U Červeného páva — Restaurant in Prague

U Červeného Páva (“At the Red Peacock”) sits on a narrow lane between Celetná and Železná, about 150 metres from Old Town Square. With a Google rating of 4.7 from over 2,600 reviews, it seemed a solid place to try traditional Czech dishes - the kind described as warm, hearty, and substantial.

The pražská šunka od kosti (Prague ham on the bone) came exactly as described: slices of lightly cured ham, with mustard, horseradish sauce, and a pickled pepper (not spicy). The curing was delicate, allowing the meat quality to come through. Simple, and well-judged. 7.5/10.

Uzená žebra (smoked ribs) are, in the Czech style, dry and sauce-less - unlike pečená žebra (roast ribs), or grilovaná žebra (barbequed ribs). These emphasise the natural flavour of the pork rather than any smokiness from open flame. This was a large portion - enough to make me wish I’d packed a flag to plant on the summit - served with the usual pickled sides. The cooking was competent, but the dish needed more seasoning, and more contrast.

The pečené koleno (roasted pork knuckle) is one of the staples of Czech cuisine, often served second only to goulash in popularity. Here it came with mustard, horseradish, pickled pepper, and cabbage. The lack of proper crackling was disappointing. In flavour, it didn’t rise above the ham starter.

Having learned something from the night before, I added a chicken and mixed vegetable salad - with mango, pomegranate, and a honey mustard dressing. It proved the most balanced dish of the evening: peppery rocket, sweet fruit, and tender chicken, with freshness and contrast throughout. 8/10.

The apple strudel with ice cream was competent but unmemorable. A higher proportion of sharper apples and better quality ice cream would have helped.

The setting and atmosphere of the Red Peacock is warm and welcoming, and this carries through to their generous portions - you know they want to feed you. The fare is hearty and uncomplicated, in the best ethos of traditional Czech cuisine. Some platters are truly memorable, others less so, and desserts are an area for...

Tucked away from the busier tourist spots, Restaurace Červeného Páva offers a quiet, cozy escape with authentic Czech cuisine and a relaxed, intimate atmosphere. I stopped by for lunch and was pleasantly surprised by both the quality of the food and the calm, welcoming environment — a refreshing contrast to some of the more commercial places nearby.

I ordered the beef goulash, a staple in Czech cooking, and it was wonderfully done. The beef was tender and flavorful, simmered in a rich, spiced gravy with just the right amount of paprika heat. The sauce was thick and hearty, clinging perfectly to the accompanying bread dumplings, which were soft, pillowy, and ideal for soaking up every last drop. It was a simple, classic dish, but executed with care — no shortcuts, just honest cooking.

To go with it, I had a cappuccino, which might not be the most traditional pairing, but it worked well for a midday meal. The coffee was smooth and well-prepared, with a nice layer of frothy milk and a rich flavor that lingered pleasantly. It made for a satisfying end to the meal and added a comforting touch to the overall experience.

The restaurant itself is warm and inviting, with a historic charm that reflects Prague’s character. The staff were friendly and attentive without being overbearing, and the pace of service was relaxed, allowing time to truly enjoy the meal and the setting.

What stood out most was the atmosphere — peaceful and unfussy, with a sense that you’re dining somewhere that locals actually enjoy, not just a spot aimed at passing tourists. It’s the kind of place where you can sit back, enjoy a hearty Czech dish, sip your coffee slowly, and take in the quiet rhythm of the city.

In short, Restaurace Červeného Páva delivers traditional Czech food with warmth and authenticity. The beef goulash was satisfying and flavorful, and the cappuccino rounded out the meal nicely. If you’re looking for a less crowded, more intimate dining experience in Prague, this little spot is definitely...

We came on a Wednesday at around 4pm. The restaurant had just finished a huge crowd and we came just in time to snag a lul in their service.

We were still full from breakfast. They were nice enough to accommodate our needs. We ordered a blueberry Lemonade and a lemon Lemonade, the fried cheese with fries, the sausage and the apple strudel.

The sausage came with a small cabbage salad, horseradish and honey mustard. The sausage was almost like chorizo except it wasn't spicy. It was really snappy. The small cabbage salad had a really good refreshing flavour. It tasted a bit sour probably from either lemon or vinegar. The honey mustard paired with it perfectly

The fried cheese was indeed the highlight of the meal. The cheese was super stretchy and addicting. It came with a tartare sauce which was good for dipping the fries and the cheese in. The fries were surprisingly good as well. I would definitely recommend you order this.

The apple strudel was okay. Nothing amazing. I liked that it came with ice cream. The whipping cream wasn't necessary. The apples were nice and sour making the whole dish not too sweet.

The service was so friendly and so nice. She made us feel very welcome and gave us no pressure to order more.

Overall would definitely recommend this place. Although it's really close to the centre square, it doesn't feel like a tourist trap (although a lot of tourists come here). If I was hungrier I would have gotten the ribs as well. If you want to try fried cheese, I would come...