This mainstay is owned by the same group behind as Mlynec and V Zatisi and boasts one of the best views in Prague. Cuisine is traditional Czech with modern innovations.

Austrian owner Nils Jebens has been called the Terence Conran of Prague for the empire of stylish restaurants he’s assembled since moving here in 1994. Kampa Park was his first hit, and it remains at the top of the culinary heap. The resident chefs keep the cuisine lively, with menus like a recent one that highlighted the signature dishes of international masters Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Daniel Boulud and Nobu Matsuhisa.

Known for the best seafood in the city, the restaurant also has some of the best views, thanks to its location right by the Charles Bridge. Past the photo gallery at the entrance is a bar and dining room with deep-red walls, but it’s the less formal riverside terrace that has the premier tables. Sitting here, it feels like you’re sailing on a wooden boat—one that keeps the iconic bridge always in view. In winter, heat lamps and lap blankets keep you warm as you dig into sophisticated dishes like seared foie gras with pineapple chutney; and olive oil–poached halibut with black truffles, crispy bacon and mashed potatoes. The extensive wine list includes lots of Czech choices, and since you’ll want to walk the picturesque streets back to your hotel, indulge in dessert.

From the moment you enter the dimly-lit hushed dining room of La Dégustation, you understand that this restaurant stands gloriously apart from the rest of Prague’s offerings. The dark wood–lined dining room with cozy banquette seating along the walls leads to an open kitchen full of massive pots, pans and black-and-white tiles. A line of chefs in starched whites stand ready and the lovely staff explains the concept behind this restaurant while you nibble on your first innovative and unexpected appetizer (in my case a tiny bite of dark chocolate with salty peanut butter). There are just two tasting menus here, one the dégustation du chef, another the dégustation bohême. The latter is based on traditional Czech cooking but vigorously reinvented, in the style of star chef Ferran Adrià. Meals are lengthy and include seven dishes and seven small-plate amuses.

The menu changes often and many locals I spoke to consider La Degustation their top go-to restaurant for very special occasions. My recent meal there included such dishes as a poached local trout served with celery root essence, beetroot and spinach; a freshly smoked duck with red cabbage and a light interpretation of a dumpling; a slice of Prague ham with dried apple and fried eggbread; as well as seven incredibly flavorful amuse-bouches (who knew that a bite of sweet peach, calamari and avocado could be such a revelation?).

La Dégustation is definitely a spot for serious foodies, as there’s something almost reverent about the vibe, though nothing pretentious or stuffy thanks to the young, friendly staff who explain each dish with a lot of passion and knowledge. La Degustation is the kind of place where your waiter will press a small gold box into your hand as you leave, saying, “A little something for tomorrow.” And when you open it the next day to find a mini blueberry cake with a glaze that perfectly balances sweet and sour, the joy of La Degustation is prolonged for a few more glorious bites. Reservations are a must.

This elegant bistro boasts one of the best views in the city of red rooftops and towering spires whether diners are seated inside or on the terrace. The restaurant offers classically formal cuisine including oysters and saffron risotto.