Zlata Praha Restaurant

 

0

17

Joe G.

NY

VERY good - as someone with central European roots, this place ticks so many boxes for me: pork and dumplings in multiple varieties, great beer and sweet dumplings for dessert. Prices are reasonable and service is decent.

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Elite '08

55

140

jacqui o.

Brooklyn, NY

yum! i was craving czech food after spending a week in prague and ate dinner here. i had the svčkov and it tasted just like the stuff i had in the CR. good beer, good food, and nice staff. definitely recommend it. although, like Liz E., we were the only people eating there.

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Elite '08

78

191

sunny n.

Boston, MA

So someone very special to me from Slovakia brought me here up from Boston on a NYC trip. Located in the density of Astoria, Queens and amidst the bustling subways of typical Queens like interesections -Zlata Praha is a definite treasure surrounded by the ambience of intriuging Czech & Slovak Folk decor. The beautiful large painting situated in the center (left wall) of Prague (Praha) Golden City will surely stand out adding a very romantic elegant touch..Traditional Adorable Outfits, Instruments and Colourful Vibrant Decorative Curios are touching every empty space offering an almost mini museum feel that was elgantly lit.
My fond & memorable moment of escape introduced me the second time to authentic Czech & Slovak cuisine and though there are many selections I am dying to try in the very near future  these are some of the essentials I was recommended by my gracious classy companion:
Cesnecka Gratinovana Syrem (Garlic Soup Au Gratin)
Halusky S Brynzou ( Famous Slovak Potato Spatzle mixed w Brynza cheese & topped w Bacon)
Szegedinsky Gulas (Rich Pork Goullash w Sauerkraut & sour cream served w traditional Dumplings)
Staropramen (Slovakian Beer)
The food was beyond delish and abundant in flavour that created a warm intense satisfying feeling.
But wait my evening didn't just end there, they have a gift shop where you can purchase a variety of nick nacks..from shot glasses to t-shirts but we purchased some fantastic chocolates / wafers that I believe is hard to find.....Our server was kind but humourous as she randomly dissapeared and took the orders very casually with a very distinct "what do u want" attitude which we constantly laughed at...oddly enough I found her all too funny..which made the experience even more memorable...
Need I say more..you must go if you havent been and experience the Eastern European flair!! Na zdravie !!! :)

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Elite '08

19

281

Liz E.

Flushing, NY

Both times I've been here, my friend and I have been the only people present, so I can't say I know how service is when it's crowded. As far as I know, however, the waitress was very kind and the kitchen quick, and I loved the look of the place. The tiny back garden is lovely and relaxing as well, sort of like an oasis amongst the teeming traffic and N/W subway out on the street.

The first time around, my friend and I caught the unbelievable $6.95 lunch option, which included soup, an entree, dessert, and tea. With an option of  potato or tripe, I went for the potato soup, which was good as far as I remember. Now I think I'd have the courage to try the tripe, which I've heard is great.
For an entree, I had the stuffed cabbage in a tomato sauce, which I loved dearly. My friend enjoyed her beef in what appeared to be a luxuriously creamy mushroom sauce. In fact, both of our sauces were perfect for being sopped up by the huge, bready dumplings (a far cry from what people usually picture), that I'd eat 'til the end of time if given the option.
For dessert, we had the single option of a jam-filled crepe with either coffee or tea. While very good, this is the only letdown of the lunch special: no fruit dumpling option! :(

The second time around, my friend and I had an early dinner but still didn't end up spending too much. We both had sauerbraten which she had actually had in Prague, and we both loved it. Tender as a newborn baby, it sat in a lovely, sweet sauce flecked with warm-sweet spices and topped with cranberries. Again, those dumplings worked as delicious sponges, and we left content and ready to explode.

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1

98

Clark G.

New York, NY

Whether it is our traditional hearty dishes, good Czech beer or our stylish and original folk decor, Zlat Praha is your perfect escape to "Europe."

Upon recommendation from my grandmother, who immigrated to the U.S. from Czechoslovakia after World War II, we dined tonight at Zlat Praha (which means Gold Prague). She knows what she's talking about. This meal was hearty and delicious and it brought me back to family dinners from home - and particularly reminded me of my trip to the Czech Republic a few years back when I dined with some family there on their farm.

The atmosphere in the restaurant was welcoming and friendly. V described it as almost like a church fellowship hall. It was brighter that we expected, dimmer lights and candles on the tables would have made for a more intimate setting. The walls were covered with pictures of Czech people and places and all around the room were mounted deer antlers and hooves (I'd never seen mounted hooves before).

The food was very traditional and home-style. We ordered pirogi (pirohy) as an appetizer which were served stuffed with potato and with onion and sour cream on top. The onions really made these delicious.

For the main course I had HOVEZ PECENE NA HOUBCH, beef pot roast served in rich mushroom sauce with dumplings. As I said above, it really reminded me of my mom's pot roast, though without the extra vegetables. The dumplings, half-inch thick slices of basically boiled/steamed dough, were good with the sauce, if a little heavy (though I believe that is how they are supposed to be).

My dad said that pork is big in Czech cuisine, so we also tried the stuffed pork cutlet, PLNEN PANENKA S NIVOU A SUNKOU. This was a breaded, stuffed pork cutlet with blue cheese and ham, served with potato salad. The tasty blue cheese oozed out reminding us of chicken cordon-bleu, and the potato salad was not American-style, which made it good.

We shared fruit dumplings for dessert - this was something my grandma had made for me years ago. They were filled with apricots and covered with a creamy sweet cheese and powdered sugar. We couldn't finish them because the meal was so filling, but they were good.

Overall, this seemed very authentic. The service was slow, reminiscent of Europe, but I think that is the way it should be, allowing time for good conversation and to savor the meal. The prices were very reasonable, with drinks the bill for three of us was only $70.

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6

46

PJ O.

Astoria, NY

A place like this is what makes the neighborhood incredible.  Where else would you find such an old-country dining experience?  At the suggestion of NY Mag, I ordered the Egg a la Praha and loved it.  It came with the best potato salad ever.  For the main event, we ordered the Beef Goulash and the Schnitzel a la Praha - both worth going back for.  A note on the beef goulash: avoid the side of dumplings & get the noodles instead (they're dense slabs of something close to minced wonder-bread).  The decor is fittingly outlandish (picture an elk lodge with fluorescent lighting), but I was digging it.  As for the service, our waitress was sweet and she kept us happy.  I wholeheartedly vouch for the food here.  Czech it out!  (I couldn't resist)

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Elite '08

16

160

George B.

Sunnyside, NY

On a trip to Astoria a month ago, we came across this restaurant and I made note of their Venison Feast in early February.  When that weekend arrive, it wasn't too hard to convince him to trek out there for such an exotic dinner.

The regular menu is definitely a meat eater's delight and the venison feast is no different.  We were able to print a copy from the website (http://www.zlatapraha.cc) and realize this was going to be quite a rich meal.  

When we arrived for dinner, we decided to sit at the bar, as most tables were reserved.  It wouldn't surprise me if the place was busy on Friday and Saturday nights in general, so it may be worthwhile to call ahead to make a reservation.  For apps, I ordered the venison pate, which was fantastic - very country style rich and smooth.  My partner ordered the venison soup, which was also tasty.  

For entrees, we split venison ribs, grilled and served in natural juices.  The meat was so tender and just falling off the bone - really great.  There was also venison in a garlic sauce, which was just fantastic, very strong flavor which was well complimented by the garlic.  Homemade dumplings were served on the side, which was perfect for soaking up sauce from your plate.

About the only drawback was the lack of anything green.  When we asked if there were any salads, as none were listed on the menu, our waiter looked at us completely puzzled!  It was funny, really.  There was a cucumber salad available, which was doused in some sort of sweetened vinegar which was not to my liking, but my partner thought it good.  We did actually spy something leafy on other people's plates in the restaurant, but at that point it didn't really matter.

Also, don't expect rapid fire service.  This really isn't a detraction for me, but certainly should be mentioned.

If you're interested in eating lots of meat, this is one place to do it.  I also feel it has an old world feel to it, something that's not quite New York.  I will certainly make the time to visit this place again!

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11

145

Ani V.

Maspeth, NY

One wouldn't think that an unassuming brown door underneath a subway station would be the entrance to the former Czech republic. I came upon Zlata Praha because I was searching for restaurants that served game meats to quench my husband's desire for "weird meats".  Once inside we found the restaurant beautiful and the hosts friendly. Daytime Zlata Praha is a quiet place to enjoy meals from the Czech republic. The venison is served during hunting season in February. You will find such meats as bear, wild boar and deer. Most foods are served with a cute dumpling type side dish. At night the restaurant is a hot spot for ex pats to come together and reminisce about the old country.

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24

181

N. M.

New York, NY

What a great find! Unassuming place under the 30th Avenue subway station in Astoria. As Ani said it has the feel of a family restaurant in back (a bar is in the front), complete with boom box on a table that plays a random mix of pop music, and walls filled with portraits of various Czechs, including dignitaries and sports teams.

The food was really good - I had  the potato pancakes to start, and the beef roast in mushroom sauce and dumplings for dinner. (The entree was under $10!!)

I'll definitely check this place out again..

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