Going out for lunch at a restaurant used to be a daily habit for many workers in Czechia. Now, it’s increasingly seen as a luxury.

The average price of a restaurant lunch has climbed to 192 CZK this year—excluding drinks. Surprisingly, Prague is no longer the most expensive city for dining out.

Rising Costs Are Changing Lunch Habits

Rather than dining with colleagues at a nearby restaurant, more and more people are bringing food from home or opting for buffets and self-service cafeterias, which tend to be more affordable. The days when a decent meal cost just 100 CZK are long gone—today, it can be twice as much.

Lunch Prices Surpass 200 CZK

Finding a lunch menu for around 100 CZK is now a rarity. The only exceptions might be hot buffets at butcher shops, but even these are becoming scarce. Lunch prices in Prague first surpassed 200 CZK in November 2022, and other regions followed shortly after.

In recent months, restaurant lunch prices have remained relatively stable, with slight fluctuations. “Last year, the average lunch price hovered around 190 CZK, with small spikes during the summer months,” said Jan Michelfeit from Pluxee, the company behind the survey.

Price Isn’t the Only Factor

A major price drop is unlikely, and in some areas, lunch costs could even increase further. As a result, the number of people eating out during lunch breaks continues to decline. However, cost is not the only reason why many workers are turning to packed lunches or food delivery services.

Many employees exceed the legally required 30-minute break when they eat out, which often means making up the extra time later. This has led to the growing popularity of meal delivery services, allowing workers to eat at their desks or in break areas within the time limit.

Restaurant Lunch Prices in Czechia – January 2025

How much does lunch cost in Czech and Moravian restaurants at the beginning of 2025? The figures below come from Pluxee, based on meal voucher transactions.

For comparison, the average lunch price in previous years was:

• 2020: 135.40 CZK
• 2021: 151.20 CZK
• End of 2022: 173.40 CZK

As the cost of dining out continues to climb, more Czechs are rethinking their lunch habits—a trend that’s likely to persist.

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