31 Best Restaurants in Cambodia

There's a sophisticated yet casual vibe at this airy, white and brick restaurant that, along with its sister branch in Phnom Penh, serves probably the best Greek food in the country. You'll find all the classics here, including tzatziki, hummus, gyros, calamari, and moussaka; it's all just great.

Created to raise awareness and generate work opportunities for deaf and disabled people, many of whom it now employs, Epic Arts Cafe serves a selection of tasty breakfast and lunch dishes, as well as desserts, fresh-fruit smoothies, and coffee brewed from local beans. There's a shop upstairs, too, selling local goods.

This popular nonprofit eatery just a short walk from the National Museum serves a huge range of tapas, fruit juices, salads, and international dishes. You can admire the colorful artwork, then visit the Friends Futures Factory (F3) next door, an open-air creative space with regular markets, exhibitions, and concerts.

Operated by the Tree Alliance charity, this is a vocational training restaurant that demonstrates just how good the training is—the service is attentive and the food exceptional. New and inventive Cambodian dishes are constantly being added, the specials change regularly, and the cocktails are pretty decent, too.

ST 63 Bassak is run by a young Cambodian couple who aim to make international cuisine accessible and affordable for a local crowd, and at the same time showcase the best of Cambodian cuisine for foreign crowds. The result is a mix of local favorites like beef loc lac (stir-fried beef with fried egg and lime pepper sauce), alongside French-inspired dishes such as slow-cooked oxtail with a red wine jus.

Caffeine can lovers rejoice, for at the Australian-run Cafe Espresso you are guaranteed to find an excellent cup of coffee. Beans are locally sourced, regionally grown, home roasted, and ground fresh to order. The café, in a former warehouse with a trendy atmosphere, also serves very good cross-cultural dishes, including veggie options. 

You can fish your own dinner right out of the Gulf of Siam on a trip arranged by this restaurant, then take a class to learn how to prepare it—or just choose whether to have it grilled or made into a tartare, sushi, nigiri, or tempura. By far the most authentic Japanese food in Sihanoukville, the menu is heavily reliant on the Japanese owner's whim and the fish caught that day. Bento boxes, okonomiyaki, and other delights are also on offer.

This roadside open-air restaurant serves large helpings of excellent local dishes at bargain prices.

Dine on the edge of Victory Beach, next to the crashing waves, at this lovely indoor-outdoor Cambodian restaurant. All manner of fresh fish and seafood, from stir-fries to clay pots to barbecues and curries, is available. Locals eat at this little offbeat gem—which is always a good sign. As it is usually only frequented by locals, English is not really spoken, so go with the flow.

This small restaurant serves big portions of Indian favorites at a great price, from paneer biryani rice to chicken masala and onion bhajis. You can accompany your meal with a mango lassi or a local beer, if you must.

Despite its small size, Kampot has some of the best restaurants in the kingdom and this tiny French-run deli-café is one of the standouts. The fare is relatively simple—salads, sandwiches, and homemade pastries and pies, but it's all top quality and made using natural, locally sourced ingredients.

Focusing on a mostly Western menu packed with organic, locally sourced ingredients, this restaurant does what the name says, featuring fresh, seasonal produce from farmers across Cambodia. There is indoor seating, but the best place to be is in the lovely leafy garden, which also hosts regular farmers' markets.

The name means "rice bowl" in Khmer and this social enterprise restaurant curated by the Cambodian Children Trust dishes up tasty Khmer and Thai mains in a cozy and artsy atmosphere—rotating exhibits of local artworks hang from the wall, and it's often packed with young creatives in the evenings. Jaan Bai provides skills development and employment for disadvantaged Cambodians, and a share of the profits goes towards community development work.

This small restaurant is a popular with the chic weekenders from Phnom Penh and it's the perfect spot to stop in before catching a boat to Koh Tonsay (Rabbit Island). The handwritten chalk menu features quesadillas, burgers, and grilled sandwiches, served in large, tasty portions. 

There are two branches of Khéma in the city, but this one, with its French colonial stylings, heritage building, and location in the heart of the old quarter, is the one to go to. Expect modern French cuisine served at all times of the day, but weekend brunch is probably the most popular meal.

A tiny, hip coffee shop in the historical district strewn, Kinyei is decorated with potted plants and managed by knowledgeable local baristas who serve a robust blend of beans from Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. The lunch options, such as the veggie rolls, are perfect for a quick bite. Kinyei Cafe is part of the same social enterprise project managing nearby Jaan Bai, and helping young Cambodians develop employment skills.

Though it doesn't have the sea views, the simple and unpretentious Manoha serves excellent French-Khmer cuisine with a sophisticated air, prepared by a Cambodian chef who utilizes the best of fresh local ingredients and the fresh fish. Delicate dishes like fish carpaccio and tartare are recommended, as is the bai cha Manoha (prawns in a spicy sauce, with rice served in a pineapple).

This pleasant Japanese-style café by the river serves good snacks, small plates, desserts, and drinks. Try a cashew-nut shake—you'll probably want a second. You can also try the sauna upstairs.

This cheery second-floor terrace restaurant above a guesthouse serves European and American favorites such as burgers, bruschetta, and salads, as well as Khmer dishes: try the creamy Saraman beef curry with peanuts, local herbs, and spices. Many ingredients are seasonal and locally sourced, though there aren't a lot of vegetarian options.

Some of the country's tastiest provincial Khmer dishes are served at this gorgeously redesigned house in a residential area. Romdeng (which means "galangal" in Khmer) offers plenty of piquant soups, curries, salads, and meat dishes. The adventurous can try the three flavors of prahok, Cambodia's signature fermented fish paste, or, if you're even braver, the fried spiders.

Follow the aroma of pungent spices into this restaurant and prepare for a hearty curry and all the essential sides at one of the capital's best Indian restaurants. The accommodating staff and exotically spiced fare more than compensate for the modest appearance. Complimentary poppadoms, dips, and chutney satiate the hunger pangs as you mull over the menu, including vegetarian options that are packed full of flavor.

Buddhism for Social Development Action runs this experiential training restaurant. Even so, the dining experience (Khmer and Western, leaning heavily towards Italian, food served) on the whole is better than many professional setups. The dining area is spacious, lime green and white, and cooled by overhead fans. Meals can also be enjoyed outside in front of the restaurant with open views onto the Mekong River.

Here you can try a shake, house-made yogurt, or a brownie, indulge in a massage, and learn about volunteering opportunities in Sihanoukville. The café has Wi-Fi and a handicrafts shop upstairs. It's not the easiest of places to find—hidden down a dirt road behind the Samudera Market in town—but it's well worth the trek, as it benefits the Starfish Project, which supports individuals in need.

The Mediterranean comes east at this popular three-story bar-restaurant in the heart of artsy Street 240. The menu extends from North African couscous and Spanish tapas, to Asian-fusion bites, served in a warm, jovial atmosphere. The comprehensive wine list includes labels from around the world and the cocktails are well made. Opt to sit on the rooftop for great city views.

This charming cafe right on the river is a lovely spot to relax with a coffee. They also serve some of the best bubble tea in town, as well as fruity treats such as the blueberry frappe.

The focus here is on delicately spiced Khmer-inspired vegan dishes. Try the rich, creamy sweet potato, pumpkin, and coconut curry, or a clean, crisp green mango, carrot, and herb salad with smoked tofu. A limited number of Thai curry-style meat and fish dishes is also available.

In the center of sleepy Banlung, this popular open-air restaurant serves a mixed menu of simple Western and Asian dishes. There are burgers (fish and beef options), ham and cheese sandwiches, and fried noodles, as well as a large selection of tasty vegetarian options, including Greek salad and tofu curry.

Tucked away along Siem Reap's quiet Kandal Village shopping street, this charming cafe run by an Australian couple provides more than just espresso: there's a great menu of healthy breakfast and lunches (they're closed in the evening) such as the B.L.A.T bagel (a BLT with avocado) or the Tri Grain Bowl, a combination of red rice, chia seeds, and couscous, topped with kale and beetroot hummus.

Possibly the most happening restaurant in Kandal Village, this French-owned and retro-themed bar and international bistro is the go-to place for French cuisine and Khmer staple dishes. Their good selection of wines and cocktails also attracts Siem Reap's drinking elite, especially on Funky Friday, their club night with live DJs. Don't miss the art gallery on the first floor.

Next to Kratie's busy marketplace, this is one of the better places to eat in town. The kitchen provides decent and inexpensive traditional Khmer fare and Western-style comfort foods catering to a mostly tourist clientele.