‘If you’re visiting the Czech capital, check out these 5 unique cafes in Prague for something a little different from the norm…
Prague is filled with wonderful coffee shops, so it’s not hard to find somewhere to rest your weary legs during a hard day’s sightseeing. However, if you like grand, famous and slightly different, check out these unique cafes in Prague.
Orijin Tea
Hidden in a corner, just off Charvatova, Orijin Tea offers a traditional Asian experience. Walking down the stairs to the interior, the sounds of relaxing running water and the traditional design elements put you instantly at ease. When you take a spot at a table, the tea master will greet you with a menu and all the advice you need on making your selection.
After ordering, the tea master will initiate the ceremony. This involves infusing leaves, educating you about the correct temperature for brews, and showing you how to pour, strain, and serve. All tables are equipped with a kettle, thermometer, and Gongfu serving trays. You can simply relax and take your time once the ceremony is complete.
Teas aren’t cheap but they’re also not unreasonable. You’re provided with one set of leaves but your kettle is filled as many times as you want. We spent around 90 minutes, sipping away and eating matcha cookies. The total cost was around 12 GBP. It was worth it, just for the experience. Plus, my husband is Chinese, so he’d have paid any price for some authentic white tea.
Café Imperial
Those looking for an upscale experience in truly elegant surroundings should look no further than Cafe Imperial. This famous coffee house has been in business for more than 100 years and was frequented by Prague’s most famous son, Franz Kafka.
With huge picture windows, giving the best views of the street, it’s not a cheap option for a coffee stop. However, the Art Nouveau tile and the ceramic interior are breathtaking. You don’t need to book for the cafe, but dinner reservations are required. This is mainly due to the demand for meals prepared by the celebrity chef who runs the kitchen. Prices aren’t cheap but the experience is memorable.
Café Slavia
Cafe Slavia is one of the most famous cafes in Prague for three reasons. Firstly, it has incredible views. Secondly, it was frequented by Vaclav Havel before he became President of the Czech Republic and third, it’s food and drinks are excellent. There’s a great range of teas, coffees, and sweet treats. Getting a good seat provides views of the National Theatre and Charles Bridge. You’ve got to be in a pretty bad mood not to enjoy drinking coffee with such beautiful scenery.
Because it’s one of the best cafes in Prague 1, Cafe Slavia can get pretty busy – even during the shoulder months. Luckily, it’s spacious, so you can generally find someone who’s just about to finish up and move on. If not, it’s located in the city centre, so you can always loop back later.
Choco Café
I’m not a fan of hot chocolate, but even I was blown away by the quality of the drinks at Choco Cafe. This beautiful space is a haven for chocolate lovers. As well as the hot milk chocolate, it also serves white and dark drinks. While I opted for cappuccino, I didn’t manage to stay away from chocolate altogether. I had to order two coconut pralines to go with the coffee. It would’ve been rude not to. Les had a rich hot chocolate and a delicious spinach quiche. We sat for an hour in a cosy booth and watched the world go by.
Choco Cafe seems to be a big draw for students (not the rowdy, annoying sort). It’s obviously a popular and unique cafe in Prague to study. Many people were enjoying chocolate lattes while working on laptops, or meeting for a catch up with friends. While the area just outside was busy with locals and tourists, Choco Cafe was a quiet little getaway.
Grand Café Orient
Grand Cafe Orient is another of the best unique cafes in Prague 1. It occupies the first floor of the House of the Black Madonna, a uniquely Cubist building. Designed by architect, Josef Gocar, the building was closed for many years when the design movement fell out of favour. Today, it incorporates Cubist, Art Nouveau, and Art Deco aspects both inside and out. It’s a really unique and famous cafe in Prague and an interesting place to spend time.
The design of the buffet bar and the light fixtures at Grand Cafe Orient are fantastic. The same can be said for the range of drinks, and the selection of sweet or salty Czech pancakes. They offer a mean coconut hot chocolate, which should probably be trademarked and turned into scented candles. It smells AMAZING.
Suz xx
