When you think of Prague, your mind likely jumps to golden spires, hearty goulash, and arguably the best beer in the world. Being completely landlocked in the heart of Central Europe, the Czech capital isn’t exactly the first place that screams fresh seafood. I’ll admit, when I first moved here, I was highly skeptical of eating raw fish hundreds of miles from the nearest ocean.

But Prague has a way of surprising you. Over the last decade, the city has undergone a quiet gastronomic revolution, cultivating a raw-fish scene that rivals coastal European capitals. Thanks to hyper-efficient logistics bringing in daily catches from major European fish markets, local chefs are slicing up butter-soft toro and sweet scallops that will make you forget you’re sitting in Bohemia. If you want a break from heavy meat and dumplings, here are my absolute favorite spots to satisfy those cravings.

CHIAKI RESTAURANT Tucked away in the leafy, cosmopolitan neighborhood of Vinohrady, CHIAKI RESTAURANT is nothing short of an institution. With a near-perfect 4.9 rating from over 3,700 diners, it’s the undisputed heavyweight of the local fish scene. The first time I walked into their Londýnská street location, I was struck by the minimalist, calming interior—a sharp contrast to the bustling Prague streets outside. The chefs here operate with absolute precision, treating every slice of sashimi with a deep reverence. I highly recommend ordering their omakase-style platters if you want to see the kitchen really flex its muscles; the fatty tuna literally melts on the tongue, and their warm, seasoned rice is dialed in to perfection.

OISHI HOUSE If you find yourself wandering through Nové Město (the New Town) after a long morning of sightseeing, OISHI HOUSE on Spálená street is the perfect sanctuary. "Oishi" translates to delicious in Japanese, and the team here certainly lives up to the moniker. Also boasting a stellar 4.9 rating, this cozy spot feels like a well-kept neighborhood secret despite its massive popularity. I love grabbing a seat at the bar to watch the masters at work. Their signature rolls are creative without masking the quality of the fish, and the unagi (eel) nigiri is charred to a beautiful, smoky finish. It’s an intimate, vibrant space that I find myself returning to time and time again.

Hanabi Sushi House A little closer to the river on Petrská street is Hanabi Sushi House. The word "hanabi" means fireworks, and that’s exactly what you can expect when their beautifully plated dishes arrive at your table. This is my go-to recommendation for a romantic date night or a celebratory dinner. The ambiance is decidedly upscale, yet the service remains warm and entirely unpretentious. They excel at balancing textures and temperatures, pairing icy-fresh salmon with perfectly crisp tempura flakes and bright, zesty ponzu. Their spicy tuna rolls have just the right amount of kick to keep you reaching for your glass of crisp Czech white wine.

Sushi bar Made in Japan Right in the beating heart of Staré Město (Old Town), Sushi bar Made in Japan has been quietly serving up flawless cuts for years. Don't let the straightforward name fool you; this Rytířská street staple is intensely dedicated to authenticity. It’s a slightly livelier, more energetic room, making it a fantastic spot to kick off a Friday night. The kitchen takes intense pride in sourcing top-tier ingredients, and it shows in every bite of their yellowtail and sea urchin. If you want a quick, high-quality fix right in the tourist center without falling into a tourist trap, this is your safest and most satisfying bet.

Practical Tips for Navigating Prague’s Sushi Scene

• Best Time to Visit: While dinner offers a fantastic, moody atmosphere, don't sleep on the lunch hour. Many of these top-tier spots offer incredibly generous bento boxes and midday sets on weekdays, giving you a chance to experience their high-end sourcing at a fraction of the evening price.
• Reservations: You absolutely need to book ahead. Prague locals are deeply passionate about their favorite restaurants, and intimate spaces like CHIAKI and OISHI HOUSE will fill up days, if not weeks, in advance for weekend dinners.
• Price Expectations: You are going to spend more here than you would at a traditional Czech pub. Expect to budget anywhere from 800 to 1,500 CZK (roughly $35 to $65 USD) per person for a full dinner with drinks. That said, compared to similar quality in London or Paris, the value you get here is phenomenal.

It might feel almost rebellious to skip the traditional roasted duck for a plate of delicate nigiri while visiting the Czech capital, but I promise it’s a decision you won’t regret. Prague’s dining landscape is evolving beautifully, and these restaurants are leading the charge. Next time you're wandering the cobblestones, step inside, order some sake, and explore this unexpected side of the city for yourself!