Prague has a thriving cafe scene, where traditional and contemporary coffee shops sit side by side. The Czech capital is also celebrated for its mouthwatering cakes, which make the perfect accompaniment for a fresh, satisfying brew.
Storied, decades-old cafes have always played a role in my Prague food walks. Lately, though, I’ve also begun venturing into trendy, independent coffee shops and have stumbled upon some real gems. No matter your preference, I think you’ll find something to your liking from my picks for the top cafes in Prague!
Our Guides’ Favorite Historic Cafés
We appreciate the grand coffee houses that served as the living rooms for Prague’s intellectuals. These curated spots maintain the marble tables and high ceilings of a bygone era. We invite you to sit back and experience the slow pace of traditional café life. Book a food tour with us to learn more.
Cafe Savoy
Photo credit: Cafe Savoy
Cafe Savoy is undeniably one of my favorite cafes in Prague, and the regal, sophisticated dining area is the epitome of elegance. Their cafe au lait is a must-try. The balance of flavors was just right, as the creamy steamed milk softened the intensity of the coffee.
Cafe Savoy (€€€) – Vítězná 124/5, 150 00 Malá Strana, Czechia.
Cafe Slavia
Photo credit: Cafe Slavia
Cafe Slavia has been around for over 100 years, and the polished wooden furniture and sleek finishes keep it looking as chic as ever. Taking in the views of the river while sipping a chocolatey espresso and munching on a tart, juicy apple strudel with perfectly crisp pastry was an experience I can’t wait to redo!
Cafe Slavia (€€) – Národní 1, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia.
Grand Cafe Orient
Photo credit: Grand Cafe Orient
With glamorous decor, live piano music, and a line-up of cultural events, it didn’t take me long to understand why the Grand Cafe Orient is among Prague’s most stylish and historic cafes. I’m still dreaming of the Viennese coffee I ordered with its robust, silky espresso base and light, vanilla-imbued whipped cream!
Grand Cafe Orient (€€) – Ovocný trh 19, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia.
Go-To Modern Cafés
The contemporary coffee scene in the city is thriving with a focus on ethical sourcing and precision. We have selected workshops where the art of the pour-over is taken seriously by local baristas. These spaces offer a modern contrast to the velvet-draped rooms of the past. Book a food tour with us to learn more.
Můj Šálek Kávy
Photo credit: Můj Šálek Kávy
The team at Můj Šálek Kávy doesn’t mess around with their coffee, though I’m also a fan of the cakes available in this bright and colorful cafe. I went for a velvety flat white with a dash of sweetness from the oat milk, which complemented the warmth and tanginess of the spongy carrot cake.
Můj Šálek Kávy (€€) – Křižíkova 386/105, 186 00 Praha 8-Karlín, Czechia.
EMA Espresso Bar
Photo credit: EMA Espresso Bar
Regularly listed as one of Tripadvisor’s top cafes, EMA is a modern, minimalistic spot for passionate coffee connoisseurs. A couple of friends had raved about the cappuccino here, which exceeded all my expectations. It had all the elements of a well-rounded coffee, from the frothy milk to the punchy aromas and balanced acidity.
EMA Espresso Bar (€€) – Palác Karlín Vstup z ulice Křižíkova, Thámova 289 /13, 186 00 Praha 8, Czechia.
Café Letka
Photo credit: Café Letka
Café Letka is a hip spot where the old meets the new. It’s popular with remote workers and coffee lovers alike, where I found the most delectable cortados. The mix of fruity notes and luxurious warm milk left me with a lingering aftertaste.
Café Letka (€€) – Letohradská 44, 170 00 Praha 7-Letná, Czechia.
Kavárna co hledá jméno
Photo credit: Kavárna co hledá jméno
Kavárna co hledá jméno is easily one of the greatest cafes in Prague. This off-the-beaten-path spot has a stunning industrial-style interior and a hipster vibe. Of course, the coffee is the highlight, and the refreshing cold brew here had a dreamy blend of mellow, earthy flavors.
Kavárna co hledá jméno (€€) – Stroupežnického 493/10, 150 00 Praha 5-Smíchov, Czechia.
Coffee and Cake: The Perfect Pairing
Medovník – A layer cake typically made from honey and sour cream, medovník has a moist consistency and caramel flavors. I suggest teaming it with a nutty, slightly bittersweet espresso.
Kremrole – Kremoles are cone or tube-shaped confections made from flaky puff pastry and filled with rich whipped cream or meringue. For the complete experience, try combining a kremrole with a cup of smooth hot chocolate.
Koláče – Koláče is a Czech sweet consisting of round, fluffy yeast dough encasing a serving of fruit, jam, cream cheese, or poppy seeds. These go great with a cappuccino, as both have a delicate sweetness.
Neighborhood Highlights: Where to Find the Top Cafes in Prague
Old Town – Onesip
Onesip is a tiny, homely coffee shop serving sensational specialty brews. I was in need of an afternoon pick-me-up, and their bitter yet floral double espresso was just what I needed. The postcard-ready surroundings outside made every sip even more enjoyable.
Onesip (€) – Haštalská 755 /15, 110 00 Staré Město, Czechia.
Vinohrady – Dos Mundos
Photo credit: Dos Mundos
Dos Mundos is among most popular cafes in Prague’s trendy Vinohrady area, and I loved the slick yet inviting seating area as much as the high-quality coffee. I went for the americano with Ethiopian beans, and the bright, berry flavors were pronounced without being overpowering.
Dos Mundos (€) – 31, Korunní 968, 120 00 Praha 2, Czechia.
Malá Strana – Nerudova 211 Café
Nerudova 211 Café is a classy spot for coffee and cake and is an ideal place to escape the crowds at the nearby Prague Castle. I started with a fresh, citrusy espresso tonic and followed it up with perník. This Czech chocolate spice cake has a mouthwatering mix of fiery ginger, indulgent chocolate, and springy sponge.
Nerudova 211 Café (€€) – Nerudova 211/14, 118 00 Malá Strana, Czechia.
The Kavárna Culture in Prague
The concept of the ‘Kavárna’ is central to Czech social life and has been for over a century. We view these spaces as democratic hubs where anyone can linger over a single cup for hours. In the past, these were the primary meeting points for writers, artists, and political dissidents. Respecting this slow-paced tradition is the best way to blend in with the locals.
Prague’s Dessert Traditions
When ordering, we recommend trying a ‘Větrník’, which is a large choux pastry filled with caramel cream. We consider it the representative pastry of the city because of its complex textures and rich history. Many locals pair their sweets with a ‘Vídeňská káva’ or Viennese coffee topped with whipped cream. It is customary to wait for the waiter to bring the cake trolley rather than rushing to the counter.
Tips for Enjoying Prague’s Café Culture
- Adding a tip of around 10% is typical in most cafes in Prague.
- Locals don’t tend to rush their coffee breaks, and so many cafes operate at a slow, relaxed pace.
- When ordering a coffee in Czech, simply say ‘Dam si káva, prosim,’ meaning ‘I’ll have a coffee, please.’
- If you’re visiting in the summer, look out for bublanina, a fruity sponge cake. During the winter, try festive favorites like vánočka, a type of sweet bread.
- For budget-friendly options, stick to cafes outside the Old Town and Malá Strana, as these are typically the most expensive areas.
Conclusion
Picking a cafe to visit in Prague is something I’ve always found tricky, but these are the spots that continue to stand out to me. Nonetheless, in a city with such a vibrant cafe culture, you can never go too far wrong!
Sources
Eating Europe. (n.d.). Prague food tours & experiences. Eating Europe. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://gesundheitbesser.today/prague/%3C/span%3E%3C/a%3E%3C/p%3E
Café Savoy. (n.d.). Café Savoy. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://www.cafesavoy.ambi.cz/en
Café Slavia. (n.d.). Café Slavia Prague. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://www.cafeslavia.cz/
Grand Café Orient. (n.d.). Grand Café Orient Prague. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://grandcafeorient.cz/en/
Můj Šálek Kávy. (n.d.). Můj Šálek Kávy café. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://mujsalekkavy.cz/en/?setLg=en
Ema Espresso Bar. (n.d.). Ema Espresso Bar. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://www.emaespressobar.cz/en
Café Letka. (n.d.). Café Letka Prague. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://www.cafeletka.cz/
Kavárna Co Hledá Jméno. (n.d.). Kavárna Co Hledá Jméno café. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://www.kavarnacohledajmeno.cz/
One Sip Coffee. (n.d.). One Sip Coffee. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://onesip.coffee/
Dos Mundos. (n.d.). Dos Mundos café. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://www.dos-mundos.cz/en/
Nerudova 211 Café. (n.d.). Nerudova 211 Café. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://nerudova211.com/nerudova-211-cafe/
Prague Food & Beer Tour: Special 10 Year Anniversary Edition
Dine in the same cafe as Albert Einstein and meet the local vendors keeping the city’s food traditions alive. Explore the mysterious history of Prague through its cuisine.
- Daily
- 3.5 Hours
- Small Group
A magical evening in a side of Prague that most people miss.
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- 4 Hours
- Private tour
