Grand Cru

This place is amazing! I had a seven course special new years dinner with wine pairing. The staff was very nice and friendly and the food was fantastic (except for maybe the dessert which was not that special in comparison with the rest of the dishes). But all in all — WOW! We got complimentary oysters that were the best I’ve ever had! And the wine pairing included A LOT of wine — which might feel a little bit awkward at such a fancy place — and on top of that someone in the staff (they wouldn’t say who) sent us free caipirinhas that were also delicious! I’m definitely going back here if I’m in Prague again!

After having numerous outstanding dinners in Prague based on my own research l relented and took the advice of the concierge at my hotel: Boscolo and had dinner at Grand Cru. l couldn’t have been more disappointed! It’s hard for me to believe Grand Cru is recommended without some pre-​arranged kickback from Grand Cru to Boscolo. Grand Cru is undoubtedly one of the worst restaurants in Prague.
First –the venue. The ambience is nice. There is a courtyard which sits in the middle of the restaurant and makes for a very pleasant atmosphere.
Second –the service. Terribly, miserably, disappointing from start to finish. The server couldn’t explain many of the dishes on the menu. He didn’t know, how they were prepared, didn’t recognize some of the side dishes, didn’t know how they were cooked (i.e. grilled, roasted, smoked or baked) and didn’t make any effort to shore up his knowledge or get answers to any of our questions. My wife and l respectfully asked for the manager to assist with the explanation of the menu. Shortly after the manager reviewed the menu we made our selections based on the manager’s (Jakuh Pribyl) recommendations.
Third –the food. We first received a complimentary amuse bouche: a cold, raw, piece of radish w goat cheese topped with chopped tomatoes. Uneventful, not flavorful and the presentation included the stems of the radish which were wilted. The second complimentary amuse bouche was a diced piece of cold lamb wrapped in a fatty low end grade of prosciutto with some foam on some shredded vegetables that also had no flavor. Both were complimentary and not worth it even though they were free!
Our first course consisted of a marinated watermelon dish stuffed with crab and garnished with globs of sauces and mushed vegetables. This is a cold undesirable, uneventful, messy dish which tasted as though it had been prepared weeks in advanced and left in refrigeration. My wife had the calamari stuffed with veal and a ragu sauce. Again under seasoned but so far the best dish albeit better in concept than execution.
For our entrees my wife had the lamb chops (on the recommendation of the manager). There were two lollipop style lamb chops compromised of approximately 40−45% fat and grizzle. The lamb was not eatable! Trying to cut the lamb shredded this fibrous grey matter and exposed the fat content. Without question totally disgusting! We sent it back to the kitchen.
I had the pork cheeks. They were tender but again totally under seasoned. No flavor, no complementary sides and loads of fattening sauces to mask the lack of flavor of the meat
Lastly — the drinks. The wine list is extensive. We however asked for a wine pairing with each course. We waited for sometime with no drink. When the amuse bouches arrived, still no wine. We then sat waiting for the starter. Finally asked for some wine which amounted to a short pour of wine, similar to a tasting at a winery. They said the pairing was a half pour of wine. Which is expensive for so little wine. We turned down any further food or drinks. Opting to cut our losses and seek other dining elsewhere. However despite returning the lamb and opting out of any further courses or wine this meal exceeded $ 100.00 U.S.
Bottom line — the courtyard is nice. The wine list is extensive but very expensive. The food is a miserable disappointment! And don’t even consider the wine pairing here. Superior food can be found at: Bellevue, V Zatisi, Cantinetta Fiorentina or Mlejnici. The food at Grand Cru is a disgrace! Not even worth it if it were free. If anyone (i.e. hotel concierge) recommends this place there is definitely a hidden agenda. Prague is becoming a city who’s financial economy is being driven by taking advantage of unsuspecting, uneducated tourists.

We adored Grand Cru. My husband found it researching Prague and we were so happy he did! We went for lunch. Showed up a little late (probably around 2pm) but they didn’t mind at all and served us with a smile. We got the two-​course lunch menu but got an amuse-​bouche to start and Petit fours to finish. The food was amazing. Such attention to detail, interesting and full of flavor! The staff was incredibly knowledgeable and willing to chat about the food, wine, and city. Would highly recommend to anyone going to Prague — a great break from all the heavy Czech food.