Café Imperial – Prague, Czech Republic

Overview

Café Imperial is a grand Art Deco / late Art Nouveau café and restaurant located in the Imperial Hotel in Prague. Opened in 1914, it’s celebrated not only for its refined Czech cuisine but also for its jaw-dropping interior of mosaics, ceramic tiles, and ornate columns. Over a century later, it remains a landmark dining destination blending heritage and modern hospitality.

Why Go

• The breathtaking décor: gilded mosaics, painted tiles, and decorative columns that make the space feel like a palace.
• A menu of elevated Czech dishes alongside European classics, executed with polish and consistency.
• All-day service makes it a versatile stop — from elegant breakfasts to business lunches to romantic dinners.

Menu & Format

• Breakfast & Brunch: Full Imperial Breakfasts, egg dishes, fresh pastries, and Continental options.
• Lunch & Dinner: Czech favorites such as beef svíčková, goulash, roasted duck, and seasonal meat and fish mains.
• Desserts & Pastries: Daily cakes and sweets, with the signature Imperial Cake a must-try.
• Beverages: Specialty coffee, teas, wines, and cocktails round out the offering.

What to Order

Start with a Czech classic such as svíčková or the goulash, then finish with Imperial Cake or tiramisu. At breakfast, the Imperial Breakfast set or croissants with coffee are elegant yet hearty choices. Pair your meal with a Czech wine for a true local flavor.

Atmosphere & Vibe

The space is elegant, ornate, and steeped in history. Guests dine under glittering mosaics and ceramic reliefs, in a room buzzing with a mix of locals and international visitors. It’s refined but not overly formal — a place that balances grandeur with warmth.

Price Range

This is a premium Prague dining experience. Expect starters around €10–€15, mains €20–€40, and desserts €7–€10. A full three-course meal with wine for two will typically be in the €70–€100 range.

History & Heritage

Built in 1913–1914, Café Imperial has been a fixture of Prague’s hospitality scene for more than a century. Its interior, with intricate mosaics and decorated pillars, represents a rare preserved example of early 20th-century Czech craftsmanship. After careful restorations, it continues to embody its original splendor.

Good to Know

• Address: Na Poříčí 15, Praha 1, Czech Republic
• Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM – 11:00 PM
• Dress Code: Smart casual recommended
• Reservations: Strongly advised for lunch and dinner
• Dietary Options: Vegetarian and gluten-free dishes available
• Fun Fact: Café Imperial once had a quirky tradition where guests could buy a bowl of doughnuts not to eat, but to throw — a playful nod to the Czech comic novel Saturnin. Though long discontinued, it remains a legendary piece of the café’s history.

Best For

• Travelers seeking a historic, photogenic café with both substance and style
• Diners looking for a refined take on Czech classics
• Special occasions, elegant breakfasts, or celebratory dinners in Prague

Writer’s Tip

Book early for breakfast or dinner to secure a spot under the mosaics. Order a traditional Czech dish alongside a modern dessert to experience the café’s balance of heritage and innovation. And don’t miss pausing to look around the room — the interior alone is worth the visit.