Czech cuisine is often associated with Prague, but many of the country’s most characterful restaurants are scattered across its regions, from Moravia’s wine country to mountain villages near the German and Austrian borders. This guide highlights a selection of reliable, well-regarded places outside the capital, with a focus on practical details like how to get there, when to go, and what to expect in terms of atmosphere and prices.
Quick summary
- You can find excellent Czech food in regional cities like Brno, Olomouc and Plzeň, not only in Prague.
- Plan around train and bus links; most recommended towns are on main rail routes from Prague.
- Expect hearty classics, seasonal menus and more vegetarian options than in the past.
- Prices outside Prague are often slightly lower, but popular spots still advise booking.
Brno: Creative Czech Cuisine in the Moravian Metropolis
Brno, the capital of South Moravia, has one of the most dynamic food scenes in Czechia, mixing modern bistros with reworked Czech classics. A good starting point is Lokál u Caipla near the city centre, part of a small Czech chain known for well-kept Pilsner and traditional dishes like svíčková (beef in creamy sauce) and schnitzels; service and quality are usually consistent and prices are mid-range by local standards. For a more contemporary take, Bistro Franz or Atelier in the centre often work with seasonal ingredients and lighter, vegetable-forward plates while still nodding to Moravian traditions.
Brno is easy to reach by direct fast trains from Prague (typically around 2.5–3 hours) and by motorway if you drive; long-distance buses run frequently too. Most restaurants mentioned are within walking distance of the main station and Náměstí Svobody. Weekends, especially Friday and Saturday evenings, can be busy with locals and students, so reservations are advisable. Brno is worth at least one night if you want to combine dinner with sightseeing at Špilberk Castle, Villa Tugendhat (book tickets ahead) or a wine trip to nearby Mikulov and the Pálava hills, reachable by regional trains or buses in roughly 1–1.5 hours.
- Getting there: Direct trains from Prague main station to Brno hl.n.; frequent buses from Florenc; D1 motorway by car (allow extra time for traffic).
- Best time and budget: Evenings year-round; expect mid-range prices slightly below central Prague, with lunch menus often noticeably cheaper.
Olomouc: Historic Squares and Refined Regional Dining
Olomouc in Central Moravia combines a compact UNESCO-listed centre with a surprisingly strong restaurant scene relative to its size. Near the Upper Square, Entrée (a short taxi or tram ride from the centre, in an office-park setting) has been widely noted for its modern tasting menus using regional produce; prices are at the higher end for the region but still often below Western European fine dining. In the old town itself, you can look for bistros and pubs around Horní náměstí and Dolní náměstí that serve Moravian specialities, local cheeses and game in season.
Fast trains from Prague to Olomouc usually take around 2–2.5 hours, and there are also direct connections from Brno and Ostrava. Most visitors can comfortably explore the city in a day, but staying overnight allows a relaxed dinner followed by a stroll past the Holy Trinity Column and baroque fountains. Olomouc is a good base for day trips to Bouzov Castle or the Litovel area; regional buses and trains connect these, though driving can be more convenient. For dining, evenings from Thursday to Saturday are liveliest, and booking ahead for more upscale places is sensible, especially around holidays and university events.
- Getting there: Direct rail links from Prague, Brno and Ostrava to Olomouc hl.n.; local trams connect the station with the historic centre.
- Best time and budget: Spring to autumn for café terraces; restaurant prices vary from budget student spots to higher-end tasting menus.
Plzeň: Beer Culture with Hearty West Bohemian Food
Plzeň (Pilsen) is synonymous with lager, and its traditional restaurants lean into that reputation with robust Czech dishes designed to match the beer. Na Spilce, located inside the Pilsner Urquell brewery complex, is a large beer hall-style restaurant that typically serves classics like roast pork with dumplings and cabbage, goulash and grilled meats at moderate prices. In the historic centre, you can find smaller pubs and bistros near Republic Square that offer similar fare with a slightly more intimate feel.
Plzeň is about 1–1.5 hours from Prague by fast train or bus, making it suitable for a day trip that combines a brewery tour with lunch or dinner. The city is also easily reached by car via the D5 motorway towards Germany. Brewery tours usually run during the day and may require advance booking, so you can plan a late lunch at Na Spilce or another nearby restaurant. If you stay overnight, you can explore the Great Synagogue, the historical underground tunnels and nearby countryside in the direction of Šumava, where smaller village restaurants and guesthouses often serve regional game and mushroom dishes in season.
- Getting there: Frequent trains and buses from Prague; around 90 km by car on the D5 towards Germany.
- Best time and budget: Year-round; prices at brewery-linked venues are generally mid-range, with cheaper options in side streets off Republic Square.
Český Krumlov and South Bohemia: River Views and Rustic Classics
Český Krumlov, in South Bohemia, is one of the country’s most visited towns, and its restaurants range from touristy to genuinely atmospheric. Around the old town and along the Vltava river, places like Krčma v Šatlavské ulici (a cellar tavern with grilled meats) or restaurants facing the castle typically offer grilled pork, trout, duck and dumpling-based dishes at prices that reflect the town’s popularity but are still often below major Western European tourist centres. In nearby České Budějovice, the home of Budvar beer, you can find more local-oriented pubs and breweries with hearty, good-value Czech menus.
Český Krumlov can be reached by direct and indirect buses from Prague in roughly 3 hours, or by train with one change, often in České Budějovice. Driving from Prague takes around 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic. The town is compact and easy to explore on foot; most restaurants are within a short walk of the main square. It is worth staying at least one night to enjoy dinner after day-trippers have left and to visit the castle complex, baroque theatre and riverside paths. You can combine Krumlov with a stop in České Budějovice or a detour to the Šumava foothills, where village guesthouses usually serve straightforward, filling Czech food at lower prices.
- Getting there: Buses from Prague’s Na Knížecí or Roztyly stations; trains via České Budějovice; driving via Tábor and České Budějovice.
- Best time and budget: Late spring to early autumn for terrace dining; expect slightly higher prices in the old town, with better value at lunch and on side streets.
Šumava and the Countryside: Farm-to-Table in the Forested Borderlands
The Šumava region on the southwest border with Germany and Austria is known more for hiking and cross-country skiing than for high-end dining, but it offers many small hotels, penzions and mountain restaurants that focus on local ingredients. Around towns like Kašperské Hory, Modrava and Železná Ruda, you can look for menus featuring freshwater fish, mushrooms, blueberries and game when in season, often at moderate prices compared with cities. The atmosphere is usually informal and family-friendly, with hearty portions suitable after long walks.
Reaching Šumava is easiest by car, via Plzeň or České Budějovice, though there are train connections to edge towns such as Sušice and Železná Ruda, with onward buses into villages and trailheads. Many visitors base themselves for 2–4 nights to combine hiking or cycling with unhurried dinners at their accommodation or nearby pubs. Summer and early autumn offer the best chance of combining good weather with outdoor seating, while winter brings a cosy feel after skiing days. Because opening hours can vary by season and day of the week, it is sensible to check ahead or ask your accommodation for current recommendations.
- Getting there: Regional trains and buses from Plzeň or České Budějovice; driving gives the most flexibility between villages.
- Best time and budget: Summer, early autumn and winter ski season; prices are usually moderate, with good-value daily specials and set menus.
Moravian Wine Country: Cellar Dining in Mikulov and Velké Bílovice
South Moravia’s wine villages combine cellar tours with generous plates of food, making them ideal for relaxed evenings rather than rushed lunches. In Mikulov, a hilltop town near the Austrian border, you will find restaurants and wine bars around the main square and below the castle that serve dishes such as roast meats, seasonal salads and local cheeses, often paired with regional whites like Veltlínské zelené (Grüner Veltliner) and Ryzlink rýnský (Riesling). In villages like Velké Bílovice or Pavlov, many family-run cellars and small guesthouses offer simple but satisfying Czech and Moravian meals alongside tastings.
The easiest access is via Brno: trains and buses to Břeclav or Mikulov usually take under an hour, with local buses and taxis connecting smaller wine villages. From Prague, fast trains to Břeclav take around 3 hours, followed by a short regional connection. Spring and autumn, during and around the grape harvest, are particularly atmospheric, with various local festivals; however, accommodation and some restaurants can book out, so planning ahead is wise. Cycling between villages is popular, and many visitors stay 1–3 nights to enjoy unhurried dinners without needing to drive after wine tastings.
- Getting there: Train from Brno to Břeclav or Mikulov; regional buses or bikes between wine villages; driving via the D2 motorway.
- Best time and budget: Late spring and early autumn for vineyards and festivals; food prices are usually moderate, with wine tastings adding to the total cost.
Liberec and the North: Mountain Views with Regional Specialities
In northern Bohemia, Liberec and the Jizera and Krkonoše mountains offer a mix of city dining and mountain huts. Liberec itself has several reliable Czech restaurants and pubs around the main square and the Forum shopping centre, serving schnitzels, goulash and grilled meats at moderate prices. Up in the hills, mountain chalets and huts (bouda or chata) near Špindlerův Mlýn, Harrachov and Bedřichov often serve simple but satisfying dishes such as soups, sausages, potato pancakes and sweet dumplings, sometimes with regional twists.
Liberec is about 1.5–2 hours from Prague by direct bus or train, and it is a practical base for day trips to Ještěd mountain, with its distinctive tower and hotel-restaurant reachable by cable car and road. From Liberec or Turnov, buses connect to mountain towns and ski resorts, though many travellers prefer to drive for flexibility. The area is popular in both winter and summer, so reservations are useful in peak ski weeks and during school holidays. Combining a cable-car ride or hike with lunch at a mountain hut, then returning to Liberec for dinner in town, makes a varied day or weekend trip.
- Getting there: Direct buses and trains from Prague to Liberec; regional buses to mountain towns like Harrachov and Špindlerův Mlýn.
- Best time and budget: Winter for skiing and cosy meals; summer for hiking; prices in mountain resorts can be slightly higher than in nearby towns.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to book Czech restaurants outside Prague in advance?
In smaller towns and villages, walk-ins are often possible, especially for lunch. However, in popular places like Brno, Olomouc, Český Krumlov and well-known wine villages, it is sensible to reserve for Friday and Saturday evenings, public holidays and peak tourist seasons. Fine-dining venues and tasting-menu restaurants almost always recommend advance bookings.
Are vegetarian or vegan options common in regional Czech restaurants?
Traditional Czech cooking is meat-heavy, but vegetarian options have become more common, especially in larger cities such as Brno, Plzeň, Liberec and Olomouc, where bistros often include at least one or two meat-free mains. In smaller villages and mountain huts, choices may be limited to salads, fried cheese or side dishes, so checking menus in advance or planning around city meals can be helpful if you follow a strict vegetarian or vegan diet.
How much should I expect to pay for a meal outside Prague?
Prices vary by region and style of restaurant, but as a rough indication, a main course in a mid-range Czech restaurant outside Prague often costs less than in the capital, with lunch menus typically cheaper than dinner. In fine-dining or tasting-menu restaurants in cities like Brno or Olomouc, you can expect higher prices closer to international norms, while village pubs and mountain huts tend to be more budget-friendly. Because prices change over time, it is wise to check current menus online where available.
Is it easy to combine restaurant visits with sightseeing and navigation?
Most recommended places are in or near established tourist areas with clear signposting and public transport, so combining sightseeing with good meals is usually straightforward. For city navigation, offline maps in travel apps can be useful; if you spend time in the capital, the Prague Tour Guide App offers offline maps and curated walking routes that can help you get oriented before heading out to regional towns. Outside larger cities, checking train and bus timetables in advance helps avoid long waits between connections, especially in the evening.
Important note
- Routes, timetables and ticket prices can change. Please verify current information on the official websites of the relevant operators (e.g. České dráhy, RegioJet, DPP, PID).
- Prices, fees and exchange rates are indicative only and may change.
- Opening hours may change seasonally or without notice. Check the official venue website before visiting.
- Trails and natural areas may be closed seasonally or affected by weather. Check trail conditions before setting out and bring appropriate gear.
Sources and official links
Prague Tour Guide App – Czech Republic app (coming soon)
We are building a Czech Republic app with offline maps and practical routes.
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