Budějovicko – A Journey Through Gastronomy and Beer

South Bohemia is not only a treasure trove of natural beauty and historical landmarks, but also offers fantastic culinary experiences for all gourmets and food lovers. What would a holiday be without great food and drink? Join us on a delicious journey through Budějovicko.

Where to Enjoy Great Food

In recent years, many excellent restaurants have sprung up in Budějovicko, as abundantly as mushrooms in the South Bohemian forests. And indeed, mushrooms are often featured in local dishes, as they are an essential part of traditional South Bohemian cuisine. Let’s explore the gastronomic delights of the region together.

České Budějovice

That the regional capital is an impressive showcase of historical architecture needs no lengthy explanation. A walk to Přemysl Otakar II Square, with the Samson Fountain at its center, admiring the arcaded houses and narrow streets of the historical city center, or enjoying the view from the Black Tower – these are must-do activities for every visitor. But how about combining a sightseeing tour with some gourmet experiences?

Right on the bank of the Slepé rameno of the Malše River, in the oldest part of the city, you will find the modern restaurant Klika Kitchen & Coffee. The chefs here prepare high-quality Czech cuisine using local and seasonal ingredients. You can enjoy your meal in a winter garden or outside on the waterfront, where regular summer barbecues take place.

In addition to classic dishes, you will also find Pikador, the Budějovice version of a hot dog. At Klika, it is prepared in a special way, so don’t expect ordinary street fast food.

By the way, did you know that the hot dog in a bun actually originated in Budějovice?

And we are staying by the river a little longer. The newest addition to Budějovice’s culinary scene is the Hoch Špalíček restaurant and pizzeria, located directly on the Vltavské nábřeží, right next to Dlouhý most (Long Bridge). You can visit for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and there are also spaces available for family celebrations and corporate events.

The private dining room is on the top floor, and from the terrace, you get a perfect view of the river, the Long Bridge, and the LANNA Café, located on the opposite bank of the Vltava River.

If you're looking for a boat cruise on the river, this is the perfect place to start. Boats depart from the Lannova Boathouse, just about 100 meters from Špalíček.

Right on Přemysl Otakar II Square, you’ll find the stylish Restaurant Zvon. Here, you can enjoy top-quality Czech and Viennese cuisine, with dishes made from beef, veal, and lamb sourced from the restaurant’s own organic farm in the Novohradské hory (Novohrad Mountains). The restaurant is housed in the historic Grand Hotel Zvon, where you can also admire a richly carved ceiling from the 17th century.

And that’s not all!

In Budějovice, be sure to visit Valmer Restaurant & Shop, which was named South Bohemian Restaurant of the Year 2018. 

If you’re looking for romance and a quiet dining experience, you’ll love Restaurant U Solné brány. For a lazy morning start, brunch menu, and high-quality specialty coffee, check out Bistro Born in London or the cozy Praži Café, which offers local ingredients, Italian espresso, and specialty coffee.

For Asian specialties and sushi, the experts at Vietnamese Restaurant MET are a perfect choice, while authentic Indian cuisine awaits you at Gateway of India.

Hluboká nad Vltavou

If you visit Hluboká and feel hungry after exploring the romantic castle grounds, head towards the castle’s lower area. At the Lovecká chata restaurant, the culinary team, led by Chef Pavel Minář, will prepare delicious dishes from South Bohemian and international cuisine, using locally sourced ingredients.

Pavel Minář is a member of the National Team of Chefs and Pastry Chefs and regularly represents the Czech Republic at international competitions.

If you’d like to try game meat specialties in a variety of preparations, visit Restaurant Hubert. Roasted quail, hare leg, venison slices, or wild boar shoulder are just a few highlights from the menu.

For those who enjoy nostalgia and tradition, a visit to Solidní šance is a must. This establishment, located in the heart of the town, has been a coaching inn since 1692 and has continued its hospitality tradition without interruption ever since.

Here, you can enjoy grilled meat, authentic potato pancakes, and homemade desserts. The beer is freshly tapped from the local Pivovar Hluboká brewery, located right next door.

Týn nad Vltavou

Right on the banks of the Vltava, with a stunning view of the river, you can enjoy a great meal at Restaurant HUGO in Týn nad Vltavou. The U Zeleného věnce building dates back to 1690 and suffered severe damage during the floods at the beginning of the millennium. Thanks to a sensitive renovation and a modern extension, Restaurant HUGO has gained a unique atmosphere.

The menu offers international cuisine with a homemade touch, along with a fine selection of drinks, including cocktails. You can also attend themed events and try exotic meats or seafood specialties.

A Cocktail at Ponorka

Not sure how to spend your evening? Head to Ponorka! More precisely, the Poetic Cocktail Bar Žlutá ponorka.

Thanks to top-notch bartending craftsmanship combined with a vibrant nightlife atmosphere, this bar has gained widespread recognition and is now one of the most famous bars in the Czech Republic.

Ponorka has rightfully earned its place in Lukáš Hejlík's Gastromap and is a must-visit for cocktail enthusiasts.

This establishment is located just a stone’s throw from the main square in Budějovice. The stunning interior of the historic building, once associated with the horse-drawn railway and the salt trade, is dominated by massive wooden beams and a 13-meter-long wooden bar.

The bartenders here are true masters of their craft, offering an unforgettable experience: 15 signature cocktails, 30 classic cocktails, and 5 non-alcoholic options. Fans of champagne, fine rums, and gins will also find plenty to enjoy.

To top it all off, the menu features excellent dishes inspired by Scandinavian, Indian, and Asian cuisine.

Everyone wants to live in Budějovice – two breweries…

This famous line from Jára Cimrman’s legendary play is well known, but not everyone knows how much has changed in Budějovice since it was first spoken.

The two major breweries, Budweiser Budvar and Samson, are still around, and the well-known Masné krámy beer hall and restaurant—mentioned in the play—remains in operation.

However, in recent years, numerous small craft breweries have emerged, brewing fantastic beer and adding to the city’s rich brewing tradition.

Both large and small South Bohemian breweries can be explored on the Beer Trails of South Bohemia, which include six different routes that take you across the entire region.

Route No. 1 is located in the Budějovice area and features stops such as Minipivovar Krajinská 27, housed in a building with a brewing tradition dating back to the 15th century. Another stop is Minipivovar BEERANEK, which brews beer in one of the first brewing houses in Budějovice, located on České Street.

A special highlight is Pivovar Solnice, which transports its beer from the brewery in Hroznová Street through an underground beer pipeline beneath Piaristický Square directly to Restaurant Solnice. The restaurant is named after its historic salt warehouse, which has been recently renovated.

Outside the city center, other breweries include Minipivovar Kněžínek, the first of its kind in Budějovice, located near the Vrbenské rybníky nature reserve on the city’s outskirts. Other notable stops include Pivovar Hluboká in Hluboká nad Vltavou, Pivovarský dvůr Lipan in Dražíč, Pivovar Týn in Týn nad Vltavou, and Rodinný pivovar Bukovar in Dolní Bukovsko, which produces both traditional lagers and top-fermented beers.

Specialty Coffee

Third-wave coffee has seen a huge boom in the past five years, and Budějovice is no exception.

"Výběrovka" (Specialty Coffee) refers to coffee that is sustainably grown on specific farms and purchased directly from farmers by small roasters before being carefully prepared by experienced baristas.

Specialty coffee accounts for only about 5% of global coffee production and can be compared to high-quality wine, where you also know the exact origin, specific vineyard location, and winemaker.

One of the pioneers of the third coffee wave in Budějovice is the well-known Café Datel, located just a few steps from the main square. Whether you prefer an espresso-based coffee or a filter brew, you can’t go wrong here.

The café offers a cozy atmosphere in a beautifully renovated historic building, with seating both inside and outside on the street. Pair that with one of their fantastic cakes or pastries, and you have the perfect spot for a meet-up with friends.

You’ll also find a selection of light snacks, perfect for breakfast, brunch, or an afternoon treat. In the evening, Datel transforms into a bar, which you’ll notice when the music playlist changes.

At that point, all that’s left to do is order a glass of fine wine, a pint of fresh beer, or perhaps something stronger. The selection includes premium gin, whisky, rum, and even absinthe!

Another excellent café is Široko, named after Široká Street, where it’s located. Besides great coffee, you can also try a wide variety of beers, and one of their famous daily soups, which changes every day.

Possibly the smallest café in South Bohemia is Plachý Café, which only has a few seats and is more of an espresso bar, ideal for grabbing coffee to go. As the name suggests, it’s located on Plachého Street, in the narrowest section leading from the main square.

There are many more unique cafés in Budějovice. One standout is Kavárna Vlnna, a floating café anchored in the Slepé rameno Malše (a side arm of the Malše River), from where regular sightseeing boat tours depart.

Cooking with Local Ingredients

If you enjoy cooking and prefer using local ingredients, Budějovice is the perfect place for you. Fresh meat, fish, and vegetables are readily available. So, let’s go shopping!

Local Markets

A long-standing tradition and a favorite among locals are the markets at Piarist Square in Budějovice. Every Thursday and Saturday, you can shop for local farm produce, including fresh vegetables, eggs, homemade jams, and flowers.

The market runs from 6 AM to 1 PM, but it’s best to arrive early – demand is high, and the best products sell out quickly!

The younger sibling of the Budějovice city markets is the Trhy v Žižkárně market, held on selected Sundays from 7:30 AM to 12:00 PM in the recently opened former barracks complex on Žižkova Street, near the bus and train stations.

Here you can enjoy an atmosphere reminiscent of Berlin’s Kreuzberg: in addition to fresh produce, you’ll find delicious street food, specialty coffee, and many other culinary delights.

Once a month, you can also look forward to the Saturday Street Food Market, where local bistros and restaurants present their specialties.

Fresh Fish

Fish and South Bohemia are inseparable – fish farming is a deeply rooted cultural tradition here. The creation of ponds and fishponds has shaped the South Bohemian landscape and created many beautiful places that continue to attract visitors.

If you’re looking for a reliable source of fresh fish, head to one of the local fish farms.

Rybářství Hluboká offers South Bohemian carp, along with other species such as zander, catfish, and eel. The fish is available year-round from Monday to Friday at their fishery in Hluboká nad Vltavou, where it will also be cleaned and prepared for you.
 

Meat from the Farm

Farm shops are popular places to buy fresh, locally-sourced food. One such shop is Naše Farma, located in the center of Budějovice.

Here you will find meat exclusively from organic farms in South Bohemia, processed at certified organic slaughterhouses.

Whether you’re looking for aged beef, bison, or fallow deer, every product has a proven origin. You can also find many other farm products, such as cheese, dairy products, and fresh vegetables.

If you’d like to taste dishes made from these ingredients, visit the adjacent Naše Farma Restaurant. You can look forward to traditional Czech cuisine with a modern twist, as well as international specialties accompanied by high-quality wines from around the world.

If you want to know what you're eating, you can be absolutely sure at Naše Farma.