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15 of the Best Cheap Eats in Prague from a 5-Time Visitor

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As someone who’s visited Prague five times and used to run trips there from Italy, I can’t recommend this city enough. The architecture, the culture, and above all, the food are all reasons to add this awesome city to your travel bucket list. Each visit has unveiled a new layer of the city, from hidden cobblestone alleyways to pink-walled gingerbread shops to incredible views of Praha Castle. This city is steeped in history, but at the same time feels vibrant and alive. Trust me when I say – there’s something in Prague that captivates every traveler.

So, where to eat in Prague on a budget? The city has a rich culinary culture that doesn’t have to cost a fortune… if you know where to look. From hearty, traditional Czech meals that cost less than a coffee in Paris, to the mouth-watering smells wafting from the street vendors in Old Town Square, in this guide you’ll find an array of cheap eats in Prague that cater to any taste.

If you’re ready to dine economically without compromising flavor, quality, or experience – then keep reading for the best places to eat in Prague on a budget.

The adorable streets of Mala Strana in Prague.

🧅 The Top 5 Affordable Eats Ranked

  1. MOST HISTORIC: U Fleku 🥩
  2. BEST CZECH CUISINE: U Bulīnü 🥔
  3. BEST CHIMNEY CAKE: Good Food 🍦
  4. BEST GIMMICK: Pivovar U Medvídku’s Beer-Themed Gift Shop 🍺
  5. BEST POTATO DUMPLINGS: Vinohradsky Parlament 🥟

Map of the Best Budget-Friendly Eats

Trip map created using Wanderlog, for making itineraries on iOS and Android

The Best Cheap Eats in Prague

When it comes to international cuisine, Czech food is often overlooked in favor of more popular options like Italian food, Mexican cuisine, or Thai delicacies. I’m here to point out just how underrated Czech cuisine is and hopefully, by the end of your trip, you’ll wholeheartedly agree!

Prague offers a wide range of traditional Czech options and international cuisine at varying price points, making it easy to find something delicious without breaking the bank. Here are some must-try cheap eats in Prague:

Views from the Charles Bridge in Prague. Walk across this bridge on your 4 days in Prague itinerary!

1. Pivovar U Medvídku (Old Town)

Introducing a must try food in Prague…beer ice cream. Yes – you heard that correctly. 

Spoiler: it was amazing. We tried some of U Medvídku‘s healthy Czech options and (although my heart wanted the pork stuffed bread dumplings) the salad was very tasty and left plenty of room for beer ice cream. They also have a beer-themed gift shop where I purchased some beer-scented lotion after eating my beer-flavored ice cream and beer-soaked cheese. Never has a Wisconsin girl felt so at home in Europe!

Since we were planning on a hearty dessert, we decided to order dinner on the lighter side with a Caesar salad, baby potatoes with grilled veggies and tofu, and an assortment of cheeses soaked in oil and beer. Okay, that last part may not have been the healthiest, but we did our best. 

Location: Na Perštýně 345 /7, 110 00 Staré Město
Hours: Open 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM daily (closes at 10:00 PM on Sundays)
Contact: +420 736 662 900

Cesar salad, baby potatoes with grilled veggies and tofu, and an assortment of cheeses soaked in oil and beer.
Beer ice cream from U Medvidku. This restaurant serves some of the best cheap eats in Prague!

2. Restaurace Mlejnice (Staré Mesto)

If you’re looking for one of the best cheap restaurants in Old Town, look no further than Restaurace Mlejnice.

As one of the highest-rated Czech restaurants in the city, this cozy spot should definitely be on your itinerary for 4 days in Prague (or more!). Although it’s located in the heart of Old Town Square, the prices are reasonable and the food is both authentic and crazy delicious. The interior of the restaurant is filled with dark wood and brick, giving off old-world historic vibes while you eat.

We ordered garlic toast, a salad with lentils, beetroot, lettuce, mustard, feta, and basil, and a pork tenderloin braid with garlic and melted cheese sauce. The verdict? Restaurace Mlejnice has earned its spot on the list of good cheap restaurants in Prague. 

Location: 14, Kožná 488, Staré Město, 110 00 Praha 1
Hours: Open 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM daily.
Contact: +420 224 228 635

Garlic toast, salad, and a pork tenderloin braid from Restaurace Mlejnice in Prague. This is a great spot for cheap eats in Prague!

3. Lidová Jídelna Tesnov (NOVÉ MESTO)

Cafeteria Lidová Jídelna Tesnov is one of the best places to find delicious, authentic, and affordable Czech cuisine in the heart of New Town. 

The menu changes daily, but each day they offer six local dishes, one homemade soup, and five fresh salads in their cafeteria-style location in New Town. You can expect hearty and traditional fare from Lidová Jídelna – like stuffed chicken breast, roast beef with garlic and spinach, stroganoff, and apple buns for dessert. 

If you’re looking for traditional Czech food on a budget, look no further than Lidová Jídelna Tesnov!

Location: Těšnov 1163/5, 110 00 Praha 1-Nové Město-Petrská čtvrť
Hours:
Open Monday through Friday from 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM
Contact: +420 224 225 421

4. Hlávkur Dvur (NOVÉ MESTO)

Nestled in a secret alley, Hlávkur Dvur is the perfect place to sit for a traditional Czech meal and a cold beer away from the bustle of the city. The outdoor terrace is lovely in the summer months and the food is tasty, affordable, and very filling.

I went for the 1/4 roasted duck with braised red cabbage, dumplings with Vienna-style onion, and Velopopovicky Kozel Tmavy (dark beer). Let me be the first to tell you, when you eat cheap in Prague, it does not mean you don’t leave full. I’m surprised they didn’t have to roll me out the door! 

Location: Vodičkova 17, 110 00 Nové Město
Hours: Open 24 hours on Mondays, 11:00 AM – midnight on Tues. – Fri., Saturday noon – 11:00 PM, and Sunday noon – midnight 
Contact: +420 222 516 787

Roasted duck, braised cabbage, dumplings, and dark Czech beer from Hlavkur Dvur.

5. U Bulinü (Vinohrady) – My favorite Cheap Food in Prague ⭐️ 

Looking for the best cheap restaurant in Prague? “Czech” out U Bulīnü – where the duck melts in your mouth and the beer is ice-cold and cheaper than water. Even after five visits, U Bulīnü still remains my favorite restaurant in the city. I stop by for a meal every time I’m in town and I’ve never had a dish I didn’t love. Mind-blowing menu aside, the staff is warm and friendly and the decor feels like a step back in history.

My favorite thing to order from U Bulīnü is their roasted duck with potato dumplings and red cabbage (pictured below, left). However, if you’re in the mood for something lighter, try the falafel burger or the green salad with chicken, avocado, cherry tomatoes, a fried egg, and radishes (pictured below, right).

U Bulinu is located in the Vinohrady neighborhood, far away from the tourist traps and overpriced, sub-par eateries. It’s actually one of the Prague restaurants where locals eat, so I highly recommend having a meal here during your trip.

Location: Budečská 803/2, 120 00 Vinohrady
Hours:
Open daily from 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Contact: +420 224 254 676

Roasted duck, braised cabbage, and potato dumplings from U Bulinu in Prague.
A caesar salad with chicken and veggie burger from U Bulinu – my favorite restaurant in Prague.

6. U Fleku (Nové Mesto)

During my time living in Italy and working for Bus2alps, I used to run weekend trips to Prague for study abroad students. U Fleku was a highlight of our weekend itinerary due to the restaurant’s historic atmosphere and delicious food in the heart of Old Town.

Since I always visited with 30+ study abroad students, I’ve enjoyed U Fleku‘s three-course menu many times. This delectable feast includes hot homemade soup (which was life-changing if you were visiting in the winter), hearty beef goulash, fluffy potato dumplings, and flaky apple strudel. All served, of course, with cold Czech beer. 

U Fleku, in Nové Město, is one of the oldest breweries in Eastern Europe and has been brewing beer for over 500 years. Dining here feels like a step back in history. The restaurant itself is enormous and is filled with long wooden tables and iron chandeliers.

Location: Křemencova 11, 110 00 Nové Město
Hours:
Open daily from 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Contact: +420 602 660 290

Beef goulash and fluffy potato pancakes from U Fleku Prague.
A piece of apple strudel with homemade whipped cream from U Fleku.

7. The Golden Cross Delicatessen

The Lahůdky Zlatý kříž, or the Golden Cross Delicatessen, has been cooking up Czech specialties in Jungmann Square for over a century. 

They specialize in traditional open-faced sandwiches called chlebíček topped with a variety of delicacies like potato salad, ham and cheese, Russian egg, hermelín (a cheese similar to camembert), crab, and roast beef. But that’s not all – the Golden Cross also makes and sells over 30 varieties of salad, fried snacks, cold-cut platters, sweet cakes, and other desserts. Along with selling some of the best budget-friendly eats in Prague, this deli is a genuine piece of history in the heart of New Town. 

Location: 34, Jungmannova 750, Nové Město, 110 00 Praha
Hours:
Open Monday through Friday from 7:00 AM – 6:30 PM, Saturday from 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM, and closed on Sundays
Contact: +420 222 519 451

8. Vinohradsky Parlament (VINOHRADY)

Another great find if you’re looking for more cheap places to eat in Prague, Vinohradsky Parlament is a bit outside the city center but definitely worth the trip. I actually discovered this hidden gem because it’s right around the corner from the Czech Inn, one of my favorite hostels in Prague for solo travelers.

They put a modern spin on traditional cuisine with their potato dumpling-filled menu. For 295 CZK (or around 13 USD), you can eat dumplings to your heart’s content on their All-You-Can-Eat Dumpling Menu! 

We went for the beetroot pasties and chicken with paprika sauce and potato dumplings – washed down with cold local beer of course.

Location: Korunní 1, 120 00 Vinohrady
Hours:
Mondays 10:45 AM – 11:00 PM, Tuesdays & Wednesdays 10:45 AM – 11:30 PM, Thursdays & Fridays 10:45 AM – midnight, Saturdays 11:30 AM – midnight, Sundays 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Contact: +420 224 250 400

Chicken with paprika sauce from Vinohrdasky Parlament – some of the best cheap eats in Prague.

9. Cafe Chloé Praha (Nové Mesto)

Combine a perfect photo spot with a fantastic cup of coffee and Cafe Chloé is what you’ll find. (I know it’s not Czech food, but Chloé Cafe is just too picturesque to leave out!)

The entire cafe is built around the perfect Instagram shot, complete with adorable wall decals, pink lattes, and an entire wall of peonies (check out the results of our photoshoot below). But don’t try it out for just the photo op, the coffee is delicious and so are the desserts, açaí bowls, and toasts!

Located: Senovážné nám. 981/21, 110 00 Nové Město
Hours:
Open daily from 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Contact: +420704657434

An Instagram-aesthetic brunch from Cafe Chloe in Prague.
Cafe Chloe's iconic peony wall.

10. PokeHaus Myslíkova (New Town)

If you need a bit of a break from the constant roasted meat and potato dumplings that is Eastern European cuisine in a nutshell, head over to PokeHaus and build your own Poke Bowl. There’s nothing I love more than sushi, so it’s hard for me to resist a good poke shop (especially when they offer sushi burritos like my favorite poke place in Madison).

The shop itself is tiny, but the atmosphere is adorable (Insta pic anyone?) and the poke bowls are tasty and affordable. I ordered my usual combination of salmon, tuna, edamame, jalapeños, avocado, cucumber, spicy mayo, and eel sauce. 

Location: Odborů 263/2, 120 00 Nové Město
Hours
: Open daily from 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact: +420 608 548 858

A hearty poke bowl from Prague's PokeHaus.

What to Eat in Prague

Now that you have a long list of hidden gems and cheap eats to try in Prague, it’s time to start asking the question…”so what should I eat in Prague?”

Czech cuisine may not be the most well-known or diverse in the world, but it has its own unique and hearty flavors that are sure to satisfy any appetite. I personally believe that, like Bavarian food, Czech cuisine gets a bad rep. If you invited me to sit down to a dinner of hearty dumplings, roasted duck, and crunchy red cabbage – I couldn’t be more excited!

If you’re a little more on the fence about Czech food, maybe I’ll be able to change your mind…

Below are some classic dishes and drinks that you should definitely try while visiting Prague.

11. Trdelník (Chimney Cakes)

Contrary to what most people believe, chimney cakes or “trdelník” actually originated in Hungary. However, Prague is taking advantage of how many tourists are ignorant of that fact by selling trdelník on every corner.

Regardless of their origins, it’s hard to dispute their deliciousness. Trdelník are sweet pastries made from rolled dough, wrapped around a stick, and grilled to perfection before being topped with sugar. Many street food stands in Prague will also fill the hollow cakes with soft-serve ice cream (pictured below, left).

Where to try them: Although most chimney cakes in Prague are filled with ice cream, Good Food Bakery takes it a step further by offering savory options filled with mac n’ cheese (pictured below, right)! They also offer unique twists on the traditional dessert by including flavors like charcoal or Aperol Spritz (which you know I can’t get enough of).

A tasty trdelník filled with soft serve ice cream.
A mac n' cheese filled trdelník from Good Food in Old Town Square Prague.

12. Halusky

Halušky, a staple of Czech cuisine, is a simple yet satisfying dish that embodies the hearty and comforting nature of the city’s culinary scene. It’s a delightful concoction of small, gnocchi-like potato dumplings, bacon or ham, and sweet white cabbage. Halušky is a common street food in Prague and you’ll usually find it where vendors are also selling Old Prague Ham – since any scraps of ham are added to the halušky to eliminate waste.

I tried halušky for the first time during my first trip when I spotted a street vendor selling it in Old Town Square. It wasn’t until my second visit, years later, that I realized it was dumplings and cabbage instead of straight-up mac n’ cheese. I swear that’s what it tasted like.

Where to try it: I recommend trying halušky where I did – smack dab in the middle of Old Town Square. Since it’s sold by street vendors, this dish is the definition of cheap eats in Prague and is best enjoyed with a cold beer.

Eating a heaping bowl of halusky from a street vendor is a must-add to your 4 days in Prague itinerary

13. Knedlíky (Dumplings)

Commonly served as a side dish to pork, beef, or duck, knedlíky or Czech dumplings are one of my favorite dishes to eat in Prague! Thankfully, they’re found everywhere in the Czech Republic, from Ostrava to Cesky Krumlov and everywhere in between.

Unlike the round, dense dumplings you might be familiar with, knedlíky are typically bread-like and sliced, presenting an almost loaf-like appearance. These dumplings are made from flour, yeast, egg, salt, and milk, and are often mixed with other ingredients like stale bread cubes for added texture.

The best thing about knedlíky is that they tend to be porous and soak up any delicious sauce on your plate! If you didn’t notice already from my photos, almost every single one of the Czech meals I ordered served dumplings as a side dish…and I’m definitely not complaining.

Where to try them: Try delicious dumplings at almost all of the restaurants listed above like U Bulīnü, Vinohradsky Parlament, and U Fleku.

14. Hot Honey Wine and Mulled Wine

Hot honey wine, also known as medovina, and mulled wine, also known as svařák, are traditional Czech beverages that are perfect for chilly evenings.

Medovina is made from fermented honey and spices like cinnamon, cloves, and ginger. Similar to medovina, svařák is made from red or white wine mixed with spices and heated.

These drinks are commonly sold at Christmas markets and during the winter season, making them the perfect drinks to keep you warm while exploring the city. As a frequent traveler to Prague, I absolutely adore both versions – especially since the city can get exceptionally chilly during the shoulder season.

Where to try it: Peruse the street food stands in Old Town Square or head to my favorite rooftop bar, Black Angel’s Bar at Hotel U Prince, for hot wine with a spectacular view.

The views from Black Angels Bar at Hotel U Prince in Prague.

15. Hovezí Gulás (Goulash)

A staple of traditional Czech cuisine, goulash or hovězí guláš is a rich stew made with beef, onions, and spices like paprika, caraway seeds, and marjoram. It is usually served on a flat plate with sliced red onions on top and a few slices of knedlíky to soak up the sauce.

Although goulash has its roots in Hungary, the Czech people adapted goulash to serve their own tastes and reflect their own flavors. Goulash is one of my favorite meals to eat when visiting Prague!

Where to try it: Restaurace Mlejnice serves some of the best-rated goulash in the city. I also love ordering goulash from U Fleku whenever I visit.

Food Tours You May Enjoy in Prague

If you’re looking to delve deeper into this city’s vibrant food scene, then booking one of the top-rated Prague food tours is a must. From my personal experience, food tours offer a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the culinary traditions and local flavors of a city. Just this past summer, while living in Lisbon, I had the opportunity to participate in a food tour in Seville. It was an incredible experience that allowed me to truly appreciate and understand the city’s culinary traditions, beyond simply tasting them.

These top-rated tours aren’t just about tasting the best food in Prague – they’re a journey through the city’s rich history, culture, and tradition.

The outside of the John Lennon Pub in Prague.

Prague Food FAQs:

Is it cheap to eat out in Prague? 

Yes, compared to other European cities, eating out in Prague is relatively inexpensive. You can find a variety of budget-friendly options, from street food vendors to traditional pubs and restaurants. It’s a great city for foodies on a budget!

What is the most popular food in Prague? 

Some of the most popular foods in Prague include goulash, pork knuckle, and knedlíky. These dishes reflect Czech flavors and traditions and are a must-try when visiting the city. Be sure to also try roasted duck, smazeny syr (fried cheese), and apple strudel when hitting the best affordable eats in Prague!

Is tipping expected in Prague restaurants? 

Yes, it is customary to tip around 10-15% of your bill at restaurants in Prague. It’s common for many Prague restaurants to include an 8-10% service charge, so be sure to check the bill before leaving an additional tip.

Is Prague cheap or expensive? 

Overall, Prague is considered an affordable city for travelers. While there are some expensive and high-end options, you can easily find budget-friendly accommodations, meals, and activities throughout the city.

Final Thoughts

Each time I visit Prague, I learn more and more about the city’s rich culinary history. Even with five trips under my belt, there are still exciting new dishes to try around every cobblestoned corner!

Regardless of your budget, I highly recommend trying out the cheap eats in Prague listed above. In addition to being unbelievably affordable, these Czech restaurants and street food vendors offer a taste of the city’s unique flavors and culture. If time allows, consider taking part in a top-rated food tour to truly immerse yourself in delicious Czech cuisine.

One thing’s for sure, next time you come to Prague, come hungry!

If you enjoyed my guide to where to eat in Prague on a budget and if you’re planning on seeing more of Eastern Europe check out my related guides linked below. As always, if you enjoyed this post don’t forget to follow my adventures on Instagram @madisonsfootsteps!

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