Just five minutes from Náplavka, beneath the historic walls of Vyšehrad, Malby’s Café offers a slice of Cuba far from the Caribbean.
Since opening in December 2024, it’s quietly become a favorite among locals, expats, and travelers looking for something different.
The café was co-founded by Austin Malby, a Cuban-American from Key West, Florida, and Bořek, a longtime Prague resident. More than just a business, it’s a personal project shaped by shared values. “We just want to be true to ourselves, true to Cuba, and true to the spirit of Cuba,” they say.
The café’s logo—a sketch of a Cuban house—has a touching backstory. It’s based on a handmade miniature home from Key West, passed down through Austin’s family. “When we opened the café, to me, it was just obvious,” he recalls.
Each founder brings a different skill set. Austin has a background in hospitality and sales, having worked everywhere from sandwich shops to management roles. Božek heads the coffee and cocktail program, building on years of experience running events in Prague.
Inside, the space is a world away from the city’s trend-driven minimalism. There are stained-glass windows, vintage furniture, and artwork inspired by Alphonse Mucha. Austin’s mother-in-law designed much of the interior—from the plants and lighting to the now-signature green tables. “She really gave everything a softer touch,” he says.
The food isn’t based on cookbooks. “I try to make what I grew up with,” says Austin. “Not just what anyone can Google.” The Cuban sandwich—known as the Cuban mix in Florida—is a point of pride, despite ongoing debates between Tampa and Miami about who does it best. “In Cuba it’s called a mixto, and in Florida we say Cuban mix,” he says.
At Malby’s, they’ve settled the matter: it’s simply a Cuban sandwich, made with pork, homemade mojo, ham, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard. With Cuban bread unavailable in Prague due to licensing, they’ve found a reliable alternative. “We use French bread—it’s very close in texture.”
The menu is growing, with dishes like black bean soup, empanadas, guava pastries, and eggs Benedict with a Cuban twist. Vegan and vegetarian guests haven’t been left out—homemade vegetable sauces and local produce are used to create custom dishes on request. “We don’t have a full vegan menu yet, but we’ve made it work,” says the team.
Running the café is a close-knit group of four: Austin, Božek, Sasha, and Jonas. They rotate shifts, prep fresh churros every morning, and keep the place humming from open to close.
The café’s coffee comes straight from Las Terrazas, a Cuban village known for its sustainable farms. It’s roasted in Prague by Sol Mate, resulting in a dark roast with nutty, chocolatey notes—and hints of rum and tobacco. Besides authentic Cuban coffee, they also offer Brasil & Ethiopia dark roast for espresso, both beloved by customers.
They serve café con leche and offer condensed milk with all coffee drinks, following Cuban tradition. For an extra touch, guests can add a pinch of salt—an idea borrowed from Austin’s uncle. “People love it,” he says, smiling. The beans are also available for pre-order, so customers can brew them at home.
The cocktail menu is a mix of Cuban standards and creative house recipes. Alongside Mojitos, Daiquiris, and Cancháncharas, you’ll find the Cuban Sunset—a layered drink that changes color—and El Dandi, a smoky blend originally imagined as a men’s cocktail. “But women ended up liking it even more,” says Božek.
Live music is part of the atmosphere. They recently hosted Pragason, a Cuban-Czech band playing Havana-style street music. “They bring out instruments and just get people dancing—exactly like in Cuba,” the founders say. A pianist also stops by, and they plan to make music events a regular feature.
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Even when there’s no live show, there’s music in the air—think Pitbull alongside Buena Vista Social Club.
The café has also hosted community events: one regular exhibited photography from Malaysia; another, a stand-up comedian, inspired plans for comedy nights. “We’re discovering people’s passions and bringing them into the space,” says Božek.
They’ve catered birthday parties with custom menus and finger food. “We want people to feel taken care of,” Austin says.
Feedback from Cuban guests has been especially meaningful. “The few Cuban people I’ve spoken with really appreciate it. They say it feels and looks right,” Austin says. One told him, “It’s like Havana… just a little less broken.”
Despite its tucked-away location, the café is gaining visibility through Instagram, Slevomat, and word of mouth. While they’re open to future ideas—like a pop-up at Náplavka—for now, they’re focused on growing their home base. “We’re committed to making this the best it can be,” says Božek.