I’m still ashamed that it took a year before we visited QQ Asian Kitchen, so when I heard that Levain had opened last Wednesday (23rd Jan), I made sure I booked a table for Saturday night.

Levain is on Kozácká, a narrow street near the fashionable Krymská street area. The place doesn’t yet have a sign, but already looks inviting.

The interior is modern but cosy.

The only menu for food is on the blackboard. Apparently this will change regularly based on seasonal availability of fresh ingredients – and that sounds good to me.

There was a small wine list and we chose, as always, a rich red – 320Kč for a 0.5l carafe. A large bottle of water was free – those who read my reviews know that always wins points!

Our amuse-bouche was what appeared to be boiled eggs marinated in beetroot juice.

It was nice, but I wouldn’t make a fuss about them.

For starters we both had the sea bass crudo (185Kč per).

I don’t think my picture does this dish justice. The raw sea bass, the walnuts, the poopy seed dressing all perfect. I also liked the topinambour, which I think is the same as what I’d call Jerusalem artichoke, but I like this new name better.

Our mains were farmer’s market vegetables and mackerel. I’m not sure that either of us would have chosen these had there been more items on the menu; would the vegetables be enough, isn’t mackerel too fishy? I almost went for a pizza – the chef proudly told us that they mill their own flour, which I assume means that it tastes better and is better for you.

The farmer’s market vegetables (265Kč) were delicious.

The mackerel (365Kč) was excellent – and yes, it is a rich, oily, fishy fish, but I’m pleased that the menu made me choose it.

We’d eaten so healthily that we deserved to share a lovely chocolate tart (110Kč).

I decided to have a look around the restaurant on my way to the bathroom. There’s a bar, where I could imagine stopping by for a drink and a snack. Next to that is a pizza station and oven. I’m definitely trying a pizza on my next visit.

They also do a daily lunch menu and breakfast until 4pm. I’d like to see my favourite Eggs Royale on that list. If the image below is too small to read, you can click to enlarge it.

I’m always impressed by any restaurant that dares to set up in a location without obvious footfall – success is usually based on word of mouth and I think they’ll be busy.

Levain Bistro
Kozácká 6
10100 Prague
Czech Republic

https://www.facebook.com/levainbistro/

Email: levainpraha@gmail.com

Phone +420 601 549 599

Open Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 to 23:00