Restaurant
Lokál Dlouhááá
A long, lively Old Town beer hall from the Ambiente group serving tank beer and well-made Czech pub classics such as fried cheese, schnitzel and sausages.
Café Imperial
A grand café-restaurant open since 1914, with ceramic-tiled walls and mosaic ceilings, where chef Zdeněk Pohlreich serves classic Czech cooking with a modern touch.
At a glance
- Type
- Czech cuisine in a historic café
- Area
- Nové Město, Prague, Czech Republic
- Price
- $$ · Mid-range
- Opening
- Open daily · 07:00–23:00
- Official site
- cafeimperial.cz
Good to know
- Breakfast buffet
- Reservations
- Child friendly
Why we recommend it
Café Imperial has been welcoming guests since 1914, and its interior is one of the most striking in Prague. The walls and pillars are covered in ceramic tiles and the ceilings in original mosaics, creating a room that feels somewhere between an Art Deco café and a Moorish palace. Franz Kafka and the composer Leoš Janáček were among its past patrons. It is attached to the Hotel Imperial on Na Poříčí, on the edge of the Old Town, and the Michelin Guide recognised it in its 2026 edition.
The kitchen is led by Zdeněk Pohlreich, the chef and owner, who is well known in the Czech Republic from television. His approach is classic Czech cuisine with a modern touch, so this is a good place to try national dishes in a smarter setting than a pub: the menu covers the classics of Czech home cooking alongside lighter seasonal plates, and the prices are reasonable for the quality and the room.
Breakfast is a strong reason to visit. The Imperial breakfast buffet is served daily from 07:00, with an à la carte breakfast menu as well, and eating eggs and pastries under the mosaic ceiling is a memorable way to start a day of sightseeing. Coffee and cake in the afternoon are another option for those who simply want to see the interior. The café is open every day from 07:00 to 23:00.
The restaurant recommends booking as early as possible, even weeks ahead for popular evenings, through the reservation page on its website. The dress code is smart casual. Children of all ages are welcome, which makes it a good choice for families, and it also suits couples and anyone interested in Prague's café history. Only guide dogs are allowed. Credit cards are accepted. If you cannot get a table, the café is still worth a quick look inside on the way to the Municipal House.
Na Poříčí runs east from náměstí Republiky, so the Municipal House and the Powder Gate are about five minutes away on foot. The nearest metro station is Náměstí Republiky on line B, and the Bílá labuť tram stop is close by. Old Town Square is about a ten-minute walk.
Café Imperial FAQs
When was Café Imperial founded?
It has been welcoming guests since 1914.
Who is the chef at Café Imperial?
Zdeněk Pohlreich, the chef and owner.
What are the opening hours of Café Imperial?
Daily from 07:00 to 23:00.
Does Café Imperial serve breakfast?
Yes. A breakfast buffet is served daily from 07:00, with an à la carte breakfast menu.
Do I need to book?
Booking as early as possible is recommended, sometimes weeks ahead, through the website.
Is there a dress code?
Smart casual.
Are children welcome?
Yes. Children of all ages are welcome.
How do I get to Café Imperial?
It is on Na Poříčí, a short walk from Náměstí Republiky metro station on line B and the Municipal House.