Where to eat in Prague this month: July's tastiest openings

Rising fast as a must-visit, MATOKA Georgian channels the country's culinary soul with dishes that sing of tradition, from crisp Georgian khachapuri to hearty meat dumplings and legendary desserts. Housed in cozy, poster-lined bistros, this chain has quickly earned a reputation as the city's true khachapuri kings. A new bistro has just opened in Vršovice, bringing along all its staples such as dumplings, the Napoleon and Matoka cakes, Georgian pastries, and coffee.

Step into Lolita on Myslíkova Street, Juan Cruz’s new wine bar and tapas haven, and let a gentle taste of Spanish cava sweep you away. Less daring in name than in flavor, this intimate spot is all about introducing Prague to top-tier bubbly made with traditional méthode champenoise, especially standout labels from Corpinnat and Wine Offic. Expect small-but-stellar bites, such as 100% ibérico jamón, tangy sardines, piquant toasts, and cheeses served with quince. Meanwhile, the vibe captures Madrid evenings: minimalist interiors of stone, high stools, ambient Spanish music, and a striking pink–red tassel chandelier that becomes the bar’s quiet centerpiece.

In Prague’s newly minted Nuselský pivovar, Zrno zrnko has doubled down with two distinctive cafés: the classic Zrno zrnko, serving its signature sourdough loaves, croissants, cakes, and impeccable coffee in a cozy garden-adjacent space; and Botticelli Café, an Italianate sister venue featuring bold espresso and Roman-inspired small plates in a 300-year-old oak‑lined interior. With its dark-roast espresso, bottled focaccias, pinsas, maritozzi, and ricotta‑orange cannoli, Botticelli offers a Mediterranean counterpoint to Zrno’s light roasts and Central European bakery staples.

Introducing a fresh twist on Prague’s gelato scene: Berry Good brings New Zealand-style ice cream to Vinohrady, crafting each scoop live with locally sourced berries. Ice creams are hand-spun on the spot using imported Kiwi machines—customers choose raspberry, strawberry, or Kiwi’s iconic hokey‑pokey (crunchy caramel toffee) for a made-to-order treat that’s equal parts show and taste. The hokey‑pokey is a standout, “a caramel bomb that will knock your socks off,” and the fresh fruit flavors taste intensely natural. You might also catch their colorful food truck at the Holešovice markets.

Emerging from a genuine love for Vietnamese street food, Bamico brings authentic banh‑mi magic to Prague. Founded by two young brothers inspired by their family’s restaurant traditions and travels in Sapa, their Žižkov bistro delivers baguettes that are crisp, fluffy, and loaded with bold, flavorful fillings. From the first bite, you’ll appreciate the freshly baked baguettes; bigger than those in Vietnam to satisfy Czech appetites, yet still light and airy, with the signature soft-crunch exterior. Fillings range from smoky pulled pork to crunchy pickles and house-made tofu 'ham' for vegetarians.

Step into IN‑TOWN, aptly located in New Town, and you're transported to a stylish Chinese hot pot haven right in the heart of Prague. Lantern-lit interiors, sleek table setups with built-in cookers, and broths bubbling with aroma set the scene for a flavoursome DIY dining moment. For a touch of theatrical flair: on weekends, enjoy traditional Chinese mask-change performances, adding a special layer to the evening.

BaoZun Noodles is a modest noodle den in Vinohrady making waves with authentic, spicy flavors and home-cooked warmth. While no glossy décor distracts, the kitchen speaks volumes, delivering bold soups and hand-pulled textures with a clear nod to Sichuan traditions.

A Prague institution, Hemingway Bar blends timeless cocktail classics with modern innovations in a stylish, historic setting that evokes the literary landscape of its namesake. Hemingway remains a cocktail authority, lauded globally and once featured in The World’s 50 Best Bars. And now, recently relocated to Opatovická Street, the bar continues its journey through mixology history while adding new dishes from its kitchen such as beef tartare and a scrumptious, elevated anchovy toast.

Born from the same visionary team behind Ostrava’s natural-wine gem, this cozy, stylish bar named Hokus Pokus offers a rotating selection of organic and biodynamic bottles from France, Austria, Czech terroir, and beyond. Snacks include artisanal cheese, charcuterie, and seasonal small plates. Housed in a snug, lantern-lit space in Francouzská, the bar exudes a laid-back, intimate charm, perfect for a low-key date night.

The German-born Cinnamood has finally opened in Prague with its pink-tinged boutique outlets offering over 15 glamorous cinnamon-roll creations - some vegan, many plant-based.- that aim to elevate the humble bun into a chic indulgence. Flavors range from pistachio and matcha to Chocolate Cherry and Bueno, each crowned with visually striking toppings and thoughtful fillings. The boutique-style interiors, with playful pastel aesthetics, cultivate a stylish grab‑and‑go vibe at Jungmannova.