Where to eat in Český Krumlov
Český Krumlov eats South Bohemian: roast pork and dumplings, beef in cream sauce, carp and good local lager. The best meals are in the pubs in the side lanes, and in the cellar and brewery rooms, not on the main square. Book dinner in summer, as kitchens are small and close early.
The short answer
- Best area to eat
- The side lanes of the Inner Town and the Latrán side, not the main square.
- Order this
- Roast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, and a local lager.
- When to eat
- Lunch from about 11:30 and dinner from 6pm. Many kitchens stop by 9 or 10pm.
- Book or walk in
- Book dinner in summer and at weekends. Pubs often take walk-ins at lunch.
- Tipping
- Round up by about 10 per cent and say the total when you pay.
What to eat in Český Krumlov
- Vepřo knedlo zeloRoast pork with bread dumplings and sauerkraut, the standard Czech main course and on almost every pub menu.
- Svíčková na smetaněSlices of marinated beef in a root-vegetable cream sauce, with dumplings and cranberries.
- GulášA paprika beef stew served with bread dumplings.
- Smažený sýrBreaded fried cheese with tartare sauce, the classic pub snack and the vegetarian option nearly everywhere.
- KaprCarp from the South Bohemian ponds, fried or baked, most common at Christmas.
- BramborákyCrisp potato pancakes with garlic and marjoram, sold in pubs and at fairs.
- TrdelníkA rolled sweet pastry sold in the lanes. It is a tourist snack rather than a Czech tradition.
- Local lagerEggenberg beer is brewed in the town, and the pubs pour it fresh. The dark lager is the one to try.
Where to eat in Český Krumlov, by area
Inner Town side lanes
Small pubs and vaulted cellars a street or two from the square. Look for a short menu in Czech first.
Latrán
The castle-approach side, with the brewery pub and a few traditional restaurants. Quieter than the square in the evening.
By the river
Terraces over the water from late spring to early autumn. Good for a drink, and the dishes are plainer than the views.
Places worth a booking or a queue
-
Krčma Šatlava
KčKčMedieval tavern · Inner Town
OrderRoast meat from the open fire, such as pork or game
A stone-vaulted tavern on Masná street that cooks over an open fire and serves Czech and regional dishes. It is open all year.
- Book
- Book in summer; it seats about 120 with the terrace
Confirmed open: ckrumlov.info
-
Hospoda Na Louži
KčPub · Inner Town
OrderRoast pork with dumplings and sauerkraut, with a lager
A family-run pub on Kájovská with old beer adverts on the walls and Czech cooking. It is small, so groups should book.
- Book
- Book ahead for groups; ask at the door otherwise
Confirmed open: nalouzi.cz
-
Laibon
KčVegetarian restaurant · Inner Town
OrderA vegetable curry or pancakes
An all-vegetarian restaurant on Parkán with soups, curries, pasta and pancakes, useful when everything else is meat and dumplings.
- Book
- Walk in; book for weekend dinner
Confirmed open: laibon.cz
-
Eggenberg brewery pub
KčBrewery pub · Latrán
OrderDark lager and a Czech main course
A pub in the old ice store of the town's own brewery, with Czech food and beer made a few meters away. Tours run at set times.
- Book
- Walk in; book for groups
Confirmed open: inyourpocket.com
Food markets in Český Krumlov
- Christmas market on Náměstí SvornostiMulled wine, grilled sausages, trdelník and gingerbread among the craft stalls. The only large market of the year, so go in the evening, when it is lit.Late November to early January, daily; check hoursSource: ckrumlov.info
How Český Krumlov eats
- Meal timesLunch from about 11:30 and dinner from 6pm. The main meal is often at lunch.
- TippingRound up the bill by about 10 per cent and say the total when you pay.
- ReservationsKitchens are small. In summer and at weekends, book dinner before you arrive.
- PayingPay the waiter at the table. Check the bill, as bread and extras are charged.
- Closing timesThe town is quiet after dark. Many kitchens stop by 9 or 10pm, so do not leave dinner late.
Signs of a place to walk past
A menu in six languages with photographs of every dish.
A tout on the main square asking you to come in.
A trdelník stand that also sells ice cream and souvenirs.
Eating in Český Krumlov: questions people ask
What food is Český Krumlov known for?
South Bohemian cooking: roast pork with dumplings, beef in cream sauce, carp and fresh local lager.
Where should I eat in Český Krumlov?
In the side lanes of the Inner Town and on the Latrán side. Skip the main square for a meal.
Is there vegetarian food in Český Krumlov?
Yes. Fried cheese is on most menus, and Laibon is an all-vegetarian restaurant.
Do I need to book in Český Krumlov?
In summer and at weekends, yes, for dinner. Pubs often take walk-ins at lunch.
Is local beer worth trying?
Yes. Eggenberg beer is brewed in the town, and the dark lager is the one to try.
Do you tip in Český Krumlov?
Yes. Round up the bill by about 10 per cent and tell the waiter the total.