Quick Picks for Local Dining

Are you in a hurry to find a great meal? Here are our top recommendations for different types of travelers. These spots are known for their quality and service.

• Best for Beer Lovers: Becherplatz (Karel IV)
• Best for Families: Restaurant Charleston
• Best for Views: Restaurace Sklipek
• Best for a Special Night: Grand Restaurant Pupp

Each of these locations offers a unique atmosphere. You can enjoy classic Bohemian dishes in every one of them. Make sure to check their opening hours before you visit.

Top 10 Authentic Czech Food Karlovy Vary Restaurants

Finding the right place to eat can make your trip perfect. These restaurants focus on traditional recipes and local ingredients. Here are the top ten spots to visit in 2026.

1. Name: Becherplatz (Restaurace Karel IV) Type: Brewery and Restaurant Why go: This restaurant is located in a historic 19th-century distillery. It offers fresh beer brewed on-site and very hearty meat dishes. Best for: Groups and beer enthusiasts. Where: Near the Becherovka Museum. Time: 1.5 - 2 hours. Cost: Moderate ($$). Getting there: A short walk from the main bus station. Tip: Try the goulash served in a fresh bread bowl.
2. Name: Restaurace U Švejka Type: Iconic Themed Restaurant Why go: It is named after a famous Czech literary character. The atmosphere is lively and full of history. Best for: People looking for where to eat roasted duck in Karlovy Vary. Where: Close to the Stará Louka street. Time: 1 - 2 hours. Cost: Moderate ($$). Getting there: Walk along the Teplá River toward the Grandhotel Pupp. Tip: Order the "Svejk's Plate" to taste different types of meat.
3. Name: Restaurace Sklipek Type: Traditional Cellar Why go: This cozy cellar restaurant offers a very intimate and authentic vibe. The stone walls provide a cool escape during summer. Best for: A quiet and romantic dinner. Where: Near the Mill Colonnade. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Affordable ($). Getting there: Located in a side street off the main pedestrian zone. Tip: Their smoked meats are highly recommended by locals.
4. Name: Charleston Type: 1920s Themed Restaurant Why go: The interior is beautifully decorated in a vintage style. There is often live piano music which adds to the charm. Best for: Families and fans of historic decor. Where: In the city center near the theater. Time: 2 hours. Cost: Moderate to High ($$$). Getting there: Easy walk from any central hotel. Tip: The venison dishes here are exceptional.
5. Name: Smíchovský pavilon Type: Neighborhood Classic Why go: It is located in a quiet park area away from the main crowds. It offers a very peaceful dining experience. Best for: Escaping the tourist rush. Where: Near the forest edge on the south side of town. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate ($$). Getting there: A 15-minute walk or short taxi ride from the center. Tip: The outdoor terrace is perfect for a spring lunch.
6. Name: Velkopopovická hospoda Type: Traditional Pub Why go: This is a true local pub serving famous Kozel beer. The food is simple, honest, and very filling. Best for: A casual lunch and cheap beer. Where: Close to the city market area. Time: 1 hour. Cost: Very Affordable ($). Getting there: Located near the main transit hub. Tip: This is one of the best affordable local pubs in Karlovy Vary.
7. Name: Promenáda Type: High-End Traditional Why go: It is one of the most respected restaurants in the city. They serve refined versions of Bohemian classics. Best for: Foodies looking for traditional Czech dumplings. Where: Directly on the main promenade. Time: 2+ hours. Cost: High ($$$). Getting there: Located in the heart of the spa zone. Tip: Book a table in advance as it is very popular.
8. Name: Stará Praha Type: Historic Restaurant Why go: The name means "Old Prague." It offers a nostalgic atmosphere with excellent home-style cooking. Best for: A cozy meal with a view of the street life. Where: On the way to the Diana Funicular. Time: 1.5 hours. Cost: Moderate ($$). Getting there: Walkable from the Vřídlo spring. Tip: Their potato soup is a great way to start your meal.
9. Name: Loket Castle Restaurant Type: Day Trip Experience Why go: Located in a nearby medieval town, this restaurant is inside a castle. They are famous for roasting whole pigs in a vertical oven. Best for: A unique day trip adventure. Where: The town of Loket, 15km from Karlovy Vary. Time: 3-4 hours (including travel). Cost: Moderate ($$). Getting there: Take a local bus or train from the main station. Tip: Visit the castle museum before your meal.
10. Name: Grand Restaurant Pupp Type: Iconic Fine Dining Why go: This is the pinnacle of luxury in Karlovy Vary. The dining room is one of the most beautiful in Europe. Best for: Celebrating a special occasion. Where: Inside the Grandhotel Pupp. Time: 2.5 hours. Cost: Very High ($$$$). Getting there: Located at the end of the main valley walk. Tip: Check the Visit Czechia site for seasonal gala events here.

What to Order: Traditional Dishes to Try

When visiting authentic Czech food Karlovy Vary restaurants, you should know the local staples. Most menus focus on meat, cabbage, and dumplings. The roasted duck is perhaps the most famous dish in the region. It is usually served with red cabbage and a mix of potato and bread dumplings.

You should also try the local soups. Garlic soup and potato soup are very common starters. For dessert, look for traditional Karlovy Vary spa wafers. These are thin, light, and often filled with chocolate or hazelnut. They are a perfect sweet finish to a heavy meal.

Don't forget about the drinks. Besides beer, Karlovy Vary is the home of Becherovka. This herbal liqueur is often served as an aperitif. It helps with digestion after a large Czech dinner. Many locals drink it chilled or with tonic water.

Practical Tips for Dining in Karlovy Vary

Dining in this city is generally a relaxed experience. However, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most popular restaurants require a reservation during the high season. You can often book online or via a quick phone call. For more info, visit the Karlovy Vary Official Tourism site.

Tipping is expected but not mandatory. Most people round up the bill or leave about 10 percent. It is best to tip in cash even if you pay by card. Make sure to check if service is already included in the price.

Many restaurants accept credit cards, but smaller pubs might only take cash. It is always good to have some Czech Koruna on hand. Most places open for lunch around 11:30 AM and serve dinner until 10:00 PM. Enjoy your culinary journey through this beautiful city!