DINING >
Fine food, great views
Written by: Tim Gosling, Klára Smolová
Photo: Dorothea Bylica

Summer is here, and so is outdoor dining. We took a look around the Golden City, and selected several venues with terraces, where you can have a cold drink while enjoying a view of the city or dinner under the stars.

Coda - Aria Hotel Imagine a cloudless blue sky, a shining sun, white building walls set off by red roofs, and the ringing of a bell at a nearby church. No, this isn't Italy, but the rooftop terrace of the Aria Hotel. It's open to the general public, but hardly anyone knows about it. Locals don't often patronize hotel restaurants, but this terrace should be an exception. You can drop in for a glass of Champagne and a dessert of wild strawberries or a business lunch with colleagues. The service is quick, and a two-course meal, soft drink and coffee will set you back only CZK 490. Coda - Aria Hotel, Tržiště 9, Praha 1 · open: 11:30-24 · tel.: 222 334 760

Allegro - Hotel Four Seasons There are two reasons to go to Allegro. The primary one is chef Vito Mollica, whose culinary art is renowned far and wide. The second reason is the terrace - cozy and protected against the wind with a postcard view of Prague Castle. True, the scallops Saint-Jacques with a fresh artichoke salad, or fettucine with lamb ragout are certainly not cheap, but the service is the finest in the city. Since the end of June you can use the small gate from the riverbank and enter the newly-built Vltava terrace - a small café that serves ice cream sundaes, cocktails, and Champagne. Allegro - Hotel Four Seasons, Veleslavínova 2A, Praha 1 · open: 11-21 (terasa Allegro), 12-18 (terasa Vltava) · tel.: 221 427 000

C'est la vie A huge pair of twin-layered terraces sitting on a high bank across from Střelecký ostrov, C'est la vie offers the less inventive conversationalist the chance to remark upon the intricate workings of river-locks and the shenanigans taking place on Prague's cruise boats. Shamelessly hip on the inside and greedy for space outside, the menu, struggling with a gentle identity crisis that wanders amongst France, the Indian sub-continent and Southeast Asia, reveals quality dishes presented with post-modern pizzazz by modernist waiters. C'est la vie, Říční 1, Praha 1 · open: 11:30-24 · tel.: 257 321 511

Sovovy mlýny You can combine culture with cuisine at Sovovy Mlýny, where the terrace is downstairs from a museum. The view is excellent, and the dishes are works of art. Chef Pavel Sapík, winner of many international gastronomy competitions, revitalizes traditional Czech cuisine and gives it an international slant. Sandwiches, seasonal salads, fresh fish, goose livers, grilled delicacies and more await. There's also a daily set menu for CZK 100 and brunch from 11 am to 3 pm. Sovovy mlýny, U Sovových mlýnů 503/2, Praha 1 · open: 11-23 · tel.: 257 535 900

Hergetova cihelna Originally a brick factory back in 1830, the terrace on the front of this lounge-lizard's layer almost allows one to dangle their claws in the Vltava. The warming sunshine declares that the huge white designer chairs are not actually icebergs that have strayed from the main channel. The eclectic menu has risen steadily in price since the restaurant launched with mid-price options three years ago. Now, possibly the priciest pizza in town rubs shoulders with token international dishes. Hergetova cihelna, Cihelná 2b, Praha 1 · open: 11.30-01 · tel.: 296 826 103

Zlatá Praha - Hotel InterContinental This rooftop offers lofty dining in every sense of the word, with a view of Hradčany across St. Vitus Cathedral. However, such luxury comes at a price; take the gold card unless you're having the budget-conscious business lunch (weekdays, CZK 650). The 'Jazz Brunch' on Sunday is popular, although Thelonius Monk is an unlikely guest. The fare is a reassuringly-straightforward combination of modern Czech and European cuisine served with aplomb. Advance booking is a must for tables taking full advantage of the elevation. Zlatá Praha - Hotel InterContinental, Náměstí Curieových 43/5, Praha 1 · open: 12-15, 18- 23:30 · tel.: 296 631 111

Lví dvůr - Pražské selátko This two-floor restaurant on the former king's hunting grounds boasts a terrace that offers an unexpectedly lovely view of the Royal Garden and the St. Vitus Cathedral. The covered terrace that seats 55 is a true oasis of calm. Its original inhabitants are today recalled only in the menu, which is predominated by meat. Besides the house specialty, "roast piglet", in the summer you can choose from grilled dishes like the castle pork skewer or Barberie breast of duck, served with fresh salad, sauces, and bread. Lví dvůr - Pražské selátko, U Prašného mostu 6, Praha 1 · open: 11-24 · tel.: 224 372 361

U Zlaté studně The U Zlaté studně restaurant boasts one of the most beautiful panoramic views of Prague. It's in the roof of a small, hidden hotel of the same name, right under the castle and nestled in Ledeburg Gardens. The terrace is far from large (seats 42), while the size of the cosmopolitan menu indicates that quality is more important here than quantity. But be careful - the restaurant aspires to being awarded Michelin stars, which is reflected in the prices too. A better tip for romantic dining than Sunday brunch with the kids. U Zlaté studně, U Zlaté studně 4, Praha 1 · open: 7-23 · tel.: 257 533 322