Prague tips by locals | Spotted by Locals city guide » Praha 3

Kofein – Original tapas

Masha Volynsky — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:18:05 +0000

Image by Masha Volynsky

For the life of me, I still don’t understand what the name of this restaurant – translated as caffeine – has to do with the menu or the concept, but this became fairly irrelevant once I tasted my first Kofein tapa. Inspired by the Spanish original, this family restaurant decided to put forth an international, and in some cases even purely Central European, twist.

Although Chorizo and pork belly still have a place on Kofein’s dinner menu, the much more exciting small dishes are not commonly seen in the world of tapas – like red lentil salad with bacon chips or millet grains with vegetables and beef fillet in red wine sauce. Served with fresh bread and a smile from the multi-lingual waiters, the tapas are great way to try out the chef’s versatility and finesse. Each tapa dish is actually enough for two to three people to have a good tasting.

If you’re not in the mood to share, you can also enjoy the portobello or beef burger, or a hearty beef borsch alone. But Kofein definitely seems like a place for sharing. The interesting wine list definitely helps that along.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Kofein | Restaurants (Tapas) | Average tapa CZK 65
Nitranská 9 | Praha 3 | +420273132145
Mon – Fri 11:00 – 00:00, Sat – Sun 17:00 – 00:00

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Kino Aero – You will be floating on air

Irena Schlosserová — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:08:37 +0000

Image by Irena Schlosserova

Aero, floating on air, relaxing, feeling good among people who seems close to you…and I believe you will also come up with a different description once you have been to Kino Aero.

Kino Aero is one of the few specialized in art films, various festivals and special projections. The cinema itself was built in the years 1930 – 33 in the courtyard of residential house in a purely functionalist style. The last renovation affected the bar that turned from cosy and old-school to pure black, white and green space so corresponding with the function of the bar and giving free space to often held exhibition of film posters.

I have loved visiting Kino Aero since I was small. Although the journey from the other part of the city took hour and a half and I was able to recall the part of Prague we passed much later in my life, I never felt Kino Aero was too far. And when I lived in Prague? I could not resist any more. I believe you will love the bar, love Bernard beer, enjoy the carefully chosen films and welcoming atmosphere.

Interesting fact – as an extended activity of Kino Aero and Kino Svetozor (check the Kino Svetozor article) distribution company Aerofilms was born, focused on valuable feature films and documents.

Why not to end your Zizkov tour with a quality film?

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Kino Aero | Art & culture, Bars, Cinemas | Film ticket CZK 100.00
Biskupcova 31 | Praha 3 | +420271771349
16:00 – 00:00 daily

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Jiřák Farmers’ Market – Veggies back to the future

Masha Volynsky — Mon, 07 May 2012 12:08:34 +0000

Image by Masha Volynsky

The farmers’ market craze hit Prague in the spring 2010. It started with one or two test runs, with reserved support from the local city administration. But as soon as the maddening crowd started lining up for Czech-grown veggies, home-baked pastries and gluten-free sausages, every city district wanted to have a market of their own. Now, there are over thirty markets happening on different days all over Prague.

This was a long-time coming. After the fall of communism, and the fast economic growth of the country, informal markets fell out of favor. People flocked to supermarkets and hypermarkets. Recent years, though, have seen a reverse trend. Many city dwellers, frustrated with getting Spanish tomatoes and EU-sourced honey, even in the corner stores, have started seeking out locally grown and organic produce along with a nicer shopping experience.

Now, the Jiřák market looks similar to the food markets in West European cities that have a much longer history. Except, that the proportion of fresh produce to other products is much lower most of the year. Vegetables, fruit, dairy products and meat all come from Czech farms, and the vendors are surprisingly eager to tell you where their farm is located and even invite you to visit. In addition, there are always one or two fish stands, and you can find hand-made ceramics, Moravian wine, jams, pastries, the lot.

In the summer months, there is often live music, grilled meat and beer on tap, giving it a somewhat Czech beer garden feel.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Jiřák Farmers’ Market | Shopping, Snacks, Festivals & events
nam. Jiřího z Poděbrad | Praha 3
Wed & Fri – Sat 08:00 – 18:00

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Le Caveau – Bite-size French gourmet

Masha Volynsky — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 10:08:00 +0000

Image by Masha Volynsky

For a while Jiřího z Poděbrad square was a pretty boring little city park, with one of the strangest looking churches in Prague smack in the middle. A year or so ago, though, it started shaping up into a real neighborhood. One of the (relative) newcomers to the square is family-owned Le Caveau, a French café and wine shop that oozes a neighborhoody feel from every pore.

It looks cozy even from the outside. Inside, the armchairs and simple decor make it perfect place to read a book, meet with a friend or even get some work done. Plus, they have about six or so excellent French wines you can get by the glass, or some home-made goodies like quiches, scones and sandwiches. I overheard that these are made literally in someone’s home with French ingredients. Which, in my opinion, is going slightly overboard, but it does fit the casual yet slightly snobbish idea of the place.

If you have no time to sit down, you can also buy French cheeses and specially picked French wines to take home. The family that owners Le Caveau actually started out with a wine import business, and have a wine store on Husinecká 3 where they also hold tastings. For me, though, it’s enough to sip the nectar in the ambiance it was meant to be ingested in.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Le Caveau | Coffee & tea | Capuccino CZK 50
nam. Jiriho z Podebrad 9 | Praha 3
Mon – Fri 07:30 – 20:30, Sat 09:00 – 20:30, Sun 16:00 – 20:30

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Yes Burger – Best burgers in town

Filip Grimm — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 14:08:32 +0000

Image by Filip Grimm

Where I live burgers are a symbol of unhealthy lifestyle. I think this is because most people here associate them with fast-food chains. While I don’t like fast-food chains’ burgers at all, because their toxicity is almost visible, I love true burgers made with high quality, fresh resources. When I wanted a burger like this, I had to make it myself at home, because it was nowhere to get here in Prague.

Not too long ago a friend of mine showed me this place. I had a Bacon burger menu and it was delicious. Now that I’ve had all the items on their menu I can really say I’ve never had a better burger in Prague. The duo of owners, who look very much alike, quit their jobs as hotel chefs so that they could open this restaurant.

The place has a fast-food feel but also a student atmosphere and I often hear English there. Maybe because it’s very well located – right on the main street running through Žižkov. Not too long ago a new Yes Burger has been opened close to Staroměstská. The address is Valentínská 9, Praha 1.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Yes Burger | Snacks, Restaurants (Burgers) | Tower Burger CZK 80
Seifertova 14 | Praha 3 | +420608956345
11:00 – 23:00 daily

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Sudička – A comfy cove in Vinohrady

Masha Volynsky — Mon, 12 Mar 2012 03:52:13 +0000

Image by Masha Volynsky

If I had to think of a restaurant where I could go for almost any occasion, it would probably be Sudička. It’s exposed brick walls, covered with a multitude of dripping candles, dimmed lighting and a usually a great choice of quietly playing music are inviting and cozy. Located below street level, Sudička has a slightly mysterious feel, which is supplemented well by friendly and relaxed staff.

The food is quite hearty and with a little twist. The kitchen stays away from Czech “international” staples, and offers a real mix that will please almost anyone. From big salads, to couscous dishes, excellently grilled meats, and even straying to home-made Russian pelmeni. There is also a good choice for vegetarians.

But Sudička is not only a restaurant, it is also great place just to stop by at for a glass of wine or a nightcap with a friend. The house wines are usually very good and affordable, and you can also ask for a light (or dark) Kozel beer that’s not often found on tap.

Details about this spot (Show on map)
Sudička | Restaurants (International) | Couscous dishes CZK 170
Nitranská 1355/7 | Praha 3 | +420222511609
Mon – Sat 15:33 – 23:33