Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
room. There are several vegetarian and low-calorie chicken-based selections on the
menu. Jazz combos play on most nights from a small stage in the corner. When reserv-
ing, ask for a table within view of the fireplace.
Anglická 15, Praha 2.
&
224-221-665.
www.bonante-restaurant.cz. Reservations recommended. Main courses
195Kc-695Kc ($8.10-$28/£4-£14). AE, MC, V. Daily 11:30am-11pm. Metro: I. P. Pavlova or Námêstí Míru.
Inexpensive
Osmicka
CZECH/INTERNATIONAL Osmi
c
ka is an interesting
hybrid in Vinohrady on a side street a few blocks above the National Museum. At first
sight, the “Number 8” reveals a tourist-geared cellar restaurant with tawny eclectic col-
ors, local art for sale on the walls, and a menu dominated by Italian standbys, fresh
salads, and a variety of sandwiches. But once a Czech sits down, he or she quickly rec-
ognizes the neighborhood secret: This is still a good ol' Bohemian
hospoda
with
vep
r
o-
knedlo-zelo
and other indigenous fare at local prices—served on new solid wood
furniture by nicer-than-normal staff.
Balbínova 8, Praha 2.
&
222-826-888.
www.osmicka.com. Main courses 54Kc-328Kc ($2.15-$14/£1-£7). MC, V.
Mon-Fri 11am-midnight; Sat noon-midnight. Metro: I. P. Pavlova or Námêstí Míru.
Value
Kids
Radost FX Café
VEGETARIAN
En vogue
and full of vegetarian offer-
ings, Radost is a clubhouse for hip new Bohemians, but it attracts plenty of interna-
tional visitors, too. The veggie burger served on a whole-grain bun is well seasoned
and substantial. Sautéed vegetable dishes, tofu, and huge Greek salads round out the
health-conscious menu. The dining area is a dark rec room seemingly furnished by a
rummage sale of upholstered armchairs, chaise longues, and couches from the 1960s.
Guests eat off coffee tables. Too cool.
Bêlehradská 120, Praha 2.
&
224-254-776.
www.radostfx.cz. Main courses 60Kc-285Kc ($2.50-$11/£1-£6). AE,
MC, V. Daily 11:30am-5am. Metro: I. P. Pavlova.
CAFE SOCIETY
Staré Mêsto (Old Town) & Josefov
Today, most of Prague's cafes have lost the indigenous charm of the Jazz Age or,
strangely enough, the Communist era. During the Cold War, the venerable Café
Slavia, across from the National Theater, became a de facto clubhouse in which dissi-
dents passed the time, often within listening range of the not-so-secret police. It's here
that Václav Havel and the arts community often gathered to keep a flicker of the Civic
Society alive.
Grand Café
CAFE FARE The biggest draw of this quaint cafe, the former Café
Milena, is a great view of the Orloj, an astronomical clock with an hourly parade of
saints on the side of Old Town Square's city hall. With a new management came
wider selection of main courses as well as higher prices. Make sure you get a table at
the window.
Staromêstské nám. 22, Praha 1 (1st floor).
&
221-632-520.
www.grandcafe.cz. Cappuccino 89Kc ($3.70/£2); main
menu 190Kc-490Kc ($7.90-$20/£4-£10). AE, MC, V. Daily 10am-midnight. Metro: Staromêstská.
Value
Kavárna Obecní d*m
CAFE FARE An afternoon here feels like a trip back
to the time when Art Nouveau was the newest fashion, not history. The reopening of
the entire Municipal House in the spring of 1997 was a treat for those who love this
style of architecture, and the
kavárna
might be its most spectacular public room. Wit-
ness the lofty ceilings, marble wall accents and tables, altarlike mantel at the far end,
