The best low-budget restaurants in Prague: 19 tips for eating cheaply like the locals

The golden city of Prague captivates millions of visitors every year. But with the tourism boom, especially in the historic center (Prague 1), restaurant prices have skyrocketed. Those who wander aimlessly around Old Town Square or Charles Bridge can easily fall into an expensive tourist trap. The secret to eating excellent food at unbeatable prices? Do as the locals do! Away from the main thoroughfares, you’ll find historic Czech canteens (called *jídelny*), quaint beer halls, and modern, multicultural bistro gems. Here are our 19 best low-budget tips for Prague.

🍲 The secret crown jewels: Traditional Czech canteens (Jídelny)

Anyone wanting to experience the authentic, unvarnished everyday culture of Prague and get a good meal for just a few euros should visit a classic Czech canteen. Here, you get your food on a tray at the counter.

1. Havelská Koruna (Prague 1) – The classic in the center

Just steps from Wenceslas Square lies Havelská Koruna. This canteen is an institution. Upon entering, you receive a slip of paper on which each dish is stamped. The menu consists exclusively of classics: Svíčková (roast sirloin with cream sauce), hearty beef goulash, or breaded cheese (Smažený sýr). Despite its central location, countless Prague office workers eat lunch here.

• **Prices:** Main courses approx. 120 – 170 CZK (approx. 5 – 7 €)
• **Card payment:** Yes

2. Jídelna Světozor (Prague 1) – Hidden in the passage

A true insider tip, rarely found by tourists without a guide. Deep in the basement of the Světozor Passage, on the edge of the Franciscan Garden, lies this timeless canteen. The ambiance exudes authentic retro charm, the food is down-to-earth, fresh, and extremely affordable.

• **Prices:** Daily menus often start from just 110 CZK (approx. €4.50)
• **Card payment:** No, you absolutely need cash here!

3. Lidová Jídelna Těšnov (Prague 1) – Authentic and fast-paced

Located near the Florenc metro station, this popular canteen offers excellent Bohemian cuisine at a brisk pace. The menus change daily, and the portions are more than generous. Those arriving promptly at 12:00 should expect a queue – but the wait is well worth it.

• **Prices:** Main courses approx. 115 – 150 CZK (approx. 4.70 – 6 €)
• **Card payment:** Yes

🍺 Quaint pubs & restaurants with fair prices

Czech beer culture is world-famous. In these pubs and restaurants, you’ll not only get perfectly poured Pilsner Urquell, but also traditional delicacies at a fair price.

4. Lokál Dlouhááá (Prague 1) – Fresh cuisine in a long tube

The Lokál chain may no longer be a hidden gem, but it’s a must-have in any food guide. The concept is brilliant: they’ve brought the quality of traditional Czech cuisine back to the highest level – and at affordable prices. The meat comes from local farms, and the dumplings are rolled fresh daily.

• **Prices:** Classics approx. 160 – 240 CZK (approx. €6.50 – €9.50)
• **Special feature:** Probably the freshest and best-poured beer in the city, from huge tanks.

5. U Poutníka (Prague 1) – The honest pub

If you want to escape the tourist crowds in Prague and are looking for an honest, unpretentious pub, this is the place for you. Alongside excellent, hoppy Pilsner, you’ll find small Bohemian snacks like Utopenec (pickled sausage) or Nakládaný hermelín (pickled Camembert) – the perfect low-budget option.

• **Prices:** Snacks from 70 CZK (approx. €3), beer at unbeatable prices.

6. U Bansethů (Prague 4) – Legendary roast duck tradition

A little outside the city center, but worth every minute of the tram ride. U Bansethů is a historic beer hall, even mentioned in the famous novel “The Good Soldier Švejk.” The restaurant is renowned for its incredibly affordable and delicious duck breast with sauerkraut and dumplings.

• **Prices:** Main courses approx. 150 – 210 CZK (approx. €6 – 8.50)

7. Hostinec U Vodoucha (Prague 3 / Žižkov)

Žižkov is Prague’s traditional working-class district and boasts the highest density of pubs. At *U Vodoucha*, you sit on rustic wooden benches beneath old signs. The portions are gigantic, hearty, and perfect for those on a budget.

• **Prices:** Large pan dishes approx. 160 CZK (approx. €6.50)

🍜 Soup bars & Multicultural budget highlights

Prague has a huge Vietnamese community (the country’s third-largest minority). This means you can find sensational, healthy, and extremely affordable Asian food on almost every street corner.

8. Polévkárna Plno břicho (Prague 8 / Karlín) – The soup experts

Soup (*Polévka*) is a staple of every Czech lunch. This modern soup bar in the trendy Karlín district offers a daily selection of homemade soups from around the world – from hearty Czech goulash soup to Asian creations. Served with fresh bread, it makes for a complete and satisfying lunch on a budget.

• **Prices:** Large soups from 85 CZK (approx. €3.50)
• **Card payment:** Yes

9. Pho Vietnam Tuan & Lan (Prague 2) – Cult at the Market Square

This unassuming snack bar is located in Jiřího z Poděbrad Square. Seating is scarce, but the lunchtime queue stretches out onto the street for good reason. The traditional pho soup and the grilled pork bun cha are absolutely authentic and incredibly affordable.

• **Prices:** Giant bowls from 140 CZK (approx. €5.70)

10. Bistro Pho Nem (Prague 1) – Fast food near Wenceslas Square

If you get hungry while sightseeing in the city center and prefer fresh Asian cuisine to hearty dumplings, you’ll find what you’re looking for here. Perfect for a quick, affordable pit stop.

• **Prices:** Main courses approx. 130 – 160 CZK (approx. €5.30 – €6.50)

11. Beas Vegetarian Dhaba (Multiple locations) – Healthy Buffet

This chain of Indian vegetarian restaurants is a lifesaver for budget travelers. The food is served buffet-style and charged by weight at the register. An hour before closing, there are often massive discounts on the remaining food.

• **Prices:** Charged by the gram, a full meal usually costs around 120 – 150 CZK (approx. 5 – 6 €).

12. Burrito Loco (Multiple locations) – For late-night hunger

Perfect after a long pub crawl through Prague. Almost all Mexican bistros are open 24 hours a day and offer solid burritos, tacos, and nachos for very little money.

• **Prices:** Tacos from 60 CZK (approx. €2.50)

🍕 Street food, Chlebíčky & More budget-friendly insider tips

To complete our list of the 19 best money-saving tips for Prague, we take a look at fantastic snack alternatives and hidden basement bistros.

13. Lahůdky Zlatý Kříž (Prague 1) – The top class of Czech sandwiches

An absolute must-try in Prague! *Chlebíčky* are artfully topped, traditional Czech open-faced sandwiches (with potato salad, ham, cucumber, egg, etc.). Zlatý Kříž boasts a gigantic glass counter with dozens of variations. Three or four of these delicious bites easily replace a full lunch.

• **Prices:** A Chlebíček costs between 30 and 50 CZK (approx. €1.20 – €2)

14. Sisters Bistro (Prague 1) – Chlebíčky in a modern guise

Located right in the beautiful Dlouhá gourmet arcade. Here, traditional open-faced sandwiches are given a modern Scandinavian twist. A bit more expensive than the historic shops, but a taste sensation.

15. Pizza Nuova (Prague 1) – The Afternoon Deal

Right on Republic Square. It’s actually an upscale restaurant, but if you’re clever about arriving at lunchtime, you can snag fantastic Neapolitan pizza slices straight from the tray at very fair set prices.

16. Jídelna Libeňské Lahůdky (Prague 8)

A wonderful, nostalgic delicatessen with an attached hot food counter in northern Prague. Here you can find Czech meatballs (Karbanátek) and goulash soup amidst regular customers from the neighborhood.

17. Country Life (Prague 1) – A vegan insider tip in the old town

Tucked away in a quiet alley near the Old Town Square. A purely vegan self-service restaurant with a great selection of salads, soups, and warm vegetable stir-fries. Payment is fair and based on weight.

18. Bistro Bánh Mì Makers (Prague 1)

Sensational, freshly baked Vietnamese baguettes (Bánh Mì) generously topped with coriander, pickled vegetables, and meat or tofu. Filling, delicious, and easy on the travel budget.

19. Naše Maso (Prague 1) – The butcher’s snack

Right next to Sisters Bistro. It’s actually a high-end butcher shop, but you can have the meat (e.g., the legendary Prague meatloaf or fresh sausages) grilled right there and enjoy it standing up with fresh bread and mustard. Top quality at a fair price!

🗺️ Clever travel helpers for your Prague adventure

Want to discover Prague’s culinary highlights and affordable canteens for yourself? These three trusted partners will provide you with optimal support for your travel, accommodation, and budget planning on site:

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about cheap restaurants in Prague

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