Next Door

The story

Next Door by Imperial Prague Modern Czech Bistro

The Kitchen and Its Creators

Next Door by Imperial in Prague operates as a modern Czech bistro where owner and chef Zdeněk Pohlreich guides an open kitchen focused on fresh seasonal produce. The culinary direction also benefits from the steady hand of head chef Ondřej Jíňa, who translates classic techniques into refined plates. Diners watch the team work through a glass partition while the morning crowd settles in for early breakfast service at seven o’clock. The kitchen maintains a straightforward workflow designed for consistent execution during both weekday lunches and weekend gatherings.

Signature Preparations

The menu shifts between daily specials and a permanent à la carte selection, allowing the kitchen to highlight local proteins while staying rooted in Czech cooking traditions. A twelve and a half rating from Gault&Millau recently underscored the precision behind dishes like crayfish soup finished with Armagnac and perfectly al dente ravioli. Tender young wild boar cutlets follow, paired with roasted eggplant and a rich Bordelaise reduction that avoids heavy game notes entirely. Sweet endings lean toward layered textures, particularly marinated pears served alongside hazelnut brittle and a deep caramel sauce.

The Dining Room

Guests sit beneath original ceiling frescoes dating to 1889, which anchor the space in Prague’s architectural history rather than competing with contemporary design. The main hall accommodates standard tables while a separate champagne salon handles private events for up to fifteen people. Sommeliers curate wine pairings that complement the evolving menu, and the house brews a thirteen degree seven malt semi dark beer specifically for this venue. Large windows frame the Old Town streets outside, keeping the interior feel connected to the surrounding historic district.