Khachapuri, borscht and ćevapčići: 8 Ukrainian, Georgian and Balkan spots in Prague

Prague stopped being just a city of dumplings and roast pork knee long ago — over the past few years its "eastern" food map has grown noticeably richer: Ukrainian refugees and entrepreneurs have opened cosy bistros serving borscht and varenyky, Georgian restaurants are winning over guides and tourists one by one, and Balkan grills with ćevapčići and pljeskavica have been part of the Czech capital's scene for decades already. This guide is for anyone craving not some vague "European" meal, but the specific taste of home — whether that home is in Tbilisi, Kyiv or Sarajevo. We've rounded up trusted spots across all three cuisines, from a Michelin-listed Georgian restaurant to a Balkan grill out on the edge of town.

Dergi Praha

Revoluční Street, in the very centre of Prague (Staré Město/Nové Město). Dergi Praha became the first and so far only Georgian restaurant in the whole country to make it into the Michelin guide. It opened in September 2024 and quickly built a loyal following; every evening except Monday, it hosts live Georgian dance and music performances. The kitchen's real pride is freshness — everything is cooked and served the same day, nothing sits around, and many ingredients, including exclusive wines, are shipped straight from Georgia. A perfect choice for anyone who wants more than just khachapuri — an evening with music and wine included.

Baraqa

Kozí 915/7, Staré Město — right in the heart of the Old Town. Baraqa serves genuine Georgian cuisine paired with quality wines, and it's especially known for its khachapuri — yeasted bread generously filled with baked cheese. The brand has a long pedigree: over 30 years, Baraqa grew from a single kitchen into a restaurant chain, and in 2022 its first foreign branch opened in Prague. Its handy location right in the tourist centre makes it a solid choice for a quick introduction to Georgian food between strolls through the Old Town.

NAI

Kobrova 3354/5, Prague 5. NAI is a cosy Ukrainian restaurant that immerses guests in the country's authentic cuisine, with wallet-friendly prices ranging from €5 to €15 per dish. Its signature borscht — rich and deep in flavour — has become a favourite among locals and expats alike, while potato or cheese varenyky come topped with fried onions and sour cream. Don't skip the chicken Kyiv — a crispy cutlet stuffed with butter and herbs. The restaurant runs an open-kitchen concept, so you can watch varenyky being shaped and pastries arranged in the display case.

Citadela

A Ukrainian restaurant with an openly declared mission — to promote Ukrainian food and culture in Prague. The venue describes itself as a "restaurant with a Ukrainian soul," hosts banquets, and serves traditional Ukrainian dishes; it's open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00–22:00. A good pick for anyone wanting not just dinner but a themed celebration with Ukrainian flair — from homemade varenyky to hearty borscht.

Ukrajinská restaurace The Boršč

Holešovice district, Prague 7. As the name suggests, the focus here is on the classics: a pleasant Ukrainian diner inviting guests to try the unforgettable flavours of a fresh take on the cuisine right in central Prague — in practice, that means simple, honest borscht, varenyky and other traditional dishes served in a warm, hospitable Ukrainian atmosphere. A great option for a quick, affordable lunch without any fuss.

Luka Lu

Újezd 402/33, Prague 1 — Malá Strana, at the foot of Petřín. The restaurant is run by a family from Sarajevo, and its menu is a kind of culinary memory of a country that no longer exists: the Bosnian Djoremov family keeps alive the culinary traditions of former Yugoslavia, adding a pinch of Italian influence, while the space itself feels like a Balkan take on magical realism. The menu revolves mainly around the grill — the local pljeskavica with hot chili peppers gets particular praise, as does the equally tempting ćevapčići. Over the years, the place has become something of a legend: Václav Havel and Karel Gott used to stop by, and during their Prague visits, so did Lou Reed and Joan Baez. In summer, book a table in the colourful winter garden or out on the terrace.

The Grillfather – Balkan Grill Restaurant

Nitranská 1355/7, Prague — Vinohrady. This spot specialises in Balkan grilled dishes, and visitors particularly praise the quality of the ingredients and the atmosphere: reviewers mention the lovely decor, friendly service and excellent food, with special mention going to the Bulgarian dishes on the menu and the wine list — guests rave about the Macedonian wine served alongside Balkan classics. A great choice for a group outing, since it's easy to order a shared grill mix for several people.

Balkan Gril Hostivař

Hostivař district, Prague 10 — for those willing to travel a bit outside the centre for authentic Balkan grill fare. The kitchen prepares honest dishes from fresh ingredients over wood-fired charcoal, following traditional recipes — from juicy grilled meats and homemade pastries to signature sauces and salads. No tourist markup, no unnecessary fuss — just solid Balkan cooking in a residential neighbourhood.

Ukrainian, Georgian and Balkan cuisines in Prague have long outgrown the label of "ethnic exotica" — today they're a genuine part of the city's food scene, drawing not only diaspora communities but Praguers themselves. Start with the Michelin-listed Dergi or the tourist-friendly Baraqa if you're after an evening of wine and music, drop by NAI or Citadela for homemade borscht and varenyky, and book a table at Luka Lu or The Grillfather for a hearty grill night with friends — either way, you certainly won't leave hungry.

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Source: aroundprague.cz

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