In the heart of Prague's Mala Strana, near the Charles Bridge, is the restaurant U Glaubiců - a place that boasts a history dating back to 1520. This establishment is a real trip back in time - it is housed in medieval cellars with Gothic vaults that have survived numerous fires and wars. According to local legends, in the 16th century the building belonged to the Glaubic family, after whom the restaurant takes its name. Interestingly, members of secret societies of alchemists used to meet within these walls, and one legend has it that experiments were conducted in the cellars to discover the philosopher's stone.

The menu at U Glaubic is quintessentially Czech culinary tradition. The specialty of the establishment is 'svíčková na smetaně' - marinated beef in a creamy sauce with cranberries and dumplings. This dish is prepared according to a recipe passed down through generations of cooks working there. You should also try the roasted pork ribs marinated in honey and garlic, which go perfectly with local beer brewed according to traditional methods. Prices at the restaurant are average, which, combined with the historic interior and the high quality of the food, makes this place attractive to tourists looking for an authentic experience.

Moving from the hustle and bustle of the city to the mountain scenery, we discover Restaurant & Pension U Studny in Harrachov. This restaurant, located in the heart of the Giant Mountains, offers not only accommodation, but above all a unique culinary experience. The history of the place dates back to the 1930s, when the building served as a hostel for skiers and mountain tourists. During World War II, the building was taken over by the German military, and after the war it fell into disrepair for many years. It was not until the 1990s that it was restored and converted into a guesthouse with a restaurant.

U Studny is famous for its dishes inspired by mountain culinary traditions. A real hit is 'harrachovský kotlík' - venison stew prepared over an open fire in a cast iron cauldron. According to a local story, the recipe for this dish was discovered by accident in old documents found during the renovation of the building. Another specialty is 'krkonošské kyselo' - a traditional sourdough bread soup with mushrooms and potatoes, which for centuries has warmed the highlanders during harsh winters. The restaurant also offers an impressive selection of Czech craft beers, including unique varieties brewed specifically for the restaurant. Prices here are slightly higher than in typical Czech restaurants, but the quality and authenticity of the experience fully compensate for this.

In picturesque Broumov, not far from the Polish border, there is Restaurant u Kostela, whose name literally means 'Restaurant at the Church'. This establishment, inconspicuous from the outside, hides the true culinary treasures of the region. The building housing the restaurant dates back to the 18th century and originally served as the home of the abbot of a nearby Benedictine monastery. According to local accounts, in the restaurant's cellars the monks stored their most valuable wines and herbal tinctures, the recipes of which were a closely guarded secret.

U Kostela specializes in dishes combining Czech, German and Polish influences, which perfectly reflects the history and culture of this border region. Try 'broumovské placky' - potato pancakes with local herbs, served with venison goulash. This dish, according to legend, was a favorite meal of the monks during the long winter evenings. Another unique dish is 'klášterní kachna' - roast duck with apples and plums, marinated in local beer. The restaurant also offers an extensive selection of wines from nearby Czech vineyards, which go perfectly with the food served. Prices here are affordable, which, combined with the authentic atmosphere and high quality of the food, makes this place popular with locals and tourists alike.

Traveling further along the Czech-Polish border, we reach the village of Meziměstí, where Restaurace Švejk is located. As the name suggests, this restaurant is a tribute to the famous character of the good warrior Švejk created by Jaroslav Hašek. The decor of the establishment is full of motifs related to this iconic novel and the Austro-Hungarian times. The history of the place is as fascinating as its literary patron - the building was erected in 1905 as an inn for workers of a nearby textile factory and railroad. During the communist era, the establishment was closed, and did not reopen until the 1990s, when the new owners decided to restore it to its former glory and give it a themed character.

The menu of Restaurace Švejk is a real feast for lovers of traditional Czech cuisine. The establishment's specialty is 'Švejkův guláš' - beef goulash with dumplings prepared according to a recipe that is said to have been found in the old records of a World War I military cook. Also worth trying is 'smažený sýr' - breaded and fried cheese, which is served with home fries and tartar sauce. The restaurant is also famous for its excellent pilsner served straight from the tank, which guarantees its unique taste and freshness. Prices here are very affordable, which, combined with generous portions and a friendly atmosphere, makes this establishment an ideal place for a filling meal after a day spent exploring the area.

Turning to the east of the Czech Republic, to industrial Ostrava, we discover Restaurace U Dvořáčků, a place that has been serving traditional Silesian specialties for more than 80 years. This family-run restaurant was founded in 1938 by Josef Dvořáček, a miner who decided to change professions after a mining accident. The restaurant survived the turbulent times of World War II and then the communist period, when it was nationalized. It was not until 1991 that it was returned to the hands of the founder's family, which continues the culinary traditions started by his great-grandfather.

U Dvořáčků is primarily famous for its 'halušek' - potato dumplings with bryndza and crackling, which reflect the Slovak influence in the region's cuisine. According to family legend, the recipe for this dish was given to his great-grandfather by a Slovak miner who saved his life during a heart attack in a mine. Another specialty is 'ostravská vepřová žebra' - pork ribs marinated in dark beer and honey, roasted slowly for several hours. The restaurant also offers a wide selection of local liquors, including 'slivovica' - slivovice produced according to traditional methods by local distillers. Prices at U Dvořáčků are moderate and portions are very generous, perfectly reflecting the mining tradition of the region, where miners needed a filling meal after hard work underground.

The last stop on our culinary journey is Pension - Restaurace U Lidmanů in the picturesque village of Machovská Lhota. This charming guesthouse with restaurant is housed in a building dating back to 1712, which originally served as a water mill. Over the centuries the building changed its functions - it was also a brewery, distillery and even a small textile manufactory. In the 1920s, the Lidmanů family turned it into an inn, which quickly became popular with the local community and tourists visiting the nearby Broumovské stěny mountains.

U Lidmanů specializes in dishes prepared from local, seasonal produce. A real hit is 'machovský pstruh' - trout caught in nearby mountain streams, baked with herbs and served with herb butter and baked potatoes. According to a local story, in the 1930s the restaurant was visited by Czechoslovakian President Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, who was so delighted with the dish that he asked for the recipe for his cook. Another specialty is 'lidmanův koláč' - a traditional Czech koláč with a filling of cottage cheese, poppy seeds and plum jam, prepared according to a family recipe passed down from generation to generation. The restaurant also offers its own beer brewed according to historical recipes found in family archives. Prices here are average, but the quality of the food and the unique atmosphere fully justify the expense.

Comparing all the restaurants described, it is clear that each offers something unique. U Glaubiců attracts with its historic interior and central location in Prague, but the prices there are slightly higher than in the other places. Restaurant & Pension U Studny impresses with its mountain views and game specialties, but is furthest from the main tourist routes. Restaurant u Kostela and Restaurace Švejk offer similar prices and an authentic borderland atmosphere, but Švejk stands out for its themed decor related to a literary character. U Dvořáčků is an excellent choice for lovers of hearty, meaty dishes at affordable prices, while Pension - Restaurace U Lidmanů offers the most refined cuisine based on local products, but at slightly higher prices. Regardless of your choice, each of these restaurants guarantees an authentic experience of Czech culinary culture, far from the crowded, touristy establishments.