A Local’s Guide to Vegetarians and Vegans in Prague

Vegetarianism and veganism are becoming more and more popular and so is visiting Prague! While Czech cuisine isn’t known for being veg-friendly, it isn’t difficult to be a vegetarian in Prague.

Fried cheese is often the only vegetarian option found on the menus of traditional restaurants but there are a surprisingly large number of restaurants in the city that serve exclusively vegan and vegetarian dishes. If you’re looking for a good vegan or vegetarian restaurant in Prague, be sure to check out these options that even carnivores will love.

Our Guides’ Favorite Plant-Based Czech Spots

We have seen a wonderful rise in kitchens that specialize in veganizing our heavy, meat-centric national classics. These selected restaurants offer representative versions of ‘svíčková’ and goulash using mushrooms or seitan. We invite you to enjoy the flavors of our heritage in a way that aligns with your lifestyle. Book a food tour with us to learn more.

Maitrea

Located near Prague’s Old Town, Maitrea is a fully vegetarian restaurant that offers a number of vegan and gluten-free options as well. The menu ranges from classic salads and burgers to Asian- and Mexican-inspired dishes.

This is also the place to go if you want to try vegetarian versions of traditional Czech dishes such as Svíčková and goulash. Potentially problematic ingredients, such as honey, are clearly marked on the menu and many of the dishes are customizable to meet a number of dietary restrictions. 

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Moment Vegan Bistro and Cafe

Moment is a 100% plant-based bistro located in Prague’s Vinohrady near the Jiřího z Poděbrad metro stop. This is a great spot for breakfast or a light lunch or dinner, with options like scrambled tofu, smoothie bowls, seitan bagels, and vegan fried cheese.

Regional ingredients are used to prepare the vegan dishes and gluten-free options are clearly marked on the menu. 

Forky’s

Forky’s is the place to go if you’re in the mood for plant-based fast food in Prague. Their vegan menu offers more than the standard veggie burger and offers vegan twists on favorites such as currywurst and fish and chips, served with a mix of regular and sweet potato fries. Forky’s is so popular that two additional Prague locations will be opening in late 2019. 

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Vegan’s Restaurant Prague

Vegan’s Restaurant Prague is located just below Prague Castle, providing the perfect setting for scenic views from the outdoor seating area. The vegan menu is prepared using organic ingredients and includes Czech favorites, such as goulash and Svíčková, as well as clearly marked raw and gluten-free options.

However, due to its location in a renovated attic of a 16th-century building, this restaurant is only accessible by walking up a few flights of stairs. 

Lehka Hlava

Lehka Hlava is another great vegetarian restaurant in Prague serving high-quality vegetarian and vegan food in the city’s Old Town. It shares a somewhat similar menu to its sister restaurant, Maitrei, but it is constantly evolving and the atmosphere is entirely different. Lehka Hlava translates to ‘clear head’ and that’s what its fresh cuisine and starry interior design attempt to inspire. 

Selected Sustainable Dining Rooms

Finding a meal that is both delicious and ethically sourced is easier than ever in our capital. We prefer these dining rooms for their commitment to zero-waste principles and their support of local organic farmers. They offer a sophisticated and responsible way to experience the best of our regional produce. Book a food tour with us to learn more.

Pastva

Specializing in modern vegan cuisine, Pastva serves dishes composed solely of pure vegetable products. Seasonal ingredients are used to create fresh, balanced meals that pair nicely with their selection of authentic Moravian wines, which are produced without any unnecessary technology or additives.

Located near the Anděl metro station in Prague’s Smíchov neighborhood, this vegan restaurant’s atmosphere makes it an excellent choice for a business lunch or special occasion dinner. 

Satsang

This Prague vegetarian restaurant serves homemade plant-based vegetarian and vegan dishes including freshly baked bread, pickles, dips, and desserts that are prepared from scratch in-house. They serve an American-style brunch on the weekends and dinner every night with options ranging from Beyond Meat burgers to Asian street food favorites such as Pad Thai and Bahn Xiao.

All ingredients come from local, small farmers so the menu changes seasonally. The beer selection also changes weekly, featuring a selection solely from small breweries.

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Radost FX

Radost FX claims to be the first vegetarian restaurant in the Czech Republic. That’s not the only thing that makes this place unique, though. It is also a nightclub with some of the finest house and RnB music in Prague.

Their dinner menu gets its inspiration from the cuisines of India, Mexico, Thailand, Africa, and Italy and the weekend brunch is American-inspired, offering visitors a journey around the world through food. 

Etnosvět

Located within steps of the I.P. Pavlova metro stop, Etnosvět is the place to go for vegetarian fine dining in Prague. They offer both vegetarian and vegan seven-course tasting menus as well as à la carte options that include a range of colorful dishes from around the world. Etnosvět has won several awards including a Golden Lion award for 2019, distinguishing it as one of the top restaurants in the Czech Republic. 

Whether you’re in the mood for something fast and casual or something more upscale, there is no shortage of excellent vegan and vegetarian restaurants in Prague to choose from. While you may struggle to find many choices at traditional restaurants, it’s not difficult to be a vegetarian in Prague if you know where to look. 

Culinary Evolution of Vegan and Vegetarian Food in Prague

Historically, Czech cuisine was very limited for vegetarians, often revolving solely around ‘smažený sýr’ (fried cheese). We find that the younger generation of chefs is now reclaiming traditional vegetables like kohlrabi and parsnips to create complex meat-free dishes. This shift is not just a trend but a return to the diverse plant-heavy diets of our pre-industrial ancestors. Recognizing this evolution helps you find the most innovative kitchens in the city.

Vegan and Veggie Menu Navigation When Visiting Prague

In many traditional pubs, we suggest looking for the ‘bezmasá jídla’ section, though you should always confirm if lard was used in the preparation. We recommend visiting the city’s self-service vegetarian buffets, which are a long-standing local favorite for a quick and healthy lunch. It is common for modern vegan spots to also offer a wide range of gluten-free options clearly marked on the menu. Don’t be afraid to ask for ‘rostlinné mléko’ (plant-based milk) in almost any modern café today.