The Best Cheap Eats in Prague, According to a Local
There’s nothing better than a meal that hits the spot…and also hits your budget. Budget travellers, students, and tourists are always looking for the best cheap eats in Prague. And there are many, many places to eat delicious, cheap food in Prague. In fact, the Czech capital might have some of the best cheap eats in Europe.
Before I keep going, let me just say: I don’t think you should always eat cheap in Prague. Is it cheap to eat in Prague? Yes. Prague is known as one of those inexpensive destinations to visit, and the food is no exception – but that doesn’t mean that everything is cheap. There are so many stellar, awesome restaurants in Prague that produce high quality, delicious, incredible food. You should try those places, too, especially if you have time to splurge.
That being said, I know that so many students and tourists are on a strict budget. Hey, I’ve been there too, many times. I don’t always want to spend 800 CZK on a dinner, either. Sometimes, I just want to eat cheap in Prague. So that’s why I’ve put together this list of my favorite cheap places to eat in Prague. They are tried, tested, true…and really, really good.
Best Cheap Eats in Pragu
For those of you on a budget, don’t worry. Prague has so many great places to eat on a budget. Here are some of my absolute favorites.
1. Mr. HotDoG (Holesovice)

Mr. HotDoG, located in Holesovice, is one of those cute little neighborhood spots that serves up delicious food. I had this place flagged for years and only visited it for the first time recently. Mr. HotDoG has three types of food on their menu: hot dogs, fries, and burgers. I know what you’re thinking… But this place is actually super good.
Think of this place as a Czech twist on American classics. Yes, they serve hot dogs, but they’re not those gross, bland American hot dogs. They’re tasty, flavorful Czech-style hot dogs. The same goes for the burgers. The burgers have such high quality meat and these fluffy, tasty buns. I’ll just be honest: this is probably one of the best cheap eats in Prague that serves up comfort food.
Looking for something tasty yet affordable? Order the swiss and kraut loaded hot dog for just 129 CZK, or $5.50 USD or the bacon cheese slider for 119 CZK, or $5 USD. You won’t be disappointed with these adorable eats!
2. Zlatý kríz (Nové MÄ›sto)
When you walk into Zlatý kríz, you might feel like going back in time. This deli has an old, Communist feel to it. But don’t let it put you off. This place is an institution with some of the most traditional Czech treats, including none other than… drumroll please…the chlebícek, an open-faced sandwich that Czechs use to celebrate special occasions.
Don’t knock it before you try it. Chlebícek are often made with a variety of ingredients, like potato salad, boiled eggs, sliced cold cuts, and more. They might sound terrible, but they’re honestly super delicious, and one of my favorite snacks. This one at Zlatý kríz is hard to beat, both in value and in taste. Grab a few in a box (they won’t cost you much, either, so you can plan on eating 2 or 3). You can take them to a nearby park to eat, or simply scarf them down right outside. Either way, no one is judging you.
3. Le Pizze di Frankie (Vrsovice)

If you love pizza, then this one’s for you. Le Pizze di Frankie is a tiny little gem I discovered shortly after I moved to Prague. It is, hands down, the best Neapolitan pizza you can get in Prague. And it is freaking UNREAL.
Le Pizze di Franki has two locations: one tiny little stall behind the Kotva Department Store, and a bigger location in Nusle, near Vrsovice. I’ve been to both, and I’ve loved both. What really sets this place apart is their high quality ingredients and fluffy, flavorful dough.
Though they do offer more elaborate pizzas, pick the simple-yet-amazing margherita pizza for your budget. For just 165 CZK, or approximately $7, you’ll eat one of the best pizzas of your life.
4. Lasagneria (Vinohrady)

Who doesn’t love a good lasagna? Lasagneria, located in Vinohrady, has a singular focus: making some amazing lasagna. Their narrow menu has a variety of different lasagna choices available, but for budget eaters, pick the pesto lasagna. At just 169 CZK, or $7,50, you’ll get a big, heaping slice of lasagna served in its own little ramekin. Their pesto is just so, so good. Can you blame me for coming back for more?
5. Lidová jídelna Tesnov (Nové MÄ›sto)
One of my favorite parts of living in Czech Republic: the jidelnas. For those of you that have never visited, you absolutely must stop at one jidelna (and this one is quite good!). In Czech Republic, many lunch meals have traditionally been made as pre-prepared menus. The restaurant might have 5 – 10 meals listed on a chalkboard, and once they run out, the meal is struck from the menu. That’s the concept of a jidelna, which traditionally cooks for lower income workers, students, and anyone looking for a cheap meal.
You will be shocked at what delicious food Lidová jídelna Tesnov (which translates as People’s Canteen at Tesnov) makes for such low prices.
Expect self service, large trays, a big menu, and communal tables. But don’t let this turn you off. You may have to wait in line a little on the street, but this place has a narrow focus, and they do it well. The food is good, great, even, and people are kind and welcoming. You won’t spend more than $5 – $10 USD for an amazing amount of food, guaranteed. Read More...