Exclusive Prague Tours
  • Home
  • Tours
    • What You'll See >
      • Prague's Old Town
      • Prague's Jewish Quarter
      • Prague's Lesser Quarter
      • Prague Castle
      • Day Trips
  • Concierge
  • Guidebooks
  • Contact
  • Hotels
  • Prague Blog
  • Dining
    • Czech Cuisine
    • Czech Beer
  • Entertainment
  • Shopping
    • Prague Easter Markets
    • Prague Christmas Markets >
      • Prague Christmas Market Photo Gallery
  • Newsletter Sign-up Form
  • Testimonials

ČERVENÝ JELEN - A Unique Place on the Prague Dining Scene

5/16/2023

4 Comments

 
Interior-Červený-Jelen-restaurant
The interior of Červený Jelen restaurant
New restaurants open in Prague all the time, and though I'm a major foodie, it's impossible for me to try them all. Then the pandemic really put a dent in my dining lifestyle. But one new restaurant especially caught my eye – perhaps it was the very big, very red stag suspended between two buildings at the entrance to an alley near Prague’s Marriott Hotel – a location I pass by often. But I never got a chance to try it before things shut down. I did peer inside the windows once, though, as the red sculpture had drawn me in, but I never made it there for a meal. I put it on my list of places to try, though.
 
When travel to Prague finally began to resume, a friend from Switzerland who used to live in Prague visited, and we met for lunch at one of our favorite places, an old standby that we both love. She had already been in Prague for a few days when we met, so she’d been trying some of the many new restaurants that had appeared since she’d moved away. When we sat down for lunch at the old standby, we started talking about restaurants, and out of the blue she asked, “Have you been to Červený Jelen?” “No,” I said, “but it’s on my list.” She then added: “It’s great.” This only confirmed my hunch that it must be a pretty good place and moved it to the top of my list. 

​​An Impressively Large Space

​So I finally did. Entering the restaurant, one is immediately impressed with the size of the space: It’s cavernous. Waiters in white shirts and servers dressed in black were buzzing around serving a crowd that was impressive in that it filled such a large space, which also included an open-style kitchen and a bar area where drinks were prepared and beer was poured. 
Skylight-Červený-Jelen-restaurant
Skylight over the dining space in Červený Jelen restaurant
​Though many Prague restaurants use an open-style kitchen these days, there was something unique about the size, layout and décor of Červený Jelen. While the color scheme naturally contains red, overall the colors were muted – a unique palette in new Prague eateries. The décor is simple while managing to be modern and stylish at the same time. I’d never been in a place quite like it in Prague.
 
I wasn’t surprised to learn when I did some research later that this space was originally designed as a bank in a Cubist-Modernist style by famous Czech architect Josef Gočár during former Czechoslovakia’s so-called “First Republic,” its heyday between the World Wars. The building’s transformation into a modern dining space only adds to the uniqueness of the interior and atmosphere.
Červený-Jelen-open-kitchen
Červený Jelen's open kitchen
​One thing that usually goes with a space so large, however, is noise. The volume level in Červený Jelen (the name means “Red Stag”) was quite high, but surprisingly it was not a problem:  it actually was just right for the space and was not grating at all. Rather, it reminds the dinner that a good time is being had by all. That said, while this would tend to put Červený Jelen in a category for a young crowd, it is certainly suitable for older diners as well. Though the crowd on the night I visited was mostly young, there were diners of other ages there, too.

​Variety in All Things:  Food, Wine and Price

​My dining companion and I were led to our table and given menus. We spent a few minutes taking it all in – the space, the atmosphere, the menu – and before long our waiter appeared and asked if we’d like to order something to drink. Our waiter took good care of us during our meal: he was knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, and despite the filled to (almost) capacity crowd and the large number of guests and tables he was serving, managed to be there when we needed him.
 
One of the first things I noted was how varied the menu is (even though it’s heavy on meat, which is fine by me!). As I’d never been there, nor had I seen the menu (I didn’t “peek” online beforehand), this meant it took me some time to get a sense of the cuisine and what I wanted to have.
The variations in the menu come not just from the different items on offer, but also from the fact that many of them are also offered in small, interesting combinations, presumably for people like me who either want to try everything or have trouble making up their minds!
 
The menu has a very wide price range, too, which was also quite new to me in Prague and a nice touch:  It makes Červený Jelen a place for everybody with something for everybody. So you can spend the equivalent of $130 (CZK 2900) on Wagyu tenderloin or a budget-friendly $15 (CZK 345) on a braised deer leg. The menu’s price range explains why such a young crowd could enjoy it, too.
 
And they serve lots of varieties of beer which also, no doubt, appeals to the young crowd. Importantly, Červený Jelen has a respectable wine list (including lots of by-the-glass offerings) to go with all the wonderful steaks and other meats they serve.

​A Meat Lover’s Paradise

​Although vegetarian dishes are available, the menu is mostly about meat. To start, my dining companion and I had the wild boar salsiccia (Italian sausage) with black truffle and the duck liver pate with sea buckthorn jelly. The pate was gentle and made an interesting taste combination with the jelly. The salsiccia was simply delicious:  The next time I go to Červený Jelen, I will have it for my main dish. It was fresh and incredibly tasty.
Duck-liver-pate
Delicious duck liver pate
​Our waiter had recommended a glass of Czech white Palava wine to go with our starters. The dry freshness of the wine complimented the rich flavors of the starters well.
 
We waited until after our first course to decide on our main courses, and the waiter gave us all the time – and help – we needed. We both ordered different steaks from Argentina as main dishes, and both were cooked to (medium) perfection, just as we had ordered. Too many Prague eateries believe that medium is more done than it should be, but not Červený Jelen.

​An Award-Winning Chef

​That's a good thing because Červený Jelen also serves Wagyu beef, and it would be a shame indeed to overcook such a piece of meat. Wagyu is a breed of cattle native to Japan, and the beef is renowned for being highly marbled. Executive chef Marek Fichtner's training has obviously prepared him for the role of bringing superbly cooked cuts of meat to Prague. It’s not a surprise that he was awarded the “Golden Chef” award in 2022. 
Perfectly-cooked-Argentine-tenderloin
Perfectly cooked Argentine tenderloin at Červený Jelen
​Of course, a cut of Wagyu will set your wallet back a bit, but if you can handle it, go for it. Otherwise, Červený Jelen also has great cuts of meat from all over the world, which, while pricey, are much more affordable: Argentina, Uruguay, the United States, New Zealand, Germany, Spain and, of course, the Czech Republic. 

​Fine Wine and More

​Our knowledgeable waiter recommended two different excellent wines to go with our different Argentine steaks – an Italian red for my tenderloin and a French red for her flap steak. Both wines were fabulous.
Smoked-mashed-potatoes
Červený Jelen's smoked mashed potatoes
​While all orders from the grill come with a serving of roasted carrots, potatoes and snap peas, Červený Jelen’s menu also offers an interesting array of sides (which the menu notes are all vegetarian). Even though we knew our steaks with the included sides would be more than enough food, we couldn’t resist trying the smoked mashed potatoes with garlic confit and the grilled green asparagus with butter crumble and egg! Both were not only good but introduced each of us to interesting new flavors. The butter crumble on the asparagus was especially interesting and good. The included sides were standard fare. We were tempted by the extra side of bok choy, as well, but … we had to leave room for dessert, of course!

​The Desserts Take the Cake

​Next it was time for one of my favorite parts of any meal: dessert and coffee, and this part "took the cake," so to speak. Looking at the descriptions of the desserts on the menu, it was hard to choose one because they all sounded not only delicious but interesting. We asked the waiter for advice, and he said they were all good! But he did name his three favorites, two of which were my top picks, and he also added that the best way to pick one would be to look at them in the dessert case.
 
So, I had a look, but this only made my decision more difficult, as I wanted them all! We finally decided on the dark chocolate beer cake for me and the pistachio profiterole for my friend. I also ordered an expresso.
Dark-chocolate-beer-cake
Pistachio-profiterole
​The desserts were simply fantastic. The chocolate cake was dark, dense and rich. It was so thick and creamy that it was almost like a flourless cake. But the unique combination of flavors in the profiterole stole the show. It’s hard to describe the unique burst of flavor that the combination of the salty pistachio in the sweet cream filling made. If you go to Červený Jelen, you must order it!
 
When my espresso arrived, I could tell immediately that it was of good quality by the color and foam on top. A closer look at the logo on the cup confirmed this, as it was a good brand that I recognized. This is an important touch, as too many restaurants skimp on their brand of coffee, or they don’t know better. But Červený Jelen got it right. It was also prepared well and served hot with a bit of steamed milk on the side. A nice touch was a shot of Bailey’s that came with it.
 
Overall, I was very pleased and very impressed with Červený Jelen – its atmosphere, food, décor and staff. I’m really happy that I finally got to try it, and it’s wonderful to have a new – and unique – restaurant on Prague’s already wonderful but ever improving dining scene. I will definitely go back!
THE WRITER IS THE AUTHOR OF PRAGUE RESTAURANT GUIDE:  FROM GOULASH TO GOURMET
Available in both paperback and Kindle editions on Amazon.com
Contact the author: If you would like more information on Červený Jelen or dining in Prague, please contact me. I can help you plan your dining experience when you visit!
4 Comments
Dagmar Brychtova
6/29/2023 07:56:52 am

When you read the review, you immediately know that it is written by a true food lover. My experience with the Červený jelen restaurant is very similar and I can only agree wholeheartedly with the author.

Reply
Krysti Brice
7/2/2023 11:35:24 am

Thank you very much, Dagmar, for your comment. I'm glad you enjoyed Cerveny Jelen and had a similar experience. It's worth another visit, for sure!

Reply
Zanda
7/9/2023 12:03:30 pm

I have been to this restaurant before and I would never be able to describe the cozy ambience of this place like the author of this article did. Now I have the confirmation that Červený jelen is worth visiting again! and again

Reply
Krysti Brice link
7/10/2023 06:44:38 am

Dear Zanda,

Thanks so much for your comment! I'm glad you enjoyed the blog post. Yes, you should visit Cerveny Jelen again!

Reply

Your comment will be posted after it is approved.


Leave a Reply.

    ​YOUR DONATION HELPS ME KEEP THIS BLOG GOING.
    Even a small donation will help and is much appreciated!
    Consider making a donation today!

    Author

    I am an American who has been living in Prague for two decades. After a long career in international finance, I left the business world to pursue other interests. I now work as a writer, mentor and guide to the city.

    Archives

    February 2025
    August 2024
    June 2024
    April 2024
    February 2024
    November 2023
    July 2023
    May 2023
    April 2023
    February 2023
    November 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    May 2022
    February 2022
    November 2021
    September 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    February 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    August 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    September 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015

    Categories

    All
    2020
    Adolf Loos Architecture
    Albert Einstein
    Amadeus
    Architecture
    Baroque Architecture
    Bata Shoes
    Beer
    Best Prague Restaurants
    Beyond Prague
    Book About World War I
    Books About Prague
    Brewery Tour
    Bucket List
    Budweiser
    Cafe Culture
    Červený Jelen
    Červený Jelen Restaurant
    Český Krumlov
    Christmas
    Christmas During Coronavirus In Prague
    Christmas Gift Ideas
    Christmas In Prague
    Christmas Shopping
    Christmas Shopping Guide
    Classical Music
    Coffee Culture
    Coronavirus
    Coronavirus In Prague
    Coronavirus In The Czech Repbulic
    Coronavirus In The Czech Republic
    Coronavirus Outbreak
    Coronavirus Outbreak In Prague
    Coronavirus Reading List
    Coronaviurs In Prague
    COVID
    COVID 19
    COVID-19
    COVID19
    COVID#19 Prague
    Czech Architecture
    Czech Beer
    Czech Beer Brands
    Czech Breweries
    Czech Brewery Tour
    Czech Cities
    Czech Cubist Architecture
    Czech Cuisine
    Czech Famous Breweries
    Czech Food
    Czech Jewish Heritage
    Czech Jews
    Czech-pilsner
    Czech Republic
    Czech-rondocubism
    Czech Wedding
    Czech Wine
    Destination Wedding
    Destination Wedding In Prague
    Dining In Prague
    Dresden
    Dvorak
    Easter
    Easter Markets
    Einstein
    European Jewish History
    Food
    Foodies
    Franz Kafka
    Gelato
    Germany
    Gothic Architecture
    Great Prague Guidebooks
    Great Synagogue In Pilsen
    Habsburg History
    Hanukkah
    Hanukkah Gift Ideas
    Hapsburg
    Hapsburg Empire
    Hapsburg History
    History Of The Great War
    History Of The Hapsburg Empire
    History Of World War I
    Hluboka
    Hluboka Chateau
    Hluboka Nad Vltavou
    Holiday Gift Ideas
    Holidays
    Holiday Shopping
    Holidays In Prague
    Holocaust
    Hradec Kralove
    Ice Cream
    Jan Santini
    Jewish Heritage
    Jewish Heritage In Pilsen
    Jewish History
    Judaism
    Kafka
    Kutná Hora
    Lednice
    Liberec
    Madeleine Albright
    Microbreweries
    Mikulov
    Milos Forman
    Moravia
    Mozart
    Music
    Old Synagogue In Pilsen
    Orechovka
    Passage To Byzantium
    Passover
    Pilsen
    Pilsner
    Pilsner Urquell
    Pislner Urquell Brewery Tour
    Prague
    Prague 6
    Prague - A Great Wedding Destination
    Prague Architecture
    Prague Beer
    Prague Cafe Culture
    Prague Caronavirus Update On March 9
    Prague Christmas Gifts
    Prague Coronavirus
    Prague Day Trips
    Prague Facts
    Prague Farmers Markets
    Prague Favorite Things
    Prague Food
    Prague Gardens
    Prague Guide
    Prague Guidebooks
    Prague History
    Prague Holiday Gifts
    Prague Ice Cream
    Prague Jews
    Prague Markets
    Prague Public Transit
    Prague Public Transport
    Prague Public Transportation
    Prague Pubs
    Prague Restaurant Guide
    Prague Restaurants
    Prague's Easter Markets
    Prague's Jewish History
    Prague's Jewish Quarter
    Prague's Orechovka Neighborhood
    Prague Spring
    Prague's Public Transprotation
    Prague Tram
    Prague Transit
    Prague Transportation
    Prague Travel Accessories
    Prague Travel Guide
    Prague Travel Reading
    Prague Travel Tips
    Prague Walks
    Prague Wedding
    Prague Wedding Destination
    Rondocubism
    The Hapsburgs And World War I
    Tomas Bata
    Top Prague Restaurants
    Travel
    Travel Accessories
    Travel During Coronavirus
    Travel Ideas
    Travel In 2022
    Travel Reading
    Travel Tips
    UNESCO World Heritage Sites
    Unique Prague Guidebooks
    Vaccine Passports
    Valtice
    Vysehrad
    Wedding
    Wedding Destination
    Wedding In Prague
    Wedding Planning
    Weddings
    Wine Tasting
    World War I
    World War II
    WWI
    Zdar Nad Sazavou
    Zelena Hora
    Zlin

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.
  • Home
  • Tours
    • What You'll See >
      • Prague's Old Town
      • Prague's Jewish Quarter
      • Prague's Lesser Quarter
      • Prague Castle
      • Day Trips
  • Concierge
  • Guidebooks
  • Contact
  • Hotels
  • Prague Blog
  • Dining
    • Czech Cuisine
    • Czech Beer
  • Entertainment
  • Shopping
    • Prague Easter Markets
    • Prague Christmas Markets >
      • Prague Christmas Market Photo Gallery
  • Newsletter Sign-up Form
  • Testimonials