glazed pork ribs, roasted duck, and pan-fried river trout. Classic sides include bread dumplings (knedlíky) and braised red cabbage. For a classic pub snack, try pickled or fried breaded Hermelín cheese, and grab a sweet chimney cake (trdelník) dusted with cinnamon sugar and filled with ice cream from street stalls.
A great meal naturally pairs with world-renowned Czech draft beer. Visit historic brewpubs like U Fleků, U Medvídků, the Strahov Monastic Brewery, or Novoměstský Pivovar. To sample dozens of regional microbrews from across the country, check out Zlý Časy, while the playful Výtopna restaurant delivers drinks directly to your table aboard miniature model trains.
Beyond beer, sample the herbal liqueur Becherovka, traditional fruit brandies like slivovitz (plum) and hruškovice (pear), or warm up in winter with hot grog, punch, or spiced svařák (mulled wine). The city center is also home to dedicated absinthe bars serving authentic local and European varieties.