By: Becca
Apologies for the radio silence from my end. Alas, I have returned from a much-need vacation. Let’s turn on the wax, shall we?
Oh, panoramic Praha. The land of a thousand spires, and, uhhh, $1 pivo (beer). In the midst of six days of contemporary-art-snooping, café-exploring, beer-garden-hopping, and not-caring-the-time general vacation laziness, I did manage to squeeze in a fancy-pants brunch at Café Imperial, which is just steps away from Náměstí Republiky (one of Prague’s big famous squares).
Photo credit: Becca Clara Love
This elegant café, like its city, is steeped in history. It was built in 1914; and if it was anything then like it is today, it probably was hosting Bohemia’s elite and caffeinating Prague’s artists and writers (perhaps Kafka himself in his later years).
Photo credit: Becca Clara Love
But that’s not why my local friends dragged me there. My British bestie and his Czech lady love recommend the spot for its global breakfast options: a hearty English breakfast, a French option, even an American brunch. (“The best English breakfast in town,” my fellow Brit proclaimed.) Plus, you can have eggs any which way, a selection of fresh pastries, and of course, classic Czech dishes.
Photo credit: Becca Clara Love
My jaw wasn’t just dropping at the food, however. I was drooling at the stunning décor. Reconstructed in 2007, the restaurant (which actually also serves as the lobby to the Imperial Hotel) is one of Prague’s shining examples of Art Nouveau. And it’s glorious: the original panels and ceramic tiles still line the walls and columns all the way up to the intricate, detailed ceiling.
Photo credit: Becca Clara Love
Photo credit: Becca Clara Love
Here’s a fun little history lesson about the café, and a not-in-the-guidebook fact that only adds to its character … Apparently before its 2007 revamp, it was famous for its donut battles. Guests could order stale donuts off the menu simply to hurl them at other patrons.
I love it! It’s a definite must if you’re visiting Prague, even if you stop in for a coffee (though dinner is said to be fab; the chef is a local celeb).
Next stop, Berlin.
Na poříčí 15
110 00 Praha 1
Nové Město, Česká republika
As soon as I get out from under this giant pile of work (3 weeks to go people, just 3 weeks….) I am going to print out this post and all the others on your Europe trip and use them to plan my own… Love it! I can almost taste the Freedom French Toast
[...] away brunch: Prague, [...]
[...] Farthest away brunch: Probably still Prague. [...]