Coda Restaurant
Lesser Town, Prague 1

The restaurant was designed by Italian architects Rocco Magnoli and Lorenzo Carmellini, onetime associates of Gianni Versace. They have created a warm, art-deco interior lit by table lamps and a crystal chandelier. There are paintings and statues by Dali, Shagal, Picasso, Kodet, Myslbek and Frank von Stuck.

In this comfortable, elegant setting, Executive Chef David Šašek displays a masterful understanding of food. His well balanced, innovative dishes are presented with flair and precision.

Waiters are welcoming and attentive, but not intrusive, sensing perfectly the moment to withdraw.

In the summer, there is the option of dining on the rooftop terrace, to enjoy a 360 degree panorama of the Lesser Town and Prague Castle, and across to the Old Town. For romance and that sense of the special occasion, it does not get much better.

On cuisine, Coda places strong emphasis on fresh seasonal ingredients. There are some delightful dishes on offer. Main courses range from filet mignon, lamb chops, beef goulash and crispy duck to fresh fish.

Desserts range from white chocolate mille-feuille to a molten Valrhona chocolate cake with a liquid centre. The fine French artisan cheeses are also worth a mention.

Coda stocks a range of good quality international wines, and some nice local Czech wines too.

There is live piano from Tuesday to Saturday during the winter, and in the summer when the roof garden is closed. The music lends itself well to the ambience of the restaurant.

Plus, in the winter guests can enjoy pre or post dinner drinks in the warm and cosy library which has an open fire.

For a romantic meal, or important dinner with friends or business guests, the ambience, service and most importantly the food at Coda does not disappoint.