Famous Ukrainian croissant shop visited by Angelina Jolie has opened in Prague

First opened in Ukraine in 2015, Lviv Croissants was somewhat of a happy accident. 

Their comically large croissant buns, distinctly sturdier than the traditional French pastries, were discovered when an early baking test went awry – but the founder, Andrii Halytskyi, saw the potential for a subversive take on the breakfast item.

Salami, egg patty, cheese, fresh vegetables, and lettuce constituted the filling of the first and now signature croissant sandwich on the menu, named the ‘Lvivskyi’. Nearly ten years later, the menu has expanded with flavor combos that might even have you scratching your head, including the ‘Double Cheeseburger’ and ‘Grilled Beef’.

Attention on Lviv Croissants skyrocketed when American actress Angelina Jolie visited a branch in Lviv while on an unannounced visit to the country on April 30, 2022. Photos, videos, and memes went viral across the internet and international media as Jolie stopped in for a snack, signed autographs, and waved to onlookers. This even spawned a temporary combo menu item, ‘Jolie’s Favorite’, including the Royal Croissant and Cappuccino XXL.

After opening in Poland, Slovakia, and even the United States, Lviv Croissants has now made a breakthrough in the Czech Republic, with its first store officially opening on Prague’s Náměstí Republiky on Wednesday.

In the food court of the Palladium shopping mall, Lviv Croissants occupies a sixty-seat area with self-serve screens, a trendy counter decorated with neon croissant signs, and a near-constantly busy kitchen.

The menu is not identical to Ukraine’s, but offers its signature sandwiches such as the ‘Halytskyi’ and ‘Lvivskyi’. We tried the Teriyaki Chicken and swapped out the chicken for salmon – many menu items are customizable. We followed that up with the sweet Chocolate and Banana and Pistachio croissants, which for us were the true winners.

It was clear from the surrounding chatter and buzz that many patrons were excited Ukrainians flocking to one of their staple food outlets from home. The wood for the counter bar and cafe tables was imported from Ukraine, bringing pieces of familiarity to the store in Prague.

However, according to co-founder Halytsky in news outlet Hospodářské noviny, the company also wants to rely on tourists to increase business. That’s why the busy city-center hub, the Palladium, was chosen for its first branch.

The store is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, and all croissants come with a free homemade lemonade from their menu until Oct. 25 by presenting a flyer.