We spent an incredible five days in Prague, walking twenty-five thousand steps every day and exploring not just the Old Town but also the southern and northern parts of this lovely Czech capital. All this effort to taste the best of what Prague has to offer. We avoided all the tourist traps and found the best cheap eats in Prague that the local guide had recommended.
Starting with traditional goulash and ending with the most delectable sweet koláč, I fantasize about eating it again and again.
Because we did our research ahead of time, we knew exactly where to find cheap eats in Prague, and I can’t wait to tell you about them.
Join me for a taste of Prague!
1. Kolacherie
I will start with my absolute favorite spot in all of Prague, Kolacherie.
Let’s face it, no trip is complete without some sweets in your mouth 🙂
I fell in love with that place the moment I tasted that round, yeasted pastry called koláče (kolache) filled with strawberries and rhubarb.
Why, though, is it better than all those sugary, overpriced Trdelník you see everywhere else? Because this incredible pastry is based on a traditional recipe from a Czech grandmother!
Nobody can beat grandma’s baked goods, which is why it is the greatest dessert in Prague!
Moreover, they bake fresh every day using only natural, locally sourced ingredients.
The Kolacherie is just a 3-minute walk from the Old Town Square and next to Prašná brána. Inside, you will find four seating areas and a few tables to stand at, perfect for a quick cup of coffee and one kolach or five 🙂
I love this taste so much that I went back there 3 times during our 5-day trip to Prague and even bought some kolache to take with me to Luxembourg. I wish I could eat them every day 🙂
💵 For only 2 euros, you can get any kolache you want. Sweet with a hint of fruit, with a hint of poppy seed, and savory as well.
2. Marjánka, a super cheap eats in Prague
The Marjánka restaurant deserves second place on my list due to the prices of the local dishes. Yes, you are reading it right 15 euros for a complete meal for two.
It is shocking, as in other places in the city center, for the same price, all you can get is one cocktail.
Marjánka is located a bit to the south, a 14-minute walk from the Dancing House. The exact address is: Na Bělidle 38, 150 00 Praha 5-Anděl.
And guess what else is awesome about that place? It is open 24 hours a day, all week.
Isn’t it a dream?
The place reminds me of a school canteen when the nice lady is pulling you a freshly made meal. They have a garden where we were alone, enjoying the delicious Czech goulash, which was our favourite of the ones we tried in Prague.
💵 We ate 2 goulash, drank 2 beers, and paid only 15 euros for all these!
3. U Rudolfina
Another spot worth mentioning is the restaurant U Rudolfina in the city center. Located just a 4-minute walk from the Charles Bridge, this is where you can also try some local goulash and pork knuckle.
I tried the pork knuckle for the first time in my life, and it was delicious, but way too much for me, so it’s better if you share this dish with your partner. My boyfriend ordered goulash, and he liked it but definitely preferred the one in Marjánka.
They have a very nice vibe inside, a big basement, therefore plenty of space to sit, and a delicious tank beer.
4. Lokál Dlouhááá
Because we adore meat and inexpensive regional cuisine, it was necessary for us to go to Lokál Dlouhááá.
Only a 9-minute walk from the famous Prague Astronomical Clock, you can taste some traditional Czech cuisine.
There are hundreds of tables inside, and everyone is chatting loudly and consuming a lot of Czech beer. We were pleasantly surprised by the local atmosphere and had our first taste of Pilsner beer in Prague. We thoroughly enjoyed the beer with the succulent meat served with mouth-watering sauces and bread dumplings. If I had more time in Prague, I would definitely come back to this spot.
💵 We spent only 25,95 euros for these two meals from the picture below and two beers.
5. Pork's
Even though it is not the cheapest, Pork’s is one of my favorite places to eat in Prague. This jewel is located on Mostecká 16 Street, just a 3-minute stroll from the Charles Bridge, heading towards the castle.
It’s a great place for meat eaters, but be prepared for a lot of people because of its location. During peak times, you may have to wait up to half an hour for a table.
Because it was so good, we went there twice. The first time we went, around noon, we were able to get a table for two right away, without making a reservation.
We returned to Pork’s for our second visit around 2 in the afternoon, and this time there was a 30-minute line for a table.
For whatever reason, the food is good enough to make the wait worthwhile:)
Our favourite dish was pulled pork knuckle served on butter bread with mustard mayonnaise and crispy cabbage (photo below). In retrospect, I should not have ordered that salad on my first visit because it was underwhelming.
💵 Not bad considering the price—29 euros for two people plus drinks.
6. Lasagneria & Wokin & Bageterie Boulevard
Also, we ate at these three awesome places for lunch, and they were all really inexpensive. I think you will love them too.
1. Lasagneria situated at Korunní 35, 120 00 Praha 2-Vinohrady, Czechia, offers some of the most delicious and reasonably priced lasagna you are likely to taste. I really enjoyed the classic bolognese version, and it tastes just like authentic Italian lasagna. My boyfriend got the spicy one, but it was so hot that he barely felt the taste.
2. Secondly, Wokin is a fantastic noodle place that serves delicious and affordable noodles. Pick out your own ingredients and get your food quickly. Both dine-in and takeout are available. Among them, this one is located nearest the National Museum in Jindřišská 832/3, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia, though there are numerous in the city. I absolutely love it.
3. Last but not least, the best baguette in Prague you’ll find in Bageterie Boulevard. There are plenty of these in the city. Get yourself a bite and spread some joy! Wonderful for a picnic or to pack in your suitcase for a day on the go!
Bon apetit!
Breakfast & Brunch awesome spots in Prague
1. Kafe & Hrnky
Hidden away on the route to Prague Castle is this stunning cafe with a beautiful interior and a large garden. We had breakfast there before heading to the castle, and aside from us, there was only another couple in the garden. Stop by Kafe & Hrnky if you wish to eat some delicious food in peace, far away from tourists.
What’s cool about this place is that you can make your own mug, as they offer a pottery class. If you are interested in doing it, I suggest making a reservation in advance.
The cafe’s entrance is on Nerudova Street; keep that in mind because finding it is quite challenging.
Location: Nerudova 244/25, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia.
2. Venue
The Venue in Prague’s Old Town serves the greatest American pancakes. What makes this location special? The brunch is served all day, and the food is delicious and visually stunning.
I ordered the banana pancakes, which were excellent, and my boyfriend got some nice English breakfast. The options are varied, so I’m sure everyone would find something. Although the place is not the cheap eats in Prague, it is very tasty.
Location: Rytířská 529/3, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia.
3. Restaurant Republica
Republica is a great restaurant right next to our hotel, the Urban Creme. We enjoyed a delicious brunch there. Poached egg and salmon on toast with iced matcha, coffee, and magnificent fresh orange juice. Because the chairs are so cozy, it is the perfect place to unwind in their garden.
Location: Petrská 2051/5, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia
The best coffee in Prague
Here are three spots you should visit if you want great coffee:
– Kolacherie – fantastic matcha latte and cappucino.
– Coffee&Crêpes – near the Restaurant Pork’s, a nice iced latte.
– Grand Café Orient – a pleasant spot to relax and savor your coffee on the balcony.
Now you are ready to taste the best of Prague
With that, you have a comprehensive guide to cheap eats in Prague and traditional food. If you follow my descriptions, you should have no trouble finding the cheapest goulash, the sweet kolache made from a Czech grandmother’s recipe, or a refreshing iced coffee.
It was the Czech cuisine and the city itself that made me fall in love with Prague. The people there are warm and welcoming. Plus, I had no trouble communicating with some locals who did not speak English because their language is so close to Polish. I would love to go back and stroll along the Vltava River while eating my favorite sweet kolache. Do not forget to check out the top 5 things to do in Prague if you are planning to visit the Czech capital for the first time.
