Ambiente Opens Czech Home-Cooking Restaurant at Prague Castle

Salmovský Palace in the National Gallery at Prague Castle is home to a new restaurant, Kuchyň.

Head chef Marek Janouch will prepare Czech dishes inspired by aristocratic cuisine and urges the guests to engage their senses. What’s good today? Raise the lid of the pots on the stove, inhale and have a look for yourself at what’s cooking. Accompanying lunch and dinners of multiple courses, a daily special and beer from Lokál, is an impressive terrace with a sweeping view of Prague.

“We build upon recipes and processes from old cookbooks which were used in aristocratic kitchens dating back to the 16th century. We will be offering baked poultry, meat prepared in one piece, game, sauces and traditional as well as the more forgotten side dishes,” says Janouch, who has thus far led the chefs at the Lokál restaurants.

“We’re certain that an establishment for Czechs can return to the Prague Castle. We want to host families with children or even vacation-goers who are accustomed to a high standard. Quarters like Holešovice and Karlín are already going through their own little gastronomical revolution – and the significant surroundings of the Prague Castle deserve the same,” says co-owner of Ambiente Tomáš Karpíšek.

The interior design was entrusted to architect Tereza Froňková. “The dominant feature of the kitchen is the stove, as the food is presented visually. We’ve only added tables, a closet and chairs – aspects which were present in aristocratic kitchens across Europe. The guests find themselves right at the center of the scene,” says the architect.

Czech artistry with an unexpected twist will also be present at the National Gallery, whose exhibitions at the Salmovský Palace are devoted to international modern and contemporary art in the context of the creations of prominent Czech artists.

“Our long-term goal is to perfect guest service and quality cuisine. The Czech Kuchyň concept fits wonderfully into the National Gallery at Hradčanské náměstí,” says General Director of the National Gallery in Prague Jiří Fajt.