Café Imperial — Restaurant in Prague

Where the reputation of a Michelin star collapses. A place of racism. I was about 30 minutes late for my reservation due to urgent circumstances, but he said he gave my reserved seat to someone else without contacting me. In general, good restaurants ask by phone if a customer doesn't come, but this place didn't even pick up the phone even though I called because I was afraid I would be late. Then, they assigned me the worst seat in the hallway in front of the staff room, and said that I had to eat and leave within 1 hour and half. Although there were many good seats left, all the bad seats around me were occupied by Asians, and the comfortable and good seats were occupied by white people. Only one Asian woman had a good seat, and she was accompanied by a white woman. I live in Europe and travel a lot, but this is the first time I have been treated like this. I asked to change to another seat, but was told that it was impossible because the reservation was full. My scheduled meal time was 2 hours, I was about 30 minutes late, and due to their mistake, it took me over 3 hours to finish my checkout and leave. However, I clearly saw that there were no other customers waiting at the table I sat at, and that other good seats remained empty until then. The waiter was busy behind my back throughout the meal, so I couldn't even straighten my back properly. Originally, I wanted to taste more of the others, but I didn't even want to order more food because I was in a bad mood. The food wasn't special, and it was about the level of a fine dining restaurant I usually go to. Foie gras was tasty, but the venison steak had a slight bad smell. I sometimes eat venison, but this whiffy taste was the first time. In addition, it was very unsanitary with flies flying all over the table throughout the meal, but the waiter did not take any action even after seeing the flies. He just stared at me even though he saw me driving the flies away with my hand. Besides, it was very unpleasant to see the waiters laughing and chatting and joking with each other while I was eating. A Michelin star is generally thought of as a guarantee of good food, good service and good hygiene. But their food was mediocre, their service was unpleasant, and their hygiene was disgusting. The price was cheap, but just right for their level.

Finally, due to a glitch in their card terminal, my card was not accepted, so I had to pay for thousands of koruna in cash, and my family waited an exhausting hour to get it resolved. The manager said it was a problem with my card system, but before I went to Café Imperial and right after eating there, even in the parking lot, my card was charged without any problems. My card worked fine throughout my trip to Prague, and I don't understand why it was only a problem there. I think the problem is either the fault of their machine or the inexperience of using the machine. I confirmed that two additional charges were paid in my bank account. The manager emphasized that their owner-chef is a celebrity and would return my money if there was a problem, but it was only natural that I would get the duplicate payment for the food back. But who will compensate for the trouble I have to spend my busy time contacting banks and restaurants?! They don't deserve a Michelin star. I recommend to everyone reading this not to go here.

FYI, I'm usually fairly generous with rating restaurants, and the 1 star is just to make it clear how...

I had the pleasure of visiting Cafe Imperial with my wife just before New Year's Eve on December 29, 2023, and the overall experience left us with mixed feelings.

The first thing that struck us upon entering was the fantastic ambiance. The restaurant, located at Na Poříčí 15 in Prague, boasts truly unique and captivating interiors. The historical charm of the place added a special touch to our dining experience.The food at Cafe Imperial was undeniably exquisite. We savored every bite, appreciating the culinary expertise that went into each dish. However, one aspect that slightly marred our experience was the waiting time for the main course. We found ourselves waiting for over 30 minutes from the time of ordering. Despite this, the service was exceptional, and the staff remained attentive and friendly throughout our visit.

An unexpected disappointment was the size of the restroom facilities. Given the upscale nature of the restaurant, we were surprised to find that the toilets were quite small. Additionally, during our visit, the restrooms were overcrowded, and temporarily, there was an issue with the water supply.

To accompany our meal, we opted for the Beer Imperial, and it pleasantly surprised us with its rich flavor and distinct character. The drink complemented the overall dining experience.

In conclusion, the unique atmosphere of Cafe Imperial left a lasting impression on us, and we are eager to return in the near future. While the waiting time for the main course and the restroom facilities were minor drawbacks, the excellent service, delectable food, and charming ambiance make this restaurant a standout choice for those seeking a memorable dining...

If you’re in Prague and looking for a place to enjoy a real meal, Café Imperial is hands down one of my favorite spots. The moment you walk in, you’re hit with this beautiful Art Deco vibe—it's honestly like stepping into a different time, but in the best way possible. It’s a really cool mix of classy and laid-back, which makes it perfect for anything from a relaxed lunch to a special night out.

Now, let’s talk about the food - it’s fantastic. I’ve been a few times, and every single dish is packed with flavor. Whether you go for a hearty Czech classic or something a bit more contemporary, you can tell they put a lot of care into every plate. And the desserts - they are so good, definitely worthy saving room for, trust me.

What really makes the experience here stand out, though, is the service. The staff are super friendly, professional, and you can tell they really want to make sure you have a great time. They’re always happy to share recommendations or just check in to make sure everything’s perfect, without being over the top.

One thing to keep in mind is that you should definitely make a reservation in advance - it’s a pretty popular place, so it fills up fast, especially during the weekends.

It’s also on the more expensive side, but honestly, the quality of the food and service makes it worth every penny.

If you’re in Prague and looking for a place to treat yourself to a really great meal, Café Imperial is a spot I always recommend. It’s definitely one of those places where you’ll leave feeling like you had a...