Among Prague’s riverside gems, Restaurace U Kalendů stands out as a restaurant that effortlessly blends Czech culinary heritage with modern craftsmanship. Located along Rašínovo nábřeží, just steps from the Vltava River, it offers more than good food — it delivers an atmosphere of warmth, refinement, and authentic Prague character. I visited for lunch and enjoyed three unforgettable dishes: a Burrata cheese salad, grilled trout, and the restaurant’s famous fried chicken “Kiev”.
A Place with a Story
U Kalendů isn’t just another stylish Prague eatery — it’s part of the Ambiente restaurant group, known for championing Czech ingredients and craftsmanship. The name “U Kalendů” comes from a historical tavern that once stood in this same riverside area, part of the old Podskalí neighborhood. The new space, opened in 2022, revives that tradition with a contemporary touch: a bakery on one side, a restaurant and bar on the other, all seamlessly connected by the scent of freshly baked bread and roasted butter.
Inside, you’ll find a space that’s both modern and warm — large windows overlooking the Vltava, an open bakery counter where loaves emerge golden and crackling, and minimalist wooden furniture that feels both chic and cozy. It’s the kind of place that invites you to linger, whether for a relaxed lunch or an evening meal with friends.
The Ambience and Service
There’s something distinctly “Prague” about U Kalendů’s energy. It’s elegant without being pretentious — full of laughter, conversations, and the clink of glasses. Staff members move with quiet confidence, explaining dishes and recommending wine pairings or local beers on tap. The restaurant attracts both locals and travelers, and you can sense the mix: professionals on lunch breaks, couples sharing desserts, and families celebrating small occasions by the river.
When I visited, the sunlight streamed through the windows and cast warm patterns on the tables. The rhythm of the kitchen and the view of the bakery in motion made the space feel alive — an effortless blend of tradition and contemporary urban dining.
Burrata Cheese Salad: Freshness with a Czech Twist
The first dish to arrive was the Burrata cheese salad, and it immediately set the tone. The burrata was creamy and cool, its velvety texture balanced by ripe cherry tomatoes, basil oil, and a drizzle of aged balsamic reduction. What made it special was the Czech touch — crisp sourdough slices, baked fresh in the restaurant’s own bakery, served warm on the side.
Each bite brought a play of contrasts: the smooth burrata melting against the crunch of bread, the sweet acidity of tomatoes cutting through the richness, and the fragrant basil tying it all together. It wasn’t a complicated dish, but it was executed with precision and respect for ingredients.
Grilled Trout: Simplicity Perfected
Next came the grilled trout, a dish that showcased the kitchen’s confidence. The fish arrived perfectly cooked — skin crisp and golden, flesh tender and slightly buttery. It was served with roasted vegetables and a lemon-herb butter sauce that enhanced the natural flavor of the fish without overpowering it.
What I appreciated most was the restraint. The plating was elegant but not fussy, allowing the freshness of the trout to shine. The smoky aroma of the grill mingled with the river breeze coming through the open windows, and for a moment it felt as though the whole meal belonged to that place and moment — unmistakably Prague, yet quietly timeless.
Fried Chicken “Kiev”: Comfort Food, Elevated
Finally came the dish that everyone around me seemed to order — the fried chicken “Kiev.” It arrived golden brown and aromatic, resting on a creamy mash with seasonal greens on the side. When I cut into it, warm garlic-herb butter poured out in a glossy stream, filling the air with the scent of dill and roasted butter.
The crust was crisp but delicate, the chicken inside juicy and flavorful. The contrast between the crunchy coating and the melting butter was pure indulgence. This dish — so simple in idea — was executed with the same precision as fine dining, but with the comfort of something familiar and homemade. It perfectly represented U Kalendů’s philosophy: traditional recipes reimagined with heart and technique.
Drinks and Bakery Touches
Throughout the meal, the server brought freshly baked bread from the adjacent bakery — slightly tangy sourdough with a chewy crust — and it paired beautifully with the butter from the Chicken Kiev. For drinks, I tried a tank beer (tankové pivo), served crisp and cold, followed by a glass of Czech white wine, which complemented the trout perfectly.
Desserts were tempting — especially the honey cake and fruit tart — but I was too satisfied to continue. Still, the bakery’s glass display made it hard to resist grabbing a loaf to take home, as many locals seemed to do.
My Impression
U Kalendů left me with the impression of balance — between heritage and innovation, between comfort and sophistication. Every element, from the in-house bakery to the carefully plated dishes, felt deliberate and sincere. There was no rush, no unnecessary extravagance — just good food, good service, and the steady hum of Prague life flowing by the river.
It’s the kind of restaurant that feels both distinctly Czech and universally appealing: hearty yet elegant, rooted in tradition yet fresh in presentation.
Practical Information
- Name: Restaurace U Kalendů
- Address: Rašínovo nábřeží 383/58, 128 00 Praha 2 (Nové Město), Czech Republic
- Phone: +420 732 947 574
- Opening Hours: Daily 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
- Website: ukalendu.ambi.cz
- Recommended Dishes: Burrata Cheese Salad, Grilled Trout, Fried Chicken “Kiev”
- Atmosphere: Casual yet elegant; riverside dining with open bakery
- Best For: Lunch with a view, modern Czech dinner, bakery-to-table experience
- Average Price Range: 300 – 600 CZK per main dish
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