Zofin Palace is a neo-Renaissance building set on Slavonic Island, in the centre of Prague. This is an idyllic spot surrounded by nature, with lovely views of the river and downstream to
Prague Castle.
Zofin Garden Restaurant is located inside Zofin Palace, and continues into a permanent marquee connected to it.
The palace part of the restaurant is open all year. The marquee is open April-October (and on New Year's Eve), and is heated in the winter and open-sided during in the summer.
Whether you dine in the palace or in the marquee (the restaurant allocates an appropriate table depending on the season or event), Zofin offers good food and a unique dining environment all year round, and at very reasonable prices.
At first glance it may look rather palatial and therefore expensive, but in fact Zofin is quite the opposite. It is a relaxed restaurant for everyone, for all age groups, and is popular with local Czechs.
The marquee has been designed in the style of an orangery with live citrus fruit trees and palms. And it has a 'live kitchen', where chefs prepare Czech and International specialities in front of you, including on the open grill.
The palace is naturally more elegant, with high ceilings, long draping curtains and finely dressed tables.
The menu changes frequently at Zofin Garden Restaurant, with daily fresh fish and meat specials. In the winter there is an emphasis on hearty fare like venison ragout, goose, steaks and Czech river fish. In the summer, the grill opens and their flagship steak burgers and lamb skewers are put on.
There is always a choice of good food to suit all tastes, using seasonal and home-made ingredients including bio products.
The drinks list has Czech and International wines, along with cold beers, a range of spirits and great value freshly made cocktails.
The quality of food and drink is assured whenever you visit, for Zofin is the sister of three of Prague's finest restaurants: Bellevue, Mlynec and V Zatisi.
While these restaurants offer a true fine dining experience, Zofin presents relaxed, informal dining in a natural setting, indeed in a unique environment on the Old Town / New Town bank of the river.
For visitors to the National Theatre, Zofin is a good choice for dinner. It lies just a few hundred metres along the river from the theatre.
For families with children, Zofin welcomes you warmly, particularly when the marquee is open. There is a kids play area inside the marquee, plus a larger playground on the island.
And while you are on Slavonic Island (Slovansky ostrov), take a stroll in the grounds, enjoy the woodland and watch the birds in the river. Plus in the warmer months, you can hire out boats to paddle around the island.

With dining options both in the palace and in the permanent marquee, and the unique environment on a small island, Zofin is an interesting restaurant to take groups to, particularly if you have time for a drink before or after your meal. And it is very reasonably priced.