A location with a soul
Nestled among tall chestnut trees stands an authentic travel-lodge-style restaurant with a rich history dating back to the 16th century – U Matěje, a place with unmistakable character. You won’t find any other place like this in Prague. Let yourself be taken back in time to the calm of an old village inn.
“Standing in the middle of the run-down space, I closed my eyes and imagined the clinking of Pilsner pints and the lively rustle and chatter of feasts over hearty, traditional meals.”
– JP -
– JP -
The U Matěje Restaurant is the brainchild of chef Jan Punčochář, who followed his dream of having his own restaurant and opened a traditional “tavern” in 2019 in Prague’s Hanspaulka with genuine Czech and Austro-Hungarian cuisine.
“When I first entered the place, I was struck by the need to conserve its soul and follow in the footsteps of traditional Czech travel lodges. I knew right then that I will serve authentic Czech and Austro-Hungarian cuisine.”
- JP -
- JP -
The wooden, sturdy yet cosy interior comes from architect Stanislav Fiala, who made the vision of Jan Punčochář come alive and breathed life back into this historical gem.
From rustic roots to refined dining
However, the two-storey building housing the U Matěje Restaurant hides another secret space. Just beyond the entrance, hidden in the wooden panelling, lies an inconspicuous door that’s easy to miss – yet passing it by would be a mistake. Behind it awaits the second cosy and welcoming Stůl Restaurant, where Jan Punčochář and his talented team experiment with top-quality ingredients from all over the world in an open kitchen right in front of guests. This quaint space only seats 12 and is open four days a week for lunch and dinner. Couples or larger groups can enjoy a shared meal, sampling multiple courses served family-style to the middle of the table. The restaurant naturally has a well-stocked wine cellar.
In the spring of 2019, we started to build on this rich history. While preserving the historical soul of the place, we gave it new life and launched reconstruction. See how our restaurant came to look the way it does today.
In the spring of 2019, we started to build on this rich history. While preserving the historical soul of the place, we gave it new life and launched reconstruction. See how our restaurant came to look the way it does today.
Original building of the U Matěje Restaurant
Undergoing complete remodelling
messages.Nezaměnitelné genius loci
Soundproofing solution for the main hall
We focus on honest Czech and Austro-Hungarian dishes.
A traditional Czech tavern with delicious food and beer served with a perfect frothy head.
Taste our honest, long-simmered sauces, freshwater fish and dishes made from barley, lentils and other typical ingredients. Our menu changes according to the season, but the popular favourites remain – carp fries with dill mayonnaise and cabbage salad, tripe soup, veal spider steak with mushroom-dill sauce and Carlsbad dumplings, caramel egg with its signature service or our legendary sweet cheese buns with rum sauce, raisins and vanilla ice cream. An integral part of the restaurant is our well-stocked wine cellar with a selection from Czech and Austrian winemakers and authentic pilsner lager from Plzeňský Prazdroj.
Jan Punčochář
Experience exquisite cuisine under the direction of head chef Jan Punčochář.
“Suddenly you find yourself leaving the big city behind and entering a village inn with great tap beer, hearty meals and jolly company.”
- JP -
- JP -
