Where to Try Vegetarian Czech Food in Prague
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Prague, the capital of the country formerly known as the Czech Republic (now Czechia? My boyfriend makes fun of me every time I say it though, someone help), has become a wildly popular destination for travelers to Central Europe.
What is Czech cuisine?
Czech cuisine is firmly Central European, which also means it’s a very meat and potatoes (and bread) type of cuisine. Roast and stewed meats served with potatoes and steamed bread dumplings feature prominently, but there are also a few common vegetarian options like cheese dishes and sweet bread dumplings (which much of the rest of the world would consider a dessert, but can be served as a main in Czechia).
This means that vegetarians–if not vegans–can both eat and drink at some of Prague’s traditional pubs.
My picks are hardly going to win any prizes for being hidden gems, but they’re fun spots to experience the atmosphere of Prague.
Czech Restaurants
U Rudolfina, located just a block off the river, has great old-dark-pub vibes and some of the best, freshest Pilsner Urquell in the city. You can also have the classic syr smazeny (Czech fried cheese served with fries and tartar sauce) if you need to eat something with your beer.
U Fleku is quite touristy, but for good reason: Established as a brewery in 1499, they have been brewing their own beer for over 500 years. There are numerous historic dining halls and a great beer garden out back open for the summer season.
Vegetarian mains consist of fried cheese (of course) or a seasonal “vegetarian plate”. If you just want to snack, there are also cheeses and salads on the menu. It can get busy, but even if you don’t have a reservation, you won’t be waiting long–this place is huge!
Another uniquely Prague spot is the Municipal Hall Cellar, where diners can enjoy the Art Deco atmosphere. Vegetarian mains include (surprise!) fried cheese and a rotating seasonal dish.
Czech pickled cheese.
Finally, around the corner from the Municipal Hall Cellar is PULT, a more modern beer hall with an array of Czech pickled cheeses for snacking. If you’ve never had Czech pickled cheese, it can be a bit of an acquired taste, but it’s worth trying.
Vegetarian and Vegan Restaurants
There are quite a few vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Prague now, but most of them are either Indian/Asian or boring-ass “health” cafes where everything is served in a bowl. There are some very good spots, though, and some of them even have veg versions of Czech dishes.
★Top Pick: Střecha
Střecha, located on Kremencova street in the New Town area (right next to U Fleku), is hands-down the best place to try vegetarian Czech food in Prague. Plus, it’s not just vegetarian: it’s 100% vegan! While there are some of the standard international offerings, the menu also features quite a few vegan versions of Czech dishes: Budvar goulash, “no-duck” or dumplings on red cabbage, and even vegan syr smazeny (fried cheese). This place is an absolute MUST visit for vegetarians and vegans traveling to Prague.
Country Life is a health food store/vegetarian buffet restaurant that’s been around since 1991, making it one of the original veg spots in Prague. Their buffet varies and may or may not be featuring a Czech-inspired dish, but I feel like I should include it for old time’s sake.
Maitrea and its sister restaurant, Lehka Hlava, are another two classic vegetarian spots in Prague. They are exquisitely decorated, and Lehka Hlava even has a dark, “night sky” room. But these places are more than just vibes: they have amazing food, too. I got a salad once (in an ill-fated attempt to be “healthy”) and it was legitimately the best salad I’ve ever had at a restaurant. You know you’re at a serious restaurant when even the salad is good. While the menu is mostly international, there are a couple of Czech options, too.
Finally, we’re rounding out the list with Vegan’s Prague, a multi-story place out in the castle district. They have a couple of Czech options on the menu, including a no-meat, sauce, and dumpling dish. Best of all, though, is the balcony seating with views over the castle.
That’s it for my picks for the best places in Prague to try vegetarian Czech cuisine. Did I miss anywhere good?
