Siem Reap Restaurants, Food & Drinks
ASIAN RESTAURANTS
CAMBODIAN RESTAURANTS
Cuisine Wat Damnak
Add: Wat Dam Nak village
Tel: +855 (0)77 347 762
Web: www.cuisinewatdamnak.com
Price: 5-/6-course menu US$24/28
Opening hours: 6.30-9.30pm Tue-Sat
Set in a traditional wooden house is this highly regarded restaurant from Siem Reap celeb chef Joannes Riviere. The menu delivers the ultimate contemporary Khmer dining experience. Seasonal set menus focus on market-fresh ingredients and change weekly; vegetarian options are available with advance notice.
Sugar Palm
Add: Taphul St
Tel: +855 (0)12 818 143
Web: www.sugarpalmrestaurant.com
Price: US$5-9
Opening hours: 11.30am-3pm & 5.30-10pm Mon-Sat
Set in a beautiful wooden house, the Sugar Palm is the place to sample traditional flavours infused with herbs and spices, including delicious ‘char kreung’ (curried lemongrass) dishes. Owner Kethana showed celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay how to prepare amok.
Mahob
Add: near Angkor Conservation
Tel: +855 (0)63 966 986
Web: www.mahobkhmer.com
Price: US$3.50-15
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
The Cambodian word for food, the mahob at this restaurant is delicious. Set in a traditional wooden house with a contemporary twist, they take the same approach to cuisine as they do to decor, serving up dishes such as caramelized pork shank with ginger and black pepper, or wok-fried local beef with red tree ants. Hot stone barbecue available.
Psar Chaa
Add: Siem Reap
Tel: N/A
Price: US$1.50-4
Opening hours: 6am-9pm
When it comes to cheap Khmer eats, Psar Chaa itself has plenty of food stalls on the northwest side, all with signs and menus in English. These are atmospheric places for a local meal at local-ish prices. Some dishes are on display, others are freshly wok-fried to order, but most are wholesome and filling.
Por cuisine
Add: 298 St 22, Wat Bo Village, Sangkat Sala Kamroeuk
Tel: +855 63 967 797
Web: www.porcuisine.com
Price: US$3.50-18
Opening hour: 10.30am-10.30pm
A stylish contemporary restaurant, Por Cuisine offers a wide selection of Asian and international dishes, including the best of Cambodian flavours. The nightly classical dance show is one of the more sophisticated on offer and is an affordable way to get a cultural fix in Siem Reap.
Embassy
Add: King's Rd
Tel: +855 63 963 840
Web: www.restaurant-siemreap.com
Price: from US$27
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
Part of the King's Rd village, Embassy is all about Khmer gastronomy, offering an evolving menu that changes with the seasons. Under the supervision of the Kimsan twins, who studied with Michelin-starred chef Regis Marcon, this is Khmer cuisine at its most creative.
Red Piano
Add: Pub St
Web: www.redpianocambodia.com
Price: US$3-10
Strikingly set in a restored colonial gem, Red Piano has a big balcony for watching the action unfold below. The menu has a reliable selection of Asian and international food, all at decent prices. Former celebrity guest Angelina Jolie has a cocktail named in her honour.
Touich
Add: 112 Sothearos Blvd
Tel: +855 12 792 088
Web: http://the-touich-restaurant-bar.blogspot.com
Price: US$2.50-8
Opening hours: 5.30-10.30pm
Hidden away but worth the search, this traditional Khmer restaurant is set in the backstreet suburbs of Wat Preah Inkosei. The menu includes regional specialities and seafood such as Mekong prawns and Koh Kong red snapper. Check the blog to avoid getting lost.
Chanrey Tree
Add: Pokambor Ave
Web: www.chanreytree.com
Price: US$5-12
Opening hours: 11am-10pm
Cool and contemporary, Chantrey Tree is the new face of Khmer cuisine, combining a stylish setting with expressive presentation, while retaining the essentials of traditional Cambodian cooking. Try the eggplant with pork ribs or grilled stuffed frog.
Amok
Add: The Alley
Web: www.angkorw.com
Price: US$4-9
Opening hours: 10am-11pm
The name pays homage to Cambodia’s national dish, amok (or amoc; baked fish), and this is indeed a fine place to try baked fish curry in banana leaf or, better still, an amok tasting platter with four varieties. It is in the heart of the Alley.
Cambodian BBQ
Add: The Alley
Price: US$5-9
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
Crocodile, snake, ostrich and kangaroo meat add an exotic twist to the traditional phnom pleung (hill of fire) grills. Cambodian BBQ has spawned half a dozen or more copycats in the surrounding streets, many of which offer discount specials.
Angkor Palm
Add: Charles de Gaulle Blvd
Web: www.angkorpalm.com
Price: US$3-9
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
Relocated on the road to Angkor, this popular restaurant offers the authentic taste of Cambodia. Even Khmers rave about the legendary amok here, and it offers a great-value sampling platter. Cooking classes available.
Madame Butterfly
Add: Airport Rd
Web: www.madamebutterflyrestaurant.com
Price: US$4-10
Opening hours: 10am-11pm
This traditional wooden house has been sumptuously decorated with fine silks and billowing drapes. Lovely atmosphere, but sometimes dampened by the sheer number of tour groups who come to sample the Asian and Khmer cuisine.
Khmer Kitchen
Add: The Alley
Web: www.khmerkitchens.com
Price: US$2-5
Opening hours: 11am-10pm
Can’t get no (culinary) satisfaction? Then follow in the footsteps of Sir Mick Jagger and try this popular place, which offers an affordable selection of Khmer and Thai favourites, including zesty curries.
INDIAN RESTAURANTS
Dakshin’s
Add: The Lane
Tel: +855 12 808 011
Price: US$2-8
Opening hours: 11am-11.30pm
Such is their confidence in their subcontinental selection that they have an open-plan kitchen. Arguably the best of Siem Reap's numerous Indian restaurants, Dakshin's serves up a delicious butter chicken alongside the highlights of northern and southern cuisine.
Curry Walla
Add: Sivatha St
Price: US$2-5
Opening hours: 10.30am-11pm
For good-value Indian food, this place is hard to beat. The thalis (set meals) are a bargain and the owner, long-time resident Ranjit, knows his share of spicy specials from the subcontinent.
JAPANESE RESTAURANTS
Genkiya
Add: Airport Rd
Tel: +855 63 967978
Web: www.genkiya-restaurant.com
Price: US$6-18
Opening hours: 11.30am-2pm & 6-10pm
There are lots of Japanese restaurants in Siem Reap these days, but Genkiya is noteworthy for its bargain set lunches (US$7). Choose from a variety of sets, including grilled mackerel, sashimi, shrimp and salmon, fried chicken or tempura.
Moloppor Cafe
Add: River Rd
Price: mains US$1-4
Opening hours: 10am-11pm
One of the cheapest deals in Siem Reap, Moloppor Cafe serves up Japanese, Asian and Italian dishes at almost give-away prices for what is a real restaurant. Nice location offering river views.
VEGETARIAN FOOD
Chamkar
Add: The Alley
Web: www.chamkar-vegetarian.com
Price: US$4-8
Opening hours: 11am-11pm, closed lunch Sun
The name translates as ‘farm’ and the ingredients must be coming from a pretty impressive organic vegetable supplier given the creative dishes on the menu here. Asian flavours dominate and include dishes such as stuffed pumpkin and vegetable kebabs in black pepper sauce.
Peace Cafe
Add: River Rd, Siem Reap
Tel: +855 78 751 715
Web: www.peacecafeangkor.org
Price: US$2.50-4.50
Opening hours: 7am-9pm
This popular garden cafe serves affordable vegetarian meals, while healthy drinks include a tempting selection of vegetable juices. A focal point for community activities, daily yoga sessions and Khmer classes are held every weekend at 4pm.
Banllé
Add: St 26
Tel: +855 85 330160
Web: www.banlle-vegetarian.com
Price: US$2-4
Opening hours: 9am-9.30pm, closed Tue
Eat in a traditional wooden house with its own organic vegetable garden, this is a great place for a healthy bite. The menu offers a blend of international and Cambodian dishes, including a vegetable amok , and zesty fruit and vegetable shakes.
WESTERN FOOD RESTAURANTS
FRENCH RESTAURANTS
Armand’s
Add: 586 Tep Vong St
Tel: +855 92 305 401
Price: US$5-25
Opening hours: 5pm-late Mon-Sat
The new Siem Reap outpost of Phnom Penh's most flamboyant French restaurant, Armand's lives up to its reputation. It's a sophisticated space turning out the best steaks in town, including the signature tenderloin rossini. Doubles as one of the longest bars in town with quaffable wines by the glass and premium whisky.
Olive
Add: near Angkor Trade Center
Tel: +855 63 769 899
Web: www.decophnompenh.com
Price: US$5-15
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
A fine French restaurant hidden away down a side street near the Old Market, the air-conditioning and crisp white linens beckon diners in. The menu includes a good range of Gallic classics, including a lamb shank and a pork tenderloin. Save space for the desserts or a cheese platter.
Abacus
Add: Road No 6 to the Airport, pass the Angkor Hotel, and turn right at the ACLEDA Bank; the restaurant is located 100 m, on the left-hand side
Tel: (+855) 63 763 660
Web: www.cafeabacus.com
Price: US$10-22
Opening hours: 11am-late
The finest French dining in town is found here, with steaks in black-truffle sauce, succulent lamb and superb seafood, including tuna maguro . Dine in the garden or the cool interior. The menu includes some beautifully presented Khmer dishes.
Le Manraux
Add: Sivatha St
Tel: +855 23 221 622
Web: www.le-malraux-siem-reap.com
Price: US$5-15
Opening hour: 7am-midnight
A good spot for gastronomes, this classy art-deco restaurant offers fine French food. Try the combination beef or almon tartar and carpaccio to start. The Cognac and Armagnac selection is to die for. Asian dishes also available.
ITALIAN RESTAURANTS
Il Forno
Add: The Lane
Web: http://ilforno.restaurant
Price: US$5-15
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
Aficionados of fine Italian cuisine will be delighted to know that there is, as the name suggests, a full-blown brick oven in this cosy little trattoria. The menu includes fresh antipasti, authentic pizzas and some home-cooked Italian dishes.
L’Oasi Italiana
Add: Siem Reap
Web: www.oasiitaliana.com
Price: mains US$5-17, pizzas US$5-9
Opening hour: 6-10pm Mon, 11am-2pm & 6-10pm Tue-Sun 30pm
L’Oasi Italiana really is something of an oasis, hidden away in a forest near Wat Preah Inkosei. Expats swear by the gnocchi and homemade pasta, including ravioli with porcini mushrooms, plus wood-fired pizzas.
Little Italy
Add: Alley West, Siem Reap
Web: http://ilforno.restaurant
Price: US$4-12
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
This elegant Italian restaurant is much more affordable than its sophisticated exterior might suggest. As well as wood-fired pizzas, the menu includes a wide range of homemade pastas and imported Italian cuts.
INTERNATIONAL RESTAURANTS
Marum
Add: Wat Polanka area, Siem Reap
Web: www.marum-restaurant.org
Price: US$3.25-6.75
Opening hours: 11am-10pm Mon-Sat
Set in a delightful wooden house with a spacious garden, Marum serves up lots of vegetarian and seafood dishes, plus some mouth-watering desserts. Menu highlights include red-tree-ant fritters and ginger basil meatballs. Marum is part of the Tree Alliance group of training restaurants; the experience is a must.
King’s Road
Add: Achar Sva St
Tel: +855 15 855 855
Web: www.kingsroadangkor.com
Opening hours: 7am-midnight
King's Road is an upmarket dining destination on the east bank of the Siem Reap River. There are around 15 restaurants in the food village, all set in beautiful traditional Cambodian wooden buildings. Take a wander through and choose from Cambodian (Embassy), Chinese (Emperors of China), Italian (Terrazza) and more. It hasn't hit the heights yet, but certainly has the look to succeed in time. There is also a Hard Rock Cafe attached with live music.
The Sun
Add: St 11
Tel: +855 92 844 362
Price: US$2.25-12.75
Opening hours: 7am-midnight
A cafe, bistro and tapas bar all rolled into one, The Sun occupies a handsome building on the corner of Pub St. The tapas is east meets west, and there are some authentic pizzas as well as some Cambodian dishes. The coffee is highly regarded thanks to the La Marzocco coffee machine. Happy hour runs from 5.30pm to 6.30pm.
Aussie XL
Add: Achar Sva St
Web: www.aussiexl.com
Price: US$7-14
Opening hour: 9am-11pm
The name says it all: this is a place for serious stuffing. Super-sized fish, lamb, chicken, steak and about every type of burger imaginable is available. Weekends sometimes see pigs roasted on spits. Also the place for Aussie sports on the telly.
Kuriosity Kafe
Add: Sok San Rd
Tel: +855 63 963 240
Web: www.thelostroom.asia
Price: US$4-12
Opening hours: 10am-midnight
Impressively set over three floors, this place has a quirky and kitsch look that stands out from the pack in up-and-coming Sok San Rd. The menu blends home comfort food such as sandwiches and wraps with authentic Khmer food, including an aromatic chicken curry. The barbecue pork ribs are divine.
Le Tigre de Papier
Add: Pub St
Web: www.letigredepapier.com
Price: US$2-9
Opening hours: 24hr
One of the best all-rounders in Siem Reap, the popular Tigre serves up authentic Khmer food, great Italian dishes and a selection of favourites from most other corners of the globe. It conveniently offers frontage on both Pub St and the Alley; the latter is generally a lot quieter.
Siem Reap Brewpub
Add: St 5
Tel: +855 80 888 555
Web: www.siemreapbrewpub.asia
Price: US$4-15
Opening hours: 11am-11pm
Designer dining meets designer brewing. Set in an open-plan villa, the menu is international fusion, including everything from light bites and tapas to gourmet meals. The beer comes in four flavours, including Blonde, Golden, Amber and Dark, and a US$3 sampling platter is available.
Tangram Garden
Add: Bamboo St
Tel: (+855)97 726 1110
Web: www.tangramgarden.com
Price: US$4.75-9.50
Opening hours: 11am-2pm & 5-10pm
An alfresco garden restaurant with a children's playground in a quiet suburb near Wat Dam Nak, Tangram Garden specialises in barbecue grills, creative vegetarian dishes and Khmer staples. It is atmospheric at night.
Kanell
Add: 7 Makara St
Web: www.kanellrestaurant.com
Price: US$4-13
Opening hours: 10am-10pm
Set in a handsome Khmer villa on the edge of town, Kanell offers extensive gardens and a swimming pool (free with US$5 spend) for those seeking to dine and unwind. The menu includes French-accented dishes, plus some Cambodian favourites.
MEXICAN RESTAURANTS
Viva
Add: Pithnou St
Web: www.ivivasiemreap.com
Price: mains US$2.50-12.50
Opening hours: 7am-late
Spice up your life with Mexican food and margaritas at this long-running place, which includes a guesthouse located above. In a strategic setting opposite Psar Chaa.