The traditional cuisine of Olomouc and the surrounding Haná region is an excellent example of Czech cuisine. In addition to more common Czech dishes, it includes some unique local specialties. One of the best known culinary products of the area is the Olomoucké tvarůžky cheese (also called Olomoucké syrečky). This is a traditional (since 15th century) Czech ripened soft cheese with very low fat content, pungent taste and strong odor. The cheese is named after the city of Olomouc, but is produced in Loštice, a small city about 30 km away. Although the cheese is commonly available in stores around the country (and often consumed raw, usually with some beer), you have to visit Haná region to find dishes based on this cheese on restaurant menus. For example, the cheese can be used as a filling in a local variety of Cordon Bleu, or it can be served fried. The dishes containing this cheese can usually be recognized by the word Loštické in their names. Because of the strong odor, do not be surprised when you find some mint sweets (Hašlerka) on your plate.
Garlic soup (česnečka) is available all around the country. The garlic soup of the Haná region (Hanácká česnečka) is one of the best varieties and is usually very strong. If olomoucké tvarůžky are added, the soup is called Loštická česnečka. Because of the combined might of garlic and the strong ripened cheese, it is not recommended if you plan to kiss someone that evening�:) On the other hand, garlic is very healthy and you should get some česnečka if you have cold or sore-throat.
Hanácký koláč is the typical sweet cake of the region.
There are dozens of excellent restaurants in the city, and most have English menus. Local favorites include Cafe Caesar, which is in the renaissance Town Hall Building on the main square. Hanacka Hospoda and U Kasny are more traditional Moravian Restaurants, and are located in the nearby lower square. On Marianska Ul. is the Svatovaclavsky Pivovar which is a non-smoking microbrewery with indoor and outdoor seating and a comprehensive menu of local specialties.
The Hanácká Hospoda (pron-‘hanatska hospoda’) is your best chance to try the traditional food of the region and it comes in big portions, for not much money. They also have a beerhall in the basement but the main restaurant is on street level. The Menu is in the local Hana dialect with a Czech translation, but is also available in English and German. Haná is the name of the culturally unique region surrounding Olomouc, and Hospoda just means pub. An example from the menu is "Chicken-a-la-Duck" Half a roast chicken with cabbage and potato dumplings, for 109Kc (about €4). It is also worth trying some of the dishes containing 'Olomoucké tvarůžky', the traditional cheese of the region. It is on the Lower Square (Dolní náměstí), close to the main square.
Outdoors at Cafe Caesar
Cafe Caesar, named after the legendary founder of the city, serves pizzas and pastas and is on the ground floor of the Town Hall. In summer they have a large outdoor area right on the main square, which is the perfect place to pass a gentle summer's evening.
Opera, is another good restaurant serving Italian food. It is also located on the main square (Horní náměstí).
"Dinosaur Steak"
Cafe 87 is a café famous for its excellent chocolate cakes. In the morning, they also serve excellent breakfasts in English style. It is in the same building as the museum of the modern art.
U Andela is one of the best restaurants in Olomouc. The menu and wine list are extensive, and the rear rooms of the restaurant look out from the top of the city walls across the park. The interior is decorated with lots of interesting antiques and hundreds of potted plants. An example from the menu is the "Dinosaur Steak", which is a chicken fillet on top of a pork cutlet on top of a beef steak for 139Kc(about €6).
Green Bar is a vegetarian lunch canteen, just a few paces from the main square along Ztracena Ul. It's self serve and the food all costs the same- 169Kc/Kilo. Just load your plate and pass it to the girl at the checkout, she'll weigh it and tell you how much you owe. The food's good, the price is a bargain, and it's Olomouc's best vegetarian option.
Pod Limpou Beerhall & Restaurant
Hlava 21 is a new restaurant on Uhelna Ulice. The space is clean and modern and the well-priced and delicious meals keep the place busy. They also have an extensive selection of cocktails. Chicken with broccoli and steamed vegetables 129Kc.
Restaurant Pizza U Jana This is a little way out of the centre, past the Bus Station, but it serves some of the best food in the city, especially the steaks.
Restaurant Alley (Restaurant Alley), Michalske stromoradi 5, ☎ +420 585 502 999, . The interior is stylish, our pleasant attendants will surely help you in choosing your meals and drinks. We wish your an unforgettable culinary experience. Lunch specials including soup from 90 CZK. �
The Most Frequently Asked Travel Questions about Olomouc
Where To Stay & Best Hotels in Olomouc - updated May 2024
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Olomouc Travel Guide from Wikitravel. Many thanks to all Wikitravel contributors. Text is available under Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0, images are available under various licenses, see each image for details.
