Travel with Julie

Prague Restaurants You Should Try! - Part 2

In continuation from Prague Restaurants You Should Try!-Part 1, here are more highlights of my dining experience in Prague:

DINNER OPTIONS

U Male Velryby (Maltezske Namesti, 15; Mala Strana) - The small street leading to this restaurant will charm the pants right off of you! U male Velryby (Little Whale) is no less charming.  This small, casual and slightly Bohemian place serves delicious and simple international and Czech cuisine.  The herb-crusted salmon was extraordinarily fresh and melted in my mouth!

U Patrona (Drazickeho Namesti, 4; Mala Strana) - Housed in a medieval building and decorated with period detail, the ambiance of U Patrona screams romance.  The specialities are French and Czech dishes--either are worth a try.  The sirloin goulash with bread dumplings was one of the best in town! 

U Modre Ruze (Rytirska, 16; Stare Mesto) - Once you begin the decent down the stairs, you feel as if you are stepping into medieval times.  U Modre Ruze (At The Blue Rose) is located in gothic cellars haunted by old legends.  With live piano music, candlelight, and impeccable service, it is the perfect setting for a beautiful evening.  The Chateaubriand comes with unbelievably tasty veges.  It was a little on the expensive side, yet an excellent meal!

Casa Andina (Dusni, 15; Josefov) - This was probably one of my favorite meals in all of Prague, but then again, I'm partial to Peruvian and Latin cuisine.  The eclectic restaurant/bar attracts locals, especially after nine o'clock when the lower level turns into a Latin dancing scene.  It's fun.  It's quirky. And, it's beyond delicious. Because the menu changes frequently, I can only suggest allowing the server to "surprise" you with his/her recommendations. I did, and had a superb meal!

David (Trziste, 21; Male Strana) - Tucked away on a quiet cobblestone alley and covered in vines, David is a warm welcome from the busy streets that surround it. Located in a small house where you must ring the doorbell to gain entrance, you literally feel as though you are an invited dinner guest in someone's home.  Traditional Czech dishes are hearty and wonderful.  The big surprise comes at the end of the meal with a complimentary glass of Port.  For me, the Port itself was not the surprise.  It was the glass it was served in.  It was huge!  Really big!  Do as I did and be a good sport.  Pick it up--with two hands if necessary--and enjoy!

U Maltezskych Rytiru (Prokopska, 10; Mala Strana) - Yes, it's another restaurant in a gothic cellar...but do you ever tire of eating by candlelight in a renaissance vaulted room?  I don't!  Serving international and Czech cuisine, the standout was a beefsteak gratinéed with Gruyere and mushrooms.  Most likely you won't have room for dessert, but order the apple strudel anyway--it was one of the best in the city!

Prague Restaurants You Should Try! - Part 1

Before I research hotels ... before I read guidebooks ... I hunt for places to eat. Weird?  Not to me.  You see, the dining experience is just one element of getting to know a new destination.  In Prague, I was pleasantly surprised to find a vast array of cuisines:  traditional Czech, Italian, French, Sushi, Thai, Latin, and much more! For those planning a trip to Prague and sharing my dining views, here are the highlights from my trip:

INEXPENSIVE LUNCH OPTIONS

Fleurs Cafe (Sporkova 521/5; Mala Strana) - For something on the lighter side and away from the throngs of tourists, this cafe could not be more perfect.  It's cute and a little girly (but not so over-the-top that men are shy about entering!).  The menu is full of wonderful soups, sandwiches and salads.  I chose the Bacon Salad made with fresh lettuce, corn, tomatoes, ham (bacon), herb dressing and parmesan served with toasted bread crisps. Everything is made with the freshest ingredients and the portion sizes leave little room for anything else.  Nevertheless, save a little room for dessert, especially the homemade apple strudel!

Cafe au Gourmand (Dlouha 10; Stare Mesto) - At first glance, this cafe looks like an ice cream parlor.  But don't let that fool you.  Walk past the freezer cases and cafe tables into the lovely outdoor patio in the back.  A wide range of salads, sandwiches, quiche, and other French cafe/bistro delights are available. I really enjoyed my classic Croque Monsieur sandwich.  Keep it light as you will want to save room for ice cream or delicious chocolates afterwards.

Les Moules (Parizska 19; Josefov) - There's nothing like a bowl full of hot steaming mussels for lunch!  Yum!  You can order the simple version, mussels steamed in white wine; or you can have a fancier version, Luxembourg style with rosemary, thyme and butter.  I had the daily special (the simple version) served with pomme frites and Belgian mayonnaise for $10.  What a deal!

Trattoria Cicala (Zitna 43; Nove Mesto) - If you want to go where the locals go, try this lovely trattoria.  It doesn't look like much from the street, and the trek to the basement will certainly raise an eyebrow. However, once you enter the restored cellar dining room and catch a whiff of what's cooking in the kitchen, you will forget you are in Prague. The Spaghetti alla Carbonara is testimony to the Cicala family's Roman heritage -- squisito!

DINNER OPTIONS to follow in Part 2.