August alfresco

The sun may be playing its usual game of cat-and-mouse at this time of year, when one has to remind oneself that it's still summer and not early fall. But even if we can't control the weather, there are still a good few more weeks to enjoy being outside, and many of the best restaurants in Prague have lovely outdoor terraces and gardens - and many of those in turn have sheltered parts in case of the odd temperamental shower.

The Prague Post's annual publication, Outdoor Dining Guide 2011, runs through the city's best options for dining al fresco, and here are a few of our favorites. The guide features recommendations of more than 100 restaurants, casual eateries, wine bars and beer gardens, and can be purchased online here.  

Artisan

Casual international The successful sister restaurant of Bandito's, Artisan has a recently revamped menu of popular eclectic cuisine, with confident steaks, pastas burgers and a few fusion items, as well as a comfortable, leafy patio out back, sheltered by umbrellas. Rošických 4, Prague 5-Malá Strana. Tel. 257 218/ 277. Open daily 11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Trams 6, 9, 12, 20 Újezd

Aureole

Fine dining Asian fusion Venture into the culinary stratosphere at this sleek, hip restaurant, which tops the tallest building in Prague. Enjoy the breathtaking views over the entire city from the chic roofed terrace, replete with comfortable white couches and low tables. Hvězdova 1716/2b, Prague 4-Pankrác. Tel. 222 755 380. Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-2 a.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-2 a.m., Sun. 10 a.m.-midnight

Grosseto Marina

Casual Italian This popular chain of pizza-and-pasta joints hits the jackpot with its Marina outpost on a beautifully restored barge on the Vltava with views of Charles Bridge and Prague Castle. Reliable eats, prices far from the tourist norm and a retractable roof that ensures safe harbor from any storm. Alšovo nábřeží, by Manesův most, Prague 1-Old Town. Tel. 605 454 020. Open daily 11:30 a.m.-midnight. Metro A Staroměstská

Hybernia

Casual Czech, international Yummy salads and meat dishes (both local specialties and various steaks) in a prime location steps from the Powder Tower. The courtyard garden feels worlds away from the tourist throngs. Hybernská 7, Prague 1-New Town. Tel. 224 226 004. Open Mon.-Fri. 8 a.m.-midnight, Sat.-Sun. 11 a.m.-midnight. Metro B Náměstí Republiky

Jedová chýše

Pub/beer garden Take a trip back in time to the First Republic at this bustling tavern in the center. Service may be brusque, but the Malý Rohozec beer is tasty and the Czech specialties a bargain. A large, covered beer garden filled with long, wooden tables provides ample seating for a few drinks or a meal. Vodičkova 17, Prague 1-New Town. Tel. 222 516 787. Open daily 11 a.m.-midnight. Trams 3, 9, 14, 24 Vodičkova

Na Slamníku

Pub Right on the edge of Stromovka Park, Na Slamníku has a down-and-dirty reputation for good beers and hearty, cheap Czech plates. The trellised garden provides an equally relaxing hideaway on a hot summer's day or a good respite from an afternoon thunderstorm. Wolkerova 12, Prague 6-Bubeneč. Tel. 233 322 594. Open daily 11 a.m.-midnight. Bus 131 Sibiřské náměstí

Vínečko

Wine bar Book ahead a table, as this Vinohrady wine bar packs out, especially on the pretty front patio and in the cozy back garden, where umbrella-shielded tables fill up with carafes of wine and light bites. Londýnská 29 (entrance on Bruselská), Prague 2-Vinohrady. Tel. 222 516 887. Open Mon.-Fri. noon-midnight, Sat. 2 p.m.-midnight, Sun. 2-10:30 p.m. Tram 11 Bělehradská

Žofín Garden

Casual international Zátisi Group's Žofín Garden balances quality, atmosphere and price, in a tent adjacent to the elegant Žofín Palace, on a Vltava island close to the National Theater. Exceptionally good food for surprisingly low prices. Slovanský ostrov, Prague 1-New Town. Tel. 774 774 774. Open daily 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Trams 6, 9, 17, 18, 22 Národní divadlo

Fiona Gaze can be reached at
fgaze@praguepost.com