When you visit the Czech Republic, food is a big part of the trip. Traditional dishes like svíčková (beef with sauce) or guláš (goulash) are very popular. But the rules in Czech restaurants can be a little different.
Understanding the Czech “Restaurace”
Not all eating establishments are the same. In the Czech language, the general term is “restaurace.” This word can refer to a traditional restaurant, but it is often used for something closer to a casual diner or pub that serves food.
You might be surprised to learn that locals often prefer this “second” type of establishment. Why?
- Favorite Dishes: These restaurace often make local favorites and popular daily specials.
- Daily Routine: Many people living or working nearby visit these places daily.
- Takeaway Culture: They often order meals by phone or using apps, then pick them up to eat at home or at work.
- Evening Socializing: In the evening, people might return just for a beer.
Therefore, the term “restaurace” in Czech culture carries a slightly different, more broad meaning than the usual translation of “restaurant.”
How to Order
Anyway, service in Czech restaurants is often slower and more relaxed than in some other countries—and that’s normal. Here is what you can expect:
Finding Your Table
- A staff member will either show you to a table or tell you to choose a spot yourself.
- Most restaurant staff speak English. Menus usually have English versions or list ingredients in both Czech and English.
The Ordering Process
- Once you sit down, the waiter quickly brings the menu and gives you plenty of time to decide. They won’t rush you.
- Drinks are prioritized: The waiter (or bar staff) often comes back quickly to ask for your drink order. Drinks usually arrive fast, and staff frequently ask if you want refills.
- Note on Water: Tap water (kohoutková voda) is generally not free and is served in a jug. Many places will offer bottled water instead.
- You can order your meals together with your drinks. If you still need time, the waiter will not disturb you for a long period. Be ready for this wait; it’s standard practice.
Getting the Waiter’s Attention
Since service is relaxed, you need to signal when you are ready to order or need assistance.
- Close your menu: If your menu is open, the staff assumes you are still deciding. Closing it is the first sign you’re ready.
- Make a sign: Make eye contact or raise your hand to get attention.
- Any staff member can help: Even if the person you flag down is not your assigned waiter, they will call your waiter over for you.
How to Pay in Czech Restaurant
Since Czech service is typically not rushed, your waiter won’t bring the final bill until you ask. When you are ready to pay and leave, you need to signal them.
Requesting the Bill
The bill is not brought automatically in Czech restaurants; you must ask for it when you are ready to leave. Even after finishing your meal and having your plates cleared, you must signal the staff.
- To ask for the bill in Czech, say: “Zaplatím, prosím” (pronounced roughly: zah-plah-teem, pro-seem), which means “I want to pay, please.”
Payment Process
Payment options and location can vary:
- Payment Method: In Prague, waiters usually ask how you prefer to pay (cash or card). Outside of Prague, cash payment is more common, so it’s wise to ask in advance if they accept cards.
- Payment Location: Payment is typically done at your table, but some establishments, especially smaller ones, prefer you pay at the cash desk.
Splitting the Bill
- The standard practice is one bill for the entire table.
- Splitting the bill is usually not a problem. Staff may ask if you want to pay together or separately. If they don’t ask, you can simply tell them you would like to pay separately.
- Sometimes, staff will ask you for specific instructions on how to divide the bill.
Tipping in Czech Republic
Tipping is standard practice in the Czech Republic, but the amount is usually smaller than in countries like the US.
What to Tip
- A good tip is typically 5–10% of the total bill, or you can simply round up the amount.
- Example: If your bill is 470 CZK, you would round up and pay 500 CZK.
- Tips are not mandatory. If you felt the service was poor, it is completely acceptable to pay only the exact amount of the bill without leaving a tip. Some waiters might ask if you want to add a tip, and you are fine to say “No” or “Not this time.”
How to Tip (Cash vs. Card)
The method of payment affects how you deliver the tip:
- Paying with Cash: You must verbally tell the waiter the total amount you want to pay (bill + tip).
- Example: If the bill is 470 CZK, you say “Five hundred” and hand them a 500 CZK note. The waiter will keep the difference as the tip. Do not leave the change on the table.
- Paying with Card: When paying by card, you have two main options:
- Tell the total: Inform the waiter of the combined total (bill + tip) before they process the payment.
- Use the terminal: In some restaurants, the staff will let you enter the desired total amount (bill + tip) directly into the card terminal yourself.
- Mixed Payment: It’s also common to pay the bill amount with a card and leave the tip separately in cash.
