Marie B, the Hidden Address Where Prague Is Savored Differently
Prague, with its baroque facades and cobbled streets, sometimes hides treasures that only a keen eye — or a hidden door — can uncover. Among them, Marie B stands out as a secret and singular address: a place where history intertwines with the present, and where gastronomy becomes an experience both playful and refined. It is a jewel box where art, heritage, and culinary audacity unite to offer guests an unexpected, immersive, and profoundly memorable interlude.
A Hidden Jewel in the Heart of Prague
Located in the heart of Prague, just steps from the Old Town Square and the astronomical clock, the restaurant Marie B is set in a place that is both historic and unique. Nestled in the U Zeleného Stromu building, which lay dormant for more than thirty years, it preserves its original vaults and walls, whose patina of time lends a rare authenticity. The interior, a subtle blend of tradition and modernity, is punctuated with contemporary works by Anselm Reyle, whose neon lights and textile compositions infuse the place with creative energy. The discreet access through a hidden door and the layout around an open kitchen reinforce the exclusive and convivial spirit of the restaurant. The atmosphere, refined yet warm, rests on a clever balance of modern design, Prague heritage, and culinary effervescence, inviting each guest to live an immersive and unique experience.
Playful Gastronomy and Starred Heritage
Marie B is a culinary UFO in the heart of Prague, led by the visionary team behind La Degustation Bohême Bourgeoise, a Michelin-starred restaurant. This lineage sets the tone: precision, audacity, and sincerity. Here, no traditional menu but a “Carte Blanche” concept where each dish, served blind, becomes a playful game between diners and the team. The cooks and the gourmets of the day form an interactive duo: you taste, you guess, then you discover the secrets of preparation and ingredients, in a convivial and vibrant atmosphere. At Marie B, dining is not enough: you live an immersive experience, born of the know-how of a starred team and their desire to invent a new way of sharing gastronomy — demanding, playful, and profoundly human.
The cuisine, orchestrated by chef Jiří Šoura, draws inspiration from Marie B. Svobodová's 1894 cookbook to project it into the present. Local products, seasonality, sustainability, and creativity guide a contemporary Czech gastronomy that embraces its roots while exploring new combinations. The experience naturally extends to Vin de Marie, an adjoining cellar conceived as an extension of the restaurant. Around a large shared table, the team offers rare and authentic wines from the Czech Republic and Europe, chosen not for their labels but for their character and story.
A Playful and Gourmet Dinner
We began the dinner with two very different choices: for me, a Špigle–Bočky 2021, a natural orange wine from Moravia by Richard Stávek, made from white grape macerations and recognized for its authentic, dry, and vibrant character; for my husband, a fresh and indulgent red fruit mocktail.
The first plate appeared like a game of refined bites, designed to awaken the palate with their contrasting textures and flavors. A shot of lively, concentrated vegetable juice set the tone, followed by crunchy broccoli topped with cream cheese and a crisp touch. Then came a melting pork cheek croquette, crowned with a generous grating of truffle that combined richness and elegance. Finally, a beef tartare sandwich between two crispy tiles concluded this opening by marrying rusticity and sophistication.
The non-alcoholic pairing began with a Von Wiesen, a German gastronomic infusion of verbena and quince, the only drink not homemade but perfectly chosen. Its freshness and aromatic complexity wonderfully accompanied a soft-boiled egg covered with a spinach and garlic cream. The runny yolk mingled with the sauce, while a shower of crispy potatoes and bits of bacon added crunch and smoky depth.
The next dish celebrated trout and its roe, served with a lively yuzu and coriander sauce. Freshness and brightness were enhanced by a yuzu juice infused with tea and stems, whose vegetal and citrus notes prolonged the tasting.
Then came a tender beef fillet, served medium rare, accompanied by asparagus and peas in various forms — crunchy, soft, powdered. This springtime vegetal symphony rested on a deep, lightly caramelized onion consommé, bringing warmth and intensity. A sharp, tangy rhubarb juice balanced the ensemble and highlighted the delicacy of the meat.
The sequence unfolded under a cloud of foie gras shavings, melting delicately in the mouth. Beneath, a wine jelly and a lychee purée brought elegance and exotic sweetness, while a flower seed crumble added texture and subtlety. The pairing with a buckwheat and pear juice played on freshness and fine roasted notes.
Dessert surprised with a bold combination of beetroot and strawberry, softened by the roundness of milk ice cream. A few crunchy chocolate shards punctuated the whole, and a strudel juice with spicy, pastry notes extended the indulgence. Finally, the meal ended with a trio of treats: a citrus and ginger fruit jelly, tangy and vibrant; an intense, melting chocolate brownie; and a caramel with dried fruits and nuts, lifted with a hint of salt, sealing the dinner with a final note of elegant indulgence.
My Review
Marie B thus emerges as far more than a restaurant: it is a true sensory and cultural experience in the heart of Prague. Between historical heritage, contemporary daring, and playful creativity, every detail — from the place to the plates, from the pairings to the exchanges with the team — creates a suspended moment, both refined and profoundly human. The pleasure lies not only in the tasting, but also in the mischievous game of guessing ingredients and techniques, transforming the meal into a living, playful dialogue between diners and cooks.
Practical Information
A big thank you to Marie B for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain free in my opinions in this article!
