Latest update: 13 August 2024
When you think of Brno, do you think of… hip cafes and good restaurants? You should! The largest city in the Czech Republic, after Prague, has a huge range of restaurants, bars, and cafes. So, read on if you could use some good food and drink tips.
Avoid the square and eat off the street?!
It’s always hard to find nice places to eat and drink when you’re new to a city. It is no different in Brno. And as a tourist, you always run the risk of ending up in a shitty tourist trap. A simple piece of advice: avoid everything in the main square in the center. And don’t be afraid to try some food from the stalls. In the summer, beach chairs are scattered around the city’s squares, often accompanied by a food truck. In autumn and winter, markets are regularly organized where you can try Czech snacks and dishes.
Most restaurants, bars, and cafes have an English menu, and the staff generally speak good English too. And even with a bit of German, you can manage well in the restaurants and bars of Brno.
Tip! Want to see something of the city between meals? Get my recommendations for places to visit in Brno.
Brno’s newest hotspots
Curious about the newest hotspots in Brno? Check out Food Lover Brno’s Instagram account. Míša, the account owner, lives in Brno and knows all the best places. Luckily, I also have some great tips for you! Let’s start with nice coffee cafes, then friendly restaurants, and we’ll end the evening with fun bars.
Fine coffee cafes in Brno – for breakfast, lunch, and coffee time
In Brno, the coffee culture is very much alive. The city is home to a lot of award-winning baristas. In many places, you can get plant-based milk in your cappuccino or latte macchiato.
Coffee at Mymika
Mymika is a coffee cafe/neighborhood cafe. The kind of place where the barista seems to know everyone who walks in and where people linger for hours. A group of English-speaking people is sitting next to me, practicing their Czech. That doesn’t sound easy at all! Mymika has coffee beans of different strengths and producers. You can order a tasty cake or choose something from the limited menu. There are more coffee options here than food options, but hey, it’s a coffee cafe, isn’t it?
Tip! Not necessarily the best cafe in Brno, but it’s nice in concept: cat cafe Kočkafé Schrödinger. It is hidden in a shopping arcade. If you ask me, there are too few cats around, but maybe they were just taking a nap during my visit. Google Maps location
Eggs Benedict at Bavard
If you’re looking for eggs benedict, Bavard is the place to be. It is small, although there is still a surprising amount of space downstairs. The place is a crazy mix of interior choices, with an alien mask behind the bar, brightly colored prints in kitsch gold frames, and black and white paintings on the wall.
You can choose from five different Eggs Benedict styles, which are all generous portions. Well-seasoned, with enough sauce and perfectly poached eggs. But there are also other options if you like. You can order the Eggs Bennie until 14.30. The staff is apparently tired of the eggs because they eat a hamburger from MacDonalds, two tables next to me.
Milady Kaffee: good coffee, vague techno
At Milady Kaffee, you come for the coffee and the sweets: a pastel de nata, croissant, or brownie? Every day there is something different on display. The coffee cafe is next to a car park, so it doesn’t seem that appealing, but it’s pretty busy with people. There is plenty of space on the terrace; inside, there are only a few seats. The interior is industrial, and the speakers emit faint techno. The barista speaks perfect English, and I get a nice glass of water with my cappuccino with oat milk. Yes, also in the Czech Republic, they are into plant-based drinks. You can certainly ask for it at the coffee cafes of Brno.
Tip! A local delicacy: Mechovy dort. It is a cake that resembles moss (looks-wise, don’t worry) and is made from a spinach-pistachio cake with cream and jam. Decorated with fruits and crickets. Try it at Sorry – Pečeme jinak (Sorry, We Bake Differently).
Anti-hangover food at Eggo Truck Brno
It is a bit confusing: where is the truck of the Eggo Truck? Well, the owners once started a food truck, and it was pretty successful. That is why they have now also rented a small building in Brno to sell their anti-hangover food. Think juicy burgers with avocado, bacon, and egg or sandwiches with egg. Because yes, it’s called Eggo, isn’t it? They also make delicious coffee. It is almost always busy; unfortunately, you cannot make a reservation. So if you spot a table, make your move right away!
Coffee in the courtyard of Café Mitte
Behind gray walls, with two windows and a glass door, you will find a busy coffee cafe: Café Mitte. Originally it was part of a hostel, but the hostel closed its doors, and the cafe is still there. Unfortunately, the seats inside are not very inviting: too simple. The real appeal is the courtyard. A nice quiet place with blue-painted wooden furniture. So weather permitting, it’s a great place to catch your breath and grab a caffeine shot.
Coffee and donuts at Kobliha
The coffee is actually an afterthought at Kobliha; you come for the donuts. The owner is often present to make the donuts. Well-filled, lots of toppings, or both. These are certainly not the ‘standard’ donuts with a layer of chocolate or glaze. No, expect unique flavor combinations with coconut, banana, white chocolate, or passion fruit. The menu is regularly updated with new creations. Come hungry or take some to your hotel room for later.
Industra Coffee: a bit remote, but tasty
In terms of location, Industra Coffee is not really convenient. A bit in the middle of nowhere in an industrial area. And it might be a bit too far to come all the way for just a cup of coffee, so you might want to combine it with a workshop. I joined a Latte Art workshop, and that was really fun. My Latte Art sucked – I mainly created blobs – but I did enjoy myself. View the options on the site and contact Industra Coffee to see if the workshop is possible in English.
Acting/being hip at SKØG Urban Hub
SKØG means forest in Norwegian, and this popular coffee bar has a typical Scandinavian vibe. SKØG Urban Hub mainly attracts a young crowd, and you can enjoy a glass of wine or cocktail in the evening. But I especially recommend it for coffee, breakfast, or lunch. SKØG roasts the coffee beans itself, and the menu is modern: smoothie bowl, eggs benedict, risotto, wraps, and more.
Waking up at Coffee Trail / Lidická
A bit out of the city center is Coffee Trail (but there are two more branches in Brno). The outside does not suggest that it is a lovely coffee shop inside. You can visit on most days from 8 to 8, my preference is the early morning. Enjoy an extensive breakfast with pancakes, smoothie bowls, and avocado toast. The menu is as you would expect from a good coffee cafe. And last but not least, the coffee is delicious. My cappuccino has a good, firm foam layer and is just strong enough.
A little bit of Berlin in Brno: Kafe Friedrich
In a side street, a little outside the center, two feet stick out. They are attached to a man who found a perfect little nook at Kafe Friedrich. Enjoying the autumn sun, this guy has found the best place to chill out in Brno. If I were him, I’d never leave. Certainly not, because good coffee is made at Kafe Friedrich, and you can order a delicious cake with it – vegan, gluten-free, whatever you want. It all feels very zen and lovely until it gets a bit busier. Then the acoustics of the small business are not ideal.
Cakes too beautiful to eat at Dezertína
Dezertína is a fairly new addition to Brno. Beautiful cakes are waiting for you, and delicious cookies, and millionaire shortbread, and… But, the croissants are the real draw. They are world famous in Brno: better than in France according to some. One visit to Dezertína is probably not enough, so you just have to return. Order a cup of coffee with your sweets, or try the homemade lemonades.
Fabrik Urban House
Bricks, wood, industrial lamps, pipes, and a Spotify coffee house playlist. There’s nothing wrong with being a little hipster. So Fabrik Urban House should definitely be on your list for breakfast, lunch, or just a coffee. It’s even open late, so you can also go there for dinner or a drink, but to me, it feels more like a daytime spot. There is a good lunch menu with a lunch dish of the day. It also has vegan options.
The best restaurants in Brno
You don’t have to be afraid you’ll starve in Brno. Or that you only eat goulash and kilos of meat to eat. Brno has something for everyone. Enjoy your dinner!
Fantastic Vietnamese food at Cà Phê Cổ
If you only eat out once in Brno, do it at Cà Phê Cổ. You eat authentic Vietnamese dishes in a beautifully decorated restaurant. You can also have a bite to eat on your own without feeling out of place. The disadvantage is that you have no one to share dishes with because I find it difficult to choose at this Vietnamese restaurant. I decide on the mango salad and dumplings with pork belly. Delicious. Be sure to try the homemade lemonade.
Vegan restaurant Forky’s
Forky’s is a vegan restaurant chain with several locations in the Czech Republic and even three in Brno. You order at the counter and get a buzzer to let you know your food is ready. So all the food is vegan: soups, bowls, burgers. There are plenty of choices. Even if you usually do eat meat. You can refill soft drinks and water unlimitedly. I was hungry, so I only took one picture to show you what it’s like at Forky’s; sorry!
Tip! Want to try something local? Then go to Lokál U Caipla. You eat schnitzels and goulash, but be sure to try the butter-fried cheese. Of course, you will gain three kilos, but true cheese lovers don’t care about that, do we? Google Maps location.
Garden Food Concept
You will obviously find a cozy garden at Garden Food Concept, but you can also sit inside. And there are heaters, so if you want, you can also sit outside on colder or rainy days. The menu is a bit all over the place: from caesar salad to quesadillas (they do not look very nice in the picture, but taste delicious!) and back to a hamburger. So there is plenty of choice if you want to be healthy, but also if you don’t care about that today. The service is very helpful and tries to translate the menu for us as well as possible.
The best bars in Brno
Brno is a student city, so there are many bars. From beer bar to champagne bar and everything in between. So, what are you in the mood for?
Tip! Are you in Brno (or elsewhere in South Moravia) between mid-August and the end of November? Then you MUST try burčák. This is a young wine that has been fermented for a very short time. It is pretty sweet and has less alcohol than regular wine. You buy burčák at street stalls or just in the pub.
Champagne Garden Bar at the Continental Hotel
Love bubbles? That’s convenient because, since 2022, you will find a luxury champagne bar in the Continental Hotel. You can order glasses or bottles of champagne in the Champagne Garden Bar. So take a seat on the wide armchairs and enjoy. While it may look a bit posh at first, you don’t have to worry about being out of place here. The employees are well dressed, but that is certainly not expected of you. Unless you want to, of course. By the advice of manager Eva, I taste champagne from Henri Giraud, Pol Roger, and Taittinger. All delicious, of course. You can book a table in advance to be on the safe side.
Drinks in the Air Café
Hidden away in the Moravian Museum is the Air Café. Now I actually only go to museum cafes as part of a museum visit. But it would be a shame if you miss out because of that. The Air Café certainly deserves a visit. Especially if you are a rum lover: you can choose from 400 types of rum. The interior is entirely in the old aviation style: old uniforms, aircraft parts, photography… It is not called Air Café for nothing. Nice place to have a drink.
Tip! Always busy, always fun: The Bar That Doesn’t Exist. But it does exist and serves delicious cocktails. You will find it here.
Join the beer tram Šalina Pub
The Šalina Pub is a tram converted into a beer pub. And the tram is still running! So you slowly drive through the city while you enjoy a beer – or two. The tram is often used for bachelor parties, but there are also Hop On – Hop Off rides. You can find the upcoming dates on the website.
Super special cocktail bar: Super Panda Circus
Super Panda Circus is THE cocktail bar you must visit when in Brno. The visitor stories are positive, and the reviews are lyrical. So my expectations are just a little too high. In other words, this down-to-earth Dutch girl likes the bar but doesn’t rave about it. Now it also doesn’t help that there is usually a line. But, the people leaving the bar assure me: the wait will be rewarded, and they tell me to do the ‘the game’.
Once I finally enter, I am welcomed by a lady in a circus director outfit. She explains the concept, and I can choose whether I order something from the menu or go for ‘the game’. The game, of course! That means I have to choose one of the five characters to help me with the cocktail choice. I expected all kinds of puzzles and games, but it is an iPad with a story about the character, after which I had to choose a taste. Based on that, the cocktail shakers get to work making something special for me.
And admittedly: it is special. At Super Panda Circus, you don’t get a simple mojito or sex on the beach, but creations with wasabi and palo santo smoke. The bar is also nicely decorated, and you can see how the cocktails are made. The music is loud, and the service is fast. So yes, it’s worth a visit, but it is very hyped.
More Czech inspiration?
Useful links for your Czech trip
- Accommodation. My favorite is still Booking.com. Rather stay in a hostel? Check Hostelworld.
- Activities. GetYourGuide and Viator offer the best tours and activities. WithLocals offers activities with local guides. For ‘free’ walking tours, check Freetour.com and GuruWalk, and for bike tours, go to Baja Bikes.
- Attractions and museums. Check out Tiqets for tickets for museums and attractions (you get 5% discount with the code KIMOPREIS22)
- Car rental. You can compare prices at Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com.
- Flights. Compare your options! Be sure to check Skyscanner, Trip, and Kiwi.
- Package deals. Prefer a fully catered holiday? Expedia and CheapOair might have suitable options.
- Train and bus. Travel to the Czech Republic with NS International or book buses and trains with Busbud, 12Go or Omio.
- Travel guides. Call me old-fashioned, but I still enjoy browsing through a paper travel guide. Available at Amazon.
- SIM card. Beware of unexpectedly high calling and internet costs. Buy a local SIM card when you arrive, or arrange one online via Airalo.
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