After spending our morning photographing Prague at sunrise and exploring the city’s Gothic architecture, we needed a proper lunch spot. Café Louvre had been on our list since planning began, this legendary Art Nouveau café has been serving Prague since 1902, and Albert Einstein himself was reportedly a regular during his time in the city (1911-1912). Here’s everything you need to know about dining at this Prague institution.
Overview:
- Location: Národní 22, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia
- Price Range: $$-$$$ (Mid-range, very reasonable)
- Our Bill: 556 CZK for 2 people
- Best For: Traditional Czech cuisine, historic atmosphere, excellent value
- Reservations: Recommended for dinner, lunch usually accommodates walk-ins
Table of Contents
- Why Café Louvre Is a Prague Must-Visit
- What We Ordered & Full Review
- Prices & Value for Money
- Practical Information
- What to Order: Our Recommendations
- Final Verdict
Why Café Louvre Is a Prague Must-Visit
Since opening in 1902, Café Louvre has been a Prague institution, surviving wars and regime changes to remain one of the city’s most beloved dining spots. Albert Einstein was reportedly a regular during his time in Prague (1911-1912), and the café has hosted countless intellectuals and artists throughout its history. This is authentic Czech cuisine in a stunning Art Nouveau setting, not a tourist trap. After our morning of sunrise photography and castle exploration, this was the perfect lunch destination.
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What We Ordered & Full Review
Fried Turkey Chops with Viennese Potato Salad & Lamb’s Lettuce with Pumpkin Oil ⭐⭐⭐⭐
A hearty, satisfying Czech classic. The turkey chops arrived perfectly golden and crispy, breaded in the traditional Czech style with a delicate, crunchy coating that wasn’t greasy at all. The meat inside stayed tender and juicy. The Viennese potato salad was creamy and tangy with a vinegar-based dressing, completely different from heavy mayonnaise versions and much more refreshing. Comfort food done right at a very reasonable price.
Choux – French Profiterole with Pistachio Cream ⭐⭐⭐⭐
The surprise star of our meal. These profiteroles were exceptional, light, airy choux pastry filled generously with smooth pistachio cream. The pistachio filling was vibrant green, naturally flavored (not artificial), and perfectly sweet without being cloying. Café Louvre’s pastry program is clearly something they take seriously.
Home-Made Lemonade ⭐⭐⭐
Fresh, tart, properly sweetened lemonade, exactly what you want after walking Prague’s cobblestone streets.
Orangina ⭐⭐⭐
Standard orangina. The slightly bitter orange flavor is always satisfying.
Prices & Value for Money
Our Total Bill: 556 CZK (Approximately S$34.69 / €22)
| Item | Price (CZK) | Worth It? |
|---|---|---|
| Fried Turkey Chops | 299 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Pistachio Profiteroles | 109 | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
| Home-Made Lemonade | 79 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
| Orangina | 69 | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Café Louvre is significantly more affordable than many historic Prague cafés while maintaining excellent quality. For approximately S$34.69 total, we had a full lunch with dessert in an Art Nouveau café that once hosted Albert Einstein. Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still want authentic atmosphere and excellent Czech cuisine.
Practical Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Národní 22, 110 00 Nové Město, Czechia |
| Website | cafelouvre.cz |
| Reservations | Book online here – highly recommended |
| Opening Hours | Mon-Fri: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM Sat-Sun: 9:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| Getting There | 2-min walk from Tram stop “Národní třída” 5-min walk from Národní třída metro (Line B) |
💡 Pro Tip: Visit during afternoon coffee hours (3-5 PM) to experience authentic Prague coffeehouse culture with their excellent pastry selection. Lunch typically accommodates walk-ins without long waits.
What to Order: Our Recommendations
Café Louvre is famous for their breakfast, lunch classics, and pastries. Here’s what to order:
Recommended Items:
- Slow-Braised Beef Shank Goulash – Rich, hearty Czech classic
- Fried Turkey Chops – We tried this, excellent traditional preparation
- Choux (Pistachio Profiteroles) – We tried these, absolutely outstanding
- Louvre Cheesecake – House specialty dessert
- Pastries from the display case – Daily fresh selections, legendary quality
💡 Pro Tip: Come for breakfast or afternoon coffee to experience what Café Louvre is truly famous for, their pastry selection and traditional coffeehouse atmosphere!
Final Verdict
Overall Rating: 9/10
Café Louvre delivered exactly what we wanted: authentic Czech cuisine in a genuinely historic setting at excellent prices. The fried turkey was satisfying comfort food, but those pistachio profiteroles were genuinely exceptional, worth visiting for dessert alone.
Would we return? Absolutely! We’d come back for breakfast or afternoon coffee and pastries. At these prices, Café Louvre is perfect for multiple visits during a Prague stay.
Have you dined at Café Louvre? Share your experience in the comments below!
Planning your Prague trip? Bookmark this review and add Café Louvre to your itinerary for an authentic, affordable Czech lunch or afternoon coffee!
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