Prague has long outgrown its reputation as a city of espresso-at-the-counter: a whole specialty coffee scene has sprung up here, complete with in-house roasting, alternative brewing methods, and baristas who'll happily tell you more about your beans than about the weather. We've rounded up 12 tried-and-tested spots — from tiny bars where you drink your coffee standing up, to spacious lofts where you can happily camp out with a laptop all afternoon. For each one, we cover the vibe, the neighborhood, and who it's best suited for.
Specialty coffee in Prague is no longer a novelty — it's a local habit and a genuine discovery for visitors. Below are the places that consistently make it onto "best of" lists: some are great for a quick, high-quality morning espresso, others for a leisurely brunch or a full workday. Hours and prices tend to shift over time, so it's worth double-checking the latest info on each venue's website or social media.
One of the true landmarks of Prague's specialty coffee scene: EMA roasts its own beans and takes extraction seriously — the espresso here holds its own against the best bars in Vienna or London. The chain has several locations, the most famous being in New Town near Masarykovo nádraží station. Perfect for a short but excellent coffee break; seating is limited, so this is more of a "grab one and go" spot than somewhere to settle in for the day.
A café by the legendary Czech roastery Doubleshot, located in Karlín (Křižíkova), where coffee is served with tasting notes, wine-style. People come here for clean, thoughtfully crafted flavor and an excellent brunch in a pleasant, slightly Scandinavian-style interior. A great pick for anyone curious about alternative brewing (filter, pour-over) and wanting to understand what sets specialty coffee apart from a regular cappuccino.
"The Café Looking for a Name" — a cozy spot in Smíchov, tucked behind a flower shop and beloved by locals for breakfasts, weekend brunch, and homemade cakes. Industrial charm with exposed brick, steel beams, and large windows creates a relaxed atmosphere. Great for unhurried get-togethers and late breakfasts away from the tourist crowds.
A "showcase" café by roasters Mama Coffee, right in the heart of the Old Town (Betlémská). The menu usually features four or five beans for espresso and filter, plus bagels and sandwiches; the interior is minimalist, with big windows, small tables, and — crucially for work — power outlets. A convenient spot to grab great coffee without leaving the historic center.
A tiny bar near St. Haštal Church in the historic center, where the approach to coffee is almost lab-like in its precision, brewed on a Kees van der Westen machine. Seating is nearly nonexistent — just a couple of stools by the window — making this the classic "one-sip specialty" experience, best enjoyed to go or on the run. Ideal for anyone who cares about bean quality but isn't planning to linger.
A small but well-regarded specialty coffee shop in Vinohrady — a neighborhood worth exploring in its own right. People come here for carefully made coffee and a calm atmosphere far from the downtown bustle. A good stop if you're wandering around Vinohrady and want a pause with a genuinely excellent cup.
A specialty roaster and café straddling Vinohrady and Vršovice, popular with locals and visitors alike for consistently high quality and a warm atmosphere. It's a great place both for a straightforward espresso and for exploring alternative brewing methods under a barista's guidance. Suits anyone who wants to pair a stroll through residential Prague with seriously good coffee.
A bright, spacious café near Letná Park, specializing in coffee and breakfast. It's one of the most laptop-friendly places in the city: people regularly work here, and there's plenty of seating and space to focus. An excellent choice for remote workers and anyone who enjoys a long breakfast with a good filter coffee.
A cult space in Holešovice: a former factory turned into a loft filled with coffee, food, design shops, and exhibitions. It's spacious and artsy, with comfy armchairs, fast Wi-Fi, and plenty of outlets — a genuine creative haven for working, hanging out with friends, or just soaking in the atmosphere. Give yourself plenty of time: this isn't a place you'll want to rush away from.
A cozy boutique coffee shop in Letná, north of the Vltava, with an old-fashioned character and friendly staff. There are outlets and reliable Wi-Fi, making it equally good for work or for a quiet cup after a walk through Letná Gardens. A nice balance between "coffee to get things done" and "coffee for the soul."
Another gem in Vinohrady: the beans are roasted right on the premises, giving it a true "farm-to-cup" feel. A relaxed atmosphere and free Wi-Fi make it just as suitable for working sessions as for casual meetups. Stop by if you want to feel the roasting process practically in the air around you.
If you're after classic coffeehouse grandeur rather than specialty minimalism, this is your spot. Café Savoy, at the foot of Petřín Hill (Vítězná, Malá Strana), preserves the spirit of First Republic-era cafés: a soaring late-19th-century Neo-Renaissance ceiling, Viennese pastries, and breakfasts served with real flair. Perfect for a special occasion, a long breakfast, or showing guests "that" quintessential Prague café glamour; it's worth booking a table during peak hours.
The bottom line. What makes Prague's coffee map so good is that there's an address for every mood: EMA and Onesip for a fast, flawless espresso; Můj šálek kávy and La Boheme for diving into alternative brewing; Vnitroblock, Misto, and Cafe Letka for a long workday; and Café Savoy for that grand café atmosphere. Start with whichever is closest to your route — and little by little, you'll build your own favorite collection. Enjoy your coffee, or as the Czechs say, dobrou kávu!
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