The Czech food scene is stepping into the spotlight
The Michelin Guide is expanding from Prague to cover all of Czechia in 2025 (watch for an announcement on December 11th). For now, you can browse our list of 2025’s Top Chefs and make your reservations ASAP. Those seats are sure to fill up fast!
The past two decades of Czech gastronomy have cultivated a sense of experimentation and creativity. Seasonal ingredients, twists on traditional recipes, and multi-course tasting menus have become staples of the local restaurant scene. Plus we’ve still got plenty of delicious, affordable bites (often on the same street)!
And here’s a fun twist: over 10,000 of the iconic bright-red Michelin signs displayed at starred restaurants worldwide and produced in Brno , Czechia’s second-largest city. These signs are designed to highlight quality and weather outdoor elements, reflecting Czechia’s own combination of skilled craftsmanship and culinary interest.
In fact, the city of Brno has their own local Gourmet Brno food guide (with categories and scores instead of star).
Christmas Markets In and Beyond Prague
If you’re looking for holiday cheer in Czechia, your options extend beyond the capital. Prague bright, bustling center tends to make the best-of lists — see Conde Nast Traveler and The Independent for 2025 — but festivities in other Czech cities remain more of a lesser-known secret.
Olomouc in the northeast is known for its gorgeous Baroque buildings, religious history, and spiced winter punch. Brno decorates four cobblestoned squares with food, drinks, souvenirs, and a Ferris wheel. In České Budějovice, ice-skaters circle the open-air rink in the city center. And northern Liberec may be your best bet for a white Christmas. No matter where (or which
holidays) you’re celebrating this year, we wish you peace, love, and a season filled with memories!
Festive Castles & Chateaux
Town squares aren’t the only spots you’ll find holiday decor in Czechia. The country’s 200+ castles and chateau also get in the holiday spirit. One Brno home displays Christmas and Hanukkah symbols while Loučeň Chateau has the country’s largest holiday wreath scene.
The Lamp-Lighter Returns
One of Prague’s most exclusive holiday jobs around keeps the Charles Bridge sparkling through darker months. A historical lamp-lighter in 1800s garb ignites the lights between statues at around 4:00pm each day from November 30-December 23rd.
Feature image: Tomáš Černý is the winner of the Czech Golden Chef 2024 poll. In his Prague restaurant Dejvická 34 Source: Visit Czechia