Top 3 Restaurants in Plzeň – Where to Eat Well in the City of Pilsner Beer
Czech Gastronomy in Plzeň – Culinary Tradition and World-Famous Beer
Czech gastronomy is known for its hearty, flavorful dishes that are deeply connected to local traditions. Traditional Czech cuisine is based on pork, beef, and chicken, rich sauces, nourishing soups, and the famous knedlíky, dumplings that accompany most main courses. Beer plays a central role in Czech culinary culture, being considered an integral part of the meal rather than just a beverage.
The city of Plzeň, the birthplace of Pilsner Urquell beer, is one of the best destinations in the Czech Republic for those who want to discover traditional Czech restaurants as well as modern venues with creatively reinterpreted menus. If you are wondering where to eat in Plzeň, this selection presents the best restaurants in the city.
1. U Salzmannu – Traditional Czech Restaurant in the Center of Plzeň
U Salzmannů is one of the oldest and most appreciated restaurants in Plzeň, located in the city center, close to the main tourist attractions. The atmosphere is authentically Czech, with rustic décor, solid wooden furniture, and a classic beer hall style frequented by locals.
Menu and Specialties
The menu at U Salzmannů is dedicated to traditional Czech cuisine, prepared according to authentic recipes:
- Czech goulash served with knedlíky
- Viennese schnitzel in Bohemian style
- Roasted pork with cabbage and dumplings
- Traditional soups, including kulajda with mushrooms and egg
- Platters with local cold cuts and cheeses
Freshly poured Pilsner Urquell beer perfectly completes the culinary experience, making U Salzmannů an ideal restaurant for those who want to taste authentic Czech dishes in Plzeň.
I tried the famous goulash soup, tartare with garlic toast (topinky), Viennese schnitzel with potato salad, and a medovnik cake made with honey layers, all paired with a Snyt beer.
2. Na Spilce – Where to Eat in Plzeň Right at the Source of the Beer
Na Spilce is one of the most famous restaurants in Plzeň, located directly within the Pilsner Urquell Brewery complex. Set in the former fermentation cellars, the restaurant impresses with its generous space, high ceilings, and authentic industrial atmosphere.
What You’ll Find on the Menu
Na Spilce offers a menu inspired by traditional Czech cuisine, reinterpreted in a modern way:
- Slow-cooked Bohemian goulash
- Beef and pork steaks
- Traditional Czech sausages
- Tender ribs and hearty pub-style dishes
- Classic side dishes: potatoes, cabbage, knedlíky
Beer is served directly from tanks, including unfiltered Pilsner Urquell varieties, making Na Spilce one of the best choices for tourists looking for an authentic gastronomic experience in Plzeň.
I went for sausages braised in dark beer and tender beef with potatoes, followed by a raspberry cream cake and a classic apple pie.
3. Beseda 1901 – Modern and Elegant Restaurant in the Center of Plzeň
Beseda 1901 is a modern restaurant and bistro located in a restored Art Nouveau building in the center of Plzeň. Unlike traditional beer halls, Beseda 1901 offers an elegant atmosphere, suitable for brunch, lunch, or refined dinners.
Modern and Creative Menu
The menu at Beseda 1901 combines Czech cuisine with international influences, especially French:
- Eggs Benedict and brunch dishes
- Croissants, burrata, and fresh salads
- Carefully prepared pasta, meat, and fish
- Vegetarian options
- Fine desserts and a curated selection of wines, prosecco, and cocktails
It is the ideal choice for those looking for an elegant restaurant in Plzeň, with modern dishes and refined presentation.
Plzeň is a city that offers an impressive culinary variety, from traditional Czech restaurants to modern and elegant venues. U Salzmannů is ideal for tasting authentic Czech dishes in a historic setting, Na Spilce delivers a complete experience dedicated to beer and local cuisine, while Beseda 1901 stands out through refinement and culinary creativity. Regardless of your preferences, these three restaurants are the best options for discovering the gastronomy of Plzeň.
Bonus
Restaurace Purkmistr is a popular restaurant-brewery in Plzeň (Pilsen), Czech Republic, known for its traditional Czech cuisine and freshly brewed craft beer, served in a rustic and welcoming atmosphere. Visitors can enjoy classic Czech dishes alongside local beer varieties poured directly from lager tanks.
In addition to the gastronomic experience, the complex offers a truly unique attraction: the beer spa at Hotel Purkmistr. Here, guests can relax in a traditional bath made of wood, filled with warm beer, yeast, and hops—ingredients known for their beneficial effects on the skin and overall relaxation.
Details in the link.
