Quick Picks for Dining in Karlovy Vary

Are you in a hurry to find a great table? Here are our top recommendations for different needs. These spots are reliable and popular with locals and tourists alike.

• Best Overall Luxury: Grand Restaurant Pupp
• Best for Families: Bagel Lounge
• Best for Local Food: Velkopopovická restaurace "U Švejka"
• Best Modern Gourmet: Le Marché
• Best Rainy-Day Comfort: Restaurant Charleston

The 10 Best Restaurants in Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary has a diverse range of dining options. You can find world-class luxury or simple, honest meals. Here are the top ten places you should visit during your stay.

1. Name: Grand Restaurant Pupp Type: fine dining Why go: This is the most famous restaurant in the city. It is located inside the iconic Grandhotel Pupp. The dining room features high ceilings and massive chandeliers. You can enjoy classic European dishes with impeccable service. Best for: romantic dinners and special events Where: Mírové náměstí, near the end of the spa zone Time: 2 to 3 hours Cost: high ($$$$) Getting there: walk along the Teplá river from the center Tip: Book several weeks in advance for weekend nights.
2. Name: Le Marché Type: gourmet experience Why go: Chef Jan Krajč creates a new menu every day. They use fresh ingredients from local markets. The restaurant is small and intimate. It offers a unique three-course lunch or a six-course dinner. Best for: foodies seeking creative dishes Where: Mariánskolázeňská street Time: 2 hours Cost: medium to high ($$$) Getting there: walk past the Art Gallery Tip: Try the wine pairing to enhance the daily menu.
3. Name: Restaurant Embassy Type: historic sight Why go: This restaurant has a long history in the city. It features beautiful wood-paneled walls and a cozy atmosphere. They serve traditional Czech dishes with a modern twist. The roasted duck is a local favorite. Best for: a classic Bohemian meal Where: Nová Louka Time: 1.5 to 2 hours Cost: medium ($$$) Getting there: located near the Stará Louka promenade Tip: Ask for a table in the historic back room.
4. Name: Karel IV Type: brewery and restaurant Why go: This spot is located in a historic building. It was once part of the Becherovka factory. They brew their own beer on-site. The menu is full of hearty meat dishes that pair well with lager. Best for: beer lovers and casual groups Where: Becherplatz Time: 1 to 2 hours Cost: affordable to medium ($$) Getting there: a short walk from the main bus station Tip: Taste the beer flight to try all their house brews.
5. Name: Velkopopovická restaurace "U Švejka" Type: traditional experience Why go: This pub is themed after a famous Czech literary character. It offers a very traditional atmosphere with wooden benches. You can find all the classic Czech staples here. The portions are very generous and the beer is fresh. Best for: a fun and authentic local experience Where: Stará Louka Time: 1.5 hours Cost: affordable ($$) Getting there: centrally located on the main pedestrian path Tip: This is a great place to try traditional Czech food like goulash.
6. Name: Bagel Lounge Type: casual activity Why go: Sometimes you want something quick and tasty. This spot offers a huge variety of fresh bagels. They have both sweet and savory options. It is a modern and bright space with friendly staff. Best for: a quick lunch or breakfast Where: T. G. Masaryka street Time: 30 to 45 minutes Cost: low ($) Getting there: located in the main shopping district Tip: The salmon bagel is highly recommended by regulars.
7. Name: Tusculum Type: health-focused fine dining Why go: Tusculum focuses on high-quality ingredients and healthy preparation. They have their own farm for vegetables and herbs. The presentation of each plate is like a piece of art. It is a quiet and refined place to relax. Best for: health-conscious travelers Where: Sadová street Time: 2 hours Cost: high ($$$) Getting there: walk toward the Mill Colonnade Tip: Try the herbal teas made from their own garden.
8. Name: Restaurant Charleston Type: themed experience Why go: This restaurant is decorated in a 1920s style. It feels like stepping back in time to the jazz age. They serve a mix of grilled meats and European classics. The live piano music adds to the charm. Best for: an atmospheric evening with music Where: Bulharská street Time: 2 hours Cost: medium ($$$) Getting there: a short walk from the thermal hotel Tip: Visit on a Friday or Saturday for the best live music.
9. Name: Smíchovský pavilon Type: neighborhood favorite Why go: This restaurant is a bit further from the tourist center. It is where the locals go for special meals. It is surrounded by greenery and offers a peaceful setting. The food is high-quality traditional Czech and international fare. Best for: escaping the city crowds Where: Lidická street Time: 2 hours Cost: medium ($$) Getting there: take a short taxi or local bus ride Tip: The terrace is wonderful during the summer months.
10. Name: Hotel Štekl Restaurant Type: day trip experience Why go: This restaurant is located in the nearby town of Loket. It sits just below the famous medieval castle. It offers a medieval atmosphere and great views. You can combine a meal here with a Loket Castle day trip. Best for: history fans and day trippers Where: Loket town square Time: 1.5 hours Cost: medium ($$) Getting there: 20 minutes by car or bus from Karlovy Vary Tip: Try the roasted piglet if it is on the daily special.

Where to Find Authentic Czech Cuisine

Many visitors want to try real Bohemian flavors. The best restaurants in Karlovy Vary often specialize in these heavy, comforting dishes. Look for menus featuring "Svíčková" or roasted pork with sauerkraut. These meals are a core part of the local culture.

For a sweet treat after your meal, visit the local cafes. You can find more details in this guide to the best cafes in Karlovy Vary. Most traditional restaurants also serve local spirits. Be sure to try Becherovka, which is a famous herbal liqueur from this city.

Traditional pubs usually offer the best value for money. They serve large portions that are perfect after a day of walking. Always check the daily lunch menu for lower prices. This is how many Czech people eat during the work week.

Practical Tips for Karlovy Vary Dining

Dining in a spa town has some unique aspects. Many restaurants get very busy during the International Film Festival. If you visit in July, you must book weeks ahead. During other times, a day or two in advance is usually enough. You can find more travel advice on the Visit Czechia website.

Tipping is expected in most sit-down restaurants. Usually, 10 percent of the total bill is standard. You can round up the amount when the waiter tells you the price. Most places in the center accept credit cards. However, smaller pubs might only take Czech Koruna cash.

Lunch is often the main meal of the day here. Many kitchens close between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Check the opening hours before you head out. After a big meal, you might want to learn about Karlovy Vary spa treatments to help with digestion.