Café Savoy

Café Savoy is a grand café at the southern edge of the Lesser Town, on Vítězná Street just across the Legion Bridge from the National Theatre. It first opened in 1893, and today it is run by the Ambiente group, which restored its historic interior. The room is the reason many people come: a long, elegant space under a high, richly decorated historic ceiling.

Breakfast is the classic time to visit, and the Savoy is one of the most popular places in Prague to start the day. Expect egg dishes, pastries, bread and good coffee in a Viennese café setting. The desserts and pastries are baked daily in collaboration with Myšák, a historic Prague pastry shop, and the café's own Savoy cake is a speciality that can also be ordered for special occasions. Later in the day the menu turns to café classics, such as chicken schnitzel with potato salad, while in the evening the kitchen, led by chef Tomáš Vlček, serves a more refined dinner inspired by French cuisine. A wine list supports both.

The atmosphere is lively but relaxed, and the café welcomes families, couples and solo visitors alike. It is especially busy at weekend breakfast, when a reservation through the website is sensible. On weekdays you can often walk in. Service is professional and fast, in keeping with the group's other restaurants. Prices are moderate for the setting. Allow an hour for breakfast, and leave room for a slice of cake from the counter, which can also be bought to take away for a picnic on Petřín.

Café Savoy opens at 08:00 on weekdays and at 09:00 at weekends and on public holidays, closing at 22:00 every day. It is a good stop before or after a walk on Petřín Hill, which rises behind it, or a visit to Kampa Island and the Lesser Town.

The Újezd tram stop is right outside, with several tram lines crossing the river to the National Theatre and the New Town. Národní třída metro station on line B is about ten minutes away on foot over the Legion Bridge, which also gives good views of the castle and Charles Bridge.