Vytopna Restaurant in Prague offers good food at exceptional prices, right on
Wenceslas Square. But its unique attraction is a 400m miniature railway which runs around the whole restaurant, and even onto the tables you sit at.
This is no gimmick, the technology employed is extremely complex. The restaurant owners are passionate about traditional railways, and have developed miniature train networks for years.
The railway tracks pass through tunnels, over drawbridges, they run through sculptured rock formations and woods, by ponds, and pull into stations. The trains can reach speeds of 20km per hour. Oh, and they deliver drinks to your table, sitting in the back of their wagons! They can pull up to 12 beers at a time.
Vytopna is set on the first floor of a large building, with huge windows overlooking Wenceslas Square.
The cuisine is a mix of Czech and International fare, and is of a high standard for this price bracket. It ranges from hearty soups (try the cabbage and sausage soup) to a fine golden roast duck, to baked salmon, spare ribs, pork knee and beef steaks.
A variety of fresh salads, pasta and vegetarian dishes are also on offer, along with some tasty desserts.
The drinks list includes Czech wines from Moravia, ice-cold beers, spirits and cocktails, and various fruit juices and soft drinks, all at very reasonable prices.
The wines by the glass are quite enjoyable. And if you fancy trying a better bottled wine, there are few good ones at the top end, once again at prices you would pay more for elsewhere.
Vytopna also has a children's play area with soft toys, and is in our opinion the best restaurant in Prague to take kids to. There is a children's menu too, which comes with sketches of trains on it and colouring pencils, to colour the trains in.
But don't let this put couples and all-adult parties off. The miniature railway will fascinate most people, train enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts, and of both sexes.
Vytopna is not for a romantic meal, and it is not for elegant dining in fine attire. It is simply a fun, unique restaurant for couples, groups and families alike.
And if trains don't appeal, Vytopna may still be worth considering for the food and drink alone, which is unbeatable at these prices in this location, and explains why so many Czechs eat here.
If you are looking for a restaurant where the locals eat, Vytopna is one of them. But you will need to book, to make sure of a table.

Vytopna Restaurant appeals to groups looking for somewhere unique which serves good food and drinks at great prices (with drinks delivered by trains - what more could you want!).
Advance reservations are essential.