The gastronomic scene in Prague is very extensive and there are several establishments which one should visit at least once in a lifetime. Restaurateur Jurij Kolesnik, with more than twenty years of experience in the industry, even owns three of these. Each one has a different concept, boasting a distinctive atmosphere imprinted on them by this restaurateur and his team.
Noble Pleasure
La Veranda in the centre of Prague, with its cosy, elegant interior reminiscent of a French bistro, is mainly visited by local and foreign gourmands who like to pamper their tastebuds. This restaurant is the very first one opened by Jurij Kolesnik. It has been operating for over twenty years and offers both French and Italian delicacies. Here diners can order Foie Gras with poached pear and gingerbread waffle, Beef Carpaccio with black garlic, as well as Pappardelle Pasta with Deer Ragout. The menu changes and is always delicious. Guests should not forget to ask for the wine pairings, which the local classy, experienced staff will surely be happy to give advice on as to which wine combines perfectly with the dishes ordered.
Tapas Hotspot
Between Peace Square and I. P. Pavlova Square, the Spanish restaurant, Casa 71, is located in Prague’s Londýnská Street. Guests will especially like this venue if they enjoy sharing dishes and are happy to be able to taste more courses in a smaller format. Here, delicacies are served in the form of tapas, combining the traditions of Spanish cuisine with elements from other countries. "While at La Veranda restaurant we bet on combinations of ingredients that have been tried and tested for generations, at Casa 71 we experiment a lot with their combinations. We want to show our guests that even ordinary ingredients can taste unusual and take on a new, more attractive form," reveals Jurij Kolesnik. The signature dishes of this restaurant include, for example, Beef Rartare with wasabi mayonnaise, mushrooms and horseradish and Cauliflower in Tempura with yogurt sauce flavoured with garlic.
With Love from Grandma
For a family lunch or celebration, ideally book a table in the rustic Babiččina Zahrada (Grandma’s Garden) restaurant, surrounded by a garden with gazebos. In the winter months, sitting indoors, one can warm up pleasantly thanks to the heat radiating from the oven, and also look forward to the aromas wafting from the kitchen. Honest Czech cuisine with a touch of nostalgia is prepared here. Thus, meals appear on the plates that many a Czech grandmother would serve with the greatest love. Will you try smoked Pork Knuckle with creamed horseradish and marinated vegetables, or will you choose Roast Duck with red cabbage, apple and potato or bun dumplings? You can take a piece of Grandma’s Garden home with you in the form of home-made bread baked in the aforementioned oven.
A pleasant walk along Rašín embankment with a view of Prague Castle can quickly turn into an adventurous trip to Latin America. It only takes a few steps to become absorbed in the relaxed atmosphere of Cantina Mexican restaurant, to be served traditional cuisine and over 40 types of Tequila.
The historical Café Elefant, which has been welcoming its guests since 1715, is not only a place where history meets modern comfort but also an oasis of sweet delicacies and quality coffee. The café, located on the Teplá River embankment of the Karlovy Vary promenade, close to the colonnade and opposite Karlovy Vary Theatre, provides an unforgettable experience in the heart of the spa town.