The story
La Bodeguita del Medio has served authentic Cuban cuisine in Prague since it first opened in 2002. Head chef William Yafrel Martinez guides the kitchen, drawing directly from island traditions and family recipes. The venue claims historical significance as the original birthplace of the mojito, a drink Ernest Hemingway famously requested there. The Gault&Millau guide awarded the venue an 11 rating, praising the culinary team for delivering a genuine taste of the tropics far from the Atlantic coast.
The menu shifts focus to seasonal catches and classic preparations, including tempura-fried shrimp that retain a crisp texture. Creamy linguine tossed with local crawfish appears frequently on the dinner plates, reflecting the adaptable nature of Cuban cuisine. Guests seeking a lighter option often order from the dedicated lobster section, where Caribbean Queen lobsters arrive fresh from Havana waters. Every meal concludes with a flambéed baked banana served over hot pineapple and steeped in dark rum.
A colonial-style bar anchors the ground floor, complete with a wooden stage reserved for nightly salsa performances. Patrons can watch the street life from the fifty-seat summer terrace while listening to traditional guitar arrangements. The upper level houses a separate lounge designed for private gatherings, featuring dark wood paneling and a certified humidor displaying rare tobacco brands. Live music continues past midnight, turning the dining space into a lively hub that stays active well into the early hours.
Recognition
Ambience
Details
Facebook
Instagram