1. Jan Knedla: Papilio (Vysoký Újezd)
Winner of the Czech Golden Chef 2023 poll and holder of the “Chef of the Year” title from Gault&Millau. Jan Knedla belongs to the new generation of Czech culinary personalities who combine respect for tradition with progressive techniques. By selecting the best from haute cuisine, as he himself says, his restaurant Papilio offers a precise menu inspired by nature and local ingredients.
Where to Go: Vysoký Újezd lies just a few kilometres from Prague and offers rural tranquillity with views of the rolling Brdy hills. It is an ideal place for a short gastronomic getaway with an overnight stay or a round of golf at the nearby Albatross Golf Resortu.
2. Otto Vašák: Essens (Hlohovec)
Otto Vašák became the first Czech to appear in The Best Chef Awards 2025 ranking. A major hope of Czech gastronomy, he relies in his restaurant Essens – a symbol of refined fine dining – on seasonal produce, perfectly balanced tasting menus, and honest craftsmanship.
Where to Go: Hlohovec lies in the heart of the Lednice–Valtice Area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ideal combination: a day among vineyards and chateaux, followed by an evening savouring a fine-tuned menu at Essens.
3. Tomáš Černý: Dejvická 34 (Praha)
Tomáš Černý is the winner of the Czech Golden Chef 2024 poll. In his Prague restaurant Dejvická 34, he presents modern Czech cuisine without unnecessary pretension. Guests appreciate his honest approach and the informal atmosphere.
Where to Go: Dejvice is a renowned Prague district full of cafés, parks, and close to Prague Castle. Perfect for a gastro weekend with a walk around Letná and a taste of a different side of Prague.
4. Jan Punčochář: U Matěje (Praha)
The charismatic chef Jan Punčochář ranks among the famous Czech television personalities. His Prague restaurant U Matěje combines family-style hospitality with top gastronomic quality. For years, Punčochář has proven that outstanding food can be both approachable and unpretentious.
Where to Go: Břevnov is a historic district of Prague with a monastery, brewery, and peaceful atmosphere. After lunch at U Matěje, you can take a walk to Petřín Hill or the Hvězda game reserve.
5. Oldřich Sahajdák: La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise (Praha)
Oldřich Sahajdák is one of the pioneers of Czech fine dining and a Michelin star holder. He ranks among the most influential Czech chefs. In his top-class restaurant La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise, he tells the story of 19th-century Czech cuisine in a modern form.
Where to Go: Prague’s Old Town, near the former Jewish Quarter featured in Dan Brown’s book The Secret of Secrets, captivates with its unique atmosphere, architecture, and history. Before or after dinner, enjoy a walk through Prague around Charles Bridge. A gastronomic and cultural experience in one!
6. Salabka: Petr Kunc (Praha)
Chef Petr Kunc of the restaurant Salabka combines modern techniques with an emphasis on terroir. He is known for his ability to balance flavour, colour, and texture into a harmonious whole.
Where to Go: Troja is a part of Prague known for its vineyards, renowned zoo, Baroque chateau, and relaxing riverside area along the Vltava. The Salabka restaurant stands directly above the vineyards, so after your tasting menu you can admire the views of Prague with a glass of locally produced wine.
7. Martin Štangl: Štangl (Praha)
Martin Štangl, a long-time figure on Prague’s gastro scene and a creator of the modern approach to Czech cuisine, develops in his own restaurant Štangl a philosophy based on seasonality and locality. He has the gift of turning every course into an experience.
Where to Go: Smíchov and Anděl, are lively Prague districts full of stylish bars, cultural venues, and close to the Vltava riverbank. Perfect for a weekend “urban food trip.”
8. Michal Göth: Miura (Čeladná)
The head chef of the Beskydy resort Miura demonstrates that top-level gastronomy also thrives in other regions of Czechia. Michal Göth builds on regional produce and gives a modern touch to the otherwise hearty Moravian-Silesian cuisine.
Where to Go: Čeladná and the surrounding Beskydy Mountains are a paradise for lovers of nature, golf, and wellness. An ideal weekend destination.
9. Radek Kašpárek: 420 Restaurant and Field (Praha)
A Michelin-starred chef and founder of Prague’s Field restaurant, Radek Kašpárek opened his new project, 420 Restaurant, in 2025 — located right on Prague’s Old Town Square with a stunning interior. Radek Kašpárek is known for his uncompromising focus on quality. His cuisine is bold, modern, and playful, rooted in traditional Czech recipes but reinterpreted with daring creativity.
Where to Go: Two of Prague’s most acclaimed restaurants are situated in the heart of historic Prague, just a few minutes’ walk apart. 420 Restaurant stands directly on Old Town Square, an iconic location with views of the Prague Astronomical Clock, Gothic towers, and the picturesque lanes of the Old Town. After a tasting menu, take a stroll around Charles Bridge, along the Vltava, or through the Jewish Quarter Josefov. Nearby, at U Milosrdných 12, you’ll find Field Restaurant.
10. Barbora Šimůnková: Leaf (Praha)
The youngest name in this selection, but one with immense potential. Barbora Šimůnková holds the “Young Talent of the Year” award from Gault&Millau. In her restaurant Leaf, she focuses on plant-based cuisine and sustainability.
Where to Go: Karlín is a trendy Prague district that has become the centre of modern Prague gastronomy. Leaf complements the neighbouring cafés, bistros, and design shops, making it a perfect place to spend the whole day.
11. Miroslav Kubec: Obecní dům (Praha)
Since 2005, Miroslav Kubec has been the President of the Association of Chefs and Confectioners of the Czech Republic. A long-time promoter of Czech gastronomy and culinary art, he was head chef at Prague’s InterContinental Hotel (now the Michelin Keys -awarded Fairmont Golden Prague) and has cooked for presidents George W. Bush, Barack Obama, Václav Havel, and even the Rolling Stones.
Where to Go: Head to the very heart of Prague. The Municipal House is also one of the Art Nouveau jewels of Czechia.
12. Zdeněk Pohlreich: Café Imperial, Next Door by Imperial and Divinis (Praha)
Zdeněk Pohlreich is the most famous Czech chef and a celebrated television personality, often referred to as the “Gordon Ramsay of Czech gastronomy” thanks to his direct style and sharp humour. Based in Prague, he runs three acclaimed restaurants: Café Imperial, a refined Art Nouveau Grand Café; Next Door by Imperial, a modern bistro just across the street; and Divinis, an elegant Italian restaurant near Old Town Square, awarded the Bib Gourmand distinction in the Michelin Guide.
Where to Go: Right in the centre of historic Prague. When visiting any of these restaurants, you’ll find many of Prague’s most beautiful landmarks just a short walk away.
13. Pavel Drdel: Sůl a řepa (Strakonice)
Chef Pavel Drdel is behind the legendary restaurant Sůl a řepa in Strakonice. His establishment has gained a reputation for connecting gastronomy with nature. His cuisine is based on respect for honest craftsmanship, using every ingredient to the fullest — pickling, drying, and fermenting to ensure nothing goes to waste.
Where to Go: The restaurant Sůl a řepa is located in Strakonice in South Bohemia, a town known for Strakonice Castle, its bagpipe tradition, and the pleasant atmosphere of its historic centre. After an exceptional lunch or dinner, take a stroll along the River Otava.
