Food And Drink In Brno

Brno is largely untouched by tourism, meaning that its many bars and restaurants offer great food and drink at very reasonable prices.

More often than not, when in Brno, you will find yourself eating in a restaurant. Unlike Prague, Brno does not have many takeaways. Apart from the usual fast-food chains and the very occasional kebab shop.

Thankfully, most restaurants offer very good value. Traditional Czech food is a must, but there are also many restaurants serving dishes from all over the world.

Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Most people will leave a tip of 10% if the service has been good. If you feel the service was bad, don’t leave anything. As I was travelling alone, I didn’t always tip, especially if paying by card. I don’t really consider tipping someone for simply bringing my food to be necessary. Groups are different, as a good waiter or waitress should add something to the dining experience.

Where To Eat In Brno

Buddha

After having already visited the ossuary and the underground labyrinth and still not eaten, I skipped breakfast entirely and went straight for an afternoon curry. ‘Buddha’ (map) do an afternoon special where you can get a soup starter and a choice of three curries at a special discount. You can order all three as part of a thali set.

I had a tomato soup starter which was perfectly spiced. Watch out for the cardamons though! For my main, I had a chicken masala and ordered a half nan/rice to mop it up with. It was delicious and only a few pounds. They do different sets each day.

Fryends (Vegan Food In Brno)

‘Fryends’ (map) is a vegan takeaway in the centre of Brno. They offer burgers and baguettes. I opted for a burger. They have a number of choices, including the over-rated ‘beyond meat’. I went for their home-made seitan burger with rice paper bacon. I have made rice paper bacon before but never seen it sold anywhere.

Matejovo Pekarstvi

‘Matejovo Pekartvi’ (map) is a bakery located near the cabbage market. It is one of the few places in the centre where you can grab a sandwich instead of having a sit-down meal. They have a big selection of sandwiches, pastries and cakes at very good prices.

Soul Bistro

‘Soul Bistro’ (map) came highly recommended and I was in the area so it was an easy decision to have lunch here. Reviews mentioned how good the fish and chips was and I had not had fish and chips for over a year, having been in Southeast Asia.

Now, I am a bit of a snob when it comes to fish and chips (if one can be snobbish about fish and chips)! I really was not expecting a small bistro in a Czech city to master England’s former favourite dish (it’s been replaced by curry)! How wrong I was!

I knew as soon as they arrived that they would be good. The chips were actual hand-cut chips, as opposed to fries or, even worse, frozen chips. The fish was cooked to perfection in a nice batter. The real surprise was that it came with a pea puree, in place of mushy peas. All washed down with a Club Mate. It was delicious. I highly recommend this plaice. (See what I did there?)

Stopkova Plzeňská Pivnice

‘Stopkova’ (map) is a popular pub and restaurant in the centre of Brno old town. It is recommended to book a table here, particularly if you are a group.

My first visit here was a bit of a mixed experience. I ordered ‘Moravian Sparrow’, which is actually pork, and it literally arrived in 30 seconds. The meal came with dumplings which were very dry. It also came which red and white cabbage and I really wasn’t keen on the white cabbage. I was a little disappointed.

On my last night, I realised I still hadn’t had a pork knee (a traditional Czech dish). As it was on Stopkova’s menu, and cheaper than elsewhere, I decided to give it another go.

If you are unfamiliar with pork knee, it is basically a big chunk of meat, fat and skin, usually served with mustard and salad.

Thankfully, the food was much better this time around. Pork knee might be too fatty for some people but for me it was perfect. The skin was both chewy and crispy in parts and the ham had just the right amount of saltiness. I was definitely full after this meal!

The Best Bars In Brno

Brno is blessed with many excellent bars serving great beer at very reasonable prices. And for those mornings after, you can pick yourself up at one of the many coffee shops.

Bar, který neexistuje (The Bar That Doesn’t Exist)

Located near Liberty Square, ‘The Bar That Doesn’t Exist’ (map) caters mainly for the cocktail or spirit drinker. They have a huge choice! However, they do have a couple of draught beers and very tasty they are too. It’s quite an upmarket place but the prices are reasonable. The staff were very helpful; no need to go to the bar as it is table service. Their menu suggests other establishments if you are looking for a more traditional pub, which I thought was a nice touch.

BaruBaru Coffee & Beer

I came here for coffee before a long day walking. It was almost empty when I visited. It’s a little off the beaten track and not easy to spot. The coffee was excellent and the staff were very friendly. Worth your attention if in the area. Map.

EDIT: BaruBaru is now permanently closed (4/4/21).

Výčep Na Stojáka

Known as ‘The Standing Pub’ as they have no chairs here, ‘Výčep Na Stojáka’ (map) is a great pub serving quality draught beer. In the summer, the drinkers spill out onto the street outside. You can buy grilled meat to go with your beer. Cash only.