Vínograf

If you think Prague's wine scene begins and ends with cheap Moravian whites in a pub, Vínograf will set you straight. This place occupies a sweet spot between wine bar and fine dining restaurant — you can drop in for a glass and a small plate, or go all in with a multi-course meal paired by their sommeliers. The wine list leans heavily on Czech and Moradian producers, which is a revelation if you've never had a proper Riesling or Grüner Veltliner from home soil, but there's plenty of international depth too. The staff actually know what they're talking about — ask for recommendations and you'll get a thoughtful, not scripted, answer.

The food is better than it needs to be for a wine bar. The lunch menu changes weekly and is seasonal, so you're not staring at the same tired dishes every time. There's an open kitchen in the rear dining room, which adds a bit of theatre without feeling gimmicky. The courtyard terrace is a lovely hideaway in warmer months — you forget you're steps from the busy centre.

The design is genuinely striking: muted turquoise tones, floral motifs inspired by the Pre-Raphaelites, and a large mural by Jakub Špaňhel that gives the whole space a dreamy, almost romantic character. It's not cheap — this is a $$$ establishment — but for the quality of wine, food, and atmosphere, it's fair. Book ahead if you want a tasting or a weekend dinner slot.