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Next Door by Imperial

RESTAURANT SUMMARY

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Next Door by Imperial is a Contemporary Czech bistro on Zlatnická 3 in Prague, directly opposite the historic Café Imperial, and it opens with clear intent: refined regional cooking served fast and well. From the moment you enter, the kitchen’s activity is visible at the rear, where chefs turn local beef into rich braises and finish dumplings by hand. The restaurant occupies a lively New Town corner that draws both visitors and locals seeking classic Czech dishes done with modern technique. The menu reads like a study in comfort and craft; sauces are reduced precisely, vegetables are in balance, and proteins show careful finish. Breakfast service begins at 07:00, and the dining room remains open until 23:00 daily, offering flexible plans for early meetings, long lunches, and late city suppers. Next Door by Imperial also appears in the Michelin Guide 2025, a signal of consistent quality and kitchen discipline that guests notice on first bite. The restaurant’s vision flows from owner Zdenek Pohlreich, a prominent Czech chef and television personality who shaped the concept as Prague Bistro Moderne. Pohlreich’s influence pushes straightforward Czech classics into contemporary form, favoring recognizable flavors rather than experimental flourishes. The culinary team operates with visible efficiency; reviewers and guides note that dishes arrive in 10–15 minutes, making this a rare place where speed and high standards coexist. Ownership by Pohlreich links the restaurant to a known public figure in Czech gastronomy, and the sibling relationship with Café Imperial across the street gives a historical context that guests appreciate. There is no single named executive chef in public materials, but the open-kitchen format and the consistent menu signal skilled leadership and a clear culinary philosophy: celebrate ingredients, respect technique, and serve dishes that satisfy. The menu highlights anchor preparations: braised beef with a creamy sauce, sautéed rabbit kidneys with mustard sauce, and regionally inspired pork tenderloin. Dishes emphasize texture and savory clarity; bread dumplings appear as a careful accompaniment, never a blunt filler. The braised beef offers slow-cooked collagen and a silky cream reduction, cut with pickled or roasted vegetables for brightness. The rabbit kidneys are sautéed quickly to remain tender, then finished with a punchy mustard sauce that lifts the organ flavor and pairs well with toasted bread or dumplings. Seasonal plates rotate—expect cèpes and wild mushrooms in autumn, spring vegetables and lighter sauces in April and May—so regular visitors find meaningful variation across the year. Breakfast options are straightforward and well executed, ideal for travelers who want a refined start before exploring Prague. Interior design balances modern and classical notes: brass and dark wood meet neutral upholstery, and framed period details reference the Art Deco heritage of the district. Lighting is warm but functional, supporting both daytime meetings and relaxed evening dining. Service is attentive, professional, and organised—teams coordinate plates from the open kitchen with steady timing and clear table service. There is a friendly, vibrant energy rather than hushed formality, making the restaurant suitable for business lunches, family dinners, and couples seeking dependable quality. Practical details matter: the best times to visit are weekday lunches for a quieter meal and early evenings to watch the kitchen in action. Smart casual attire is appropriate; the room draws a mix of local regulars and international visitors. Reservations are recommended at peak times and can be made via the official website booking form; contact by phone or email is available for groups. For a memorable Prague meal that pairs classic regional dishes with consistent execution and an open-kitchen atmosphere, book a table at Next Door by Imperial and experience Contemporary Czech cooking delivered with pace and polish.

CHEF

ACCOLADES

(2026) Michelin Plate

CONTACT

Zlatnická 3, Prague, 11000, Czechia

FEATURED GUIDES

NEARBY RESTAURANTS

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