Coffee and Tea Houses

Cafés abound in Prague. Whether you are seeking a classy and chic café to peoplewatch, craving an artsy environment to revel in solitude, choosing a cozy café for a date, or trying to impress a colleague, you will easily find a suitable place. At most cafés, you are welcome to linger for hours. A wide variety of coffees and teas are available in Prague.

Every step from the beans used to the brewing method chosen affects the outcome of the coffee. Michael Kierans, owner of KávaKávaKáva, has given some pointers on how to produce a quality cup of coffee. In order to achieve the full-bodied taste of a good cup of coffee, it is necessary to use arabica beans or a blend consisting primarily of arabica. The beans must be dark roasted in small batches and ground immediately prior to brewing the coffee. Optimal flavor is achieved by use of an espresso machine. The final and crucial test, however, is personal preference. The taste of a cup of coffee will always be the most effective means of rating its quality.

At-home brewing suggestion: “Use an espresso or mocha machine to make great coffee at home. The machine need not be large, fancy and expensive in order to yield tasty results. Rather, a small gadget which you place on the stove is among the best options for home brewing. Remember to choose arabica, dark-roasted beans, and don’t grind them until you’re ready to brew!”

Archa
Na porící 26, P1
Tel.: 232 4149
M-F 9-22:30, Sa-Su 13-20
Metro: Florenc
Warm and friendly service prevails at this drinks- only café, making it a good place to escape to on a rainy day. Attracts both an artsy and professional clientele.

Cajovna Long Life
Celetná 12, P1
Tel.: 2422 7070
M-F 10-19, Sa 11-19, Su 13-19
Metro: Nám. Republiky
You’ll feel as if you’re in a deserted cabin in the woods when you sit at one of the few tables found in this quaint tea shop. Long list of teas to choose from, each more enticing than the next, available there or to go.

Dum Lahudek
Malé nám. 3, P1
Tel.: 269 537
Metro: Mustek
Daily 10-19:30
Located atop a gourmet food store, it offers dishes made from ingredients for sale downstairs. Dishes are tasty and fresh.

French Institute Café
Štepánská 35, P1
Tel.: 269 7383
Metro: Muzeum
M-F 9-18
A quaint and quiet café that offers cappucino and croissants that are out of this world.

The Globe Bookstore & Coffeehouse
Janovského 14, P7
Tel.: 6671 2610
Daily 10-24
Metro: Vltavská
Whether you’re sipping coffee, nibbling on cake, or perusing the books, there’s always someone interesting to watch or chat with at The Globe, the aspiring artists, writers and travelers can be highly entertaining.

Gulu Gulu
Betlémské nám. 8, P1
Sun-Thu 12-24, Fri-Sa 13-01
Metro: Národní trída
Quiet and comfortable café (during the day) which serves palatable food, unbeatable hot chocolate and tasty hot wine. Funky and colorful decor makes the experience more enjoyable.

Jazz Café c. 14
Opatovicka 14, P1
Tel.: 2492 0039
M-F 10-23, Sa- Su 12-23
Metro: Národní trída
The name says it all ... A café buzzing with the chatter and energy of a young crowd, with recorded jazz playing in the background. The atmosphere is warm and laid back.

KávaKávaKáva
Platýz – Národní trída 37
Tel.: 268 409
M-F 7-22, Sa- Su 9-22
Metro: Národní trída
It’s not Starbuck’s, but it’s close enough for “Starbuck’s-craving” Americans. Tucked away in the Platýz courtyard, KávaKávaKáva is an inviting coffee shop, offering outside seating when the weather permits. A wide selection of great tasting coffees and teas is offered, in addition to bagels, cookies and brownies. Specialty beans, grinders and espresso machines are for sale as well.

Kavárna Obecní dum
Obecní dum
nám. Republiky 5, P1
Tel.: 2200 2763/4
Metro: Nám. Republiky
Daily 7:30-23
Handsome and classy café in the corner of the elegant Obecní dum. A great place to go for a satisfying cup of coffee or a sandwich and salad.

Louvre
Národní 20, P1
Tel.: 297 665
Metro: Mustek
Daily 8-23
This is an excellent place for breakfast. You’ll find all the daily newspapers and famous theatre performers here.

Malostranská kavárna
Malostranské nám. 5, P1
Tel.: 533 092
Metro: Malostranská
Spacious, warm and convenient place to drop in for a cup of coffee. The tiramisu and cakes are delicious.

Metamorphosis
Malá Štupartská 5, P1
Tel.: 2482 7058, 2482 6059
Daily 9-1
Metro: Námestí Republiky
Café/restaurant/bar offering a plethora of salads, pastas, sandwiches and omelettes. The informal, yet cool, artistic atmosphere make it a great place to unwind. Live music from 8 p.m.

Paradiso Café
Týn 2 (Ungelt), P1
Tel.: 2489 5787-88
Just a stone's throw away from Old Town Square, Paradiso Café offers a quiet haven away from the hustle and bustle of tourists. Try their excellent espresso or their light snacks for a quick pick-me-up after your time in Týnský dvur.

Kavárna Slavia
Smetanovo nábr. 1012/2
Tel.: 2422 0957
Daily 8-24
Metro: Národní trída
Slavia celebrated its grand reopening in November, and the crowds flocked there immediately. Situated directly across the street from the National Theater, this café is always bustling with theater-goers, as well as artists, professionals, students and tourists. Slavia is large, airy, bright and modern, creating an atmosphere that makes you feel sophisticated as you sip a superb cappucino. If the crowd inside doesn’t excite you, you can gaze out the large windows at the pedestrians passing by.

U Cajovníka
Boršov 2, P1
Tel.: 26 99 794
Daily 10-24
Metro: Národní trída
Ring the bell outside, and let yourself be escorted into the dark, warm and mesmerizing tea house. Listen to new age music and breath in the pleasant aroma as you peruse the bountiful teas offered from around the world. When you’re ready to order, just ring your bell and the waiter will come over immediately. A truly unique experience.

Unamuno Lounge
Mánesova 79, P2
Tel.: 627 7767
M-Th 10-23, F-Sa 10-24,
Su 11-20
Don’t underestimate the Bistro under U Knihomola; it is not merely a coffee shop. Go thirsty and hungry in order to enjoy their daily selection of soups, quiches, and meals and their wines and cigars.

Velryba
Opatovická 24, P1
Tel.: 2491 2484
Daily 11-2
Metro: Národní trída
Huge portions of good food at low prices. Dishes include a variety of pasta and vegetarian dishes, in addition to traditional Czech fare.