CottoCrudo, the Unmissable Italian Address at the Four Seasons Prague

The Four Seasons Prague, Symbol of Timeless Luxury

Located in the heart of Prague's old town, the Four Seasons combines the timeless charm of three historic buildings – in baroque, classical, and renaissance styles – with the elegance of a contemporary wing designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon. Set directly on the banks of the Vltava, with stunning views of Charles Bridge, Malá Strana, and Prague Castle, the hotel enchants with its refined interiors, neo-classical suites evoking the Austro-Hungarian golden age, as well as its hushed atmosphere and impeccable service. Between discreet luxury, an elegant spa, and a perfect location for exploring the city on foot, it embodies the art of hospitality to perfection, and it was in this exceptional setting that we had the pleasure of dining at CottoCrudo, their Italian restaurant.

Italian Gastronomy and Exceptional Views at CottoCrudo

CottoCrudo embodies Italian elegance in the heart of Prague, blending culinary expertise with an exceptional setting. Its cuisine, both refined and contemporary, highlights local and seasonal ingredients, crafted with precision to reveal their full flavor. The menu changes with the seasons, offering creative dishes that elevate the richness of Italian culinary tradition. The restaurant also charms with its chic and lively atmosphere, where modern design pairs perfectly with Mediterranean warmth. From the outdoor terrace, open in the warmer months, guests enjoy breathtaking views of the Vltava and Prague Castle, adding a unique touch to the experience.

A true gastronomic reference in the Czech capital, CottoCrudo offers fine dining enthusiasts a five-course tasting menu, paired with carefully selected wine pairings. The venue also stands out for its elegant bar, where one can savor gourmet bites – Florentine lobster toast, truffle fries, or even the Prague hot dog – while enjoying a fine wine or a perfectly crafted cocktail, such as the house variations on the negroni. On Sundays, brunch takes on the air of an Italian celebration, with antipasti, fresh seafood, and Mediterranean dishes prepared to order, all in a setting that brilliantly combines culinary refinement with an exceptional view.

Our Culinary Journey from Italy to Prague

That evening, instead of opting for the five-course menu, we chose to create our own gourmet journey by picking from the à la carte menu, guided solely by our cravings of the moment.

As a starter, my husband chose the tuna tataki, of great finesse. The delicate pink slices, neatly arranged around a fregola sarda salad flavored with vibrant rocket pesto, rested on a veil of amber ponzu sauce, both lively and subtly tangy. A few microgreens, delicately placed, added a touch of freshness, creating a harmonious balance between Italian accents and Asian influences.

For my part, I began with a crudo of Sicilian red prawn, a dish full of freshness and color. The prawns, finely sliced, were paired with juicy cubes of watermelon and crisp young ice plant leaves. The vibrant and aromatic seasoning combined Amalfi lemon kosho and an infused oil, delicately marrying acidity with citrus notes. Small edible petals were scattered across the plate, adding a floral and sunlit dimension.

For the pasta course, my husband went for fresh homemade tagliatelle, coated in a creamy bisque reduction and topped with generous chunks of bright red, meaty lobster tail. Pink pepper and Taggiasca olive oil enhanced this elegant plate, offering aromatic depth in perfect harmony with the richness of the sauce. I chose a smoked scallop risotto, whose soft green hue came from the peas incorporated into the preparation. Its creamy texture was elevated by the crunch of prosciutto crumble, while the scallops, simply seared and arranged on top, added a refined marine touch.

For the meat course, we both opted for the crispy duck breast, perfectly pink and glazed with a shiny, flavorful jus. It was served with silky, sweet glazed celeriac purée and compressed seasonal fruits, bringing freshness and light acidity. The subtly integrated confit leg completed the dish with deep, melting flavors.

For the sweet finale, we indulged in two desserts. The citrus delight combined crunch and freshness: a crispy meringue filled with almond and basil cream held a vibrant mandarin sorbet, enhanced with citrus segments and colorful petals. The classic tiramisu, presented on a plate decorated to resemble coffee beans, offered a refined version of this Italian staple, with smooth mascarpone cream enveloping a biscuit delicately soaked in coffee.

My Review

This dinner at CottoCrudo was a true pleasure, combining generous and perfectly executed cuisine with attentive service that was present at just the right moments throughout the meal. I particularly appreciated how each dish paired bold flavors with meticulous presentation, creating a balance between indulgence and elegance. The atmosphere, both chic and comfortable, was ideal for this gourmet interlude, while the view of the Vltava and the illuminated castle added an extra touch of magic. It was a moment where the setting, service, and cuisine blended perfectly, leaving a warm and refined memory of our time in Prague.

Practical Information

A big thank you to CottoCrudo for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain fully free in my opinions in this article!