Café Imperial

Café Imperial opened in 1914 as Prague's most opulent coffeehouse, and its restored Art Nouveau interior remains absolutely stunning today. The main dining hall showcases intricate ceramic tilework covering every surface, crystal chandeliers hanging from an ornate ceiling, and marble columns that make you feel like you're dining in a palace. You'll get excellent Czech classics like goulash (420 CZK) and schnitzel (380 CZK), plus they serve breakfast all day including proper eggs Benedict (290 CZK).

Walking into the main hall feels like stepping into early 20th century elegance, with tourists and locals alike craning their necks to admire the ceiling details. The atmosphere stays refined but relaxed, servers move efficiently between marble-topped tables, and the kitchen consistently delivers well-executed traditional dishes. Weekend brunch draws Prague families who linger over coffee and pastries, creating a genuinely local feel despite the grand setting.

Most guidebooks won't mention that half the tables sit in a bland side room with none of the spectacular tilework, so request the main hall when booking. Expect to pay about 800-1000 CZK per person for a full meal with drinks, which is expensive for Prague but worth it for the setting. Skip the tourist-trap desserts and focus on the mains, they're what the kitchen does best.