Iconic Dishes from Czech Cinema: Discover the Best Movie-Themed Restaurants and Pubs

Kersko and Boar: Rosehip or Cabbage?
A visit to Kersko and Hájenka is a must, as it’s one of the best-known film pubs in the Czech Republic. This place appeared in the movie *The Snowdrop Festival* (1983), which was inspired by the short stories of Bohumil Hrabal. In the film, hunters engage in a lively debate about whether the innkeeper should serve boar with rosehip sauce or cabbage. The argument leads to a funny pub brawl, but luckily, Hájenka remained unharmed since these scenes were filmed in studios. Speaking of Bohumil Hrabal, he had a cottage nearby and would often visit Hájenka, preferring a spot on the veranda. To cater to this ongoing question of preferences, the pub offers the special Plate Hájenka, which features a piece of boar served with both cabbage and rosehip sauce.
Dumplings, Gnocchi, and Nok Nok Restaurant
“Let me clarify the difference between dumplings and gnocchi. It’s quite straightforward,” Jindřiška Krausová explains in the film Cribs (1999). “Dumplings are boiled in water, shaped like long rolls, and only sliced after being taken out. Depending on how they’re prepared, these slices might get a bit sticky. On the other hand, gnocchi, shaped like small balls or cones, are cooked individually and tend to be slippery all over.”
Although this scene doesn’t take place in a restaurant, it inspired the creation of the Nok Nok restaurant, which now has branches in Brno and Hradec Králové. Don’t worry—the differences between dumplings and gnocchi and other Central European food traditions won’t be on trial here. You can choose not to order either, but honestly, when you visit Nok Nok, it would be a real missed opportunity not to try their handmade potato dumplings or nok-noki.
Body Shots, La Casa Bleu, and The Loners
The bittersweet comedy *The Loners* (2000) not only features a fantastic soundtrack and talented actors, but also showcases “tasty body shots” with tequila. This was filmed at La Casa Bleu, a delightful restaurant located in Prague’s Old Town. Here, in the very spot where the iconic film was made, you can indulge in global culinary delights like quesadillas, burgers, and various spicy sauces. While the bar doesn’t have an official drink menu for body shots, you can be sure that the staff will be more than happy to share details about this amusing specialty—all patrons are curious about it.
Beer, Postřižiny, and Dalešický Pivovar
So, do you know the greatest Czech beer movies? Beer complements traditional Czech cuisine and has been celebrated in many films. The love for beer stands out clearly in *Postřižiny* (1980), directed by Jiri Menzel, which took place in the Dalešický brewery near Třebíč. If someone asks whether there’s a more stylish way to enjoy a Dalešické pivo while watching *Postřižiny*, we say yes: the best experience is to visit the Dalešický brewery itself, enjoy fresh beer at their restaurant, and soak up the authenticity of the First Republic right where it all transpired. After all, as we all know, “…your health will be restored by beer.”.
A Beer Journey with Adéla, Who’s Still Hungry
The film *Adéla Hasn’t Had Her Dinner Yet* (1977) pays tribute to Czech beer as Commissar Ledvina (played by Rudolf Hrušínský) introduces Nick Carter (Michal Dočolomanský) to Prague’s finest beer bars and pubs. They explore numerous spots in the Lesser Town, including the Hotel U Tří pštrosů and the historic pub U Krále Brabantského, one of Prague’s oldest establishments, as well as U Bonaparta in Neruda Street and At the Black Ox on Loretánské náměstí, all the way to the U Fleků brewery in Nové Město.
There’s an endearing beer story about how a brewery director liked a photo taken during filming, featuring Rudolf Hrušínský happily drinking from a pint. He requested permission to publish it in the company calendar. Hrušínský consented and humorously asked for a bit of beer for Christmas. Come December, a truckload of beer indeed arrived at the Hrušínský residence, and the actor claimed it was the best compensation he’d ever received.
Other Film Pubs and Restaurants
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- Before the cult series *Most* aired, only the locals knew about the Severka restaurant on Zdeněk Fibicha Street in Most. Although the filmmakers have moved on, the restaurant still thrives, offering classic cuisine at reasonable prices.
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- In the musical film *Rebels* (2001) by Filip Renc, Mr. Chief entertains guests at the tennis pub U rybníka, which is essentially the U Grobiána pub near Kokořín Castle. The film is fondly remembered here to this day; come by and enjoy the nostalgia!
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- Another cinematic gem is Prague’s U Dvou koček restaurant on the Uhelný trh (Coal Market), where the comedy *Vrchní, Prchni* (1981) was filmed.
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- The Na Slamníku pub in Prague is a beloved spot featured in films, such as the series *The Crimes of Great Prague* (2021).