Dining out
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Dining out

Dining Out
  • Tipping
    • Not Mandatory: Tipping in Czech cafes, bars, and restaurants is customary and appreciated as a way to acknowledge good service, though it's not obligatory. While cash tips are preferred, you can also add the tip to your credit card. Of course, if the service was unsatisfactory, you shouldn't feel obligated to leave a tip.
      • TIP: Typically, when paying by card in the Czech Republic, the staff will bring the payment terminal to your table and state the bill amount. If you wish to add a tip to your card payment, you'll need to specify the desired amount or percentage. Otherwise, they will process the exact bill amount without a tip.
      • TIP: In the Czech Republic, your credit card will always remain in your possession during payment. The payment terminal is typically brought to you, ensuring your card never leaves your sight.
    • Small Gestures: A tip of 5% to 10% of the total bill is generally considered polite and sufficient if the service is good. As the bill total increases, the expected percentage for a tip often adjusts downwards. For example, if the bill total is 500 Czech Crowns, a 50CZK (10%) tip is nice. If the bill total is 1000 Czech Crowns, a 100CZK (10%) tip would be perhaps considered very generous. On the other hand, for smaller bills, such as around 120 CZK, it's customary for locals to leave a more generous tip, often exceeding 10%. In this instance, a 20 CZK tip would be considered a thoughtful gesture.
      • TIP: Unlike in other foreign countries, you'll never offend staff with an overly generous tip; it will always be appreciated.
    • Check for Service Charge:
      • Be aware that in very touristy areas, some restaurants might try to include a "service fee" on the bill and still expect a tip. This is not typical, so double-check your bill when deciding whether to tip or not.
        • TIP: In the Czech Republic, the prices you see displayed in shops and on restaurant menus are final, as they already include all taxes (VAT). This means the total on your bill should match the sum of the listed prices.
  • Restaurant Reservations
    • Fine Dining & Popular Spots: For top-rated spots and particularly Michelin-starred restaurants, especially for evening dining, booking in advance is essential. These places are very popular and fill up quickly, especially during the main tourist season (May-September) and the Christmas Market season.
    • Casual Eateries: Reservations are generally less necessary at casual restaurants. However, if you have a large group (more than 4 people) or are visiting during a busy time (weekends, evenings), it might be helpful to call ahead and secure a table.
    • Making Reservations: Many restaurants have websites where you can book a table online. Some restaurants still take reservations the old fashioned way - with a phone call.
  • Daily Menus: Most restaurants, during the weekdays (usually from around 11:00 AM to 2:00PM), will offer a special "daily menu" or "denní menu". The dishes in the daily menus are usually significantly cheaper than ordering dishes à la carte from the regular menu.
    • TIP: To take advantage of their affordable lunch specials, keep in mind that restaurants may focus solely on the daily menu during those hours and might not offer dishes from their regular à la carte selection.
    • TIP: Lunchtime in the Czech Republic is generally early, falling between 11 AM and 2 PM. During peak hours, you might encounter a queue outside the restaurant with people waiting to be seated.