For a relatively small city, Liberec has a surprisingly formidable culinary scene. With a huge variety of restaurants and food joints, from local delicacies in casual settings to haute cuisine and grand dining rooms in historic buildings, you can choose to splash out or stay on a shoestring. These six are some of the best restaurants in Liberec.
In the 12th century, Cistercian monks excavated a cave in Liberec to form part of their new monastery. Now, it acts as a temple of a different sort — worshiping all things food! Housed in this remarkable setting, Restaurant Skala serves up a wonderful menu of high quality modern cuisine blended perfectly with traditional Czech cooking. An after-dinner tour of the monastery is the final flourish of a wonderful evening out. Open daily 10.30am to 11pm.
The cellar of the magnificent Liberec Town Hall had been empty for over 10 years, when local brewery Svijany decided to launch its very own restaurant here. Designed to provide an atmosphere of a traditional old Czech pub, Radniční Sklípek serves up hearty Czech fare, washed down with the local brew fresh from the barrels. Na zdraví! Open Monday to Thursday 11am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 12am, and Sunday 12pm to 5pm.
The Hospoda Domov has been a tavern for well over a century, and used to serve as the main hitching station for coaches on the way to Poland and Germany. In the awesome shadow of the Jested mountain, Hospoda Domov serves up filling, traditional Czech dishes cooked to perfection under the watchful eye of master chef Norbert Hojda, one of the country’s top cooks. Open Monday to Thursday 11am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 11am to 11pm, and Sunday 11am to 3pm.
A stylish, modern joint with a menu geared around American-style dishes, diners can expect great burgers, steaks, and thick, chocolatey puddings. With a range of local beers on tap and a lively, youthful vibe typified by the eclectic bar design and integrated model motorbike, this is a great place for a laid-back, casual evening of good times and great food. Open Monday to Thursday 11am to 11pm, and Friday and Saturday 11am to 12pm.
The team at Balada have crafted a wonderfully cosy downtown joint, decked up to give off big Alpine ski lodge vibes. Wooden beams and ski paraphernalia adorn the walls, and the food is hearty, warming and served up in huge portions. Try the garlic soup or the halusky (small potato dumplings) for a real taste of classic Czech and Slovak fare. A must-visit on a cold winter’s day. Open Monday to Thursday 1030am to 11pm, Friday and Saturday 10.30am to 12am, and Sunday 12pm to 10pm.
An excellent modern restaurant with a varied, contemporary menu, Park’s standout feature is, in fact, its location. Set in the beautiful surroundings of the city park, with a small stream running by the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, the view is beautiful and tranquil wherever you sit. Inside the decor is understated yet extremely tasteful, with bookshelves lining many of the walls — you’re welcome to pick a book and get comfy in the tranquility that Park provides. Open Monday and Tuesday 11am to 9.30pm, Wednesday to Saturday 11am to 11pm, and Sunday 11am to 6pm.