Best svickova in Prague: TOP 9
TOP 9 tips from locals
If there’s one dish you absolutely shouldn’t miss when visiting Prague, it’s svíčková. This iconic Czech dish is a staple on restaurant menus, but its flavor can vary widely depending on where you try it. Some places nail it, offering a divine experience, while others fall a bit short. In Prague, you'll find plenty of spots serving svíčková, but only a few truly stand out. We’ve explored the city to pick out 9 places where we believe you’ll taste the best svíčková in Prague. Sure, most Czechs will tell you that the best svíčková is made by their mom or grandma, but let’s be real – unless your family is from the Czech Republic, it’s unlikely they’re whipping up a Sunday batch of svíčková... and certainly not in Prague. So, we hope this guide to the best places to enjoy this classic dish helps you find your perfect spot!
Svíčková (“sveetch-kovah”), or svíčková na smetaně, is one of the most traditional and popular Czech dishes. It consists of tender beef, usually sirloin, that's slow-cooked to perfection and served with a rich, creamy sauce made from root vegetables like carrots, parsley, and celery, combined with cream and spices. The dish is typically accompanied by knedlíky – Czech bread dumplings – which are perfect for soaking up the sauce. Often, it's garnished with a slice of lemon, a dollop of whipped cream, and a spoonful of cranberry sauce, adding a slightly sweet and tangy contrast to the savory flavors.
Where to taste the best svíčková in Prague
U Fleků
Address: Křemencova 11, Prague 1
Website: ufleku.cz
U Fleků is an iconic Prague brewery and restaurant, operating since 1499. A favorite among tourists, it's often considered one of Prague’s most visited "landmarks." While known for its Flekovský guláš, the svíčková here is equally legendary, ranking 8th on the list of the world’s most iconic restaurants due to its culinary authenticity. Expect traditional recipes handed down through generations, ensuring you’ll taste one of the best svíčková in Prague.
Source: ufleku.cz
Lokál
Address: more branches in Prague, see the map below
Website: lokal.ambi.cz
Lokál is all about great beer, hearty food, lively atmosphere and crowds – no matter which branch you visit. However, if you're here more for the food than the conversation, and you're craving one of the best svíčková in Prague, Lokál is always a safe bet. Plus, if you're really hungry, you're in luck: they serve svíčková with an unlimited amount of sauce and dumplings, typically bread dumplings. You’ll also get a generous portion of whipped cream mixed with cranberries. Once you wash down the tender meat, fluffy dumplings, and rich sauce with a perfectly poured Pilsner, you’ll find it hard to leave.
Source: jidloaradost.ambi.cz
Vinohradský Parlament
Address: Korunní 1, Prague 2
Website: vinohradskyparlament.cz
Vinohradský Parlament is a modern take on a traditional Czech pub, offering an innovative approach to classic Czech cuisine, especially dishes with dumplings. Here, they specialize in dumplings of all kinds, and thanks to the open kitchen, you can watch them being made live. If you order the svíčková, you can enjoy an unlimited serving of dumplings. With their “All You Can Eat” option, you can even choose between three sauces (including svíčková) and three types of dumplings to feast on to your heart’s content. This is a must-visit in Prague 2 for svíčková lovers. The great food is always paired with perfectly served Pilsner.
Source: vinohradskyparlament.cz
Havelská Koruna
Address: Havelská 23, Prague 1
Website: havelska-koruna.cz
Havelská Koruna is a popular self-service restaurant in the heart of Prague, specializing in traditional Czech cuisine at very affordable prices. If you want to enjoy good svíčková in Prague without breaking the bank, this place is an excellent choice. For tourists, the self-service concept adds a unique experience – grab a tray, get a ticket, pick your meal, and pay when you leave based on what have you eaten.
U Kroka
Address: Vratislavova 28, Prague 2
Website: ukroka.cz
U Kroka is a family-run restaurant located near Vyšehrad, specializing in traditional Czech cuisine with a modern twist. Their svíčková na smetaně is one of the most famous in Prague. You can look forward to a perfectly balanced sauce, juicy beef, and karlovarsky dumplings – all served in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. It’s the ideal choice if you want to taste authentic Czech food away from the main tourist routes in the city center.
Source: facebook.com/UKroka
Café Imperial
Address: Na Poříčí 15, Prague 1
Website: cafeimperial.cz
Café Imperial, under the leadership of renowned chef Zdeněk Pohlreich, is one of Prague's most prestigious culinary destinations. This historical café from the Art Nouveau era offers classic Czech cuisine in a luxurious setting. Anyone who comes here for one of the best svíčková in Prague will experience a literal taste of heaven. The sauce is perfectly seasoned and creamy, the beef tender, and the bread dumplings as light as a cloud. If you need more sauce, just ask, and they’ll bring you more. In combination with attentive service and an elegant atmosphere, this is the perfect place to enjoy traditional Czech cuisine at its finest.
U Veverky
Address: Eliášova 324/14, Prague 6 - Bubeneč
Website: uveverky.com
From luxury, we return to the charm of traditional Czech pubs. U Veverky may be located away from the city center, but we’ve heard rumors that they serve one of the best svíčková in Prague – and after visiting, we can confirm it. Their svíčková is made from organic beef from a Czech farm, with a smooth cream sauce and, of course, homemade dumplings. Topped with whipped cream and cranberries, this dish is the perfect escape from the bustling pub scene in the center.
Source: facebook.com/restauraceuveverky
U Bansethů
Address: Táborská 389/49, Prague 4 - Nusle
Website: ubansethu.cz
U Bansethů, which has been around for more than a century, is a true icon of traditional Czech cuisine. It’s also famous for being a favorite of writer Jaroslav Hašek, and the pub is even mentioned in his famous work The Good Soldier Švejk. Their svíčková is made according to Rettigová’s recipe, with both bread and semolina dumplings. The only downside? It’s not always on the menu, so you might need some luck to catch it. If svíčková isn’t available, try the duck – it’s equally divine. The restaurant is also connected to a brewery, so great beer is guaranteed.
Střecha
Address: Křemencova 7, Prague 1
Website: bistrostrecha.cz
Are you someone who’s cut out meat from your diet? No worries – you can still enjoy svíčková in Prague by heading to the vegan restaurant Střecha. Instead of meat, this classic dish is served with a soy cutlet. The restaurant is also noteworthy for employing people who have experienced homelessness or returned from prison, giving them a second chance. You can even contribute by buying a “suspended meal,” which pays for a portion of food for someone in need. Not only will your stomach be satisfied, but you’ll also leave with a warm feeling from helping others.
Source: facebook.com/RestauraceStrecha
Bonus Tips for Svíčková in Prague
Still haven’t had enough? Or maybe you’re planning a Tour de Svíčková in Prague? Here are a few more recommendations:
Mincovna & Tiskárna: Both places are already known for their excellent goulash, and they won’t disappoint with their svíčková either.
U Pinkasů: Famous for both its beer and traditional Czech cuisine.
Eateries Světozor or Na Marjánce: Low-cost options for those who can skip the service and stylish surroundings for a hearty portion of svíčková without draining their wallet. However, you’ll likely be eating a cut of meat other than the traditional beef tenderloin.
