With the arrival of the cold autumn and winter months comes the mussel season, which lasts from approximately the end of September to March, delighting especially lovers of clams, oysters, and scallops.
In Prague, there are several restaurants where we can taste these excellent shellfish fresh in the coming months, creating a relaxed seaside resort atmosphere.
Oysters are a true delicacy for many people, and while they are sometimes cooked, they are mainly consumed raw. They are served freshly opened and ideally just caught from the sea. Fresh oysters have a bright scent of seawater, and they are most often served by the dozen on ice, drizzled with lemon or dressing. Anyone who develops a taste for them can never get enough. Perhaps the biggest consumers of oysters are the French. Oysters contain no fat and very few calories, while being high in protein.
Phone: 222 315 022
The Belgian restaurant Les Moules is perhaps the best place in Prague to taste excellent fresh mussels prepared in various ways. The chef prepares the mussels in traditional Belgian style, and in addition to classic portions served in a pot, they also offer an unlimited consumption option. Popular choices include mussels steamed in dark Belgian Leffe beer or white wine.
In addition to mussels, they also offer fresh oysters. For drinks, there is a quality selection of wines and Belgian beers. The restaurant regularly brings fresh mussels from Danish fjords several times a week, sourced directly from fishermen on their farms.
Phone: 731 136 144
The Café Savoy restaurant and café, part of the Ambiente group, offers fresh Gillardeau oysters served on ice.
Phone: 222 313 712
The French restaurant La Gare offers fresh Fine de Claire or Oysri oysters from October to March. The restaurant sources its oysters directly from fishermen in Denmark. During this period, you will also regularly find mussels on the menu, which they prepare on the grill year-round, and they are excellent.
Mussels are the most common shellfish, and the masters of their preparation are primarily found in Belgium, where these mussels are considered a national dish. They are typically cooked by steaming in white wine, herbs, cream, garlic, or vegetables. Common sides include white bread or fries. Mussels can also be part of other dishes, such as Italian pasta or Spanish paella.
Belgians traditionally steam them in their excellent beer or with celery stalks and white wine, with fries and mayonnaise as a side. White wine pairs best with mussels.
| Restaurant Bricks Prague 1, Cihelná 2b Phone: 732 950 960 The Italian restaurant Bricks offers a selection of fresh oysters, such as Gillardeau, Ostra Regal, and Fine de Claire. You can enjoy them with a unique view of the Vltava River and Charles Bridge, right where the restaurant is located. |
| Restaurace Aroma Quadrio Prague 1, Vladislavova 2121/21 (Quadrio) Phone: 225 017 115 The Mediterranean restaurant Aroma Quadrio offers fresh Fine de Claire oysters year-round. The establishment focuses on fresh seafood and fish. Recommended dishes from the menu include lobster or grilled octopus. |
| Zdenek’s Oyster Bar Prague 1, Malá Štupartská 636/5 Phone: 725 946 250 The establishment in the center of Prague offers a variety of oyster types, including Gillardeau, Ostra Regal, David Herve Royale, Josephine, and more. You can also enjoy oysters prepared in the original fusion style of chef David Vlášek, such as with ponzu, ginger, and kumquat, or with black garlic and seaweed butter. In addition to oysters, there is a diverse selection of seafood, including sea snails, mussels, octopus, crabs, lobsters, and more. The cellar is well-stocked with wines and especially champagne, which pairs wonderfully with oysters. |
| La Casa Trattoria Prague 1, V Jámě 8, Phone: 602 350 320 Prague 3, Kostnické nám. 635/3, Phone: 602 123 375 The Italian restaurant La Casa Trattoria offers fresh Fine de Claire oysters. Mussels occasionally appear on the menu, and the Italian fish soup with shellfish is a popular choice. |
Saint Jacques mussels, also known as scallops, are highly favored shellfish due to their tender meat, which boasts an excellent flavor and can be prepared in various ways. They can be added to different pasta dishes, steamed, grilled, or eaten raw, such as in sushi. You can easily recognize the Saint Jacques scallop by its distinctive shape, which the Shell company chose as its logo.