Traditional Czech dish or modern twist?
Christmas Eve dinner is a cherished tradition, bringing family and friends together. However, dining out at restaurants on Christmas Eve is becoming increasingly popular. Options range from classic Czech cuisine to modern gastronomic experiences. And don't forget: if you want to dine in one of the restaurants during Christmas, you need to book a table as soon as possible! Think about it well in advance. So, whether you opt for traditional Czech dish or prefer a modern twist, each selected restaurant promises a dining experience to remember.
A practical tip: In Czechia, we celebrate Christmas Eve with gift-giving around the Christmas tree on 24th December, ahead of the main Christmas holiday on 25th December. Many restaurants also serve festive menus on 25th and 26th December.
Prague Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
In Prague, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to Christmas Eve dinner. Whether you’re after a classic Czech menu or something inspired by international cuisine, there’s something for everyone. The Mlýnec Restaurant, located right in the centre of Prague under the Charles Bridge, offers a four-course Christmas tasting menu with the option of wine pairing. Available on 25th December, the menu features roasted foie gras, fish cream soup, pikeperch, and veal filet mignon, with a cinnamon Christmas cake for dessert. Delicious!
Another option is the V Zátiší restaurant, one of the most renowned in Prague, offering a unique Christmas menu that masterfully combines traditional Czech cuisine with modern elements. Gourmets looking for elegance and exceptional flavours will find their place there. The Christmas menu will be available on 25 and 26 December 2024 and is paired with carefully selected wines for the ultimate experience. This menu is open to guests aged 12 and over and booking is essential. For starters, expect snails, which were once a common feature on Christmas Eve tables. This will be followed by a creamy fish soup enriched with trout caviar. The main course will be pork fried schnitzel served with potato salad. And the sweet spot? Delicious Czech Christmas cookies..
If you desire a refined setting and a quiet atmosphere, the U Modré Kachničky restaurant in Mala Strana is the ideal place. Its five-course menu includes grilled duck breast on apricots, roasted pikeperch and a desert with poppy seed cream and walnut crumble to finish.
Italian cuisine lovers will appreciate the Christmas menu in the restaurant La Finestra in Cucina, while Kampa Park offers not only delicious food for the holidays, but also a unique view of the Vltava River. In addition to the food, you can also enjoy carefully selected wines.
For those who prefer traditional Czech cuisine but don't want to forgive themselves for a pint of the famous Czech golden beverage, the legendary Restaurant U Fleků is a great choice - and look out - a New Year's Eve menu to celebrate the coming year 2025. If you are tempted by something out of the ordinary, the restaurant Červený Jelen ⬈ prepares not only Christmas Eve menus, but also special dishes for the Christmas holidays and New Year's menu. The menu also includes a celebratory eggnog toast.
Where to Go Next in Czechia?
However, the Christmas menu is not the domain of Prague alone. In Pilsen, you can visit the U Zpěváčků restaurant, which serves traditional Czech fish soup, fried carp from Třeboň or steak from pikeperch. In Brno, the European Capital of Christmas for 2024, you can sample a sumptuous menu at the Valoria restaurant, where you will also find sturgeon. In Moravia, you will also be attracted to the first-class Olomouc restaurant Entrée, which offers a tasting menu under the baton of one of the most famous Czech chefs.
In the north of Bohemia, in Liberec, you can experience a Christmas party in the restaurant Zlatý kohout⬈. In the east of Czechia, the festive brunch at the Imperial Hotel Ostrava is the perfect opportunity to meet up during the Christmas holidays.
Wherever you choose to dine, these restaurants promise a magical atmosphere paired with exceptional gastronomy. Don't forget: Book your table well in advance, as demand for Christmas menus is always high.
