Wine bar€€karlin
Karlin natural wine bar from poet-winemaker Bogdan Trojak, focused on Moravia, Austria and Hungary; bar service upstairs, basement tastings on Krizikova.
Why locals love it: Bogdan Trojak's natural-wine bar tucks into a Karlin courtyard with no list. The bartender opens bottles by mood; the city's serious wine drinkers send friends here.
Tip: Ask for a Moravian flight; the staff steer you better than any menu.
Vietnamese€€praha-4-libus
Sapa market noodle counter in Libus serving chicken or beef pho strictly by the book; chef Sony's bowls draw expats from across Prague at 170 koruna each.
Why locals love it: Prague's best pho is half an hour out at Sapa Market in Libus. Tourists do not get there; the Vietnamese community fills it every weekend lunch.
Tip: Bus 198 from Smichov metro; combine with Halo Banh Mi across the alley.
Street food€€letnaWed 11:30-22:00
Letna hot dog and slider counter on Kamenicka using Amaso organic meat with house mustard and relish; tiny room, reservations even for the dogs.
Why locals love it: A 15-seat hot dog counter on a side street in Letna that books up a week ahead. The neighbourhood books it, tourists never find it, the dogs are taken seriously.
Tip: Reserve a counter spot at least three days ahead; cash backup advised.
Czech€€holesovice
Holesovice contemporary Czech kitchen on U Uranie with chef's-table seats, daily-baked bread; Michelin Bib Gourmand for wallet-friendly modern Czech plates.
Why locals love it: Tucked into a quiet Holesovice side street rather than the tourist trail, this Bib Gourmand kitchen still feels like a neighbourhood discovery thanks to its industrial-courtyard.
Tip: Book the early dinner sitting; the daily-changing menu often sells through the headline meat dish by 20:30.
American BBQ€€praha-6
Matuska brewery's first restaurant in Dejvice (Praha 6) on Dejvicka serving American BBQ alongside its uncompromising house lagers, opened 2019.
Why locals love it: Matuska's Dejvice taproom hides behind the Vitezne namesti corner, with no street-facing window. The craft-beer crowd knows; tourists head for U Fleku instead.
Tip: The IPA travels, the lager rotates; check the chalkboard for guest taps.
Wine bar€€vinohrady
Vinohrady natural wine shop and bar on Lucemburska from a hand-picked European list with Czech producers; staff pours by the glass on request, no additives.
Why locals love it: Vinohrady's natural-wine room, shared with the Candycane Coffee partners. Twenty seats, no list to speak of, the bartender pours what is open.
Tip: Sit at the counter and ask for the daily pet-nat; cheese plate is the kitchen.