The story
At Terasa U Zlaté studně in Prague, Executive Chef Lukáš Hlaváček leads a kitchen dedicated to modern European cuisine with a strong emphasis on seafood and seasonal produce. His background includes three years as deputy head chef at The Ledbury and service at three-Michelin-starred Meadowood in Napa Valley. This training translates into a disciplined execution where techniques like kombu crusts and smoked butter enhance rather than mask the quality of ingredients, reflecting a commitment to haute cuisine that resonates throughout the tasting menu. The Gault & Millau guide awarded three toques to this rooftop venue, citing the creativity and precision of the wine programme alongside the food.
The tasting menu opens with bluefin tuna served with ossetra caviar, shiso, and crème fraîche, setting a standard of sharpness that carries through to the halibut course prepared with kombu crust and smoked butter. Meat lovers find their match in the Angus royal steak and cheek course, served with roasted foie gras, green pepper, and a shallot-beer emulsion. Inspectors have singled out the crab preparation featuring furikake sauce and caviar as excellent, while the dessert program ranks among the finest in the capital. The signature valrhona chocolate mousse arrives with apricots and caramelized cacao beans, balancing rich cocoa notes against tart fruit acidity.
Occupying the fourth floor of the historic Golden Well hotel, the restaurant sits within a building dating back to 1528, though a tavern with similar views existed here as early as 1900. Guests dine beneath a glass roof that frames the sprawling spires of Prague, with a private entrance to the Royal Gardens historically connecting the terrace to the castle grounds. A lower-level bar area houses a dedicated Louis XIII station, offering rare cognac tastings alongside the main dining room's polished service. This elevated setting provides a backdrop for both intimate dinners and larger celebrations, anchoring the culinary focus in a space defined by light and perspective.
Recognition
Ambience
Location