10 Best Spots for Traditional Medieval Tavern Dining

Český Krumlov is packed with historic eateries. Many taverns use original stone cellars to create a moody vibe. You can expect heavy wooden tables and iron chandeliers. These spots are perfect for a romantic night or a group feast. Here are our top picks for an authentic meal.

• Best overall: Krčma Šatlava
• Best for history: Tavern of the Two Marys
• Best for beer: Eggenberg Brewery
• Best for families: Hospoda Na Louži

1. Name: Krčma Šatlava Type: Experience Why go: This is the most famous spot for an open-fire grill. It feels like a real dungeon. Best for: Large groups and meat lovers. Where: Šatlavská street, near the main square. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate to high. Getting there: Walk 2 minutes from the Town Hall. Tip: You must book weeks in advance for dinner.
2. Name: Tavern of the Two Marys (U dwau Maryí) Type: Experience Why go: They serve "Feasts for the Poor" and "Feasts for the Rich" based on old recipes. Best for: Authentic grain-based Bohemian food. Where: Parkán street. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Located by the Vltava River. Tip: Sit on the riverside terrace for great views of the castle.
3. Name: Eggenberg Brewery Restaurant Type: Sight Why go: Dine inside a massive historic brewery hall. It has high ceilings and a grand feel. Best for: Tasting fresh local beer with hearty food. Where: Latrán district. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: A 5-minute walk from the castle gate. Tip: Combine your meal with a local brewery tasting experience.
4. Name: Krčma Markéta Type: Experience Why go: It is located right next to the castle gardens. The interior is very rustic and quiet. Best for: Escaping the city center crowds. Where: Near the Castle Garden entrance. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Walk uphill through the castle grounds. Tip: Check their schedule for live medieval music nights.
5. Name: Hospoda Na Louži Type: Activity Why go: This pub is filled with historic metal signs and wood paneling. It feels like a local secret. Best for: Traditional Czech classics like goulash. Where: Kájovská street. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Budget-friendly. Getting there: Near the Egon Schiele Art Centrum. Tip: They do not take reservations often, so arrive early.
6. Name: Restaurace Don Julius Type: Experience Why go: Located in a historic hotel, it offers a refined take on medieval themes. Best for: Those who want history with a bit more comfort. Where: Main Square (Náměstí Svornosti). Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Right in the center of the Old Town. Tip: Try the roasted duck with red cabbage.
7. Name: Tavern v Šatlavské Type: Experience Why go: It offers a very dark, candlelit atmosphere that feels truly ancient. Best for: Couples looking for a unique date night. Where: Šatlavská street. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Just off the main square. Tip: Their garlic soup served in a bread bowl is a must.
8. Name: Hostinec U Města Vídně Type: Activity Why go: A classic inn that has served travelers for centuries. It has a very cozy vibe. Best for: A quick but traditional lunch. Where: Latrán 77. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Affordable. Getting there: Near the Budějovice Gate. Tip: Great spot for trying traditional Czech schnitzel.
9. Name: Tavern at the Monasteries Type: Experience Why go: Part of the historic monastery complex, offering a peaceful courtyard. Best for: A relaxed afternoon meal. Where: Klášterní dvůr. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate. Getting there: Follow signs for the Monasteries Český Krumlov. Tip: Visit the interactive workshops at monasteries before you eat.
10. Name: Jakub Restaurant Type: Sight Why go: Famous for its 16th-century frescoes and high-quality traditional food. Best for: A high-end historic dining experience. Where: Kájovská 54. Time: 2 hours. Cost: High. Getting there: A short walk from the river bridge. Tip: Look up at the ceiling to see the original artwork.

What to Eat During Traditional Medieval Tavern Dining

Traditional menus focus on what locals ate centuries ago. Meat is the star of the show. You will see large portions of pork, duck, and chicken. Most meats are roasted over an open flame. This gives the food a smoky, rich flavor. Side dishes usually include cabbage, dumplings, or thick bread.

Do not expect modern fusion here. These taverns stick to old Bohemian roots. You might try millet porridge with dried fruit for dessert. If you want a savory snack, look for "cracklings" on the menu. These are crispy bits of pork fat. They go perfectly with a cold glass of dark lager.

Drinks are just as important as the food. Many taverns serve mead, which is a sweet honey wine. It can be served warm or cold. Local beers are also a staple. The Official Tourism portal recommends trying the dark beers for a richer taste. Always toast with a hearty "Na zdraví!"

Tips for Your 2026 Medieval Dining Experience

Planning is key for the best experience. Many of these taverns are small. They fill up quickly with tour groups. We recommend booking your table at least two weeks early. This is especially true for weekends or summer months. Use official websites or call directly for reservations.

Bring cash with you. While many places now take cards, some smaller taverns prefer Czech Koruna. It is also polite to tip around 10 percent. Usually, you tell the server the total amount you want to pay. This is more common than leaving money on the table. It makes the process smooth and friendly.

The atmosphere can be loud and lively. Taverns often feature live music with flutes and drums. If you want a quiet meal, aim for an early dinner at 5:00 PM. By 8:00 PM, the taverns are usually buzzing. This energy is part of the traditional medieval tavern dining charm. Embrace the noise and enjoy the show.

Pair Your Meal with Authentic Local Experiences

Make your trip more immersive by exploring the city's history. Before dinner, visit the State Castle and Chateau Český Krumlov. It is one of the largest castle complexes in Europe. Walking through the courtyards sets the perfect mood for a medieval feast. You can even see the castle bears in the moat.

If you visit in June, look for the five-petalled rose festival guide. This festival turns the whole town into a medieval stage. People wear period costumes and there are knight tournaments. It is the best time for traditional medieval tavern dining. The streets come alive with history and celebration.

For a unique perspective, take a castle baroque theater tour. It is one of the best-preserved theaters of its kind. Afterward, a heavy meal in a stone cellar feels like the natural next step. You can find many authentic experiences in Český Krumlov that fit this theme. The city is a living museum waiting to be explored.