WHERE TO EAT The best Svíčková in the world (according to food experts)

"The most lauded example of svícková in Prague can be found at Café Imperial."

"U Kroka’s version was delightful with a similar taste profile but not as robust. This version is a great introduction to the dish and those skeptical of the unique flavors."

"Representative of the second main course in the Czech menu was the Svíčková. Delicate flesh melts in the mouth, madeira's sauce contributes to it's attractiveness."

"The svíčková na smetaně (159 CZK) was quite good here, with a generous serving of tender Czech beef, tart cranberries, a dollop of cream, and a rich, sweet sauce redolent of carrots and other vegetables. Stirring the cream and cranberries into the sauce is a very good idea. The four bread dumplings, as usual, proved a perfect vessel for soaking it all up."

"The beef was so tender it pulled apart easily under my fork. The dumplings were light and fluffy. And the sauce, tasting strongly of freshly pureed vegetables, was bright yellow and richly sweet."

"The smaller-than-usual portion was still very filling, sitting in a sauce so thick and creamy that some of the guests were convinced it was carrot soup."

"The meals here are delicious: the svíčková is so divine it melts in your mouth (and melts the beer)."

Exactly what a svíčková should taste like, but better.